Compliance Management

J-1 Advising: Intermediate

August 5 - 7, 2026 | 2:00 pm

Sharpen your advanced J-1 advising expertise through analysis of complex case studies, regulatory interpretation strategies, and institutional policy development designed for experienced Responsible Officers seeking to enhance their decision-making capabilities. Learn more!

J-1 Advising for Beginners

Build essential J-1 advising skills through foundational training in federal regulations, SEVIS reporting requirements, and practical compliance strategies designed specifically for new Responsible Officers (RO) and Alternate Responsible Officers (ARO). Take the next step!

F-1 Advising: Secondary Students

This workshop contains specific content that secondary school Designated School Officials (DSOs) need to best assist F-1 students. Learn the rules that affect your F-1 students and your role in serving them. Gain key compliance information for the DSO’s role, learn how to respond to common requests

F-1 Student Advising: Intermediate

November 4 - 6, 2026 | 2:00 pm

Elevate your advanced F-1 advising expertise through intensive training that tackles complex cases, aligns federal regulations with campus policies, and implements best practices for consistent institutional compliance. Find out more!

ECA Pauses ECA-Funded Exchange Visitor Programs

On May 12, 2020 the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, "all ECA-funded in-person exchange programs will remain paused until further notice." This extends indefinitely for now the 60-day temporary pause that ECA had put into place

Interpreting Immigration Regulations and Sources of Authority

The COVID-19 Pandemic has resulted in a flood of information and guidance from all of our partner agencies as we navigate this crisis together. Even in non-crisis times, it can be difficult to understand the seemingly competing sources of authority and regulations that govern regulatory practice

I Nonimmigrant Media Representatives from the PRC No Longer Admitted for D/S

Under a final DHS rule published May 11, 2020 but effective May 8, 2020, representatives of foreign information media holding passports from the People's Republic of China (PRC) will be admitted to the United States in I nonimmigrant status only for the period necessary to accomplish the authorized

Optional Practical Training Resource: Understanding the Online and Mailed Application and Troubleshooting Processes

Compiled by NAFSA members: Hanna Bliss, Laure Bordas-Isner, Sarah Brockmeyer, Joshua Davis, Michelle Massey, and Nusha Shishegar. Last updated January 26, 2023. The resource includes helpful tips on: Documents Needed to File for OPT Troubleshooting Resources: Rejected and Denied Applications

COVID-19 Public Charge Issues

A number of questions have arisen about how receipt of certain services or payments during the COVID-19 pandemic might constitute receipt of a public benefit that could trigger a public charge determination or the public benefit condition (see NAFSA's page for background on the public charge/public

Suspension of In-Person Services at Local USCIS Field Offices

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended its temporary suspension of routine in-person services at local USCIS field offices by 30 days, now saying on its website that such services will continue to be suspended "through at least June 4." The original suspension announced on March