In response to concerns over the COVID-19 Omicron variant, a new Presidential Proclamation restricts entry to the United States by most noncitizens who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe in the 14-day period before their entry or attempted entry to the United States, with limited exceptions. The proclamation is effective on November 29, 2021.

On November 26, 2021 DHS will publish a Special Student Relief (SSR) notice for certain F-1 students who "are Hong Kong residents, regardless of country of birth." See NAFSA's page for links and background on SSR.

On November 19, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376). The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. A detailed analysis on the specific immigration provisions in the bill, including related supplemental fees, and next steps is now available to NAFSA members.

SEVP's November 15, 2021 Broadcast Message 2111-03, "Reminders for Designated School Officials to Assist F-1 Students with Applying for Optional Practical Training," asks DSOs to "ensure that students who apply for OPT are aware of" the requirement to obtain a DSO's OPT recommendation and updated OPT I-20 before submitting an OPT application to USCIS.

A summary highlighting the top issues reported through NAFSA IssueNet during Fall 2021 is now available.

The annual verification period for Principal Designated School Officials, Designated School Officials (PDSO/DSO) and Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers (RO/ARO) begins December 2, 2021. All SEVP-certified schools and U.S. Department of State-designated sponsors must complete the PDSO/DSO and RO/ARO annual verification by March 2, 2022.

On November 1, 2021, SEVP updated its COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to reflect its November 1, 2021 Policy Guidance: Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20.

On November 1, 2021, SEVP notified stakeholders that it has made permanent its policy allowing DSOs to electronically sign and send Form I-20.

On October 26, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a request for public input seeking comments on experiences with COVID-19-related flexibilities that have temporarily allowed employers to remotely examine an employee's identity and employment eligibility documents for I-9 purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic. USCIS is also interested in employer input on possible future remote document examination procedures. The request for public input notice contains a list of questions to assist commenters in developing feedback. Comments are due on or before December 27, 2021.

On October 25, 2021, President Biden issued a proclamation which, effective November 8, 2021, will lift the four current geographic travel ban restrictions, and replace them with a global requirement that "noncitizens who are nonimmigrants" traveling to the United States by air from any part of the world establish that they are fully vaccinated, with some limited exceptions. All air travelers will also continue to have to show results of a negative coronavirus test performed on a specimen taken during the three days preceding their flight's departure from a foreign country traveling to the United States, in addition to proof of vaccination.