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

22cfr4161

April 6, 2020

22 CFR 41.61 - Students - academic and nonacademic. This resource is a reference aid developed by the NAFSA Adviser's Manual 360 team. This is not an official edition of the Code of Federal Regulations. For information on the official edition of the Code of Federal Regulations published by the

insoi2142f

Legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service Operations Instructions - OI 214.2(f) Source: USCIS web site. Text downloaded and formatted by NAFSA on November 6, 2017. Page since removed or relocated on USCIS website. Link now points to the archived version of the page on the Wayback Machine. Legacy

DOS Implements Automatic J-1 Program Extensions for Some in Response to COVID-19

April 2, 2020

On April 2, 2020, the Department of State (DOS) emailed exchange visitor program sponsors to inform them that DOS "will now push a two-month extension to program end dates in SEVIS on active records with a program end date between April 1 – May 31, 2020 in order to provide exchange visitors the

NAFSA Resources for Operational Resilience

NASFA offers these resources and guidance on crisis management for COVID-19 and other crises for the international education community. NAFSA hopes this information helps you, your programs, and your students during this challenging time.

EVP Sponsor Call QA - March 27, 2020

On March 27, 2020, the Department of State hosted a teleconference for J-1 exchange program sponsors. Reproduced below for convenience are the questions and answers arising out of that call, which are now posted on the Exchange Vistior Program's COVID-19 page. DOS divided the Q and A into five

OFLC Will Permanently Issue Electronic PERM Labor Certifications

On March 25, 2020, the Department of Labor Office of Foreign Labor Certification began sending approved permanent labor certifications by email, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On September 25, 2020, OFLC "announced that it is permanently adopting the electronic issuance of PERM labor

Department of State COVID-19 Global Health Advisory

August 6, 2020

UPDATE. On August 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of State removed the Level 4 (do not travel) global health advisory that had been in place since March 19, 2020, and returned to country-specific advisories. Read more on the DOS travel advisories web page. Also see the DOS COVID-19 Traveler Information

NAFSA Signs on to ACE Higher Education Association Letter to DOS and DHS on COVID-19

NAFSA signed on with other higher education associations to a March 16, 2020 American Council on Education (ACE) letter sent to the Departments of State and Homeland Security. Read the ACE Letter to DOS and DHS The letter asks for clarifications to the following questions: "Can students maintain

NAFSA Letter to DHS on Regulatory Issues and COVID-19

In a March 16, 2020 letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership, NAFSA Executive Director and CEO Esther Brimmer requested DHS exercise its discretion to allow for flexibility in adjudication of benefit requests and status determinations for international students and scholars who are

SEVP COVID-19 Guidance Sources

May 12, 2023

SEVP Ends COVID-19 Flexibilities On May 11, 2023, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) terminated its Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) guidance to coincide with the end of the COVID-19 National Emergency and Public Health Emergency. An updated FAQ provides answers to frequently asked