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

SEVP Reactivates 180-Day Requested Status Job on OPT and OCE Applications

In SEVP Broadcast Message 2310-01, Reactivating 180-Day Cancellation Function on USCIS Applications in Requested Status (October 2, 2023), SEVP informed PDSOs and DSOs at SEVP-certified schools that: "On November 1, 2023, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) intends to reinstate the

SEVP Policy on Form I-983 Training Plan Electronic Signatures and Transmission

On September 18, 2023, SEVP confirmed in new policy guidance that the Form I-983 Training Plan used for STEM OPT benefits may be signed and transmitted electronically. NAFSA has transcribed the SEVP announcement below: New: Sign and Send the Form I-983 Electronically September 18, 2023 The Student

DOS Digital Visa Authorization Program

On September 8, 2023, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Bureau of Consular Affairs announced that DOS is working on "developing the capability to issue a digital visa authorization (DVA) instead of the traditional visa printed and placed in applicants' passports. The U.S. Embassy in Dublin is

NAFSA Nonimmigrant Visa Toolbox for Advisers

With certain exceptions, all nonimmigrants must have a valid nonimmigrant visa, issued in the specific category for which they wish to be admitted to the United States. This resource page can help campus-based advisers in their role as educators and facilitators of the nonimmigrant visa process

CIS Ombud Message on Timing of F-1 EAD Production After I-765 Adjudication

On August 15, 2023, the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) sent the following email to stakeholders to clarify that "premium processing timelines are separate from EAD production timelines," and to repeat USCIS's message that "F-1 EADs may take one to two

Alternative Procedure for Remote I-9 Document Examination Beginning Aug. 1, 2023 for E-Verify Employers

July 26, 2023

DHS revised its I-9 regulations effective August 1, 2023, to create a framework that allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to authorize alternative I-9 document examination procedures. See 88 FR 47990 (July 25, 2023), Optional Alternatives to the Physical Document Examination Associated with

Broadening Public Participation and Community Engagement in the Regulatory Process

On July 19, 2023 the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sent a memorandum to the heads of executive departments and agencies, titled Broadening Public Participation and Community Engagement in the Regulatory Process. The memo describes a Biden Administration goal to better inform and engage the

USCIS Adds Basic J-1 Exchange Visitor Information to USCIS Policy Manual

USCIS has added basic information on J-1 exchange visitors to the USCIS Policy Manual, in a new Part D, Exchange Visitors (J). Read: USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2: Nonimmigrants, Part D, Exchange Visitors (J) [ 2 USCIS-PM D]. USCIS Policy Alert PA-2023-17 (June 8, 2023) describes policy highlights:

DOS EVP Rebrands as BridgeUSA

"BridgeUSA" is the brand identity of the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program (EVP). The re-branding was introduced on October 27, 2020. BridgeUSA's page Introducing BridgeUSA: A New Brand Identity for the Exchange Visitor Program contains a short video introducing the brand, and text that

EVP Guidance Directive 2023-01 Ends COVID-19 Flexibilities But Introduces New Interpretations on Hybrid or Virtual Work and Learning

June 14, 2023

A June 9, 2023 BridgeUSA Guidance Directive ends ECA's temporary COVID-19 flexibilities for J-1 exchange visitors and programs effective July 1, 2023, but introduces new interpretations on hybrid or virtual work and learning. BridgeUSA is the J Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) office within the