Latest Updates
- DOL Proposes Hiking Wage Calculations Used in Making Wage Level 1-4 Prevailing Wage Determinations The Department of Labor (DOL) published a proposal that would change the methodology it uses to calculate Wage Level 1 through 4 prevailing wage determinations used in the H-1 B, H-1B1, E-3 and PERM (EB-2 and EB-3) programs, to address what the administration asserts to be the current system's undercutting of the wages of U.S. workers. If finalized as proposed, the rule would raise wage determinations across all four wage levels. Public comments are due on or before May 26, 2026. See NAFSA's page.
- SEVP Broadcast Message Reminds DSOs to be Vigilant Against STEM OPT Employer Fraud. On March 23, 2026 the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent a Broadcast Message to remind designated school officials (DSOs) "to be vigilant in detecting and preventing fraud associated with [STEM OPT] employers, especially IT recruitment, consulting firms, and staffing agencies." See NAFSA's page.
- SEVP Consolidates Help Desk and DMV Email Boxes Into General SEVP Email Box. On May 22, 2026 the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will decommission the [email protected] and [email protected] (including alias [email protected]) group email inboxes. SEVP instructs users to instead "direct all those inquiries to [email protected]." Read more.
- Bipartisan Keep Innovators in America Act Introduced in House to Protect OPT. On March 19, 2026 Representatives Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8) introduced the bipartisan Keep Innovators in America Act (H.R. 8013). The bill would allow international students to maintain F-1 student status while engaging in optional practical training (OPT) and permit international students with pending or approved green card applications to maintain student status. You can Take Action through NAFSA's easy-to-use system to urge your representative to cosponsor the Act. See NAFSA's page.
- DOS Adds 12 More Countries to B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Program. On March 18, 2026 the Department of State (DOS) added 12 more countries to the B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Pilot Program, bringing the total of countries covered to 50. The latest 12 become subject on April 2, 2026 and include: Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia. Nationals of subject countries applying for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa (or B-1/B-2 visa) must pay a bond of $5K, $10K, or $15K before being issued a B-1 or B-2 visa. See NAFSA's page.
- DOS Rulemaking on Subpart C of the Exchange Visitor Regulations. On March 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of State submitted a proposed rule titled Exchange Visitor Rules: Records to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for regulatory review. The proposal, which has appeared on the Department’s regulatory agenda since Spring 2021, would replace the current provisions at 22 CFR 62.43 (Extension of program) and 22 CFR 62.45 (Reinstatement to valid program status) to align the regulations with the current functionality of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). According to the Spring 2025 regulatory agenda description, the rule would clarify when exchange visitor program sponsors may update SEVIS records to grant program extensions within category limits, correct minor or technical status violations, or request that the Department extend or reinstate a participant’s SEVIS record to valid status, as well as when such extensions or reinstatements are not available. These provisions are part of Subpart C of the Exchange Visitor Program regulations. See NAFSA's page.
Key Executive and Regulatory Actions
DHS Proposes Ending Duration of Status
In response to the DHS/ICE proposed rule to end "duration of status" for F, J, and I nonimmigrants, NAFSA prepared high-level guidance to assist institutions in submitting a comment letter, along with a non-technical "explainer" and an advocacy campaign to engage Congress.
Government Funding, Staffing, and Operations
The president's draft fiscal 2026 "skinny" budget proposes a 93 percent reduction in funding for State Department Educational and Cultural Exchanges, effectively dismantling the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and its programs. Urge Congress to defend and fund federal international education and exchange programs.
Vetting and Enforcement
The Department of State (DOS) announced that it finally issued the expected "new guidance" on social media vetting, and that consulates will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa appointments. It includes information on how consular officers should screen the social media and online presence of applicants applying for F, M, and J visas, and factors the consulates should consider as they resume scheduling student visa interviews
NAFSA Statements and Commentary
Expanded Travel Ban a Blow to U.S. Global Leadership
NAFSA issued a response to the December 16 travel ban by saying, in part: "Relying on travel bans to act as a shield rather than relying on the strength of U.S. vetting protocols is essentially a retreat from global engagement. Our isolationism will create a vacuum that other enterprising nations will gladly fill."
U.S. Economy Loses $1.1 Billion from Declining International Enrollment
An economic analysis of Fall 2025 international enrollment by NAFSA and JB International reveal that international students’ economic contributions to U.S. economies this fall dropped by $1.1 billion, costing the U.S. nearly 23,000 jobs.
NAFSA Responds to Declining Student Visa Issuance
"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. "The consequences are real: billions in lost economic activity, tens of thousands of American jobs at risk, and damage to the nation’s global competitiveness and innovation potential."
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