International Student and Scholar Services

Contributing to Comprehensive Internationalization

Crisis Management

Office Administration

Orientation, Retention, and Student Services Programming

Student and Scholar Advising

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

Enhancing ISSS Advising: The Role of AI in Streamlining Processes

In this live discussion, panelists explored the transformative impact of generative artificial intelligence on academic immigration offices. As universities and research institutions increasingly rely on global talent, the need for efficient and effective immigration processes has never been greater

USCIS: Current Issues

October 9, 2024

Since USCIS officials were unable to participate in-person in the 2024 NAFSA regional conferences, NAFSA proposed recording a session featuring USCIS officials to serve as a supplement to the agency-focused regional conference sessions. NAFSA’s Current Issues Sessions Working Group gathered your

Cultivating Excellence for Employment-Based Scholar Processing: Model Practices

This panel discussion outlined different approaches to developing an effective set of standard operating procedures and workflow with different types of software, communication with campus partners, scholars, and outside counsel in processing employment-based petitions. The content is relevant to

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

Driving Change in Professionalization within International Education

July/August 2024 By Kira Espiritu In our increasingly interconnected world, internationalization is a key priority for higher education institutions. Collaborative research projects, study abroad programs, and international partnerships are integral to fostering global citizenship and promoting

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

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 the law simply because a statute is

Breaking Records and Building Bridges

May/June 2024 By Shanna Saubert Iconically symbolized by Pierre de Coubertin’s design of five interlaced rings representative of the colors in all nations’ flags, the Olympic Games bring the world together in both official and unofficial diplomatic capacities. It is one of the largest de facto

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