Compliance Management

Compilation of Agency Initiatives from the Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions

NAFSA compilation of immigration-related regulatory actions in the current Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions that are most relevant to institutions that invite international students and scholars to the United States.

Key Takeaways from the December 5, 2017 DOL OFLC Stakeholder Meeting

Key Takeaways from the December 5, 2017 DOL OFLC Stakeholder Meeting.

Top Issues Reported in NAFSA IssueNet

Here you'll find ISS-RP summaries of the top 3-5 topics reported to IssueNet each quarter.

USCIS Policy Memo Provides Guidance on Itinerary Requirements for H-1B Petitions

On February 22, 2018, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published Policy Memorandum PM-602-0157, "relating to H-1B petitions filed for workers who will be employed at one or more third-party worksites."

IssueNet Quarterly Summary - January 2018

H1-B denials and the 60-day window. Multiple cases were reported of F-1 students whose H1B petitions were denied in early October and lost their 60 day grace period (immediate termination).

Accrual of Unlawful Presence and F, J, and M Nonimmigrants

April 15, 2025

On August 9, 2018, USCIS made fundamental changes to its policy on how an immigration status violation might lead to a finding that an F, M, or J nonimmigrant should be subject to the 3- or 10-year reentry bar provisions of INA 212(a)(9)(B). A February 6, 2020 nationwide permanent injunction blocked

SEVP Student Portal

The SEVP Portal "will allow F-1 students on post-completion optional practical training (OPT) and M-1 students participating in practical training to report address, telephone and employer information to SEVP without relying upon their designated school official (DSO) to update their information."

Key Takeaways from the March 13, 2018 DOL OFLC Stakeholder Meeting

The Employment-Based Subcommittee of NAFSA's International Student and Scholar Regulatory Practice Committee (ISS-RP) developed this list of key takeaways for practitioners in higher education, from notes taken at the Department of Labor Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) Stakeholder

DOS Proposes Adding Social Media, Other Questions to DS-160 Visa Application

On March 30, 2018 the Department of State (DOS) proposed adding several additional questions to Form DS-160 (nonimmigrant) and Form DS-260 (immigrant) visa applications, including questions on the applicant's social media identifiers, telephone numbers, email addresses, and international travel

USCIS Tightens Language on Employer-Employee Relationship and Third Party Placement for STEM OPT Students

USCIS has revised its STEM OPT page, focusing on the employer-employee relationship "requirement" and conditions for third party placements, for STEM OPT students and employers.