International Student and Scholar Services

Contributing to Comprehensive Internationalization

Crisis Management

Office Administration

Orientation, Retention, and Student Services Programming

Student and Scholar Advising

Biden Administration Immigration Portal

January 22, 2025

This NAFSA page contains links to significant immigration-related changes and initiatives especially relevant to higher education, instituted by the administration of President Joe Biden (January 20, 2021 - January 20, 2025). NAFSA Recommendations to the Biden Administration Visit NAFSA's Rebuilding

Liz Cosgrove Ford

Liz currently serves as Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services at the University of North Texas where she leads a team of F1 advisors and staff to support nearly 11,000 international students. Liz began her career in International Education in 2001 teaching English as a

Crisis Management and Mental Health Publications

One major lesson from 2020: Plan how to respond to crises and support colleagues and students during tough times—before the need arises. To help international educators care for themselves, their students, and their colleagues, NAFSA provides resources for preparing for whatever the future may hold.

Supporting Exchange Visitor Programs: A Question & Answer Resource

Chamu Gowrishankar, Wayne State University, 2020 KC ISSS Liaison, Region V; 2021 Region V Chair-elect Julie Wilbers, UT Health San Antonio, KC ISSS International Scholar Advising (ISCA) Network Leader This Q&A resource outlines considerations for supporting the mission of the Exchange Visitor

USCIS Changes I-765 Filing Addresses for F-1 Students

On January 8, 2020, USCIS changed the filing addresses for F-1 student I-765 filings, including F-1 OPT (pre-completion, post-completion and STEM OPT), off-campus employment with an international organization, and off-campus employment due to severe economic necessity. (Note: Always check the USCIS

Survey Design 101: Collecting Effective Survey Data in International Education

How can international educators design surveys to collect information that is accurate, informative, and actionable? This Collegial Conversation explores how international educators can create effective surveys to inform their practice and advocate for their work. Panelists will discuss the basics

Universities as Global Villages: Supporting International Students on Campus

Download the December 2020 Report By Santiago Castiello-Gutiérrez, PhD, and Kelber Tozini, MS Since the United States is the number one destination in the world for international students (Institute of International Education 2019), the expectations are high for the country’s colleges and

J Change of Category During The COVID-19 Pandemic

In March 2020, the Department of State Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) began regularly approving other category changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, the ISS RP Exchange Visitor Program Subcommittee developed a quick review guide of the regulatory basis, sources of authority and

Managing Stakeholders and Your Team’s Needs

Amid increasing regulatory responsibilities and declining budgets, effective policy development, communication, onboarding, and cross-training are even more crucial to the success of an international education office. Such activities must also take into account stakeholder needs. During this

Factors Influencing International Student Enrollment Growth and Decline

November 6, 2020

Latest Updates Active International Student Quick Facts March 2021 Update Updated data source: September 2020 SEVIS data SEVP data show there were a total of 905,277 active international student records in September 2020. Data covering August 2018 to January 2020 demonstrate an average decline of 1