On August 5, 2014 the ISS-RP Exchange Visitor Subcommittee conducted a liaison with the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) to discuss the Exchange Visitor Program. The call focused on staffing changes at ECA and the 24-month bar on repeat program participation.

Each year between December 2 and March 2 of the following year, Principal Designated Officials (PDSOs) and Responsible Officers (ROs) must update SEVIS to verify that all PDSOs, Designated School Officials (DSOs), ROs, and Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) at their respective schools or exchange

Changes to the China Reciprocity Schedule effective November 12, 2014 expand the validity period of the following visa types issued on or after that date: B-1 (visitor for business), B-2 (visitor for pleasure), F-1 and F-2 (academic students and their dependents), M-1 and M-2 (vocational students

On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced a series of executive actions to address critical immigration system needs while Congress continues to debate longer-term legislative measures.

Updates on DOL's plans to modernize the PERM program and relevant regulations.

A brief overview of are some practical suggestions on incorporating J Subpart A changes into your exchange visitor program.

On January 29, 2015, NAFSA submitted a letter to the Departments of Homeland Security and State (DHS and DOS) making recommendations on how to streamline and improve the nation’s legal immigration system. NAFSA's letter was in response to a December 30, 2014 Federal Register notice [79 FR 78458]

SEVP's brief sentence regarding CPT requirements creates some concern.

DHS rule effective May 26, 2015 allows certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants to apply to USCIS for work authorzation. A lawsuit is challenging the rule, USCIS is working on a proposed rule that would rescind the H-4 employment rule.