The $100,000 H-1B Fee Is Currently Not Being Collected, by Court Order
September 22, 2026
The $100,000 H-1B fee, introduced by a presidential proclamation (Proclamation 10973 - Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers) on September 19, 2025, is not being collected.
A federal court blocked collection of the fee, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit refused to pause that decision. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is complying with the court order. The case is still on appeal, so this could change. You can read more on the USCIS Presidential Proclamation Alert page.
Newly Proposed H-1B Fee - The University of Arizona H-1B Petitions Would Be Exempt
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new and separate federal rule that would set a new six-figure filing fee for H-1B petitions subject to the annual H-1B cap. This is a proposal only at this time and is not in effect.
The fee would not apply to cap-exempt employers, including institutions of higher education. The University of Arizona is “cap-exempt,” so it would not be subject to the fee if the rule is finalized as proposed.
You can read more in the DHS Proposes Additional H-1B Fee announcement.
Nationwide Preliminary Injunction Postpones Implementation of Duration of Status Rule
September 14, 2026
On September 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts temporarily postponed the effective date of the Duration of Status Rule.
The court order prevents the rule from going into effect on September 15, 2026, while litigation continues. As a result, the current Duration of Status framework remains in place nationwide.
IFS will continue to share updates as they become available.
Important U.S. Immigration Update
July 17, 2026
We are sharing an important U.S. immigration update.
A rule to end the “duration of stay” admission period for F-1 and J-1 visas originally announced on August 28, 2025, has been finalized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and will take effect on September 15, 2026.
IFS is moving quickly to analyze this final rule to determine the direct impact for University of Arizona international scholars. An email update with further details and an invitation to an information session will be shared in the coming days.
We understand you may have questions about how this will impact your immigration status and we are committed to sharing the most accurate and timely information as soon as possible. Please allow the IFS team time to better understand this new law so we can be effective in communicating its implications. In the meantime, J-1 international scholars should follow all current immigration regulations and regularly check the IFS website.
Additional Travel Update Pursuant to Executive Order 14161
December 17, 2025
Pursuant to Executive Order 14161, the U.S. government has announced updated and expanded travel restrictions, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Existing visa holders are not subject to these new restrictions. However, if you possess an expired or single use visa, you will be restricted from re-entry if you depart the U.S.
If you are from an affected country listed in the Dec. 16, 2025 Proclamation Fact Sheet, please be aware that there are exceptions for lawful permanent residents, certain visa categories, and other specific circumstances.
The International Faculty and Scholars team is closely monitoring any potential developments and is here to support you. We will continue to provide updates when available.
If you have questions, please contact us at uaifs@arizona.edu, and a member of our team will follow up with you. During University Closure, our team will respond to messages Monday through Friday, with the exception of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Important Travel Update Pursuant to Executive Order 14161
June 5, 2025
Pursuant to Executive Order 14161, the U.S. government has announced on June 4, 2025, new travel restrictions that affect individuals from 19 countries, effective June 9, 2025.
If you are from an affected country, please be aware that there are exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests. Existing visa holders are not subject to the travel ban. If you possess an expired or single use visa, you will be restricted from re-entry if you depart the U.S.
The International Faculty and Scholars team is here to support you. We will provide updates as soon as we have more details.