What changed, and what is about to

Every change below is taken from an official source cited in the country guide. A rule that changed after you started planning is one of the most common reasons a visa is refused.

Already in force

1 October 2026 · visa rules · United States

F-1 and M-1 applicants must set all social media profiles to public for vetting.
18 September 2026 · post-study · United States

Proclamation extends to September 2027 the bar on H-1B entry unless a USD 100,000 payment accompanied the petition.
14 September 2026 · visa rules · United States

A nationwide preliminary injunction blocked the duration of status rule one day before it took effect; duration of status remains.
17 July 2026 · visa rules · United States

DHS final rule capped F-1 admission at four years and cut the grace period from 60 to 30 days.
21 January 2026 · language · United States

TOEFL iBT moved to a 1-6 scale in half-point steps, with a 0-120 score also shown for two years.
July 2025 · fees · United States

A USD 250 visa integrity fee was created by legislation but is charged inconsistently and missing from the official fee schedule.