This week’s immigration updates include a federal court blocking the four-year limit on student visas, a partial resumption of immigrant visa processing overseas, a reminder on the upcoming Form I-485 deadline, and the H-2B cap being reached for the first half of FY2027.Here’s a practical overview of what you should know. 👇

On September 14, 2026, U.S. District Judge Dennis Saylor of the District of Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction blocking the DHS rule that would have imposed a four-year limit on F-1 and J-1 student visas, one day before it was set to take effect. The rule had been challenged by a coalition of universities, educators, and labor organizations that filed suit in August. The injunction means the existing duration of status system remains in place while litigation continues.

The U.S. Department of State has resumed immigrant visa processing at select U.S. embassies and consulates, including in Hungary and Poland, while the broader worldwide pause remains in place at most other posts. The department temporarily halted immigrant visa processing overseas while consular officers received training on new public charge screening requirements. The State Department has not announced a broader timeline for lifting the pause at remaining posts.

3️⃣ Reminder: New Edition of Form I-485 Required Starting September 18 📑

As a reminder, starting September 18, 2026, USCIS will only accept the new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The updated form reflects the new Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Final Rule. Older editions will be rejected if postmarked or submitted on or after September 18. Applicants should ensure they are using the correct edition before filing.

4️⃣ USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half of FY2027 🌱

USCIS announced that it has received enough petitions to meet the congressionally established H-2B cap for the first half of fiscal year 2027. The H-2B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals for temporary non-agricultural seasonal work. September 4, 2026 was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B petitions requesting an employment start date before April 1, 2027. USCIS will reject new cap-subject H-2B petitions received after September 4 that request an employment start date before April 1, 2027.

Firm Updates 🎉

We are pleased to share a recent success! Our firm obtained a grant of voluntary departure for a client. Voluntary departure is a favorable outcome that allows a client to leave the United States on their own terms rather than face a formal removal order, preserving their ability to apply for future immigration benefits.

We are proud to continue supporting our clients throughout their immigration journey.

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