Navigating immigration-related matters can be complex—and in today’s shifting landscape, new and unexpected challenges have emerged for members of our University of Miami community.
Our international faculty and staff members and students are an important part of our community, and the University is committed to providing access to reliable information, helpful resources, and responsive guidance.
Whether you are a faculty or staff member, or a student, the following services and resources are available to support you.
Update as of Oct. 24, 2025
USCIS Issues Guidance on New $100,000 H-1B Fee
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released new guidance on the recently announced $100,000 H-1B fee. The update clarifies when the fee applies, who is exempt, and how payment should be processed.
When the Fee Applies
The $100,000 fee applies only to H-1B petitions filed on or after Sept. 21, 2025, for beneficiaries who:
- Are outside the United States and do not have a valid visa, or
- Are the beneficiary of a petition filed for, or approved for, consular notification, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the U.S.
Exemptions
The fee does not apply to the following USCIS-approved cases:
- Extension of stay
- Amendment
- Change of status
- Change of employer (unless the petition is filed or approved for consular notification)
Foreign nationals in the U.S. with approved H-1B petitions will not become subject to the proclamation or fee if they later travel abroad.
Travel and Status Impacts
- Change of status requests: If USCIS approves a change of status, the fee does not apply. However, if the request is denied and approved instead for consular notification (for example, due to travel during the petition process or a status violation), the $100,000 fee will be required—unless the individual already holds a valid H-1B visa.
- Travel after petition approval: If a petition was approved without requiring the fee, and the individual later travels outside the U.S., that departure will not trigger the fee requirement.
National Interest Exception
USCIS has also outlined new criteria for the National Interest Exception (NIE). The threshold for approval is high and requires proof that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the role. Exceptions are not available on a company-wide or industry-wide basis, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must approve the exception before a petition is submitted.
Payment Process
Payment of the $100,000 fee must be made through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Pay.gov portal before filing the H-1B petition. The petition must include either:
- Proof of the fee payment, or
- Evidence of a DHS-approved National Interest Exception
Petitions filed without either will likely be denied without a Request for Evidence (RFE).
The only exception is when a petition originally filed for an extension, amendment, or change of status is later converted to consular notification. In these cases, USCIS will provide instructions to complete the payment when the petitioner is notified of the status change.
Update as of Sept. 20, 2025
Late on Friday, September 19, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation imposing new restrictions on entry for H-1B visa holders. Review the official proclamation titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.
Update as of June 6, 2025
On June 4, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation barring travelers and immigrants from a dozen countries and restricting the entry of nationals of another seven nations into the United States. The ban is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 9.
The proclamation bans the entry of non-U.S. citizens from the following countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
The entry of travelers and immigrants from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela is partially suspended.
This proclamation applies to all prospective immigrants from these countries with visas to settle in the U.S. permanently, and certain temporary visa and green card holders. The following individuals are not subject to the entry restrictions:
- International students and their dependents currently in the U.S. in valid F-1 or J-1 status (and F-2 or J-2 status).
- Individuals from affected countries who already possess a valid F, J, or other U.S. visa as of June 9, 2025.
Summer Travel Tips for Foreign Nationals: Review this quick guide from Fragomen, a leading external immigration law firm, for helpful tips for foreign nationals on visas, reentry, and what to keep in mind before you travel.
New Resource and Webinar Available
As immigration policy discussions continue to evolve, Fragomen has released a new webinar tailored for students, schools, and employers, offering timely insights on key immigration updates. Additionally, a new online resource explores potential changes under a second Trump administration and what they could mean for the University community. Students and faculty and staff members are encouraged to review these new offerings:
- Webinar on Thursday, June 12: Key Immigration Updates for Students, Schools, and Employers
- Online Resource: Navigating Immigration Under a Second Trump Administration
Originally published April 22, 2025
For Faculty and Staff
Immigration Services within the Office of Human Resources offers support to faculty and staff members on a wide range of employment-based immigration matters.
Services include:
- Guidance on employment-based visa options (e.g., H-1B, J-1 alien physician, TN)
- Coordination with internal departments and legal counsel
- Answers to general immigration questions related to employment
Additional support:
Contacts within Human Resources Immigration Services:
- Leanette Acanda
Manager, Immigration Services
(305) 243-8160 / LSuarez2@miami.edu
- Maria-Paula Bedoya
Sr. Immigration Specialist
(305) 243-4798 / MXR2166@med.miami.edu
- Fernanda Domingo Cortes
Immigration Specialist
(305) 243-9841 / E.Domingo@miami.edu
- Andrea Garcia
Immigration Specialist
(305) 778-9905 / ALG3555@miami.edu
For International Students and Scholars
International students (F-1 and J-1 visas) and scholars (faculty and researchers on J-1 visas) can access a wide range of services through International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). The ISSS team is available to help students and scholars stay informed on maintaining student/scholar status, including applying for benefits such as employment authorization, travel guidance, and general immigration matters.
Services and programs available:
- Immigration advising for students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status
- Guidance regarding on- and off-campus employment
- Travel, reentry, and visa renewal advising
- One-on-one advising and informational workshops
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has recently terminated the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records of certain international students across the country without prior notice to the students or their schools, resulting in the loss of their legal status. In response, ISSS is conducting daily monitoring to identify and notify any impacted students as quickly as possible.
Additional support:
- Well-being support through the Division of Student Affairs:
Contacts within ISSS:
- Teresa de la Guardia
Executive Director, ISSS
(305) 284-2928 / tdelaguardia@miami.edu
- Claudia Zitzmann
Director, International Scholar Services, ISSS
(305) 284-2932 / czitzmann@miami.edu
- Kristin Pongé
Sr. Associate Director & Team Leader Regulatory Compliance, ISSS
(305) 284-2931 / kponge@miami.edu
Webinars, Office Hours, and Resources for the University Community
To assist our University community in navigating recent immigration matters, we are offering a series of webinars, dedicated office hours, and helpful resources tailored to current needs and questions.
Upcoming webinar:
- Date/Time: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 3-4 p.m.
Topic: U.S. Immigration Updates
This webinar provides a comprehensive overview of recent U.S. immigration policy updates, including regulatory changes, evolving agency practices, and key developments impacting international students and scholars, researchers, and academic institutions.
30-minute virtual office hours for immigration support:
- Dates/Times:
Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, May 2, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Web conferencing details will be provided upon confirmation.
Additional guidance:
- External legal referrals:
Fragomen: The University partners with Fragomen, a leading external immigration law firm, to provide expert guidance and support to the University and our community on immigration-related matters.
[NEW as of May 8] Summer Travel Tips for Foreign Nationals: Review this quick guide from Fragomen with helpful tips for foreign nationals on visas, reentry, and what to keep in mind before you go.
- Anielka Nortelus
Senior Associate
- Angitha Sojan
Business Immigration Analyst – EA
