Links to Regulations and Guidance
Welcome to the Beyond the Basics of F-1 Student Advising e-Learning course resource page. On this page, you will find all of the web resources referenced in the course, along with additional resources, and important updates.
Below is a list of helpful links to regulations and guidance related to F-1 Student advising. Throughout this NAFSA e-Learning course, you will be instructed to access these links for more information on a particular regulation or piece of guidance. Some links will take you directly to the NAFSA Adviser's Manual 360. Please be sure to log into your "MyNAFSA" account to access this information. Please be sure to log into the NAFSA website. You will have access to the Adviser's Manual throughout the course; afterwards, you will have access only if you maintain a valid Adviser's Manual license. If you are a NAFSA member, you will have access to IssueNet's Get Liaison Help function for the duration of your NAFSA membership. Finally, access to IssueNet's Report an Issue function is always available to both members and nonmembers who are logged in to the NAFSA website.
Module 2 - Foundations for Advising Policies
Resources
Regulatory Compliance
- The Code of Federal Regulations
- 8 CFR 214.1 (Requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status)
- 8 CFR 214.2(f) (F student regulations)
- 8 CFR 214.3 (School approval and reporting)
- 8 CFR 214.4 (Withdrawal of school approval)
- 8 CFR § 248 (Change of nonimmigrant status)
- SEVIS RTI User Manuals for Form I-20 and Form I-17
- Government Agency Policies and Guidance
- SEVP Policy: Messages, FAQs, and Other Guidance
- SEVP Help Hub on Study in the States
- DOS Policy: Chapter 9 Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM)
- NAFSA Adviser's Manual 360
- Regulatory Responsibilities Listed in 8 CFR 214.3
- DSO and PDSO Responsibilities
- SEVIS Reporting Requirements
- Records Maintenance
Module 3 - Ins and Outs of Transfers
Resources
School Transfer Road Blocks and SEVIS Transfer Release- Can a DSO refuse to release a terminated SEVIS record?: SEVP Transfer FAQ 1.1
- Can a DSO refuse to accept terminated SEVIS records?: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(8)(i)
Module 4 - Weighing Change of Status Options
Resources
Change of Status OptionsUSCIS Processing TimesVisa Applications and Security ClearancesDocuments Needed for Change of StatusDocuments for Applying for an F-1 VisaCommon Change of Status Scenarios- J-1/J-2 to F-1: Two-Year Home Country Physical Residence Requirement (INA 212 e)
- Need to file bridge applications to maintain status when SEVIS start date is deferred while change of status application is pending with USCIS
Module 5 - Advising Out-of-Status Students
Resources
Applying for Reinstatement Reinstatement Denials- Overstay Under INA §222(g)
- Unlawful Presence Under INA § 212(a)(9)(B)
- Is reinstatement possible if more than 5 monthshave passed?
- SEVP's Online DSO Training [Module 3, Lesson 4, Topic 2]
Module 6 - Complex Travel and Re-Entry Issues
Resources
Requirements for Travel and Re-entryVisa Application Process- U.S. Department of State's Website
- Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
- Visa information page of the U.S. consulate in Shanghai
- How to Handle SAO Delays: U.S. Department of State's Website
- Visa Denials: INA 221(g) and INA 214 (b)
- Information about SAO delays on the NAFSA Website
- 22 CFR 41.112(d)
- 8 CFR 214.1(b)(1)-(4)
- Adjacent Islands: INA 101(b)(5)
- State Sponsors of Terrorism
- SEVP's Guidance on I-515A Processing
- SEVP's Current Mailing Address: ICE Web site
- Correcting I-94s by Mail: Customs and Border Protection Web site
The form I-94 is now electronic and automated. See more information here:
Module 7 - On-Campus Employment and CPT
Resources
Off-Campus Employment- Definition of On-Campus Employment: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i)
- SSA's Model DSO Letter
- SAVE system (Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlements)
- Requirements for Evidence of Employment Status for an F-1 for General On-Campus Employment: RN 10211.270
- Option to apply for SSN on Form I-765 EAD application
Module 8 - OPT
Resources
Key Questions Regarding Pre- and Post-Completion OPT- Regulations on OPT
- SEVP Policy Guidance on OPT
- Date of Program Completion: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(i)(B)(2)
- DHS List of STEM-Designated Degree Programs
- 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(E)
- SEVP OPT Policy Guidance 1004-03
- 8 CFR 214.2(f)(12)(i)
- NAFSA Adviser's Manual
- DHS List of STEM-Designated Degree Programs
- E-Verify
- STEM OPT Hub on Study in the States
- USCIS webpage on the 24-month STEM OPT extension
- Preamble and text of the final 24-month STEM OPT rule in the Federal Register
- Principal paragraphs in 8 CFR governing the 24-month STEM OPT extension:
- 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C) (Principal provision governing 24-month STEM extensions)
- 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(E) (Periods of unemployment during post-completion OPT)
- 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(i)(C) (Applications and filing deadlines for 24-month OPT extension)
- 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(ii) (Additional DSO responsibilities)
- 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(iii)(A) (Employment authorization period for a 24-month OPT extension)
- 8 CFR 214.2(f)(12)(ii) (Additional reporting obligations for students with an approved 24-month OPT extension)
- 8 CFR 214.16 (Transition Procedures for OPT Applications for Employment Authorization)
- 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iv) (Interim 180 day work authorization while STEM OPT application is pending with USCIS)
Cap-Gap Extension