Compliance Management

DOS Restores Helpful F Student Residence Abroad Guidance to FAM

On December 20, 2021, the Department of State (DOS) updated the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) used by consular officers, to restore helpful distinctions to the residence abroad requirement for F students. Restoration of this guidance was one of NAFSA's specific recommendations to DOS. Here is the new

Geographic COVID-19 Entry Proclamations

Update: Proclamation 10329 of December 28, 2021, A Proclamation on Revoking Proclamation 10315, revoked the southern Africa entry ban effective 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on December 31, 2021. Sources: Proclamation 10329 of December 28, 2021, A Proclamation on Revoking Proclamation 10315

SEVP Broadcast Message 2111-03: Reminders for Designated School Officials to Assist F-1 Students with Applying for Optional Practical Training

On November 15, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent Broadcast Message 2111-03 - Reminders for DSOs to Assist F-1 Students with Applying for OPT. This SEVP reminder relates to the 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(i)(B)(2) requirement that students must file their application for standard

IssueNet Quarterly Summary - Fall 2021

August, September, October 2021 Highlighting the top issues reported through NAFSA IssueNet. Prepared by Edyta Mika-Klimczak & Jennifer Glass, Members of the International Student and Scholar Regulatory Practice (ISS RP) Committee. Top Issues Visa and Entry Issues Many embassies and consulate

A Conversation with our Education Abroad Partners: COVID and Beyond

Study abroad during a global pandemic would be even more challenging (if not impossible) without partner organizations, providers—our friends and colleagues who are the boots on the ground and the destination-specific experts. Universities rely heavily on our partners to provide healthy and safe

SEVP Policy Guidance: Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20

Download: SEVP Policy Guidance: Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20 On November 1, 2021, SEVP notified stakeholders that it made permanent its policy allowing DSOs to electronically sign and send Form I-20: "On Nov. 1, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

COVID Vaccine and Test Requirements for U.S. Entry

May 16, 2023

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for International Travelers to the United States Ended on May 12, 2023 As of May 12, 2023, nonimmigrant travelers to the United States are no longer subject to the requirement that they be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccination before boarding an

Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-⁠19 Pandemic

October 28, 2021

Also see NAFSA's page COVID Vaccine and Test Requirements for U.S. Entry for a summary and analysis of the proclamation. Source: The White House Briefing Room; also published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 59603 (October 28, 2021). A Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel

COVID-19 Flexibilities Regarding Form I-9

January 12, 2023

On October 11, 2022, DHS extended its COVID-19 Form I-9 flexibilities until July 31, 2023, due to "continued safety precautions related to COVID-19." The message FINAL REMINDER: DHS Ended COVID-19 Temporary Policy for Expired List B Identity Documents - 07/22/2022 on I-9 Central's Temporary Policies

List of Visa Waiver Program Countries

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for 90 days or less without obtaining a U.S. B-1 or B-2 visa. Those entering for business purposes as defined in INA 101(a)(15)(B) are admitted in WB status. Those