Summary: On April 29, 2025 DOS added a new explanatory section to the Foreign Affairs Manual at 9 FAM 402.5-5(C)(1), titled Intent to Solely Pursue a Full Course of Study. However, the entire new section is unavailable to the public. The Immigration and Nationality Act at INA 101(a)(15)(F) [8 USC

On May 15, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) sent an email alert to J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Sponsors to inform them that DOS revised the Incident Reporting Rubric for academic program sponsors by adding three new incident reporting requirements. The message states: "The Department has revised

USCIS Authority to Request Interviews and Biometrics Some DHS form instructions, processes, or regulations may specifically require the filer or beneficiary to appear for an interview and/or biometric data collection. DHS regulations also allow USCIS to require any “applicant, petitioner, sponsor

IssueNet Quarterly Summary - First Quarter 2025 January, February, March, 2025 Highlighting the top issues reported through NAFSA IssueNet. Prepared by Theresa Johnson, University of Denver and Laure Bordas-Isner, University of Michigan. Top Issues SEVP Issue One: Since mid-March, NAFSA has been

Updates: May 22, 2025. Nationwide Preliminary Injunction Issued. A California District Court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking DHS from arresting and incarcerating, transferring, imposing any adverse legal effect, and reversing reactivation of SEVIS records of individuals who are