Compliance Management

Proposed Rulemaking on Reforming the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program

On August 24, 2026 the Department of Homeland Security 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

DHS Proposes $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions

On August 25, 2026 the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule that would establish an additional fee of $103,265 on all initial 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

DHS Rulemaking on OPT Fees

DHS Proposes Schools Pay $70,000 for Initial OPT Recommendation, $30,000 for Subsequent OPT Recommendations This is NAFSA's page on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) proposed rule titled, Optional Practical Training Fees . Shortlink to this

Elimination of D/S: Institutional Impacts and Adaptation

In this webinar, NAFSA colleagues from a variety of institution types discussed how the elimination of “duration of status” (D/S) is impacting their institutions and offices and how they are adapting their operations to address the changes. The presenters were not able to answer every question about

SEVP FAQ on Fixed Time Admission and Extension of Stay Procedure under DHS Final Rule

NAFSA has prepared below a single-page version of the SEVP FAQ that appears on the Study in the States website at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/final-rule-establishing-a-fixed-time-period-of-admission-and-an-extension-of-stay-procedure-faq. The SEVP FAQ page is organized by expandable question

Summer Refresh: Study Abroad Visas for Italy

On August 11, 2026, NAFSA’s Consular Affairs volunteers refreshed attendees' knowledge on the basics of study abroad advising. The Italy CAL team led a discussion focused on providing information and model practices designed to assist education abroad advisers as they guide their students to obtain

Summer Refresh: Study Abroad Visas for the UK

On August 4, 2026, NAFSA’s Consular Affairs volunteers refreshed attendees' knowledge on the basics of study abroad advising. The UK CAL team led a discussion focused on providing information and model practices designed to assist education abroad advisers as they guide their students to obtain

SEVP Broadcast Messages Tighten Curricular Practical Training Standards

Litigation update: On October 5, 2026, the Association of American Universities (AAU), Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) filed a lawsuit

DOS Guidance Directive 2026-01: Final Rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission for Exchange Visitors

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

DOS Launches Limited Expedited Nonimmigrant Visa Appointment Pilot Program

On July 22, 2026, the Department of State (DOS) announced a temporary pilot program allowing certain B visa applicants at U.S. embassies and consulates in Mexico to pay an additional fee for an earlier visa interview appointment, subject to availability. The pilot, which runs through December 31