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

Immigration and Visa Implications of First Amendment Activity by International Students and Scholars

International students and scholars are protected by the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which among other things prohibits Congress from making a law “abridging the freedom of speech… or the right of the people peaceably to assemble.” However, activity on and off campus that results in

Resources for Individuals Affected by Events in Lebanon

This NAFSA page collects U.S. government immigration resources for individuals affected by events in Lebanon. DOS Visa Processing Guidance The U.S. Department of State (DOS) published a page on U.S. Visa Guidance for Individuals Affected by Events in Lebanon, which covers both immigrant and

U.S. Directs Planes Carrying Persons Who Recently Traveled to Rwanda to Land Only at Three U.S. Airports

On December 6, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security published a Federal Register notice titled Termination of Arrival Restrictions Applicable to Flights Carrying Persons Who Have Recently Traveled From or Were Otherwise Present Within Rwanda . See 89 FR 96898 (December 6, 2024). Document

USCIS Updates EB-11 Extraordinary Ability Guidance in USCIS Policy Manual

On October 2, 2024, USCIS revised the Employment Based First Preference 1 (EB-11) "Extraordinary Ability" guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to: Confirm "that we consider a person’s receipt of team awards under the criterion for lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for

DOS Clarifies That J Visa Can Be Used Following Standard Program Transfer

On August 15, 2024, the Department of State (DOS) updated its Foreign Affairs Manual to allow use of an unexpired J-1 visa following a standard program transfer. Under the prior policy, an exchange visitor who traveled after transferring J programs needed a new J visa that reflected the transfer-in

USCIS Enterprise Change of Address Tool

The USCIS Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) tool allows individuals with pending applications, petitions, or requests to update their address online via their MyUSCIS account. This tool removes the need to update addresses in multiple places or submit a paper form. The tool is accessible to all

New Process to Submit Form I-515A Documentation By Email

On June 27, 2024, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced on Study in the States a new process to submit Form I-515A documentation via email to SEVP rather than mailing that documentation. The notice instructs: "Beginning June 26, 2024, F, M and J nonimmigrant student and exchange

Supreme Court Overrules Chevron Case

Demise of the the Chevron Doctrine In Loper Bright Enterprises et al. v. Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce, et al. (June 28, 2024), the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the 1984 decision that established the "Chevron Doctrine," determining instead that "courts may not defer to an agency interpretation of

Administration Policies on Parole in Place for Spouses of U.S. Citizens and D-3 Waivers for Dreamers

On June 18, 2024, President Biden announced two "new actions for people who have been here many years to keep American families together and allow more young people to contribute to our economy." Both the Department of State and Homeland Security have begun issuing statements and guidance on the

Title IX Regulations in the Study Abroad Context

April 29, 2024

On Monday, April 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education published their final rule titled Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance, which will amend the regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of