Immigration Updates/Policy Alerts

The information provided on this page is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for individualized immigration advising. Students should consult the Office of Global Engagement before making any travel or immigration-related decisions.

U.S. immigration laws and policies may change with little notice. Recent federal actions may affect international students, scholars, employees, and their dependents at Rivier.

This page provides an overview of key federal developments that may be relevant to Rivier’s international community. Guidance may continue to evolve as implementation details become clearer.

On This Page

Guidance Regarding Immigration Enforcement on Campus

Rivier is committed to the safety, well-being, and dignity of all members of our campus community.

If you are approached on campus by an immigration enforcement officer, such as a representative of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, you may respectfully ask the officer or agent to identify themselves and present their credentials. You may also ask the officer or agent to wait while you contact the appropriate University office.

Please notify Rivier’s Public Safety office immediately at (603) 888-1666 so they can respond and provide guidance. The Office of Global Engagement has collaborated with Public Safety, and an established communication protocol is in place. Public Safety is prepared to assist community members and coordinate appropriately with outside law enforcement agencies.

Public Safety maintains procedures governing the presence of outside law enforcement on campus and is available to support students, faculty, and staff in these situations.

Additional information, including general guidance on interacting with law enforcement, is available through the Office of Global Engagement. Please contact the team at globalengagement@rivier.edu.

Entry Restrictions Affecting Nationals of Certain Countries

Effective January 1, 2026

A presidential proclamation expanded existing restrictions on entry to the United States for nationals of certain countries. These restrictions may apply to both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa holders, depending on visa type and citizenship.

What Students and Scholars Should Know

  • Restrictions are based on citizenship, not place of birth or residence.
  • Some individuals may be fully restricted from entry, while others may face limitations based on visa category, including F-1, J-1, and M-1.
  • Valid visas issued before the effective date are generally not revoked.

Office of Global Engagement Guidance

  • Avoid international travel if you may be impacted.
  • Consult the Office of Global Engagement before traveling or applying for a visa.
  • Monitor Rivier updates, as guidance may change.

Learn More

Changes Affecting Certain H-1B Visa Petitions

Effective September 21, 2025

A presidential action introduced new requirements for some H-1B petitions filed on behalf of individuals outside the United States, including a supplemental filing fee in certain cases.

Key Points

  • Applies only to new H-1B petitions filed after the effective date.
  • Does not affect current H-1B holders or petitions filed earlier.
  • In-country extensions, amendments, and changes of status are not impacted.

H-1B employees should consult the Office of Global Engagement before international travel.

Learn More

Increased Vetting and Screening

Several executive orders and agency actions emphasize enhanced screening for visa issuance and immigration benefit applications. Some individuals may experience:

  • Longer processing times
  • Requests for additional documentation
  • Increased scrutiny during visa interviews or benefit adjudications

Some agencies have also announced expanded review of online and social media activity as part of immigration adjudications.

Learn More

Proposed Changes to Duration of Status

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed changes that would significantly modify how Duration of Status works for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. If implemented, these changes would replace Duration of Status with a fixed period of authorized stay.

Under the proposed rule:

  • Admission would be granted until the program end date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019, or up to four years, whichever is shorter.
  • General admissions would be limited to the program length, not to exceed four years.
  • If a program extends beyond the four-year maximum, individuals would be required to file for an extension of stay with USCIS rather than through the school’s Designated School Official.
  • New limits could reduce flexibility for students who wish to transfer schools, change degree levels, or modify their educational objectives, particularly during the early stages of their academic program.
  • The 60-day grace period for F-1 students after graduation would be reduced to 30 days.

Duration of Status: What Is It?

“Duration of Status,” commonly referred to as D/S, has been the long-standing admission policy for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors for several decades. Under this policy, students and scholars are admitted to the United States for the length of their academic or exchange program, rather than until a specific calendar date.

When you enter the United States in F-1 or J-1 status, your passport admission stamp and electronic I-94 record typically list “F-1 D/S” or “J-1 D/S” instead of an exact “admit until” date. This means you may remain in the United States for the duration of your authorized program, provided you maintain valid immigration status, including full-time enrollment when required, and compliance with all immigration regulations.

If additional time is needed to complete your program, extensions are currently approved by a Designated School Official or Responsible Officer at the institution, rather than through a formal application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Important note: These changes are proposed only and are not currently in effect. The Office of Global Engagement is monitoring developments closely and will provide updated guidance if a final rule is issued or implementation timelines are announced.

Students are encouraged to review official updates and consult the Office of Global Engagement before making academic, travel, or immigration-related decisions.

Learn More

Travel, Documentation, and Enforcement Updates

Recent federal actions highlight the importance of:

  • Maintaining valid immigration status
  • Carrying copies of required immigration documents
  • Reporting address changes within required timelines

The Office of Global Engagement recommends keeping copies of immigration documents in a secure location and sharing access with a trusted individual.

Learn More

What This Means for Rivier Students

We strongly recommend that students:

  • Contact the Office of Global Engagement before traveling internationally.
  • Avoid travel during periods of policy uncertainty if they may be impacted.
  • Seek guidance from the Office of Global Engagement on how to respond promptly to any government requests for information.
  • Stay informed through official Rivier communications and the international student WhatsApp group.

To join the active students WhatsApp group, please email globalengagement@rivier.edu.

Questions or Concerns?

Immigration situations are highly individual. Please contact the Office of Global Engagement before taking action.

Contact

Office of Global Engagement