{"id":12405,"date":"2026-01-23T14:47:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T19:47:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/global-education\/?page_id=12405"},"modified":"2026-03-20T13:26:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T17:26:20","slug":"immigration-news","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/global-education\/immigration-news\/","title":{"rendered":"Immigration News"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-garnet-dark-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fb4357fcba5d288b7e8250f98c759e1a\"><em>March 2026<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-066e58422e5335b93b017a952c2d70ed\">State Department Adds Countries to the Tourist\/Visa Bond List<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>On March 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of State <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/News\/visas-news\/countries-subject-to-visa-bonds.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">published an update<\/a> on their website adding to the list of countries whose nationals may be required to post a \u201cvisa bond\u201d when applying for a tourist\/visitor entry visa (B-1\/B-2 for business or tourism).<br>This updates our previous posting when the State Department made updates to the Tourist Visa Bond Pilot Program on January 8, 2026. The additional countries added to the list, <strong>effective April 2, 2026<\/strong>, include:<br>Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Tunisia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Details on the Tourist Visa Bond Pilot Program, including a full list of countries subject to the program, is available on the State Department website<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/News\/visas-news\/countries-subject-to-visa-bonds.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> here<\/a>. Please note that this pilot program is only for B-1\/B-2 visa applicants. <strong>This policy does not apply to F-1, J-1, H-1B, or other nonimmigrant visa categories at this time.<\/strong> Citizens of the listed countries, who are otherwise found eligible for a B-1\/B-2 visitor visa, may be required to submit a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance. The exact amount is determined by a consular officer during the visa interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pilot program will affect visitors to our campus who are traveling to the U.S. for short-term, temporary purposes. Examples of these visitors might include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visitors invited to campus for academic or professional activities appropriate for B-1\/B-2 status (e.g., guest lectures, conferences, workshops, short-term consultations)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Parents, grandparents, and other family members visiting our students or scholars<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Friends or relatives attending commencements or other university events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"104cc866-5a4c-44db-ac5f-df09fe381127\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Which countries are subject to the visa bond pilot program?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"104cc866-5a4c-44db-ac5f-df09fe381127\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Algeria<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Angola&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Antigua and Barbuda <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bangladesh <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Benin <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bhutan <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Botswana<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Burundi <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cabo Verde<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cambodia <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Central African Republic <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cote D\u2019Ivoire <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cuba <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Djibouti <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dominica <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ethiopia <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fiji <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gabon <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Gambia <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Georgia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grenada <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guinea <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guinea-Bissau <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kyrgyz Republic <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lesotho <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Malawi <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mauritania <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mauritius <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mongolia <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mozambique <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Namibia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nepal <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nicaragua <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nigeria <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Papua New Guinea <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sao Tome and Principe <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Senegal <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tajikistan <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seychelles <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tanzania <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Togo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tonga <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tunisia <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turkmenistan <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tuvalu <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uganda <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vanuatu <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Venezuela <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zambia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zimbabwe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"26e5daec-e6b8-4ec5-a61d-59451892a4a1\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">How and when does the visa applicant pay the bond fee?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"26e5daec-e6b8-4ec5-a61d-59451892a4a1\">\n<p>Visa applicants will be asked to complete the Department of Homeland Security <br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/doclib\/forms\/i352.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Form I-352<\/a>&nbsp;and must pay the bond through the U.S. Treasury\u2019s Pay.gov portal <strong>only after direction from a consular officer<\/strong>. Payments made without this direction or through third-party sites will not be refunded. A bond does not guarantee visa issuance. If someone pays the fee without a consular officer\u2019s direction, the fees will not be returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The visa bond requirement is based on nationality and applies regardless of the individual&#8217;s place of visa application.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"f943f4a0-1f92-46ae-84f0-475cfc16f3d7\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will the applicant be eligible for a refund of the fee?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"f943f4a0-1f92-46ae-84f0-475cfc16f3d7\">\n<p>Visa Bond terms are set on the bond form (Department of Homeland Security\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/doclib\/forms\/i352.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Form I-352<\/a> Immigration Bonds). The bond will be automatically refunded if the B-1\/B-2 visa holder:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>departs the U.S. on or before the date they are authorized to stay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>does not travel to the U.S. before their visa expires, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>is denied admission at the port of entry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"d54c0e24-7881-4761-a573-80dafada133e\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Which airports have been designated as required ports of entry and exit?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"d54c0e24-7881-4761-a573-80dafada133e\">\n<p>As a condition of the bond, all visa holders who have posted a visa bond must enter and exit the United States through the designated ports of entry listed below<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All commercial air ports of entry, including CBP preclearance locations.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visa bond holders may&nbsp;<strong><u>NOT<\/u><\/strong>&nbsp;use charter air, general aviation, land, or sea ports of entry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-garnet-dark-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16752b31b5d359aaa1bf275b3e5287f1\"><em>January  2026<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-443ef0ea53012ffbcaa7accc1b832056\">USCIS Places Adjudication Hold on Benefits Applications Filed By or For Individuals From Travel Ban Countries<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On January 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/document\/policy-alerts\/PM-602-0194-PendingApplicationsAdditionalHighRiskCountries-20260101.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">policy memorandum<\/a>&nbsp;relating to vetting of benefit applications filed by, or on behalf of, foreign nationals born in or citizens of, 39 designated \u201chigh-risk\u201d countries, and holders of travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority, effective immediately. This new policy memorandum updates and expands upon the&nbsp;policy memorandum issued by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/document\/policy-alerts\/PM-602-0192-PendingApplicationsHighRiskCountries-20251202.pdf?ftag=YHF4eb9d17\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USCIS on December 2, 2025<\/a>. This policy will result in processing delays for students and scholars from these countries. There is no exception for immigration benefits commonly used in higher education, such as a nonimmigrant F-1 student&#8217;s Form I-765 filed for Optional Practical Training.&nbsp;Therefore,&nbsp;<strong>we advise international students and scholars to submit applications to USCIS as far in advance as permitted.&nbsp;<\/strong>Note that this is not a ban on applying for immigration benefits; it is a pause on USCIS processing of benefit requests. Applicants from a travel ban country should continue to apply for immigration benefits  within all applicable filing windows, deadlines, and eligibility conditions.<br>USCIS confirmed that it is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Placing a hold on all applications currently pending or filed in future by or on behalf of foreign nationals who were born in, or are citizens of, the 39 countries subject to travel restrictions (travel ban) under&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/presidential-actions\/2025\/12\/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Presidential Proclamation 10998 (December 16, 2025)<\/a>&nbsp;pending a comprehensive review, regardless of their date of entry into the U.S.; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conducting a comprehensive re-review of approved applications filed by or on behalf of foreign nationals from countries listed in Presidential Proclamation 10998 that were approved on or after January 20, 2021.&nbsp;<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"debbea0b-689c-41aa-a0c4-48afb97e58f4\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Which countries does this policy impact?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"debbea0b-689c-41aa-a0c4-48afb97e58f4\">\n<p>The countries currently designated by the Proclamation are:<br>&#8220;Full-ban&#8221; countries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran<br>Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Palestinian Authority Travel Documents, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Partial-ban&#8221; countries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d \u2018Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal ,Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"c727d4fc-8506-47d0-9f17-ea9eb6893966\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">How will the policy impact students and scholars from those countries?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"c727d4fc-8506-47d0-9f17-ea9eb6893966\">\n<p>This new policy will likely result in processing delays for international students and scholars (researchers, faculty, instructional staff, and visitors) and their family members, from these designated countries (or who have travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority) who file, or have filed, applications for benefits with USCIS.&nbsp;These application types include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Form I-765 employment authorization (ex. F-1 Optional Practical Training\/OPT, F-1 STEM OPT Extension, J-2 work permission)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Form I-539 Change of Status (ex. to F-1 or to J-1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Form I-129 Employment Visa Petitions (ex. H-1B, O-1, etc.),&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjustment of Status (Green Card), asylum petitions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other applications.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>After an application is filed, applicants may receive from USCIS a&nbsp;<em>Request for Additional Evidence<\/em>&nbsp;(RFE) if USCIS needs more information to process an application, which is not uncommon.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>If you receive an RFE, please contact  the Center for Global Education.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"273a1722-703c-4961-952d-4ac0d0cc49c8\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">When does this new policy go into effect, and how long will it last?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"273a1722-703c-4961-952d-4ac0d0cc49c8\">\n<p>The hold on USCIS application processing under this memorandum, as well as the comprehensive re-review of approved benefit requests and review of policies, procedures, and screening and vetting processes for benefit requests, are&nbsp;<strong>effective January 1, 2026<\/strong>. The hold will be \u201cin effect until lifted or modified by the USCIS Director through a subsequent memorandum or memorandum attachment.\u201d We do&nbsp; not know how long that could be.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"28ae7e10-0581-4698-b11a-7c990a52d314\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">What should impacted students and scholars do, given this policy change?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"28ae7e10-0581-4698-b11a-7c990a52d314\">\n<p>We advise international students and scholars to<strong>&nbsp;submit applications to USCIS as far in advance as permitted.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If any questions arise, please be sure to contact your advisor at the Center for Global Education. Bates continues to monitor immigration developments and will post any new information on&nbsp;the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/global-education\/immigration-news\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Immigration News<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fdbb91ec9cd90ca69047e14968addecd\">USCIS Announces Premium Processing Fee Increase Effective March 1, 2026<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p><br>On January 9, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/newsroom\/alerts\/uscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&nbsp;announced<\/a>&nbsp;that Premium Processing Fees will increase,&nbsp;<strong>effective March 1, 2026<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"547b266c-df22-477a-841b-34ed89e2af6d\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Which application types will this impact?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"547b266c-df22-477a-841b-34ed89e2af6d\">\n<p>Per the announcement, the following are examples of the USCIS application types eligible for Premium Processing that are common for our international students\/scholars:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Form I-765 \u2013 Application for Employment Authorization&nbsp;<\/strong>(for F-1 Optional Practical Training, F-1 STEM Optional Practical Training Extension):&nbsp; increase from $1,685 to $1,780<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Form I-539 Application to Extend\/Change Nonimmigrant Status<\/strong>&nbsp;(for applications requesting change to F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2):&nbsp; $1,965 to $2,075<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e38e2d86dfdcfee93239cc06a9fda56c\">U.S. Department of State Suspending Immigrant Visa Processing for Nationals of 75 Countries at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Effective January 21, 2026,&nbsp;<\/strong>the U.S. Department of State will pause issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries.* Please see the U.S. State Department&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/News\/visas-news\/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">website<\/a>&nbsp;on this topic.&nbsp;<strong>The policy does NOT impact non-immigrant visas.<\/strong> The term \u201cimmigrant visa\u201d refers to a permanent visa, issued by a U.S. Consulate, that allows a foreign national to enter the U.S as a permanent resident (\u201cgreen card\u201d holder). The length of the suspension has not yet been determined. This announcement&nbsp;<strong>does not impact the non-immigrant visas&nbsp;<\/strong>commonly used by students and scholars (F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1,&nbsp; B-1, etc.). Nor does it revoke immigrant visas already issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7954c0cc0a976ddcaf95e8dde03302b4\">The Department of State Expands Visa Bond List for B-1\/B-2 Visas<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p><br>In an announcement <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/News\/visas-news\/countries-subject-to-visa-bonds.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">published on January 8, 2026<\/a>, the U.S. Department of State (DoS) updated the list of countries whose nationals may be required to post a visa bond when applying for a visitor visa (B-1\/B-2 for business or tourism). This update is part of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.federalregister.gov\/documents\/2025\/08\/05\/2025-14826\/visas-visa-bond-pilot-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a Temporary Final Rule and visa bond pilot program<\/a>, which is effective from August 20, 2025, until August 5, 2026. Please note that this pilot program is only for B-1\/B-2 visa applicants. <strong>This policy does not apply to F-1, J-1, H-1B, or other nonimmigrant visa categories at this time.<\/strong> Citizens of the listed countries, who are otherwise found eligible for a B-1\/B-2 visitor visa, may be required to submit a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance. The exact amount is determined by a consular officer during the visa interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pilot program will affect visitors to our campus who are traveling to the U.S. for short-term, temporary purposes. Examples of these visitors might include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visitors invited to campus for academic or professional activities appropriate for B-1\/B-2 status (e.g., guest lectures, conferences, workshops, short-term consultations)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Parents, grandparents, and other family members visiting our students or scholars<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Friends or relatives attending commencements or other university events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-garnet-dark-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9efe4372adae4be44ba35b91200f0eb4\"><em>December 2025<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-310008f0b3d71cae7e2c327f5ad03d0b\">Travel Ban Expansion Effective January 1, 2026<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On December 16, 2025, the White House released the Presidential Proclamation&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/presidential-actions\/2025\/12\/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Restricting and Limiting The Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em> This Proclamation extends and modifies entry restrictions implemented by the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/presidential-actions\/2025\/06\/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and-other-national-security-and-public-safety-threats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">June 4, 2025 Presidential Proclamation 10949<\/a>, which affects nationals of 19 countries, and establishes restrictions on nationals of an additional 20 countries, as well as individuals with travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. The full new Proclamation can be viewed&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/presidential-actions\/2025\/12\/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>, along with a Fact Sheet issued by the White House available&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/fact-sheets\/2025\/12\/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-further-restricts-and-limits-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The proclamation does not apply to those who are physically present in the United States on January 1 or have a valid visa on that date, and no visas will be revoked as a result of the new ban. Bates continues to monitor the situation and will post new information to the Immigration News page. If any questions arise, please contact your advisor in the Center for Global Education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"d23dc120-608b-4573-ad80-1e45a4e30510\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Countries subject to full restriction<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"d23dc120-608b-4573-ad80-1e45a4e30510\">\n<p><em>Full Restrictions and Entry Limitations (ALL immigrant and ALL nonimmigrant visas, including H, O, B-1\/B-2, F, M, and J visas)<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Newly designated:&nbsp;<\/strong>Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Changing from partial to full restrictions:<\/strong>&nbsp;Laos<em>,&nbsp;<\/em>Sierra Leone<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"d172e8f7-4d50-4f46-87f9-7e82587ae68c\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Countries subject to partial restriction<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"d172e8f7-4d50-4f46-87f9-7e82587ae68c\">\n<p><em>Partial Restrictions and Entry Limitations(immigrants and nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1\/B-2, F, M, and J Visas, except where indicated)<strong>:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Burundi, Cuba, Togo, Venezuela<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Newly designated:&nbsp;<\/strong>Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d\u2019Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, Zimbabwe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turkmenistan (restrictions continue on immigrant visa holders only)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"632232b6-e78a-4e71-8772-fda7f49f181e\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">What is the difference between the two types of restrictions in the expanded travel and immigration ban?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"632232b6-e78a-4e71-8772-fda7f49f181e\">\n<p>People from countries with full travel and immigration restrictions under the ban will not be granted travel documents to immigrate to the United States (\u201cimmigrant visas\u201d) or travel documents to enter the U.S. for other reasons (\u201cnonimmigrant visas\u201d), such as to visit family and friends or to study or work in the country temporarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People from countries with partial restrictions under the ban will not be granted travel documents to immigrate to the United States (\u201cimmigrant visas\u201d). They also will not be granted certain types of travel documents to enter the U.S. for other reasons (\u201cnonimmigrant visas\u201d): B-1, B2, B-1\/B-2, F, M, and J visas. Additionally, if you are from a country with partial restrictions and you apply for and receive a visa in a category that is not subject to the ban, your visa may be valid for a shorter period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*Note: For people from Turkmenistan, there is no longer a ban on entry with \u201cnonimmigrant visas\u201d into the U.S. However, entry with \u201cimmigrant visas\u201d remains banned.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"b9bc9c62-f3a2-48e1-8dd2-aef21af8260f\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">To whom does this proclamation apply?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"b9bc9c62-f3a2-48e1-8dd2-aef21af8260f\">\n<p>The Proclamation applies only to foreign nationals of the designated countries who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are outside the United States on or after the effective date of the proclamation [12:01 AM (00:01) Eastern Daylight Time on January 1, 2026]; AND<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not have a valid visa as of January 1, 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"52620325-11c4-4e6d-9a78-d18e5cf35871\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Who is NOT subject to this proclamation?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"52620325-11c4-4e6d-9a78-d18e5cf35871\">\n<p>The Proclamation does&nbsp;<strong>NOT<\/strong>&nbsp;apply to the following individuals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>any lawful permanent resident of the United States;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any dual national of a country designated under sections 2, 3, 4, or 5 of this proclamation when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a country not so designated;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any foreign national traveling with a valid nonimmigrant visa in the following classifications:&nbsp; A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any athlete or member of an athletic team, including the coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Special Immigrant Visas for United States Government employees under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(D);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201can individual who has been granted asylum by the United States or to a refugee who has already been admitted to the United States. Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to limit the ability of an individual to seek asylum, refugee status, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture, consistent with the laws of the United States.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"6b0cf2df-e55d-4f4f-a333-e1fee9e160a7\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will valid visas be revoked?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"6b0cf2df-e55d-4f4f-a333-e1fee9e160a7\">\n<p>The Proclamation indicates that \u201cNo immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before the applicable effective date of this proclamation shall be revoked pursuant to this proclamation,\u201d so valid entry visas may be used to enter the U.S.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"f99b9f01-643a-4193-a2df-e5805428fd25\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will these lists be subject to change?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"f99b9f01-643a-4193-a2df-e5805428fd25\">\n<p>Within 180 days of the date of the proclamation, and every 180 days after, the Secretary of State along with other agencies will report on whether any suspensions and limitations imposed by the proclamation may be modified.&nbsp;<em>(NOTE: In previous travel bans, there were some countries who were able to meet the security criteria and were able to be removed from the subject list.)<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"0a362bf5-e548-4cb1-886b-504d84b7b5cc\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">Will this proclamation affect other USCIS applications?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"0a362bf5-e548-4cb1-886b-504d84b7b5cc\">\n<p>Based on the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/document\/policy-alerts\/PM-602-0192-PendingApplicationsHighRiskCountries-20251202.pdf?ftag=YHF4eb9d17\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USCIS Policy Memo issued on December 2, 2025<\/a>, advising that applications filed with USCIS by nationals from the 19 high-risk countries would face additional vetting procedures, it is likely that individuals from the 20 additional countries added by this Proclamation (or with travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority) may also find their USCIS applications similarly subject to additional vetting and may face processing delays.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7b3336fc4204e327ff57fd29377b5b97\">Adjudication of Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Applicants in Their Country of Residence<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>In an <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/News\/visas-news\/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">announcement dated December 12, 2025<\/a>, the Department of State updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments. Applicants should schedule their visa interview appointments at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usembassy.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S. Embassy or Consulate<\/a> in their country of nationality or residence. Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at a designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere. It is strongly discouraged for applicants to apply for their F-1 visa at other U.S. Embassies or Consulates around the world. This is called a &#8220;third country national&#8221; (TCN) application and carries risks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"c027da8e-ccd0-4f58-870d-102999c89a08\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">What are the designated locations for countries where the U.S. isn&#8217;t  conducting nonimmigrant operations?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"c027da8e-ccd0-4f58-870d-102999c89a08\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" cellpadding=\"5\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p><b>NATIONAL OF<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p><b>DESIGNATED LOCATION(S)<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Afghanistan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Islamabad<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Belarus<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Vilnius, Warsaw<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Burkina Faso<\/td>\n<td>Lome<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Chad<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Yaound\u00e9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Central African Republic<\/td>\n<td>Yaound\u00e9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Cuba<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Georgetown<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Haiti<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Nassau<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Iran<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Dubai<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Libya<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Tunis<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Niger<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">Lome<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Russia<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Astana, Warsaw<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Somalia<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Nairobi<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>South Sudan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Nairobi<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Sudan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Cairo<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Syria<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Amman<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Ukraine<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Krakow, Warsaw<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Venezuela<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Bogota<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Yemen<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Riyadh<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"300\">\n<p>Zimbabwe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td valign=\"bottom\" width=\"400\">\n<p>Johannesburg<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bates-shortcodes-btn btn-wrap\"><div class=\"btn-action\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"9980bdec-282e-412c-94ce-06a4a46c4a62\" aria-pressed=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><h3 class=\"btn-title\">What are the risks of scheduling a visa interview outside my country of nationality or residence?<\/h3><div class=\"btn-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btn-content\" id=\"9980bdec-282e-412c-94ce-06a4a46c4a62\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence will find that it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa. Fees paid for such applications will not be refunded and cannot be transferred.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wait times for nonimmigrant interview appointments vary by location. Applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You might need to obtain a visa to enter the third country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You will need to stay in the third country until you receive your F-1 visa and thus will need to factor in the cost and time needed to receive your visa.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your F-1 visa application is denied, you will not be able to enter the U.S. as an F-1 student and might need to return to your country of citizenship to apply for your F-1 visa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>March 2026 State Department Adds Countries to the Tourist\/Visa Bond List On&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":924,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_hide_ai_chatbot":false,"_ai_chatbot_style":"","associated_faculty":[],"_Page_Specific_Css":"","_bates_restrict_mod":false,"_table_of_contents_display":false,"_table_of_contents_location":"","_table_of_contents_disableSticky":false,"_is_featured":false,"footnotes":"","_bates_seo_meta_description":"","_bates_seo_block_robots":false,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_id":0,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_twitter_id":0,"_bates_seo_share_title":"","_bates_seo_canonical_overwrite":"","_bates_seo_twitter_template":""},"class_list":["post-12405","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","with-sidebar"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/global-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12405","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/global-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/global-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/global-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/924"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/global-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12405"}],"version-history":[{"count":48,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/global-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12405\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12534,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/global-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12405\/revisions\/12534"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/global-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12405"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}