Compliance Management

SEVIS Release 6.23, implemented on December 6, 2015, contained changes related to F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) as well as other important changes.

NAFSA Engagement Summaries NAFSA member volunteers regularly attend or tune in to agency stakeholder meetings and public engagements. Below you'll find summaries and resources stemming out of those engagements. NAFSA IssueNet Quarterly Trend Reports USCIS Engagement Summaries DOL-OFLC Engagement

August 31, 2015 Department of State letter to exchange visitor program sponsors, providing an overview of Exchange Visitor Program accomplishments over the past year, and future initiatives and plans.

DHS published the final 24-month STEM OPT rule in the Federal Register at 81 FR 13039 (March 11, 2016).

SEVP issues “Stakeholder Response Report” to address Issues raised at 2015 NAFSA Annual Conference.

The Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 (signed into law on December 18, 2015 as part of the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Public Law 114-113), imposes new restrictions on use of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

NAFSA comments on proposed changes to the OES wage survey.

NAFSA letter to USCIS asking the agency to favorably consider STEM OPT applications filed after May 9 that were accompanied by a 17-month STEM OPT recommendation, and denied on that sole basis.

This DOS Guidance Directive confirms that a visa that was prudentially revoked because of a DUI arrest or conviction does not necessarily invalidate a J-1 nonimmigrant's immigration status, as long as he or she remains in the United States. However, the Directive goes on to state that sponsors

Beginning November 29, 2016, travelers with a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visa in a Peoples Republic of China (PRC) passport will be required to enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) in order to be admitted to the United States in B-1 or B-2 status.