Immigration News & Articles

Beginning September 15, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement changes to Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

Then, effective September 18, 2026, USCIS will publish a new version of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to align with its updated Public Charge policy.

The new policy expands USCIS's review of an applicant's use — or even application for — certain means-tested public benefits, such as Medicaid, food assistance, and cash assistance. USCIS will also consider the totality of the circumstances when determining whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge.

Under the updated guidance, USCIS will place greater emphasis on factors including the applicant's income and assets, education and job skills, employability and employment prospects, health and health insurance coverage, age, and ability to support themselves financially.

While the Affidavit of Support remains an important part of the public charge analysis, the updated policy places less emphasis on the affidavit itself and requires USCIS to also consider the sponsor's likelihood of providing financial support to the intending immigrant.

What Applicants Should Know: Beginning September 18, 2026, USCIS will accept only the new version of Form I-485 for adjustment of status applications.

On July 17, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a final rule that will change how F, J, and I visa holders are admitted and maintain their status in the United States. The new rule takes effect on September 15, 2026.

The biggest change is the end of Duration of Status (D/S). Instead of remaining in the United States for the duration of their approved program, affected visa holders will generally receive a fixed period of admission. For F-1 students, the admission period will generally be limited to no more than four years.

The rule also shortens the F-1 post-completion grace period from 60 days to 30 days. Students will therefore have less time after completing their program or authorized practical training to leave the United States, transfer, or take another permitted immigration step.

In addition, the new rule places greater restrictions on changing academic programs, making it important for F-1 students to carefully consider program changes and ensure they remain compliant with the new requirements.

These changes represent a significant shift for international students and other individuals in F, J, and I classifications. Those who may be affected should review their immigration status and upcoming plans before the rule takes effect on September 15, 2026.

In an effort to further tighten restrictions on who is eligible for immigrant visas, the Trump administration has announced a pause in immigrant visa processing. The administration says the pause is intended to address concerns about applicants who may be granted immigrant visas and later become a "public charge" after entering the United States.

According to the State Department, officials are currently developing training and guidance for consular staff to ensure that visa applicants undergo comprehensive screening. As a result, individuals with already scheduled visa interviews have received cancellation notices.

This development does not come as a complete surprise. Since returning to office, the Trump administration has placed a strong emphasis on restricting immigration and accelerating the detention and removal of both undocumented and documented immigrants in the United States.

By the end of 2025, the administration had also targeted 75 countries for increased immigration restrictions. Within the United States, its policies have extended beyond individuals with serious criminal convictions. The administration has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of people and has sought to end other immigration protections, including DACA. These actions have left thousands of immigrants vulnerable to prolonged detention and, in some cases, deportation to countries where they have never lived and with which they have little or no connection.

So, is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

With elections approaching and growing public dissatisfaction with the administration's approach to immigration, a change in the composition of Congress could provide a much-needed reprieve. While the outcome remains uncertain, changes in congressional leadership could influence immigration policy and potentially provide relief to many individuals and families affected by the administration's current policies.

This week, the Trump administration announced a plan to revoke visas from certain asylum seekers who initially entered the United States on tourist or business visas. The policy could potentially affect more than 200,000 individuals and will almost certainly face legal challenges.

This is not the first time the administration's immigration policies have faced judicial scrutiny. In February of this year, a federal judge blocked the administration's attempt to suspend the U.S. refugee admissions system entirely.

Regardless of whether these proposals ultimately withstand legal challenges, the rhetoric surrounding them serves a broader purpose: creating fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities. Like many of the administration's other aggressive immigration measures, these announcements can have a significant impact even before they take effect, leaving individuals and families uncertain about their immigration status and future in the United States.

This is a developing situation, and we will continue to monitor it closely and do our best to keep our readers informed of significant updates.