White House Hits Roadblock in Effort to Get Top Colleges to Agree to Deal
We’ve been following developments surrounding the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education that the administration is urging universities to sign onto. The Compact was initially sent to nine universities and has since been made available to institutions nationwide. Of the original nine, six have declined the offer, while two have expressed interest in further discussions.
In addition, the American Council on Education (ACE) has released a statement on behalf of its members opposing the Compact, citing concerns about its potential effects on academic autonomy and institutional governance. The response from universities and higher education organizations continues to grow, as many in the sector weigh the broader implications of the proposal.
The Trump administration offered it to nine colleges earlier this month, casting it as a means for schools to gain competitive advantage for federal and philanthropic benefits and invitations to White House events in return for what the administration described as compliance with civil rights law and “pursuing Federal priorities with vigor.”
The ideological tension was reflected during a call on Friday, which the White House organized and presented as a chance to workshop the terms of the compact in partnership with colleges and universities that had not yet responded, according to a person close to the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Read more on The Washington Post >
US Immigration Service Issues Guidance on Who Pays the $100,000 H-1B Fee
The administration issued updated policy guidance this week to clarify questions raised across the higher education sector regarding the Presidential Proclamation requiring a $100K H-1B visa fee. One of the most pressing concerns centered on whether the fee would apply to students applying after the effective date of September 21, 2025.
The new guidance provides a clear answer — and it’s good news for students. The update confirms that students have a pathway forward without being subject to the fee, offering much-needed clarity and reassurance for institutions and applicants alike.
The biggest takeaway for employers is that USCIS has clarified that the fee would not apply to a “change of status” cases where people change from one category to another without leaving the country, such as moving from F-1 student status to H-1B status.
Presidential Proclamation on Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers: “The Proclamation also does not apply to a petition filed at or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 21, 2025, that is requesting an amendment, change of status, or extension of stay for an alien inside the United States where the alien is granted such amendment, change, or extension. Further, an alien beneficiary of such petition will not be considered to be subject to the payment if he or she subsequently departs the United States and applies for a visa based on the approved petition and/or seeks to reenter the United States on a current H-1B visa.”
More on the H-1B Guidance from Shorelight
International Students Not Required to Pay $100K Employer-Related H-1B Fees
New guidance from the federal government clarifies that companies can hire international students who are studying in the US or have recently graduated without paying the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee. A preferred path to a work visa is created for international students with the announcement of this exemption.
We also have created a one-page explainer - please download and share!
