Compliance Management

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

Coronavirus Critical Resources

August 24, 2023

NAFSA assembled these resource links to help navigate issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This content is being maintained for reference purposes.

Community Colleges and Best Practices for Working with Financial Aid Offices

Contributors: Casandra Rubio, Study Abroad Administrative Specialist, Mt. San Antonio College John Morris, Study Abroad Specialist, Citrus College Jerry Hensel, IT Professor and Study Abroad Faculty Program Leader, Valencia College Community college education abroad administrators may encounter

DOS Limits Use of B Visas for Birth Tourism

A Department of State (DOS) final rule prohibits consular officers from issuing B visas if they determine the applicant's principal purpose is what the administration calls "birth tourism." See 85 FR 4219 (January 24, 2020), effective on the date of publication. DOS published this as a direct final

Department of State Office of Private Sector Exchange Discusses Results of Exchange Visitor Survey

On August 1, 2019, the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Private Sector Exchange conducted a webinar with NAFSA partners to present findings from the College and University Student Exchange Visitor Survey. The survey was conducted from May 6 – 29, 2019 to a representative, random sample of 1,560