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 2020 Final Rule on Fees, Forms, and Related Changes

On August 3, 2020, DHS adjusted the fees USCIS charges for immigration and naturalization benefit requests, imposed new fees, revised certain fee waiver and exemption policies, and changed certain application requirements via the rule USCIS Fee Schedule & Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit

COVID-19: EVP Fall 2020 Guidance for College and University Sponsors on J-1 Nonimmigrant Exchange Visitors

On July 29, 2020, the Office of Private Sector Exchange sent the following email to university program sponsors, stating that: DOS will "continue to accept online coursework for college and university J-1 nonimmigrant exchange visitors that remain in active SEVIS status" For exchange visitors who

SEVP Broadcast Message on Applying March Guidance to Fall 2020

July 24, 2020

On July 24, 2020, SEVP posted a broadcast message on the ICE COVID-19 web page to clarify certain aspects of applying the March 2020 "status quo" guidance in the context of the Fall 2020 term. The broadcast message is reproduced below. Later the same day, SEVP posted "Clarifying Questions for Fall

Proposed Revisions to Permanent Labor Certification Forms

On July 20, 2020, the Department of Labor Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) posted a news item regarding public comment on proposed changes to the ETA 9089 permanent labor certification (PERM) form. Comments are due by September 18, 2020. Read NAFSA's comment letter (September 10, 2020)

USCIS Guidance on Use of Adjudicative Discretion

A USCIS adjudicator's decision to approve or deny many immigration benefit types is discretionary, which means that in addition to establishing threshold eligibility under regular requirements for the benefit, an applicant also has to demonstrate "that the request merits a favorable exercise of

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Town Hall: SEVP Fall 2020 Guidance

Event Dates

July 16, 2020

This town hall event featured a discussion of SEVP’s guidance for Fall 2020. We provided an update on related litigation and NAFSA’s liaison and advocacy efforts. We reviewed some key aspects of the guidance to consider as you plan for Fall 2020, and two Directors of ISSS offices shared their ideas

Litigation on SEVP Fall 2020 COVID-19 Guidance

July 24, 2020

States and Universities filed lawsuits in federal District Court against DHS and ICE over SEVP's Fall 2020 COVID-19 Guidance. The suits also asked for declaratory relief and temporary and permanent injunctive relief. DHS rescinds July 6 and 7 guidance and restores March guidance as "status quo." At

NAFSA IssueNet

All international education professionals are welcome to "Report an Issue" to NAFSA on the emerging obstacles or challenges they are encountering in the field. NAFSA members can "Get Help" on individual education abroad visa cases by connecting with a committee of their peers who liaise with foreign

Rescinded Fall 2020 SEVP COVID-19 Guidance

BREAKING NEWS. 3:09 pm July 14, 2020. In the Harvard/M.I.T. case, Judge Burroughs said: "I'm going to recite my understanding of the agreement on the record, and the parties can correct me if I'm wrong. The government has agreed to rescind the July 6 2020 policy directive and the frequently asked