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

USCIS Premium Processing Fee Hike Effective February 26, 2024

USCIS Premium Processing Fee Hike Effective February 26, 2024 A final rule effective February 26, 2024 raises USCIS's premium processing fees as shown in the table below. See 88 FR 89539 (December 28, 2023). Forms I-907 postmarked on or after February 26, 2024 must be accompanied by the new filing

USCIS Policy Manual Guidance on F and M Students

November 26, 2024

On November 26, 2024, USCIS updated the USCIS Policy Manual section on F-1 Absences from the United States with a “technical correction” that removed a troublesome study abroad paragraph that appeared in the August 27, 2024 revision to the Policy Manual, replacing it with: “For information about

DOL Request for Information on Schedule A Occupations

On December 21, 2023, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on "Modernizing Schedule A to Include Consideration of Additional Occupations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Non-STEM Occupations." The RFI solicits from the public any input

SEVIS Support Contracts

Two DHS Acquisition Planning Forecast System (APFS) notices show that DHS plans recompetition solicitations for two contracts related to SEVIS. The first notice (October 27, 2023) is for the contract to “provide support to assist SEVP Federal staff with technical, analytical, and program support for

SEVP Guidance: Impact of Labor Strikes on F-1 Nonimmigrant Students

On November 6, 2023, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) published Impact of Labor Strikes on F-1 Nonimmigrant Students, a fact sheet and FAQ that interprets and applies F-1 regulations at 8 CFR 214.2(f)(14) regarding the effect of a DOL-certified strike on students on optional practical

Immigration-Related Initiatives in Artificial Intelligence Executive Order

On October 30, 2023 President Biden signed Executive Order 14110, titled Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence is abbreviated throughout the executive order as "AI." Read Executive Order 14110 on the White House website Executive Order

Immigration and Study Abroad Resources: Israel-Hamas Conflict

This page lists resources relevant to the Israel-Hamas Conflict for individuals engaged in international higher education. Advocacy See NAFSA's Statement: NAFSA Condemns Hamas Attack on Israel U.S. Government Resources Deferral of Enforced Departure (DED) Memorandum on the Deferred Enforced

USCIS: Current Issues

Since USCIS officials were unable to participate in-person in the 2023 NAFSA regional conferences, NAFSA proposed recording a session featuring USCIS officials to serve as a supplement to the agency-focused regional conference sessions. NAFSA’s Current Issues Sessions Working Group gathered your

SEVP Reactivates 180-Day Requested Status Job on OPT and OCE Applications

In SEVP Broadcast Message 2310-01, Reactivating 180-Day Cancellation Function on USCIS Applications in Requested Status (October 2, 2023), SEVP informed PDSOs and DSOs at SEVP-certified schools that: "On November 1, 2023, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) intends to reinstate the

SEVP Policy on Form I-983 Training Plan Electronic Signatures and Transmission

On September 18, 2023, SEVP confirmed in new policy guidance that the Form I-983 Training Plan used for STEM OPT benefits may be signed and transmitted electronically. NAFSA has transcribed the SEVP announcement below: New: Sign and Send the Form I-983 Electronically September 18, 2023 The Student