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• DHS Releases FAQs on Parole and TPS Changes for SAVE Verification
• Interview Waivers Significantly Restricted Effective September 2, 2025
• USCIS Issues Implementation Plan for Executive Order 14160 on Birthright Citizenship
• New $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” Introduced; USCIS Releases Updated Fee Schedule
• DOS Launches Investigation into Harvard’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Participation
• DOS Narrows Visa Validity for 50+ Countries Under Updated Reciprocity Schedules
• OFLC Announces Updates to Mailing and Email Addresses

DHS Releases FAQs on Parole and TPS Changes for SAVE Verification

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued FAQs addressing recent changes to parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), including terminations of parole prior to expiration. The guidance is aimed at agencies using the SAVE system, which verifies immigration status at a point in time and does not auto-update past responses.

SAVE users are advised to submit new cases or request additional verification for the most up-to-date status.

Impact: Employers relying on SAVE for I-9 or benefits eligibility verification should be aware that recent TPS/parole changes may not be reflected in past SAVE results. Re-verification may be needed to ensure compliance.

Interview Waivers Significantly Restricted Effective September 2, 2025

Effective September 2, 2025, the Department of State will significantly narrow eligibility for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers. Most applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, will now require an in-person interview, with limited exceptions. Waivers will generally be granted only for:

• Certain diplomatic and official visa categories (e.g., A, G, NATO)
• Renewals of full-validity B-1/B-2 or Border Crossing Cards for Mexican nationals, within 12 months of expiration, provided applicants meet strict eligibility criteria

Consular officers retain discretion to require interviews in any case.

Impact: Expect increased demand for visa appointments and longer processing timelines. Travel planning and consular scheduling should be adjusted accordingly.

USCIS Issues Implementation Plan for Executive Order 14160 on Birthright Citizenship

On July 25, 2025, USCIS released an implementation plan for Executive Order 14160, which seeks to restrict birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to noncitizen parents who are either:

• Unlawfully present at the time of birth, or
• In lawful but temporary immigration status (e.g., tourist, student, work visas, TPS, parole, deferred action).

While the order is currently blocked by a federal injunction, DHS is preparing for potential implementation. USCIS defines “lawful but temporary” broadly, covering most nonimmigrant statuses and parolees. If enacted, affected children would not be considered U.S. citizens at birth, but USCIS plans to allow them to register for the same immigration status held by at least one parent, similar to rules for children of diplomatic visa holders.

Impact: This proposed shift would mark a fundamental change in birthright citizenship. While implementation is on hold, employers with foreign national employees on temporary status should monitor developments closely and be prepared to advise on family planning, dependent status, and future immigration options.

New $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” Introduced; USCIS Releases Updated Fee Schedule

The recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1) introduces a proposed $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” for most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, F-1, J-1, and B-1/B-2 categories. The fee will be charged at visa issuance and is intended to fund increased immigration enforcement by DHS and ICE. There are no exemptions, including for dependents, and no set implementation date yet, though DHS may raise the fee in the future or adjust for inflation. Only travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program are excluded.

Separately, USCIS released a new fee schedule on July 22, 2025, outlining updated filing fees, applicability, effective dates, waiver eligibility, and enforcement consequences.

Impact: The new fee structure adds another layer of cost for employers sponsoring foreign nationals, particularly for high-volume or dependent-heavy mobility programs. In-house teams should begin preparing for budget and policy implications, as well as potential internal stakeholder education.

DOS Launches Investigation into Harvard’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Participation

On July 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced an investigation into Harvard University’s continued eligibility as a J-1 program sponsor, citing broad national security concerns. The Department has reportedly requested extensive records related to Harvard’s visa program and will conduct interviews with university staff and J-1 visa holders. Harvard has characterized the inquiry as retaliatory and affirmed its commitment to supporting its international community.

Impact: This high-profile investigation underscores growing scrutiny of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and may signal increased compliance enforcement for all J-1 sponsors. Employers and academic institutions should ensure robust recordkeeping and compliance practices, and be prepared to respond to similar inquiries or audits.

DOS Narrows Visa Validity for 50+ Countries Under Updated Reciprocity Schedules

The U.S. Department of State has updated its visa reciprocity schedules for over 50 countries, significantly shortening nonimmigrant visa validity to three months, single-entry in many cases. Affected categories include B, F, H, J, M, and O visas. Previously, many of these visas were valid for up to 12 months or more and often allowed multiple entries.

Visa validity is now determined by the issuing country of the applicant’s passport, and the changes apply only to visas issued on or after the update. Existing visas remain valid.

Impact: Shorter validity periods and single-entry limitations may complicate travel and reentry planning. Global mobility teams should review impacted nationalities and adjust timelines and travel policies accordingly.

OFLC Announces Updates to Mailing and Email Addresses

The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) is updating its official mailing address and changing the naming conventions for all help desk email addresses across its programs. While the new email addresses will be introduced gradually, current addresses will remain active during the transition.

OFLC advises stakeholders to monitor updates via the OFLC website and the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG).

Impact: Minimal disruption expected, but teams should update templates and internal records as changes roll out to avoid communication delays.