Adviser's Manual 360

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is in the process of updating the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to implement changes called for by the final DHS rule eliminating duration of status (D/S). The final rule is scheduled to go into effect on September 15, 2026, and SEVP is planning for SEVIS Release 6.89.1 to go into effect on September 15, 2026 to include changes like separate F-1 functionalities for recommending a program extension (i.e., extension of the program end date) and recommending an extension of stay (EOS) in cases where an I-539 will be needed to extend the student's AUD to cover the period of program extension. The EOS recommendation would also be used for other actions that result in an extended program end date, such as transfer-in I-20s, reinstatements, moving levels, etc. when those actions also require an EOS.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) updated its set of "duration of status" (D/S) rule FAQs. The updates are clarifying updates and do not appear to introduce any surprises. They also incorporate some procedural aspects in line with the expected SEVIS release that will happen on September 14 at 8 pm to be ready on September 15.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio removed Syria from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism effective August 24, 2026, in response to Executive Order 14312 of June 30, 2025, Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions, which instructed the Secretary to “take all appropriate action to review the designation of Syria as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.” The country had been on the state sponsor of terrorism list since December 29, 1979. Three countries now remain on the list: Cuba, Iran, and North Korea.

On August 24, 2026 the Department of Homeland Security  (DHS) submitted an H-1B specialty worker-related proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review. Titled Reforming the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program, the package abstract included in the 2026 regulatory agenda says: "DHS proposes to reform the H-1B program by revising eligibility for cap exemptions, providing greater scrutiny for employers that have violated program requirements, and increasing oversight over third party placements, among other provisions. These changes are intended to improve the integrity of the H-1B nonimmigrant program and better protect U.S. workers’ wages and working conditions."

On August 12, 2026 and in an August 24, 2026 follow-up, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) published two broadcast messages that significantly narrow F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility standards, saying at one point that CPT may be granted only if the CPT training "is indeed a core and essential part of the student’s studies, without which, they would be unable to complete their degree." The Broadcast Messages also outlines possible consequences and DSO and school liabilities regarding CPT practices if it determines that "school officials are abusing CPT to create work opportunities rather than academic studies."

On August 25, 2026 the Department of Homeland Security will publish a proposed rule that seeks to establish an additional fee of $103,265 on all H‑1B cap‑subject petitions, payable at the time of filing. Cap-exempt H-1B petitions, such as those filed by institutions of higher education and other H-1B petitions not subject to the cap like those filed for individuals who have already been counted against the cap, would not be subject to this proposed additional fee.

On August 20, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) submitted a proposed rule package for OMB/OIRA review titled, Optional Practical Training Fees. This rule making was not included in the most recent Regulatory Agenda, and DHS included no other information regarding the package. However, media outlets had earlier reported that DHS may be planning to charge an exorbitant fee ($100,000) for filing an application for F-1 optional practical training (OPT), a staple of the F-1 student nonimmigrant category that allows students who complete a course of study to engage in one to three years of employment in their major field of study following their programs.

On August 18, 2026 NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Graduate Labor Organization, AFT Local 6516 (GLO), International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), United Auto Workers Local 2322, and the NewsGuild-CWA filed a complaint and a motion for preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) final rule ending the Duration of Status (D/S) framework for international students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign media.

On August 10, 2026, BridgeUSA, the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), produced Guidance Directive 2026-01: Final Rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission for Exchange Visitors (J Nonimmigrants), to provide "information on how sponsors shall fill out Form DS-2019 and maintain accurate SEVIS records" under the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) final rule eliminating duration of status (D/S) for F and J nonimmigrants effective September 15, 2026.

On July 15, 2026 the Department of State (DOS) announced that effective August 1, 2026 it is "realigning visa operations" at 25 posts in Africa into "regional hubs" that will process visa applications instead of the individual posts.