Policy Updates
Immigration policy changes from the Federal Register, explained in plain language.
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.
MIAX Pearl Launches Market Quoting Program With Enhanced Rebates for Active Market Makers
MIAX Pearl Equities introduced a new Market Quoting Program effective January 1, 2026, offering an enhanced rebate of $0.0026 per share to equity members who quote at the national best bid or offer in at least 750 securities for at least 50% of trading time. This program is a stock exchange fee schedule change and has no direct impact on H-1B workers, F-1 students, or other visa holders.
Cboe Proposes New 'Future-Option Orders' Combining VIX Options and VX Futures
Cboe Exchange has filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to allow traders to submit combined orders that include both VIX options and VX futures in a single transaction. This is a securities market structure proposal affecting derivatives traders and has no direct impact on immigration status or visa holders. The SEC is soliciting public comments on the proposal.
R-1 Religious Workers No Longer Required to Spend 1 Year Abroad Before Returning to the US
USCIS has eliminated the rule that forced R-1 religious workers to live outside the United States for a full year after hitting their 5-year maximum stay before being allowed to return. The change took effect immediately on January 16, 2026, and aims to reduce disruptions to churches, mosques, synagogues, and other nonprofit religious organizations. Workers and their dependents can now re-enter the US in R-1 status much sooner after departing.
PHMSA Seeks Public Comment on 17 New Hazardous Materials Special Permit Applications
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has published 17 new applications for special permits related to hazardous materials transportation. Applicants include major companies like SpaceX, Amazon, and Walmart, with requests covering lithium battery transport, pressure vessel testing, and compressed gas containers. Public comments are due by February 17, 2026.
PHMSA Grants 17 Hazardous Materials Special Permits, Including for Amazon and Blue Origin
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has granted 17 special permits allowing companies to transport hazardous materials under conditions that differ from standard regulations. Notable approvals include permits for Amazon's electronic shipping papers, Zipline's drone deliveries, and Blue Origin's rocket launch vehicle. This notice has no direct impact on F-1 students or H-1B workers.
SEC Seeks Public Comments on Form F-1 Registration Statement Renewal
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is requesting public comments on renewing its Form F-1 registration statement, used by foreign private issuers to register securities in the US. This is a routine paperwork renewal with no changes to immigration policy or visa processes. Comments are due by March 16, 2026.
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.
PHMSA Finalizes Integrity-Management Alternative for Gas Pipeline Class Location Changes
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued a final rule allowing gas pipeline operators to use modern integrity-management (IM) principles instead of costly pipeline replacements or pressure tests when population growth triggers a class location change. The rule, effective March 16, 2026, codifies an approach that has been available via special permits for over two decades. This rule primarily affects natural gas pipeline operators and does not directly impact visa holders or immigration processes.
DHS Ends Somalia's Temporary Protected Status Effective March 17, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security is terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia, ending protections that have been in place since 1991. Somali nationals currently holding TPS will lose their protected status and work authorization at 11:59 p.m. on March 17, 2026. Affected individuals should consult an immigration attorney immediately to explore other options for remaining lawfully in the United States.
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.
USCIS Raises Premium Processing Fees March 1, 2026 to Keep Pace with Inflation
USCIS is increasing its premium processing fees effective March 1, 2026, adjusting for inflation from June 2023 through June 2025. The fee hike follows a congressionally mandated biennial adjustment tied to the Consumer Price Index. Anyone filing Form I-907 on or after March 1 must use the new, higher fees.