Policy Updates

Used for immigration and visa policy changes as well as Executive Order updates. 

DHS Rule Ending Automatic EAD Extensions

October 30, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that ends the practice of automatically extending the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for aliens who timely file a renewal application in certain eligibility categories, effective on October 30, 2025. For renewal EAD applications (Form I-765) filed on or after October 30, 2025, the current up-to 540-day automatic extension...

H-1B Visa Appointment Rescheduling and Delays

December 9, 2025

On December 4th we shared that the Department of State (DOS) announced it will expand its online presence review requirement to all H-1B principal applicants and H-4 dependents, effective December 15, 2025. DOS previously issued a similar directive that...

12/17/2025 Presidential Proclamation: Expanded Travel Ban

December 17, 2025

On December 16, 2025, President Trump issued a new and expanded Travel Proclamation - Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals To Protect The Security Of The United States. This Proclamation is a new and expanded travel ban that builds on the travel...

Hold and Review of USCIS Benefit Applications Filed by Aliens from Additional High-Risk Countries

January 6, 2026

On January 1, 2026, USCIS issued an additional Policy Memorandum: Hold and Review of USCIS Benefit Applications Filed by Aliens from Additional High-Risk Countries to include the additional countries listed in the December 16th, 2025 Expanded travel ban (...

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for International Travelers to the United States Ended on May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023

As of 12:01 am EDT May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. See the CDC U.S. travel page for more information

Travel Policy Updates

This page collects updates on U.S. Government policy changes regarding travel and visas.

For the near future, Berkeley International Office recommends minimizing international travel due to the changing nature of the new administration's policies on visas and U.S. entry. Should you have concerns about immediate or essential international travel or visa renewal, contact BIO to consult an advisor.

3/17/17 - Increased Screening of Visa Applicants

March 17, 2017
On March 17, 2017, the U.S. Dept. of State issued cables to all diplomatic and consular posts providing instructions for increased scrutiny for visa applicants. Individuals subject to these security clearances can expect extremely long visa processing times ranging from 2-6 months or more.
http://www.aila.org/infonet/dos-cable-superseding-previously-issued-cable

3/06/17 - Executive Order: Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States

March 6, 2017

On March 6, 2017 President Trump issued an Executive Order entitled Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States scheduled to take effect on March 16, 2017. This Executive Order replaces and revokes the prior Executive Order 13769 which had been issued on January 27, 2017. As with the prior Executive Order, this new Executive Order contains provisions that directly affect our student and scholar...

3/03/17 - Temporary Suspension of H-1B Premium Processing

March 3, 2017

United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) announced on Friday, March 3, 2017 that it will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B petitions filed with USCIS on or after April 3, 2017. Read BIO's announcement on this change.

4/18/17 - Executive Order: Buy American and Hire American

April 18, 2017
President Trump issued an Executive Order titled Buy America and Hire American, of which the "Hire American" provisions call on the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Homeland Security to "propose new rules and issue new guidance", and "suggest reforms to help ensure that H-1B visas are awarded to the most skilled or highest-paid petition beneficiaries." **However, the EO provided no specific changes to any existing regulations, rules and policies.**