The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is in the process of updating the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to implement changes called for by the final DHS rule eliminating duration of status (D/S). The final rule is scheduled to go into effect on September 15, 2026

Syria was removed from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism effective August 24, 2026. Three countries now remain on the list: Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. Background Syria had been on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism since December 29, 1979. But Executive Order 14312 of June 30, 2025

On August 24, 2026 the Department of Homeland Security submitted an H-1B specialty worker-related proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review. Titled Reforming the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program, the

On August 25, 2026 the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule that would establish an additional fee of $103,265 on all initial H‑1B cap‑subject petitions, payable at the time of filing. Cap-exempt H-1B petitions, such as those filed by institutions of higher education and other H

On August 20, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) submitted a proposed rule package for OMB/OIRA review titled, Optional Practical Training Fees . This rule making was not included in the most recent Regulatory Agenda, and DHS included no

NAFSA has prepared below a single-page version of the SEVP FAQ that appears on the Study in the States website at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/final-rule-establishing-a-fixed-time-period-of-admission-and-an-extension-of-stay-procedure-faq. The SEVP FAQ page is organized by expandable question