Compliance Management

USCIS Policy Manual Content on J-1 Exchange Visitors

USCIS has updated its USCIS Policy Manual with some helpful content on how the agency determines whether an applicant for change of status or adjustment of status has met the INA 212(e) foreign residence requirement. The updates confirm standard USCIS practices and review J-1 basics. For example

USCIS Proposed Rule on H-1B Modernization and F-1 Cap-Gap Flexibility

Update: On December 18, 2024, USCIS published the final rule titled Modernizing H-1B Requirements, Providing in the F-1 Program, and Program Improvements Affecting Other Nonimmigrant Workers. The rule is effective 30 days later, on January 17, 2025. Read the final rule published at 89 FR 103054

Immigration and Study Abroad Resources: Israel-Hamas Conflict

This page lists resources relevant to the Israel-Hamas Conflict for individuals engaged in international higher education. Advocacy See NAFSA's Statement: NAFSA Condemns Hamas Attack on Israel U.S. Government Resources Deferral of Enforced Departure (DED) Memorandum on the Deferred Enforced

USCIS: Current Issues

Since USCIS officials were unable to participate in-person in the 2023 NAFSA regional conferences, NAFSA proposed recording a session featuring USCIS officials to serve as a supplement to the agency-focused regional conference sessions. NAFSA’s Current Issues Sessions Working Group gathered your

SEVP Reactivates 180-Day Requested Status Job on OPT and OCE Applications

In SEVP Broadcast Message 2310-01, Reactivating 180-Day Cancellation Function on USCIS Applications in Requested Status (October 2, 2023), SEVP informed PDSOs and DSOs at SEVP-certified schools that: "On November 1, 2023, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) intends to reinstate the

Advising for Study Abroad Visas to Spain

As the Spanish consulates in the United States continue updating their processes for student visa servicing, join a discussion led by NAFSA's Consular Affairs volunteers for Spain focused on model practices for navigating these changes. In conversation with the Spain CAL team, learn more about these

SEVP Policy on Form I-983 Training Plan Electronic Signatures and Transmission

On September 18, 2023, SEVP confirmed in new policy guidance that the Form I-983 Training Plan used for STEM OPT benefits may be signed and transmitted electronically. NAFSA has transcribed the SEVP announcement below: New: Sign and Send the Form I-983 Electronically September 18, 2023 The Student

DOS Digital Visa Authorization Program

On September 8, 2023, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Bureau of Consular Affairs announced that DOS is working on "developing the capability to issue a digital visa authorization (DVA) instead of the traditional visa printed and placed in applicants' passports. The U.S. Embassy in Dublin is

NAFSA Nonimmigrant Visa Toolbox for Advisers

With certain exceptions, all nonimmigrants must have a valid nonimmigrant visa, issued in the specific category for which they wish to be admitted to the United States. This resource page can help campus-based advisers in their role as educators and facilitators of the nonimmigrant visa process

CIS Ombud Message on Timing of F-1 EAD Production After I-765 Adjudication

On August 15, 2023, the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) sent the following email to stakeholders to clarify that "premium processing timelines are separate from EAD production timelines," and to repeat USCIS's message that "F-1 EADs may take one to two