Immigration and Citizenship Community News July 2025
July 2, 2025
Dear Comets,
As we welcome the month of July, the Office of Immigrant and Citizenship Services wants to remind you that you are not alone on your journey. Whether you are navigating complex immigration processes, preparing for international travel, or simply seeking support, our office is here to walk beside you to help you navigate this journey. We understand that immigration matters can be overwhelming, especially during times of transition or uncertainty. The Office of Immigrant and Citizenship Services is here not only to support you through the technical aspects of immigration and visa status, but also to serve as a trusted partner in your overall well-being. We understand that behind every application, every question, and every decision is a person with goals, challenges, and dreams. This month’s newsletter includes important updates from USCIS and resources for your well-being.
Important Notice for Students with TPS
If you currently hold Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and your country’s designation has recently been cancelled (e.g., Nepal, Afghanistan, Cameroon, or Haiti), you may still be eligible to change to another valid immigration status (such as F-1, H-4, or others) if one exists. We strongly encourage all affected students to schedule a meeting with an OICS advisor as soon as possible to explore your options and ensure continued compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.
USCIS Filing Fee Increase
USCIS has announced fee adjustments for a variety of immigration forms and petitions, effective October 1, 2025. Notable changes include increases to:
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
- Form N-400 (Naturalization)
- Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document)
We encourage applicants to submit forms before September 30 if eligible under the current fee structure. USCIS Fee Rule Summary
UTD Student Counseling Center
The UTD Student Counseling Center provides FREE, confidential mental health support for enrolled students. Services include brief consultations, individual, group, and couples counseling, workshops, and psychiatric care designed around students’ needs and schedules. You can schedule a 30-minute initial consultation (via email or online), even choosing a virtual session in a private space on campus. For urgent support, the 24/7 UTD TALK hotline (972‑UTD‑TALK) is available.
Basic Needs Resource Center
The Basic Needs Resource Center supports UTD students facing non-academic challenges like food, housing, clothing, and parenting needs. They offers services including Temoc’s Closet (free clothing and hygiene supplies), emergency financial aid, menstrual access, and traction for foster-care alumni or student-parents.
Ensure Orion Data is Correct
Orion displays your citizenship or immigration status, which is used to determine key services such as eligibility for student health insurance. It is important to verify that this information is accurate. To check your current status in Orion, log in to Galaxy, navigate to Orion Student Center, and look under Personal Information > Demographic Data. If your status is incorrect (for example, if you are mistakenly coded as F-1), you may be automatically charged for international student health insurance. To request a correction, email us at OICS@utdallas.edu with a copy of your supporting documentation (e.g., I-797, green card, EAD, I-94, etc.).
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 is how you can update your emergency contacts.
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