Compliance Management

Stricter F-1 Residence Abroad Language in FAM

On August 8, 2017, DOS revised its FAM guidance on assessing residence abroad for F-1 students, by removing helpful prior language that had encouraged consular officers to consider the "inherent difference" between a young F-1 visa applicant and a short-term B visa applicant. The new FAM entry now
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DOS Review of J-1 College and University Student Category

The Department of State's Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs has been systematically reviewing J exchange visitor categories for several years. On September 29, 2017, DOS sent a broadcast message to J program stakeholders, notifying them that it has begun reviewing the College and University
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Practical Training Reform

This NAFSA page provides resources and information on government initiatives regarding F-1 practical training, focusing mostly on optional practical training (OPT). Practical Training Advocacy See NAFSA's page: The Benefits of F-1 Optional Practical Training Grass-roots advocacy : If you reside in a
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