Compliance Management

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

On August 12, 2026 and August 24, 2026 the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) published two broadcast messages that significantly narrow F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility standards. The first Broadcast Message 2608-01 says at one point that CPT may be granted only if the

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

Elimination of D/S: Special Issues for Quarter System Schools

Join NAFSA colleagues from institutions on the quarter academic calendar system to discuss 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 will not be able to answer every

Elimination of D/S: Institutional Impacts and Adaptation

Join NAFSA colleagues from a variety of institution types to discuss 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 will not be able to answer every question about the D/S

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

IssueNet Quarterly Summary - Second Quarter 2026

April, May, June, 2026 Highlighting the top issues reported through NAFSA IssueNet. Prepared by Janica Cimo of University of Delaware and Katie Ahlman of University of Massachusetts. Top Issues USCIS Issue One: USCIS Premium Processing Delays for OPT/STEM OPT Multiple reports indicate that OPT, STEM

NAFSA Town Hall: Elimination of Duration of Status - Implications and Actions

On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published its final rule to end the Duration of Status (D/S) policy for F students and J exchange visitors and to impose new academic mobility restrictions on F-1 students. The rule takes effect on September 15, 2026. In this NAFSA Town Hall

Regulatory Perspectives: Final Rule Eliminating D/S and Imposing Academic Mobility Restrictions

On July 23, 2026, the NAFSA community came together for a discussion, led by NAFSA staff, of the final rule to eliminate “D/S” (duration of status) for F and J nonimmigrants and to impose new academic mobility restrictions on F-1 students. We compared the final rule to the proposed rule, highlighted

Strategic Partnerships in Scholar Advising: Leveraging Outside Legal Expertise

Examine how scholar advisors and outside immigration counsel collaborate to support international scholars and manage complex immigration cases. The discussion included cultivating effective working relationships, navigating the decision-making in complex cases, and how scholar advisors and outside