Students aspiring to attend US universities may soon encounter additional hurdles due to a new regulation proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This rule mandates that all immigration applicants, including those seeking study visas, provide a range of biometric information, such as fingerprints, facial scans, ocular scans, and even DNA. The proposal significantly broadens the existing scope of biometric data collection, applying universally regardless of the applicant’s age or the specific immigration benefit being sought.
This proposed regulation, unveiled on November 3, 2025, is a key part of the DHS’s ongoing efforts to enhance identity verification and combat fraud within immigration procedures. According to a DHS statement, utilizing biometrics for identity verification and management will bolster the department’s capabilities to fight human trafficking, confirm biographical criminal history checks, and deter fraudulent activities. Furthermore, the rule extends to individuals involved in removal proceedings, granting the department expanded authority to collect and utilize biometric data in such cases.
Expanded Biometric Collection and DNA Testing
Under the new guidelines, DHS would possess the authority to gather multiple forms of biometric information. This includes, but is not limited to, facial and ocular imagery, fingerprints, voice prints, and even handwritten signatures. DNA testing would also be formalized and expanded to verify biological relationships or provide evidence of biological sex when pertinent to specific immigration benefit requests, as outlined in the DHS summary.
The rule also introduces a standard for “extraordinary circumstances” that may excuse applicants who are unable to attend their scheduled biometric service appointments. Additionally, it revises the requirements for demonstrating good moral character for certain categories of applicants, such as Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners and T nonimmigrant status applicants.
Who Would Be Affected
The proposed regulation impacts all individuals submitting immigration applications. This encompasses a broad spectrum of applicants, including those applying for study visas, work permits, asylum, naturalization, and permanent residency, unless explicitly exempted. It also extends to individuals currently undergoing removal proceedings, ensuring DHS can collect comprehensive biometric data from a wide array of applicants.
DHS defines “biometrics” in a comprehensive manner and formalizes reuse requirements, allowing the agency to store and utilize collected biometric data across multiple applications. This expansion represents a substantial increase in the department’s capacity to track and verify the identities of immigrants, a group that includes international students planning to pursue their education at US universities.
Public Comments and Submission Process
The rule is currently open for public comment for a period of 60 days. Submissions can be made via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. All comments must be submitted in English or accompanied by an English translation and should specifically refer to relevant sections of the proposed rule. DHS has clarified that emails, letters, or hand-delivered submissions will not be considered. The public comment period concludes on January 2, 2026, offering students, universities, and various stakeholders a crucial window to provide their feedback.
This proposed rule is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing initiatives to intensify scrutiny of immigration applications and enhance data collection on foreign nationals. Therefore, prospective students and applicants are strongly advised to closely monitor the DHS website for any further updates and to ensure full compliance with any new requirements once this rule is officially finalized. Navigating these evolving global policies is crucial for securing your overseas education. Consider seeking expert guidance to ensure a smooth application process.