Immigration Insights
Dive deeper into U.S. immigration trends and policy changes shaping student experiences.
Provisions and Possible Impacts of the DHS Final Rule Establishing a New Weighted H-1B Lottery System
This Immigration Insights report analyzes DHS’s final rule establishing a new weighted H-1B lottery system, set to take effect in February 2026, replacing the traditional random selection process. The analysis explains how registrations will now be weighted based on Department of Labor wage levels—giving higher-paid, higher-skilled positions significantly better odds of selection—and outlines new data requirements employers must submit during registration.
It explores how the rule may benefit advanced technology sectors and cap-exempt academic and research institutions, while creating new challenges for international students, startups, small businesses, and industries that rely on entry-level talent. With projections showing sharply reduced selection rates for lower wage levels and the possibility of legal challenges ahead, the report provides critical context and strategic considerations for students and employers navigating the evolving H-1B landscape.
Changing to F-1 Status from Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
This Immigration Insights report explains the complex legal and practical considerations for individuals seeking to change from Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to F-1 student status as TPS designations face increased terminations and non-renewals. It outlines when TPS holders may study without changing status, why securing F-1 status can provide long-term protection, and the critical requirements USCIS evaluates in a change-of-status application—such as lawful admission, maintenance of status, temporary intent, and discretionary review.
The analysis also highlights common risks, including gaps in status, prior entry without inspection, processing delays, travel-ban impacts, and employment limitations when holding TPS and F-1 simultaneously. Designed for students, advisors, and practitioners, the report offers clear explanations and planning considerations to help TPS holders assess eligibility, avoid costly mistakes, and navigate an increasingly uncertain immigration landscape.
U.S. Expansion of Travel Restricted Countries
This report analyzes the December 2025 expansion of U.S. travel restrictions and what it means for international students, scholars, and institutions. It breaks down the new proclamation taking effect January 1, 2026, including which countries are now subject to full or partial travel bans, how visa categories such as F, J, M, B-1, and B-2 are affected, and which prior exceptions have been eliminated. The report also highlights key considerations for students currently in the U.S. who may be planning international travel, estimates the scope of the student population impacted—including the significant addition of Nigeria, and outlines potential legal challenges to the policy.
Designed to help readers understand both immediate risks and longer-term implications, this analysis provides essential context for navigating travel and status decisions in a rapidly changing immigration environment.
Review of Pending Dept. of Homeland Security Rule: Loss of D/S
This report examines a proposed Department of Homeland Security rule that would significantly reshape how F-1 and J-1 students—and their dependents—maintain lawful status in the United States. The analysis breaks down the potential elimination of “Duration of Status,” new fixed end dates on stays, reduced grace periods, stricter limits on program changes and transfers, and expanded requirements for USCIS filings, fees, and biometrics. It also explores how these changes could affect OPT, STEM OPT, PhD timelines, graduate medical education, and postdoctoral researchers, alongside the financial and administrative burdens for students and institutions alike. With the rule potentially taking effect as early as 2026, this report provides critical context, planning considerations, and impact assessments to help students and campus stakeholders understand what may be coming—and how to prepare.