Policy Updates
Immigration policy changes from the Federal Register, explained in plain language.
SEC Notice: Cboe Proposes VIX Future-Option Orders — Not an Immigration Update
This Federal Register document is a Securities and Exchange Commission notice about a proposed rule change by Cboe Exchange, Inc. related to options and futures trading — it has no connection to immigration, visas, or international students or workers. The Visa Pulse covers US immigration policy; this document falls entirely outside that scope. No action is needed by visa holders or international students.
USCIS Drops 1-Year Abroad Rule for R-1 Religious Workers — Effective Now
R-1 religious workers who've maxed out their 5-year stay no longer have to wait a full year abroad before returning to the US. The change is already in effect, offering immediate relief to churches, mosques, synagogues, and the workers they depend on. Here's what the new rule means and who benefits most.
DOT Opens Comment Period on Hazmat Special Permits — Lithium Batteries, SpaceX, Amazon Included
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has published 17 new applications for special permits that would allow companies like SpaceX, Amazon, and Walmart to deviate from standard hazardous materials transport rules. Applications cover lithium battery shipping, pressure vessel testing, and spacecraft components. The public has until February 17, 2026 to comment.
DOT Grants Hazmat Special Permits to Amazon, Boeing, Blue Origin & More
The Department of Transportation approved nearly 20 special permit applications from major companies including Amazon, Boeing, Blue Origin, and Zipline in January 2026. These permits allow exceptions to standard hazardous materials transportation rules — covering everything from drone deliveries to spacecraft. Five other applications were withdrawn before a decision was reached.
SEC Renews Form F-1 Registration Rules — Not the Visa You're Thinking Of
The SEC is seeking public comments on renewing its Form F-1 Registration Statement — a securities filing used by foreign companies listing on US exchanges. This is entirely unrelated to the F-1 student visa. If you're a foreign private issuer or securities professional, here's what you need to know.
DOT Updates Pipeline Safety Rules — What Gas Operators Need to Know by March 2026
The Department of Transportation is replacing a decades-old pipeline safety standard with a modern risk-management approach that could save the industry $461 million per year. Gas pipeline operators now have a new, officially recognized option for handling class location changes — avoiding costly pipe replacements and pressure tests. If you work in pipeline operations or compliance, this rule rewrites the playbook starting March 16.
DHS Ends Somalia TPS — Thousands Lose Protected Status in March
The Department of Homeland Security is terminating Temporary Protected Status for Somalia, ending protections that have been in place since 1991. Somali TPS holders will lose their legal status and work authorization on March 17, 2026. If you or someone you know holds Somalia TPS, time is running out to explore other options.
USCIS Raising Premium Processing Fees on March 1 — What H-1B Filers Must Know
USCIS is hiking its premium processing fees starting March 1, 2026, driven by two years of inflation. If you're planning to file for expedited processing of an H-1B or other employment-based petition, anything postmarked on or after March 1 must include the new, higher fee — or it could be rejected.
Army Corps Reissues 57 Nationwide Wetlands Permits — What Builders Need to Know
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reissued and modified 57 Nationwide Permits (NWPs) that streamline environmental authorizations for construction, energy, and infrastructure projects near waterways. Effective March 15, 2026, these permits govern who can break ground — and who needs extra federal sign-off — for the next five years. If your project touches a wetland, stream, or navigable water, this update directly affects your timeline.
IEX Updates Trading Halt Rules — Not an Immigration Story
This Federal Register notice is about Investors Exchange LLC (IEX) updating its equity trading halt and resumption procedures. It has no connection to US immigration policy, visa programs, or international students and workers. This document does not affect F-1, H-1B, OPT, or any other visa holders.
OSHA Grants Tunneling Company a Variance From Compressed-Air Safety Limits
OSHA has approved a permanent variance allowing McNally Tunneling Corp./ASI Marine to expose workers to air pressures above the standard legal limit during a Cleveland, Ohio tunnel project. This notice is specific to one construction project and has no impact on F-1 students, H-1B workers, or immigration policy.
OSHA Grants Compressed Air Safety Variance for DC Tunnel Project
OSHA has approved a permanent safety variance for a major Washington, DC tunnel project, allowing the contractor to use alternative decompression procedures instead of standard OSHA tables. The variance covers the Potomac River Tunnel Project and stays in effect until the project is complete. This notice has no direct impact on H-1B, F-1, or other immigration visa holders.