Feds Skip Rules to Speed Up California Border Wall Build

2026-14439, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media

Starting September 15, 2026, students, exchange visitors, and foreign media reps will get a fixed time to stay in the U.S. instead of an open-ended status. This change helps the government keep better track of who’s following the rules and makes extending stays clearer. It affects F, J, and I visa holders and could mean more careful planning and paperwork, but no new fees are mentioned.

2026-13392, EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022; Ensuring the Integrity of the EB-5 Program; Automatic Revocation of Petitions for Immigrant Classification

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 shakes up the investor visa program by making sure only serious investors who create real jobs get green cards. It affects foreign investors and regional centers, adds new rules to stop fraud, and sets a deadline for public comments by August 31, 2026. This means more trust and transparency in the program, with changes rolling out soon and investments under closer watch.

2026-13137, Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf

Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.

2026-11285, Clarification of Discretionary Employment Authorization for Certain Aliens

The Department of Homeland Security wants to clear up who can get special work permission if they’re temporarily allowed in the U.S. for urgent reasons, have deferred action, or are released under supervision. They’re also tightening rules for people with certain criminal records, unless helping law enforcement is involved. You’ve got until August 4, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or costs change yet, just a heads-up on new rules.

2026-09007, Fee Adjustment for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Form I-246, Application for a Stay of Deportation or Removal

If you’re applying to pause your deportation or removal with Form I-246, get ready for a fee jump from $155 to $755! This change helps cover the real costs since the fee hasn’t changed since 1989. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new fee kicks in.

2026-08699, Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast

The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.

Previous: 2025-05991, Submission for Review: Request for Change to Unreduced Annuity, RI 20-120, 3206-0245

If you get an unreduced annuity, this update affects you! OPM is bringing back a form to help you request changes, with a few small tweaks to make it easier. This means you can update your annuity info smoothly, without extra hassle or delays.

Next: 2025-05994, Notice of Effectiveness of Exempt Wholesale Generator Status

In March 2025, a bunch of solar, wind, and energy storage companies officially got a special status called Exempt Wholesale Generator. This means they can sell electricity wholesale without some usual rules, helping them operate more smoothly and possibly save money. If you’re involved with these companies, this change is already in effect and could speed up their energy projects.