Immigration Updates and Alerts

The following information is provided for you regarding immigration alerts and updates. If you have any questions or need further assistance please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). For additional resources, see the UMass Lowell's immigration resources webpage.

January 2025

Revised Exchange Visitor Skills List - 2024.

The Department of State’s 2024 Revised Exchange Visitor Skills List became effective on Dec. 9, 2024. It applies to exchange visitors who acquire J-1 status on or after Dec. 9, 2024, and exchange visitors who had been subject to INA 212(e) on the skills list basis under a prior list are retroactively released from their 212(e) obligations (provided that they are not also subject on some basis other than the skills list).

October 2024

Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 Program - Online Registration

The online registration period for the DV-2026 Program begins on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 12 p.m. (noon), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) and concludes on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 12 p.m. (noon), Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5).  Submission of more than one entry for a person during the registration period will disqualify all entries for that person. 

View the Diversity Visa Instructions.

The English version of the DV-2026 Program Instructions (pdf) is the only official version.  Unofficial translations in additional languages will be added to this webpage as they become available.

September 2024

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a new edition of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule

This form should be used to verify fee information for filing of immigration forms

February 2024

Change in Premium Processing Fees

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Adjusts Premium Processing Fees: starting February 26, 2024, Premium Processing Fees are increasing for H-1bs, O-1s, E-3s, TNs, OPT, STEM OPT, I-539 extension/changes, and more.

Diversity Visa (DV) 2025 Program

DV-2025 Program: The online registration period for the DV-2025 Program begins on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) and concludes on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5). Submission of more than one entry for a person during the registration period will disqualify all entries for that person.

Get more information on the LexisNexis DV-2025 Registration Begins October 4, 2023 webpage. View the State Department Diversity Visa Instructions.

DV-2025 Program Instructions

The English version of the DV-2025 Program Instructions (pdf) is the only official version. Unofficial translations in additional languages will be added to this webpage as they become available.

Note: As indicated in the instructions, for the purposes of eligibility some countries include components and dependent areas overseas.  If you are a native of a dependency or overseas territory, please select the appropriate country of eligibility.  For example, natives of Macau S.A.R should select Portugal, and natives of Martinique should select France.

Diversity Visa Program Information

See the Diversity Visa Program webpage for information about:

June 2023

USCIS Expands Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status

USCIS announced that it will expand the use of premium processing for applications for Change of Status to F, M, or J nonimmigrant status filed using the Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

Please note, Premium Processing will not be available for Reinstatement applications.

There will be two phases in the premium process options for certain I-539 applicants.

Beginning June 13, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed via paper form or online, for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, who have a pending Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
Beginning June 26, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, when filed together with Form I-539.

Premium processing requests received prior to the dates above will be rejected. Also, USCIS provides an important reminder:

“If you mail a paper Form I-539 to us, you must mail a paper Form I-907.”
“If you submit Form I-539 online, you must submit Form I-907 online.”

IMPORTANT: Make sure you review and understand the entire official notice and set of instructions provided by USCIS before filing a premium processing application

February 2023

F-1 Visa Issuance Window Extended by U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced that for F-1 students, "visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date."

Please note that even if this new visa issuance guidance has been publicly issued by DOS, it does not necessarily mean that each U.S. Embassy and Consulate abroad will be able to issue nonimmigrant student visas that far in advance. The ISSO recommends that new students consult their local U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad if there are questions regarding visa appointment wait times and timelines for obtaining their F-1 visa.

March 2023

USCIS Announcement - Expansion of Premium Processing for Certain F-1 students seeking OPT and STEM OPT Extensions

USCIS has announced on March 6, 2023 the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT)or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT Extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade. Please note the below phases listed in the USCIS announcement:

Beginning March 6, USCIS will accept Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, filed either via paper form or online, for certain F-1 students who already have a pending Form I-765, if they are filing under one of the following categories:

(c)(3)(A) - Pre-Completion OPT;
(c)(3)(B) - Post-Completion OPT; and
(c)(3)(C) - 24-Month Extension of OPT for STEM students

Beginning April 3, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for F-1 students in the above categories when filed together with Form I-765.

Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, is now available to students in these categories. To file Form I-907 online, an applicant must first create a USCIS online account.

Important: Students are not required to file an OPT or STEM OPT Extension application with Premium Processing; this is just an available option now. Should you decide to file a Premium Processing request, please check the correct amount of Premium Processing Fees on the USCIS website. This is in addition to the standard application fee for the Form I-765 used to apply for F-1 OPT or F-1 STEM OPT Extension (please check current fee amount as it may be subject to change).

Notices: Special Student Relief for F-1 Students

Please click on the plus signs below to access information regarding Special Student Relief (SSR) for F-1 Students as it relates to specifics countries.

Effective September 25, 2023 through May 20, 2025. Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Afghan F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Situation in Afghanistan (Document citation: 88 FR 65721, Sept. 25, 2023).

Effective May 20, 2022 through November 20, 2023. Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Afghan F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Situation in Afghanistan (Document citation: 87 FR 30971, May 20, 2022).

Effective May 26, 2024, until November 25, 2025. The Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Nationals of Burma F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of Current Armed Conflict and the Current Humanitarian Crisis in Burma (Myanmar) (Document citation: 89 FR 20675, March 25, 2024)

Effective November 26, 2022 until May 25, 2024. The Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Burmese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Burma (Myanmar) (Document citation: 87 FR 58509, November 26, 2022).

Effective May 25, 2021 until November 25, 2022. The Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Burmese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Burma (Myanmar) (Document citation: 86 FR 28128, May 25, 2021), for F-1 students who are citizens of Burma/Myanmar in the United States on May 25, 2021.

Effective December 8, 2023 until June 7, 2025. Federal Register notice at Employment Authorization for Cameroonian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Armed Conflict and Current Humanitarian Crisis in Cameroon (Document citation: 88 FR 69939, Oct. 10, 2023).

Effective June 7, 2022 until December 7, 2023. Federal Register notice at Employment Authorization for Cameroonian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Crises in Cameroon (Document citation: 87 FR 34701 , June 7, 2022).

Effective June 13, 2024 through August 13, 2025. Federal Register Notice at Employment Authorization for Ethiopian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Ethiopia (Document citation: 89 FR 26161, April 15, 2024).

Effective December 12, 2022 through June 12, 2024. Federal Register notice at Employment Authorization for Ethiopian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Ethiopia (Document citation: 87 FR 76068, December 12, 2022).

Effective August 4, 2024, through February 3, 2026., under Federal Register notice at Employment Authorization for Haitian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Haiti (Document citation: 89 FR 54477, July 1, 2024).

Effective February 4, 2023, through August 3, 2024, under Federal Register notice at Employment Authorization for Haitian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Haiti (Document citation: 88 FR 5016, January 26, 2023).

Effective August 3, 2021 through February 3, 2023. Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Haitian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Haiti (Document citation: 86 FR 41857, August 3, 2021).

Effective January 26, 2023 through February 5, 2025 under Federal Register notice published at at Employment Authorization for Hong Kong F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Hong Kong (Document citation: 88 FR 28584, May 4, 2023).

Effective November 26, 2021 through February 5, 2023. Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of Emergent Circumstances in Hong Kong (Document citation: 86 FR 67485, November 26, 2021).

On Nov. 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a new Federal Register notice announcing the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for certain Lebanese F-1 nonimmigrant students who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Lebanon. This notice provides Special Student Relief (SSR) for eligible Lebanese F-1 nonimmigrant students from Nov. 27, 2024, until May 27, 2026.

On October 17, 2024, the U.S Department of Homeland Security posted a Federal Register notice announcing the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of the current humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. This notice provides Special Student Relief (SSR) for eligible students from Lebanon from July 26, 2024, until Jan. 25, 2026. Details and eligibility requirements are listed in the posted Federal Register notice. Published Document: 2024-24226 (89 FR 83897)

Effective Feb. 14, 2024 through Aug. 13, 2025. Federal Register Notice at Employment Authorization for Certain Palestinian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Humanitarian Crisis in the Palestinian Territories (Document citation: 89 FR 26156, April 15, 2024).

Effective September 18, 2024 through March 17, 2026. Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Somali F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Somalia (Document citation: 89FR59129, July 22, 2024).

Redesignated and extended to September 17, 2024 by Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Somali F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Somalia (Document citation: 88 FR 15427, March 13, 2023).

Effective September 18, 2021 through March 17, 2023. Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Somali F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Somalia (Document citation: 86 FR 38739, July 22, 2021).

Effective November 4, 2023 through May 3, 2025, The Federal Register notice Published at Employment Authorization for South Sudanese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Armed Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis in South Sudan (Document Citation: 88 FR 60965, Sept. 6, 2023).

Effective March 3, 2022 through November 3, 2023. The Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for South Sudanese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Humanitarian Crisis in South Sudan (Document citation: 87 FR 12182, March 3, 2022).

Effective October 20, 2023 through April 19, 2025 under Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Sudanese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Sudan (Document citation: 88 FR 56857, August 21, 2023).

Effective April 19, 2022 through October 19, 2023. The Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Sudanese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Sudan (Document citation: 87 FR 23195, April 19, 2022).

Effective April 1, 2024 until September 30, 2025. Federal Register notice published Employment Authorization for Syrian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Armed Conflict and Current Humanitarian Crisis in Syria (Document citation: 89 FR 5557, January 29, 2024).

Effective October 1, 2022, extended from October 1, 2022 until April 1, 2024 by a Federal Register notice Employment Authorization for Syrian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Civil War in Syria Since March 2011 (Document citation: 87 FR 46975, August 1, 2022), for Syrian F-1 students who were in the United States as of August 1, 2022.

Effective April 22, 2021 until September 30, 2022. Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Syrian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of Civil Unrest in Syria Since March 2011 (Document citation: 86 FR 21333, April 22, 2021), for Syrian F-1 students who were in the United States as of April 22, 2022.

The Federal Register notice Employment Authorization for Ukrainian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Armed Conflict in Ukraine (Document citation: 88 FR 56851, August 21, 2023) extended eligibility until April 19, 2025.

Effective April 19, 2022 through October 19, 2023. The Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Ukrainian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Ongoing Armed Conflict in Ukraine (Document citation: 87 FR 23189, April 19, 2022).

Effective March 11, 2024 until September 10, 2025. Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Venezuelan F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Crisis in Venezuela (Document citation: 89 FR 17500, March 11, 2024).

Effective from September 10, 2022 through March 10, 2024. Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Venezuelan F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Humanitarian Crisis in Venezuela (Document citation: 87 FR 55017, Sept. 8, 2022).

Effective April 22, 2021 until September 9, 2022. Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Venezuelan F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Humanitarian Crisis in Venezuela (Document citation: 86 FR 21328, April 22, 2021).

Effective from Sept. 4, 2024, until March 3, 2026, Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Yemeni F-1 Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Yemen (Document citation: 89 FR 56759, July 10, 2024).

Redesignated by Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Yemeni F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Crisis in Yemen (Document citation: 88 FR 88, January 3, 2023) for eligible students who are in a lawful F-1 status as of January 3, 2023, and extends relief until September 3, 2024.

Effective September 4, 2021 until March 3, 2023. Federal Register notice published at Employment Authorization for Yemeni F-1 Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Yemen (Document citation: 86 FR 36288, July 9, 2021).