The following update was sent by ISchO on the evening of Saturday, September 20, 2025, to all MIT international scholars in H-1B status or with pending MIT H-1B petitions:
The Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a memorandum late today, Saturday, September 20, clarifying the application of the Presidential Proclamation published yesterday, Friday, September 19, 2025.
Per the Director’s memorandum, the proclamation does not impact the ability of any current visa holder to travel to or from the United States.
The memorandum states the Proclamation does not apply to:
- H-1B employees whose petitions have already been filed (prior to the effective date of the proclamation);
- H-1B employees whose petitions are approved or who already have valid H-1B non-immigrant visas in their passports.
The memorandum states that all officers of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will ensure that their decisions are consistent with this guidance.
Please also see clarification from the U.S. Department of State on its website here.
If you have questions about travel or your particular circumstances, please email ischo@mit.edu or contact your advisor in the International Scholars Office.