Compliance Management

USCIS Rule on Improving the H-1B Registration Selection Process and Program Integrity

March 15, 2024

On February 2, 2024 USCIS published a final rule effective March 4, 2024, titled Improving the H-1B Registration Selection Process and Program Integrity. Read the final rule published at 89 FR 7456 (February 2, 2024). The rule: Creates a new H-1B registration selection protocol for H-1B cap-subject

International Health Insurance for Study Abroad

Contributors from the 2023 Education Abroad Knowledge Community (EAKC) Health & Safety in Education Abroad subcommittee: Kim Priebe, University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill Derek Smallwood, Colorado State University International health insurance for students studying abroad is not just a

SSA Guidance Incorporating DHS and DOS Policy on Electronic Signing and Transmission of Forms I-20 and DS-2019

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated its Program Operations Manual System (POMS) to recognize DHS and DOS policies that allow DSOs and ROs to digitally sign and electronically transmit Forms I-20 and DS-2019. However, SSA has not updated its policies requiring letters supporting F-1

USCIS Plans Launch of H-1B Organizational Accounts and Online Filing of H-1B Forms I-129 and I-907

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched the following online functionality for H-1B petitions: Online organizational accounts "for non-cap filings and the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap season" that "will allow multiple individuals within an organization, such as a company or

USCIS Premium Processing Fee Hike Effective February 26, 2024

USCIS Premium Processing Fee Hike Effective February 26, 2024 A final rule effective February 26, 2024 raises USCIS's premium processing fees as shown in the table below. See 88 FR 89539 (December 28, 2023). Forms I-907 postmarked on or after February 26, 2024 must be accompanied by the new filing

USCIS Policy Manual Guidance on F and M Students

On December 20, 2023 USCIS added F and M student content to the USCIS Policy Manual. A Public Engagement Division message states: "This guidance consolidates existing policy. USCIS expects that this will provide welcome clarity to international students and U.S. educational institutions on a wealth

IE Competencies 2.0: Compliance Management; Relationship Cultivation; Risk Assessment & Crisis Management

In the fourth session of the IE Competencies 2.0 series, panelists highlighted the competencies of Compliance Management; Relationship Cultivation; and Risk Assessment & Crisis Management. Topics included how to: ensure activities and practices align with policies, laws, and standards; nurture

DOL Request for Information on Schedule A Occupations

On December 21, 2023, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on "Modernizing Schedule A to Include Consideration of Additional Occupations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Non-STEM Occupations." The RFI solicits from the public any input

SEVIS Support Contracts

Two DHS Acquisition Planning Forecast System (APFS) notices show that DHS plans recompetition solicitations for two contracts related to SEVIS. The first notice (October 27, 2023) is for the contract to “provide support to assist SEVP Federal staff with technical, analytical, and program support for

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NAFSA's Resident Immigration Expert Talks Shop: Q&A, Part I

December 4, 2023

David Fosnocht, NAFSA’s immigration regulation expert and director of immigration practice resources, sits down with the NAFSA blog team to talk about the NAFSA immigration resource suite. Read on to learn how you can elevate your expertise as an immigration adviser with our toolkit of practice