Immigration News & Notes

Payment Requirements for New H-1B Petitions

10/21/2025  On September 19, 2025, the White House issued the Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers Presidential Proclamation restricting the entry of certain nonimmigrant workers. This affects H-1B petitions (Form I-129) filed after September 21, 2025, and imposes a $100,000 payment for petitions filed on behalf of individuals outside the U.S. 

Those already in the U.S. (for example someone on F-1 status on OPT) can apply for a change of status to H-1B without requiring the $100,000 payment. Please contact I3S with any questions via email at @email or call (269) 387-5865.

New Alien Registration Requirement for Dependents Turning 14

4/25/2025  Effective April 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new Alien Registration rule for non-citizen children (dependents) who turn 14 while in the U.S. 

The new rule only applies to children who entered the U.S. before their 14th birthday and are still in the U.S. after turning 14.  Most international students and scholars are considered already registered with USCIS and will not be impacted by this change. Make sure you have proof of Form 94 from your most recent arrival.

Under the new rule, dependents in F-2, J-2, H-4, TD, O-3, and other nonimmigrant statuses must:

• Reregister with USCIS within 30 days of their 14th birthday, even if they were previously registered at entry; and
• Submit Form G-325R  available on the USCIS Alien Registration page.

Upon registration and fingerprinting, DHS will issue proof of registration. All noncitizens 18 and older must carry this documentation at all times. DHS is prioritizing enforcement of this rule. As always, continue to also carry copies of all of your other immigration documents with you, as well.

Canadian citizens who entered the U.S. via a land port of entry and were not issued an I-94 should check their most recent entry record. If an I-94 was not provided, they may need to register using Form G-325R.

Unsure if you need to register? Visit USCIS Alien Registration page for more information including a "Do I need to Register?" questionnaire to help you determine your next steps for your dependent.

If you have questions, you may contact I3S (269) 387-5865 or you may also consult with an immigration attorney.

New Terra Dotta ISSS Student Portal Coming Soon

4/25/2025  Exciting news! I3S will be implementing a new Terra Dotta ISSS Student Portal this summer. Terra Dotta is an online solution used to enhance the experience of WMU’s international students, scholars, and faculty and staff. 

During our implementation week, immigration processing will be on hold. Student requests, including new admission I-20s, submitted the week of April 28th will not be processed until after May 5th. Normal processing time is 5-10 business days so we do not expect there to be any additional delays.  

We are excited to soon introduce to you the ISSS Student Portal to be able to assist you with all of your student immigration needs.  

Immigration Enforcement and the Safety of Students, Faculty and Staff

4/9/2025 Western Michigan University is, and will remain, a globally engaged campus that is enriched by the presence of students, faculty and staff from around the world. Please review the updated policy resources page for official university statements, guidance and resources.  

U.S. government officials this month have taken action to terminate some international students studying at U.S. higher education institutions from a system known as the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and/or revoke their visas.  If you have been impacted by this, you will receive an email from I3S directly with further guidance. 

COVID-19 Recovery Rebate Credit Checks Issued in Error To Nonresidents

1/15/2025 In December 2024, the IRS began issuing payments for unclaimed Recovery Rebate Credit under the American Rescue Plan Act (so called COVID stimulus payments) to individuals that did not file 2021/2022 tax returns. However, many nonresidents have reported receiving these payments unexpectedly, leading to confusion.

1. They received the check but have not yet cashed it:
   1. Write “Void” on the back of the check.
   2. Mail the check to a valid IRS branch location
   3. Include in it a note outlining why they are returning the check.
2. They received the payment as a check and cashed it/they received the payment through direct deposit. 
   1. This will require them to send a personal check, or money order, etc., to their relevant IRS branch location
   2. On the check or money order, they’ll have to write “made payable to ‘U.S. Treasury’” and also write ‘2021EIP’, and their taxpayer ID (in this case their social security number, or individual taxpayer identification number/ITIN).
   3. Again, give an explanation of the reason for returning the payment.