Adviser's Manual 360

A reminder that the filing window for cap-subject H-1B petitions could begin as early as April 1, and that a rule effective January 17 changed the F-1 cap-gap benefits dates for the better. The new rule extends the cap-gap extension of F-1 duration of status and OPT employment authorization to April 1 of the relevant fiscal year, rather than October 1, a six-month increase (the fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30), and allows allows the H-1B petition to request an H-1B employment start date any time in the fiscal year for which such H–1B status is being requested, rather than specifying only an October 1 start date.

March 20, 2025. An INA 212(f) "travel ban" is expected soon, according to media and other sources. Media reports have identified some countries that may be subject to a ban during this first round, but there have been no official or public government communications on what countries might be included or the scope of any bans on particular countries.

Executive Order of March 20, 2025: Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities directs the Secretary of Education to "take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education" and to ensure that the allocation of any Federal Department of Education funds not support "'diversity, equity, and inclusion' or similar terms and programs promoting gender ideology."

On March 14, 2025 DHS published a Federal Register notice giving the public 60 days to comment on its plan to submit for OMB review a series of changes to DHS Form 7001, Request for Case Assistance. Individuals and employers use this form to request assistance from the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) when they are experiencing problems with USCIS during the processing of immigration benefits. Comments are due by May 13, 2025.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) offers students "some tips to help you prepare" for travel during spring break.

A New York District Court issued an order to block the removal from the United States of a student who is a lawful permanent resident of Palestinian background, following the student's arrest by ICE agents acting under Executive Order 14188, "Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism."

Two recent actions have rendered visa interview wait time information no longer available on the travel.state.gov website.

Preliminary OMB and Federal Register postings indicate that the form to be used to re-register nonimmigrants who turn 14 years old in the United States will be designated as "Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration).

New USCIS guidance requires young nonimmigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S. to "re-register" with USCIS within 30 days of their birthday, even if previously registered when entering the country. This may affect, for example, F-2, J-2, H-4 dependents and young F-1/J-1 students who entered before age 14. Most nonimmigrants who entered the U.S. at age 14+ (e.g., F-1, J-1, H-1B, etc.) are already automatically registered upon entry (as evidenced by their Form I-94) and DON'T need to re-register. The new registration process isn't available yet but USCIS will announce it when ready. This is also a good time to remind noncitizens to carry their registration document and timely report address changes. Visit NAFSA's page for more details.

Join us for a critical townhall discussion on the evolving landscape of international education policy 40 days into the new US administration. Our expert panel will examine the current status of Executive Orders affecting international education, explore NAFSA's strategic focus and approaches to these challenges, and share diverse perspectives from practitioners in the field. Our host, NAFSA CEO Fanta Aw will be joined by Simon Emmett of IDP Education as well as Rachel Banks, Caroline Donovan White, and Joann Ng Hartman from NAFSA. We'll conclude with an action-oriented conversation on future directions and collaborative solutions. This session provides essential insights for international education professionals seeking to understand and respond to the policy shifts impacting our work. Register today!