Regulatory Information

Exchange Visitors and Exchange Visitor Programs

Fees, Forms, Filing Procedures

Institutional Obligations and Compliance

International Faculty, Staff, Researchers

International Students and Schools

U.S. Immigration Systems, Data, Status, and Concepts

Visas, Travel, Entry

SEVP Broadcast Messages Tighten Curricular Practical Training Standards

On August 12, 2026 and August 24, 2026 the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) published two broadcast messages that significantly narrow F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility standards. The first Broadcast Message 2608-01 says at one point that CPT may be granted only if the

DOS Guidance Directive 2026-01: Final Rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission for Exchange Visitors

On August 10, 2026, BridgeUSA, the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), produced Guidance Directive 2026-01: Final Rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission for Exchange Visitors (J Nonimmigrants), to provide

DOS Launches Limited Expedited Nonimmigrant Visa Appointment Pilot Program

On July 22, 2026, the Department of State (DOS) announced a temporary pilot program allowing certain B visa applicants at U.S. embassies and consulates in Mexico to pay an additional fee for an earlier visa interview appointment, subject to availability. The pilot, which runs through December 31

IssueNet Quarterly Summary - Second Quarter 2026

April, May, June, 2026 Highlighting the top issues reported through NAFSA IssueNet. Prepared by Janica Cimo of University of Delaware and Katie Ahlman of University of Massachusetts. Top Issues USCIS Issue One: USCIS Premium Processing Delays for OPT/STEM OPT Multiple reports indicate that OPT, STEM

NAFSA Town Hall: Elimination of Duration of Status - Implications and Actions

On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published its final rule to end the Duration of Status (D/S) policy for F students and J exchange visitors and to impose new academic mobility restrictions on F-1 students. The rule takes effect on September 15, 2026. In this NAFSA Town Hall

Regulatory Perspectives: Final Rule Eliminating D/S and Imposing Academic Mobility Restrictions

On July 23, 2026, the NAFSA community came together for a discussion, led by NAFSA staff, of the final rule to eliminate “D/S” (duration of status) for F and J nonimmigrants and to impose new academic mobility restrictions on F-1 students. We compared the final rule to the proposed rule, highlighted

Redline Version of Final Changes to 8 CFR 214.2(j)

Redline version of final changes to 8 CFR 214.2(j) Using language from the final rule published at 91 FR 44976 (July 17, 2026), effective September 15, 2026 Compiled by NAFSA on July 22, 2026, as a visualizing tool only. Key: Deletions use the strike-through style New or revised language uses the

Hyperlinked TOC to the Final Duration of Status Rule Preamble

This table of contents is a navigational tool, processed from the headings within the legal text of Federal Register documents. This repetition of headings to form internal navigation links has no substantive legal effect. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: DATES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Redline Version of Final Changes to 8 CFR 214.2(f)

Red-line version of changes to 8 CFR 214.2(f) Using language from the final rule published at 91 FR 44976 (July 17, 2026), effective September 15, 2026 Compiled by NAFSA on July 20, 2026, as a visualizing tool only. Also see NAFSA's final rule analysis page. Key: Deletions use the strike-through

Department of Labor Prevailing Wage Determination Rulemaking

Department of Labor Prevailing Wage Determination Rulemaking On March 27, 2026 the Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register which seeks to revise the prevailing wage computation methodology DOL relies upon in its