URGENT: Presidential Proclamation Restricting H-1B Entry


Keeli Nelson, International Advisor Senior, and Emily Lee, International Advisor
Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, 10:15 a.m.
Deans, Directors and Department Chairs

Dear Campus Leader,

Noted below is a message recently distributed to H-1B visa holders from Human Resources based on the President Trump’s executive order issued Friday. We will share more information with deans, directors, and chairs as additional details become available.

Office of the Provost

                                                                                                                                                                                            

Subject: URGENT: Presidential Proclamation Restricting H-1B Entry

Dear Colleagues,

On September 19, 2025, the President issued a proclamation that restricts the entry of H-1B workers currently outside the U.S. unless their sponsoring employer pays an additional $100,000 fee.

The proclamation takes effect September 21, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time and is scheduled to remain in place for 12 months, through September 21, 2026, unless extended.

While the proclamation is signed, logistics and implementation details from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State (DOS) have not yet been published, creating uncertainty as to how this policy will be enforced at U.S. consulates and ports of entry.

Currently we advise:

  • If you are in H-1B status and are in the U.S., we advise that you do not depart and that you remain in the U.S.
  • If you are outside the U.S. we advise that you return prior to the proclamation taking effect, we understand that this is not logistically possible in most cases given the extremely limited notice provided.
  • If you are outside the U.S. unable to return prior to the proclamation taking effect, please reach out to us so that we are aware of your situation.
  • While the proclamation does not reference H-4 dependents, we also recommend that they remain in the U.S. as well.

We are still gathering information and will provide updates as we know more.

Thank you,

Keeli Nelson & Emily Lee

 

Human Resources

The University of Kansas

https://humanresources.ku.edu/international-employment