Compliance Management

Focus on China and Chinese Students and Scholars

Focus on China and Chinese Students and Scholars The Trump-Vance administration has been focusing on Chinese nationals in academic settings, citing concerns over intellectual property theft and espionage. This NAFSA page tracks these recent efforts as well as prior efforts. Trade-related leverage

SEVIS Release 6.82.2 to Revise SEVIS "Disciplinary Action" Page

June 9, 2025

SEVIS Release 6.82.2, implemented on May 30, 2025, revised the "Disciplinary Action" page in F-1/M-1 SEVIS RTI. The SEVIS Release 6.82.2 Planning Guide (May 21, 2025) described the changes as follows: Updated the Disciplinary Action page fields: Explanation of Disciplinary Action Taken: Added 1000

Harvard Suit Challenges Revocation of SEVP Certification

June 20, 2025

Key Takeaway A preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on June 20, 2025 currently blocks the Department of Homeland Security's revocation of Harvard University's SEVP certification, and preserves the "status quo" pending litigation in the case

2025 Immigration Classifications and Employment Quick Reference Guide

2025 Immigration Classifications and Employment Poster

New FAM Provision Focuses on F-1 "Sole Pursuit of Study" Requirement

Summary: On April 29, 2025 DOS added a new explanatory section to the Foreign Affairs Manual at 9 FAM 402.5-5(C)(1), titled Intent to Solely Pursue a Full Course of Study. However, the entire new section is unavailable to the public. The Immigration and Nationality Act at INA 101(a)(15)(F) [8 USC

DOS Adds New Reporting Requirements to EVP Incident Reporting Rubric

On May 15, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) sent an email alert to J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Sponsors to inform them that DOS revised the Incident Reporting Rubric for academic program sponsors by adding three new incident reporting requirements. The message states: "The Department has revised

SEVP Sends Notices to OPT Students Without Employer Information in SEVIS

May 16, 2025

In mid-May, 2025 NAFSA members reported that certain F-1 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) received a letter from SEVP titled “Student and Exchange Visitor Program: Notice of Failure to Report Optional Practical Training Employer and Exceeding Permissible Period of Unemployment,"

Primer on USCIS Authority to Request Interviews and Biometrics

USCIS Authority to Request Interviews and Biometrics Some DHS form instructions, processes, or regulations may specifically require the filer or beneficiary to appear for an interview and/or biometric data collection. DHS regulations also allow USCIS to require any “applicant, petitioner, sponsor

IssueNet Quarterly Summary - First Quarter 2025

IssueNet Quarterly Summary - First Quarter 2025 January, February, March, 2025 Highlighting the top issues reported through NAFSA IssueNet. Prepared by Theresa Johnson, University of Denver and Laure Bordas-Isner, University of Michigan. Top Issues SEVP Issue One: Since mid-March, NAFSA has been