Updated H-1B Visa Guidance

The Trump administration recently issued a presidential proclamation affecting the entry of certain nonimmigrant workers, including H-1B visa holders. Below is a summary of the current guidance and what it means for our faculty and staff:

Key Provisions

• Scope of restrictions: The proclamation applies only to foreign nationals for whom a new H-1B petition is filed on or after September 21, 2025, according to memoranda released by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Additionally, according to the USCIS FAQ, H-1B extensions should be exempt from the $100,000 fee.
• Current petition and visa holders: Foreign nationals who already have a pending or approved H-1B petition or a valid H-1B visa are not subject to the new entry restrictions. They should be able to enter the United States on or after September 21, 2025, provided they have the proper documentation. Individuals traveling in the coming days should still anticipate possible delays as agencies implement the proclamation.
• $100,000 fee requirement: The new $100,000 petition fee applies only to H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, for foreign nationals outside the U.S. Further guidance from federal agencies on this fee is expected.

Travel and Other Considerations

• International travel after September 21: H-1B nonimmigrants currently inside the U.S. planning travel or reentry on or after September 21 should postpone travel until further notice. Fragomen, our external immigration counsel, recommends that employees avoid non-essential travel at this time. Significant delays or denial of reentry may occur if travel is unavoidable.
• Exempt categories: H-4 spouses and dependents, Chile/Singapore H-1B1 nonimmigrants, and H-1B fashion models are not expected to be affected but may still experience delays or confusion at ports of entry.
• Legal challenges: Litigation is anticipated, and court rulings could quickly affect procedures for H-1B nonimmigrants and employers.

Future Sponsorships

Going forward, and until further notice, any requests for new H-1B sponsorships must receive approval from the respective Vice President prior to submission. This ensures careful review of all new sponsorships in light of the proclamation and related requirements.

University Strategy and Next Steps

We are actively monitoring developments and communicating directly with all FSU visa holders who may be affected. The Office of the General Counsel, the Office of Human Resources, and other campus partners continue to evaluate the impact of this proclamation on FSU’s employment processes. Updates will be shared with the campus community as significant information becomes available.

Thank you for your attention to this important update.