Latest Updates
- Tell NAFSA About Your Institution-Specific and Program-Specific D/S Issues. July 23, 2026. As we continue developing resources and planning events on the final D/S rule, NAFSA needs to hear from you about program-specific and institution type-specific issues. These might include, for example, community college-specific issues, health care institution-specific issues, STEM focused institution-specific issues, intensive English program-specific issues, allied health program-specific issues, and pathway programs-specific issues, among others. In short, we are looking for issues that you think may have been or may be overlooked in the discussion of how the final rule applies broadly to most institutions and programs. We want to ensure that no interest within the NAFSA community is overlooked. Please submit these issues to IssueNet "Report an ISS Issue" so we can gather, organize, and try to respond to them. And please help us by describing precisely the issues of concern.
- DHS Final Rule Eliminating Duration of Status for F and J Nonimmigrants Becomes Effective September 15, 2026. On July 17, 2026 DHS published its final rule to end "duration of status" (D/S) for F, J, and I nonimmigrants in favor of a fixed admission period. The rule will become effective on September 15, 2026. Until then, the current regulations will continue to fully govern all aspects of F and J practice. Consult NAFSA's page for links and analysis of the final rule, which we will update as insight and understanding progress.
- Agencies Publish 2026 Regulatory Agenda. The 2026 regulatory agenda was posted on Reginfo.gov in July, 2026. Among other items, F-1 practical training is still on the agenda, as well as several employment-based packages relating to prevailing wages, PERM, and H-1B reform. See NAFSA's page.
NAFSA Statements and Commentary
NAFSA Responds to OPT Abuse Allegations
NAFSA issued a response to ICE allegations of the OPT program, highlighting the field’s commitment to ensuring compliance with all U.S. immigration laws and asserting both the value of SEVIS and the Optional Practical Training program.
Declining Student Visa Issuance a Costly Trend
"International students today have more choices than ever, and if the United States signals that they are not welcome, they will simply go elsewhere," said Fanta Aw, NAFSA CEO.
Fewer International Students Cost U.S. Economy $1.1 Billion
An economic analysis of Fall 2025 international enrollment by NAFSA and JB International reveal that international students’ economic contributions to U.S. economies in dropped by $1.1 billion, costing the U.S. nearly 23,000 jobs.
Related Resources
2026 Policy Digest
A chronological compilation of U.S. government policy and regulatory developments and related advocacy activities, updated on a monthly basis.
Connecting Our World
Connecting Our World is NAFSA's weekly newsletter that distills the top policy and regulatory developments affecting international education and identifies how members of the field can use their voice to take action in simple but meaningful ways.
Helpful Resources
Helpful resources from NAFSA and others on initiatives under the Second Trump Administration