A separate client alert from Fragomen, dated 6 July and released within the past 24 hours, dissects the same Unified Agenda but focuses on two near-term rules many mobility teams have overlooked. First, DHS confirms it will publish the long-awaited final rule ending “duration of status” for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors and I-media representatives. Instead, entrants will receive a fixed I-94 that matches programme length (up to four years) and must file Form I-539 for any extension. Universities worry about higher advising workloads, while businesses anticipate more OPT/STEM OPT extension filings and potential employment gaps.
![Agencies Reveal 2026 Rule-Making Calendar: Fixed Admission for F/J/I and New Passport Requirement for Land-Border VWP Entries]()
For affected travelers and program sponsors who need help navigating these shifting requirements, VisaHQ offers an online platform that tracks visa validity, facilitates Form I-539 submissions, and streamlines ESTA processing; you can learn more at
Second, CBP plans to require all Visa Waiver Program travellers entering by land—primarily Canadians and Mexicans driving to the U.S.—to obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before arrival. Today, ESTA is mandatory only for air and sea entries. The change, slated for September, would bring land borders into regulatory parity and allow CBP to collect US $21 per traveller, netting an estimated US $200 million annually that funds travel-promotion initiatives. For companies with cross-border sales or service teams, the land-border ESTA requirement means new compliance steps and potential delays if drivers arrive without approval. Employers should audit frequent travellers, build automated ESTA reminders into travel-booking tools and consider company-paid reimbursement of the fee to avoid expense-report disputes. Finally, the same agenda signals fee increases for EB-5 investors and expanded biometrics for sponsors—items to watch later this year.
For affected travelers and program sponsors who need help navigating these shifting requirements, VisaHQ offers an online platform that tracks visa validity, facilitates Form I-539 submissions, and streamlines ESTA processing; you can learn more at
Second, CBP plans to require all Visa Waiver Program travellers entering by land—primarily Canadians and Mexicans driving to the U.S.—to obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before arrival. Today, ESTA is mandatory only for air and sea entries. The change, slated for September, would bring land borders into regulatory parity and allow CBP to collect US $21 per traveller, netting an estimated US $200 million annually that funds travel-promotion initiatives. For companies with cross-border sales or service teams, the land-border ESTA requirement means new compliance steps and potential delays if drivers arrive without approval. Employers should audit frequent travellers, build automated ESTA reminders into travel-booking tools and consider company-paid reimbursement of the fee to avoid expense-report disputes. Finally, the same agenda signals fee increases for EB-5 investors and expanded biometrics for sponsors—items to watch later this year.
