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

NAFSA Letter to DHS on Regulatory Issues and COVID-19

In a March 16, 2020 letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership, NAFSA Executive Director and CEO Esther Brimmer requested DHS exercise its discretion to allow for flexibility in adjudication of benefit requests and status determinations for international students and scholars who are

SEVP COVID-19 Guidance Sources

May 12, 2023

SEVP Ends COVID-19 Flexibilities On May 11, 2023, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) terminated its Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) guidance to coincide with the end of the COVID-19 National Emergency and Public Health Emergency. An updated FAQ provides answers to frequently asked

SEVP Broadcast Message 2001-05: 2019 Novel Coronavirus and F and M nonimmigrants

March 14, 2020

On January 29, 2020, SEVP issued Broadcast Message 2001-05, its first in a series of Coronavirus guidance messages. It is reproduced below, and available on the ice.gov website. Make sure to read this first Broadcast Message in the context of the subsequent SEVP guidance that amends, clarifies and

SEVP March 13, 2020 COVID-19 Follow-Up Guidance

March 14, 2020

On March 12, 2020, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) provided NAFSA with the following statement: “SEVP is committed to remaining flexible in allowing schools to make temporary procedural adaptations so nonimmigrant students can continue to make normal forward progress in their program

ECA Asks Academic and Government Programs to Follow Guidance Governing ECA-Funded Programs

J-1 exchange visitor program sponsors may have recently received the below email message from the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Office of Academic and Government Programs, which references a March 12, 2020 announcement for ECA-funded exchange programs that

Online Coursework Taken Abroad Under School COVID-19 Policies

On the night of March 12, 2020, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) provided NAFSA with the following statement: “SEVP is committed to remaining flexible in allowing schools to make temporary procedural adaptations so nonimmigrant students can continue to make normal forward progress in

SEVP Broadcast Message 2003-01: COVID-19 and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M Students

August 7, 2020

On March 9, 2020, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent Broadcast Message 2003-01, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M nonimmigrant students, providing guidance on potential procedural adaptations for F and M nonimmigrant students

COVID-19 Guidance from DOS ECA for J-1 Exchange Program Sponsors

July 10, 2023

ECA Guidance Directive 2023-01 (June 8, 2023) ends ECA's temporary COVID-19 flexibilities for J-1 exchange visitors and programs effective July 1, 2023, but introduces new interpretations on hybrid or virtual work and learning. Guidance Directive 2023-01 will supersede the ECA's prior COVID-19

COVID-19 Restrictions on U.S. Visas and Entry

May 10, 2023

This page tracks U.S. visa and entry restrictions related to COVID-19. See NAFSA's Coronavirus Critical Resources Page for related information and resources. Page Contents COVID Vaccine Requirement for Nonimmigrant Air Travelers End May 11 (updated 05/10/2023) Geographic Proclamations No Longer in

Advisory on Online and Distance Education Strategies in the Context of COVID-19

"The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in most schools using on-line or distance education modalities as part of their strategy to mitigate interruptions to coursework. This has both academic implications, which apply to domestic and international students alike, and immigration questions, because of the