Immigration and Citizenship Community News May 2025

Dear Comets,

As the academic year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our graduating students. Your journey has been one of perseverance, growth, and strength, and we are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. Whether you’re stepping into a new career, beginning graduate school, or taking some time to rest and reflect—you’ve earned it. Congratulations from all of us at OICS!

To our students who are continuing their academic journey—keep going, you’re doing great! Use this summer to recharge, plan ahead, and connect with the resources available to you. Whether you’re taking classes, pursuing an internship, or preparing for future career steps, OICS is here to support you every step of the way.

Here are some important information to keep in mind as you round off the semester:

Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for the Early Second Half of FY 2025

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 19,000 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the early second half of fiscal year (FY) 2025 with start dates from April 1 to May 14, 2025, under the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule (FY 2025 TFR). April 18, 2025, was the final receipt date for petitions requesting supplemental H-2B visas under the FY 2025 early second half returning worker allocation. Additional information on the FY 2025 supplemental visas is available on the Temporary Increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2025 page.

Proposed New Rule Related to Social Media

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice in the Federal Register on March 5, 2025, detailing plans to collect social media identifiers for certain immigration forms to comply withExecutive Order 14161. Although this rule is simply being proposed and not in effect, it is important to understand the potential implications that social media can have on your immigration status. In general, understand that what you post or interact with online through social media is made public which can be utilized by law enforcement and other officials to open up further investigations. Making accounts private, using aliases, and deleting posts are not foolproof methods for concealing your identity online, as law enforcement can issue subpoenas and warrants to access these accounts and their information, which often contains identifying details that can be traced back to an individual.

Stay Informed: U.S. Visa Wait Times at a Glance

Do you have family or friends planning to travel to the United States? The Global Visa Wait Times page provides monthly updates on the average wait times for nonimmigrant visa interviews, including visitor (B1/B2), student (F, M), and work-related (H, L, O, P, Q) visas. For the most current information and to check specific wait times by location, visit the Global Visa Wait Times page. Staying informed can help you plan your travel more effectively and avoid unexpected delays.

Don’t Forget to Update Your Address

Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen (unless in A or G status) must report address changes  within 10 days or less online at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Change of Address or by mail using Form AR-11 found at the following link: USCIS – FORMS.

Keep Your Passport Updated

Keeping your passport updated is crucial for maintaining legal status while in the U.S. Check your expiration date and start planning for renewal if your passport will expire within a year.

Understand how you can protect your personal information

The UTD Directory is a repository of information on students, faculty, staff, and guests with UTD accounts. The directory includes information including your name, local address, email address, telephone number, place of birth, and more.  Students who wish to ensure their directory information is not shared with outside sources may complete a FERPA – Request for Confidentiality. Instructions for completing a confidentiality request can be found on the Electronic Forms and Other Resources page. Current students may log in to Galaxy and their Orion Self-Service to request confidentiality on their account.

LPR Students – Understand the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Obtaining U.S. citizenship through naturalization offers many benefits and important responsibilities. Learn the steps to apply for naturalization at https://oics.utdallas.edu/naturalization/. Apply as soon as you are eligible.

Update Your Emergency Contacts

In the event of an emergency, including a medical emergency, being detained by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) at a port of entry, or being detained by law enforcement or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), University officials may be able to get in touch with your emergency contact to update them on your situation. Here’s how you can update your emergency contacts-Article – Update Contact Information …

Beware of Scams

Scams are on the rise. Protect yourself from immigration scams. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.

OICS is here for you

You can reach out via email to OICS@utdallas.edu or through your iComet Portal, for nonimmigrant categories.

Find us on the web

Immigration and Citizenship webpage and archive of news located at  – https://oics.utdallas.edu/newsletter/

Do not reply to this email. Clicking “reply” will send a message to the entire listserv. Unapproved listserv messages will be rejected. Instead, contact OICS directly – https://oics.utdallas.edu/immigration-advising/

Warm regards,

Office of Immigrant and Citizenship Services

The University of Texas at Dallas

Immigration Advising