Compliance Management

ECA Asks Academic and Government Programs to Follow Guidance Governing ECA-Funded Programs

J-1 exchange visitor program sponsors may have recently received the below email message from the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Office of Academic and Government Programs, which references a March 12, 2020 announcement for ECA-funded exchange programs that

Online Coursework Taken Abroad Under School COVID-19 Policies

On the night of March 12, 2020, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) provided NAFSA with the following statement: “SEVP is committed to remaining flexible in allowing schools to make temporary procedural adaptations so nonimmigrant students can continue to make normal forward progress in

SEVP Broadcast Message 2003-01: COVID-19 and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M Students

August 7, 2020

On March 9, 2020, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent Broadcast Message 2003-01, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M nonimmigrant students, providing guidance on potential procedural adaptations for F and M nonimmigrant students

COVID-19 Guidance from DOS ECA for J-1 Exchange Program Sponsors

July 10, 2023

ECA Guidance Directive 2023-01 (June 8, 2023) ends ECA's temporary COVID-19 flexibilities for J-1 exchange visitors and programs effective July 1, 2023, but introduces new interpretations on hybrid or virtual work and learning. Guidance Directive 2023-01 will supersede the ECA's prior COVID-19

COVID-19 Restrictions on U.S. Visas and Entry

May 10, 2023

This page tracks U.S. visa and entry restrictions related to COVID-19. See NAFSA's Coronavirus Critical Resources Page for related information and resources. Page Contents COVID Vaccine Requirement for Nonimmigrant Air Travelers End May 11 (updated 05/10/2023) Geographic Proclamations No Longer in

Advisory on Online and Distance Education Strategies in the Context of COVID-19

"The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in most schools using on-line or distance education modalities as part of their strategy to mitigate interruptions to coursework. This has both academic implications, which apply to domestic and international students alike, and immigration questions, because of the

IssueNet Quarterly Summary - July 2019 to January 2020

Top Issues from July 2019 – January 2020 Travel Issues Multiple reports of students arriving at CBP, having their visas revoked, and being sent home either via withdraw of their application for admission or via expedited removal. These cases included the following scenarios: Chinese students accused

Vetting Partners for Success in International Education

As institutions and organizations expand globally, identifying contracts, vendors, agents, and other critical partners have become a vital part of a successful international education strategy. Selecting and managing these partnerships is a critical skill for any international educator. In this live

Visa Options and Strategies for Academic Clinical Programs

One of the more complicated challenges that international offices face is providing visa options for short-term trainees, students, and visitors with patient or animal care responsibilities. This text-based Q&A session provided perspectives from a variety of institutions on managing visitors with

Changes to Veterans Benefits for Education Abroad

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced new guidance to the way veteran’s educational benefits can be used for education abroad programs. Members of NAFSA’s Education Abroad Regulatory Practice Committee and a School Certifying Official from the University of Colorado Boulder