Compliance Management

USCIS Launches H-1B Organizational Accounts and Online Filing of H-1B Forms I-129 and I-907

In February, 2024 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) launched the following online functionality for H-1B petitions: Online organizational accounts that "will allow multiple individuals within an organization, such as a company or other business entity, and their legal representatives

USCIS Premium Processing Fee Hike Effective February 26, 2024

USCIS Premium Processing Fee Hike Effective February 26, 2024 A final rule effective February 26, 2024 raises USCIS's premium processing fees as shown in the table below. See 88 FR 89539 (December 28, 2023). Forms I-907 postmarked on or after February 26, 2024 must be accompanied by the new filing

USCIS Policy Manual Guidance on F and M Students

November 26, 2024

On November 26, 2024, USCIS updated the USCIS Policy Manual section on F-1 Absences from the United States with a “technical correction” that removed a troublesome study abroad paragraph that appeared in the August 27, 2024 revision to the Policy Manual, replacing it with: “For information about

IE Competencies 2.0: Compliance Management; Relationship Cultivation; Risk Assessment & Crisis Management

In the fourth session of the IE Competencies 2.0 series, panelists highlighted the competencies of Compliance Management; Relationship Cultivation; and Risk Assessment & Crisis Management. Topics included how to: ensure activities and practices align with policies, laws, and standards; nurture

DOL Request for Information on Schedule A Occupations

On December 21, 2023, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on "Modernizing Schedule A to Include Consideration of Additional Occupations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Non-STEM Occupations." The RFI solicits from the public any input

SEVIS Support Contracts

Two DHS Acquisition Planning Forecast System (APFS) notices show that DHS plans recompetition solicitations for two contracts related to SEVIS. The first notice (October 27, 2023) is for the contract to “provide support to assist SEVP Federal staff with technical, analytical, and program support for

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NAFSA's Resident Immigration Expert Talks Shop: Q&A, Part I

December 4, 2023

David Fosnocht, NAFSA’s immigration regulation expert and director of immigration practice resources, sits down with the NAFSA blog team to talk about the NAFSA immigration resource suite. Read on to learn how you can elevate your expertise as an immigration adviser with our toolkit of practice

Facilitating Effective Student Data Transfer

In an era of international education, student mobility, and ever-advancing technology, student data must also travel to meet the needs of learners and educational institutions alike. International organizations, led by the work of the Groningen Declaration Network (GDN), promote digital student data

SEVP Guidance: Impact of Labor Strikes on F-1 Nonimmigrant Students

On November 6, 2023, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) published Impact of Labor Strikes on F-1 Nonimmigrant Students, a fact sheet and FAQ that interprets and applies F-1 regulations at 8 CFR 214.2(f)(14) regarding the effect of a DOL-certified strike on students on optional practical

Holistically Vetting New Education Abroad Program Providers

Contributors from the 2023 Education Abroad Knowledge Community (EAKC) Jessica Fetridge, Northwestern University Emily Dougherty, Cornell University Vetting new partners is an important part of adding new programs for affiliation or exchange. Education Abroad offices should have clear processes and