DFW News App

For international students, immigration paperwork often determines whether they can study, work or stay in the United States after graduation. 

On Jan. 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, issued a new policy memorandum, PM-602-0194, “Hold and Review of Immigration Benefit Applications,” which adds uncertainty to those processes. The policy expands guidance released on Dec. 2, 2025, and instructs USCIS officers to pause final decisions on some immigration benefit applications linked to countries labeled “high-risk” under Presidential Proclamation 10998. It also allows officers to re-review certain benefits that were already approved.

This policy matters at the University of Texas at Dallas, which has over 4,500 international students, according to the UTD website. Students from affected countries may face delays in applications for benefits such as optional practical training, changes of status or employment-based visas, which could disrupt post-graduation job plans and long-term academic or career goals.

While USCIS will continue to process these applications, the policy requires officers to pause cases just before issuing a final approval or denial. As a result, applicants are left waiting indefinitely, creating uncertainty around work authorization, travel and academic planning, particularly for international students.

The updated guidance also requires USCIS to re-review certain immigration benefits that were already approved on or after Jan. 20, 2021. These cases may undergo additional security checks, requests for evidence, and interviews or re-interviews. Even individuals who now hold a different nationality may be affected if they were born in one of the designated high-risk countries, which are nations with significant safety, security or legal dangers as defined under Presidential Proclamation 10998.

USCIS confirmed that all asylum applications filed using Form I-589 remain paused. Form I-589 is the USCIS application used by individuals in the United States to seek asylum, withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture based on fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, social group or political beliefs. This pause applies to all applicants, regardless of citizenship or country of birth, and USCIS has not announced when asylum processing will resume.

The policy affects a wide range of immigration benefits, including applications for work authorization, changes or extensions of status, and employment-based permanent residency. For example, an international student at UTD on an F-1 visa applying for optional practical training after graduation could face delays in receiving work authorization, which might postpone the start of a job or internship. Common forms impacted include those used for temporary employment authorization, student work permits, and employer-sponsored visas. As a result, applicants may experience delays in receiving work authorization, extending their status or traveling outside the United States.

USCIS stated that the policy applies to individuals connected to 39 designated high-risk countries. Within 90 days of the memo’s release, the agency plans to prioritize certain cases for review and possible interviews. USCIS acknowledged that the policy will slow processing times and said that the measures are intended to protect national security.

While limited exceptions may exist, they are rare and typically require approval from USCIS leadership. For most applicants, the adjudication hold will remain in place until USCIS formally announces a change.

Alongside USCIS actions, the Department of State implemented new visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The proclamation fully or partially limits visa issuance and entry for nationals of 39 high-risk countries and individuals using Palestinian Authority travel documents, building on earlier restrictions under Proclamation 10949.

Some countries face a full suspension of all visas, while others have partial limits affecting visitor, student, exchange visitor and immigrant visas. USCIS stated that the measures aim to protect national security through stricter screening.

Limited exceptions exist for lawful permanent residents, certain diplomatic or official visa holders, dual nationals with unaffected passports, special immigrant visa recipients and participants in major international sporting events. Some family-based and humanitarian visas that were previously exempt are no longer automatically allowed.

The proclamation applies only to foreign nationals outside the United States without a valid visa on Jan. 1, 2026. Individuals with valid visas are not affected, and existing visas have not been canceled. Affected applicants may still apply and attend interviews, but approval is not guaranteed.

Federal immigration officials stated that the policies result in longer processing times and delays in work authorization, travel and immigration status changes.

UTD provides resources for international students affected by the new immigration policies. The International Students and Scholars Office, or ISSO, provides immigration advising to students. 

Additionally, an on-campus immigration attorney is available to provide free legal guidance for currently enrolled UT Dallas students. For more information, visit isso.utdallas.edu.

The Office of Immigrant and Citizenship Services (OICS) also offers general immigration information and runs the Legal Referral Network Program, which connects students with immigration attorneys for additional support. For more information, visit oics.utdallas.edu.