SEVIS Release 6.89.1 has not been implemented The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) prepared updates to 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 was scheduled to go

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

DHS Proposes Schools Pay $70,000 for Initial OPT Recommendation, $30,000 for Subsequent OPT Recommendations This is NAFSA's page on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) proposed rule titled, Optional Practical Training Fees . Shortlink to this

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

Litigation update: On October 5, 2026, the Association of American Universities (AAU), Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) filed a lawsuit

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

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

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