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

DHS Proposed Rule on Definition, Collection, and Use of Biometrics

Update USCIS withdrew this proposed rule, in a Federal Register notice published on May 10, 2021. Background for reference purposes In a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on September 11, 2020, DHS proposed to change the way it defines, collects, and uses biometrics. Read the proposed

H-1B Interim Final Rule on Strengthening the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program

USCIS published a final rule at 86 FR 27027 that "removes from the Code of Federal Regulations an interim final rule (IFR) issued in October 2020, which has since been vacated by a federal district court." The May 19, 2021 final rule restores the regulations to the state prior to the October 8, 2021

NAFSA Virtual Training and e-Learning FAQ

The following information has been put together specifically for the NAFSA Virtual Training and e-Learning offerings. Review the list of FAQs and reach out to NAFSA's Professional Learning Services to learn more about the trainings that are right for you. CEP e-Learning Course Virtual CEP Workshop

8cfr2045

September 1, 2020

8 CFR 204.5 Petitions for employment-based immigrants This resource is a reference aid developed by the NAFSA Adviser's Manual 360 team. This is not an official edition of the Code of Federal Regulations. For information on the official edition of the Code of Federal Regulations published by the

Broadcast Message 2008-03: SEVP to Mail Notices to OPT Students Without Employer Information

On August 28, 2020 SEVP sent DSOs Broadcast Message 2008-03: SEVP to Mail Notices to OPT Students Without Employer Information, informing them of its plan to mail notices to OPT students "who have not reported employer information and have exceeded 90 days of unemployment." The message SEVP plans to

Applying for a Social Security Number When Applying for an EAD on Form I-765

Update: No more concurrent Social Security Number requests on Form I-765. The current (08/21/25) edition of Form I-765 eliminated the optional Social Security Number request that had appeared on prior editions of the form since 2017. The Form I-765 page Edition Date note states: “Starting March 5

DOS Policy on Interview Waiver Eligibility

Revised Visa Interview Waiver Policy In a September 18, 2025 Interview Waiver Update, the Department of State announced that effective October 1, 2025 it will add "Applicants renewing an H-2A visa within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration when the prior visa was issued for full validity at the

CIP 2010 to CIP 2020 Conversion in SEVIS

Download the 2020 DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List from ICE.gov The conversion from CIP 2010 to CIP 2020 was accomplished in SEVIS Release 6.55, implemented on October 16, 2020. CIP codes are shared by all SEVIS categories, F, M, and J. SEVP's SEVIS Release 6.55 Planning Guide contains

Temporary Use of I-797 Approval Notices Due to COVID-19 EAD Production Delays

Due to past delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS has authorized temporary and limited use of an I-797 EAD approval notice (not a receipt notice) as a List C # 7 document that establishes employment authorization (but not identity) for I-9 purposes. To qualify: The I-797 approval notice must

USCIS Reminder to Enter OPT Employment Info in SEVIS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sent the following email to stakeholders on August 18, 2020. The message is also posted on the USCIS web site as a news alert. From: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Sent: August 18, 2020 Subject: USCIS Reminds