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

U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021

U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 On February 18, 2021, Representative Linda Sánchez (D-CA) introduced in the House H.R.1177, a bill To provide an earned path to citizenship, to address the root causes of migration and responsibly manage the southern border, and to reform the immigrant visa system, and

Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel

February 4, 2021

Executive Order 13988 of January 21, 2021, Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel. Published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 7205 (January 26, 2021). President Biden's Executive Order 13988 of January 21, 2021, Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety

Visa and Immigration Reform

Cuba Placed Back on List of State Sponsors of Terrorism

Cuba was added back to the U.S. Department of State's list of State Sponsors of Terrorism effective January 12, 2021, in the final days of the Trump administration. It had previously been removed from the list on May 29, 2015, under the Obama administration. Currently there are four countries

COVID-19 Liability Waivers for Participation in Education Abroad

The resumption of some education abroad offerings in fall 2020 prompted institutions to add new, COVID-specific language into participation liability waivers or notifications for students. Education abroad offices should always consult with their legal counsel and risk management offices on

The Biden Administration Regulatory Freeze Memorandum

Memorandum: Regulatory Freeze Pending Review. January 20, 2021. Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, from Biden Chief of Staff Ronald Klain at the direction of President Biden. Published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 7424 (January 28, 2021). Sets varied temporary stops

Biden Administration Immigration Portal

July 22, 2022

This NAFSA page contains links to significant immigration-related changes and initiatives especially relevant to higher education, instituted by the administration of President Joe Biden. ( Click here to review executive actions taken under the prior Trump administration). NAFSA Recommendations to

IssueNet Quarterly Summary - Winter 2020

IssueNet Quarterly Summary - Winter 2020 October to December 2020 Highlighting the top issues reported through NAFSA IssueNet. Prepared by Brian Groves, Chair, Exchange Visitor Subcommittee, International Student and Scholar Regulatory Practice (ISS RP) Committee. Top Issues USCIS experiencing

The Foreign Agents Registration Act

According to the Department of Justice, the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) "requires certain agents of foreign principals who are engaged in political activities or other activities specified under the statute to make periodic public disclosure of their relationship with the foreign

SEVP Rescinds Message Announcing New SEVP Unit to Oversee Practical Training Compliance

January 26, 2021

UPDATE: On January 26, 2021, SEVP published Broadcast Message 2101-03, titled Rescinding Broadcast Message 2101-02: New SEVP Unit to Oversee Employment Compliance in the OPT Programs and Report on Impact on U.S. Workers, stating: "The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is rescinding