USCIS Proclaims Utility Pause for Increased Vetting for Nationals of Journey Ban International locations » International College students & Students Workplace | Weblog Archive

in Immigration Actions Trump 2.0

January ninth, 2026

In addition to a journey ban, USCIS announced a pause to the processing of functions submitted to USCIS for adjustments, extensions and advantages of standing from nationals of journey ban nations to extend vetting earlier than ultimate adjudication. Examples of widespread USCIS functions embody, however aren’t restricted to, functions for employment authorization (OPT and STEM OPT) and adjustments or extensions of standing. See particulars concerning the journey ban imposed on people from 39 nations and people travelling with paperwork licensed by Palestinian Authorities in Presidential Proclamation 10949 from June 4, 2025 and Presidential Proclamation 10998 from December 16, 2025.

USCIS will conduct a complete overview of all insurance policies, procedures and screening processes for profit requests in addition to a complete re-review of permitted profit requests permitted on, or after, January 20, 2021 if submitted by candidates both born in or residents of the nations specified within the proclamations.

It is unclear how lengthy this pause will stay in place, the way it would possibly impression prior USCIS approvals and what new vetting measures will likely be applied. ISSO workers will proceed to work instantly with worldwide college students and students/workers impacted by these adjustments instantly. However, nationals impacted by the journey ban are urged to work carefully with their ISSO advisor to strategize how this might impression future plans and to use to USCIS as early as attainable for any adjustments and advantages of standing as delayed processing is anticipated.