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

3D illustration of checklist on paper in shades of pink

Washington Wrap-Up

January 11, 2022

While 2021 was a challenging year for international education—the COVID-19 pandemic ensured that!—together, we in the NAFSA community realized a number of public policy and regulatory practice gains that are of real significance to the field’s recovery. Advocate voices like yours were central to

DHS Entry/Exit Overstay Report

Each year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) generates a "report to provide data on departures and overstays, by country, for foreign visitors to the United States who were expected to depart in each Fiscal Year." DHS posts the annual overstay reports on its Entry/Exit Overstay Report page

DOS Proposes Sharp Increases to Visa and 212(e) Waiver Fees

The Department of State (DOS) proposed sharply raising key visa and processing fees, in a proposed rule published at 86 FR 74018 (December 29, 2021), as indicated in the table below. NAFSA joined other higher education associations in a February 28, 2022 comment letter led by the American Council on

DOS Restores Helpful F Student Residence Abroad Guidance to FAM

On December 20, 2021, the Department of State (DOS) updated the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) used by consular officers, to restore helpful distinctions to the residence abroad requirement for F students. Restoration of this guidance was one of NAFSA's specific recommendations to DOS. Here is the new

Geographic COVID-19 Entry Proclamations

Update: Proclamation 10329 of December 28, 2021, A Proclamation on Revoking Proclamation 10315, revoked the southern Africa entry ban effective 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on December 31, 2021. Sources: Proclamation 10329 of December 28, 2021, A Proclamation on Revoking Proclamation 10315

SEVP Broadcast Message 2111-03: Reminders for Designated School Officials to Assist F-1 Students with Applying for Optional Practical Training

On November 15, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent Broadcast Message 2111-03 - Reminders for DSOs to Assist F-1 Students with Applying for OPT. This SEVP reminder relates to the 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(i)(B)(2) requirement that students must file their application for standard

IssueNet Quarterly Summary - Fall 2021

August, September, October 2021 Highlighting the top issues reported through NAFSA IssueNet. Prepared by Edyta Mika-Klimczak & Jennifer Glass, Members of the International Student and Scholar Regulatory Practice (ISS RP) Committee. Top Issues Visa and Entry Issues Many embassies and consulate

A Conversation with our Education Abroad Partners: COVID and Beyond

Study abroad during a global pandemic would be even more challenging (if not impossible) without partner organizations, providers—our friends and colleagues who are the boots on the ground and the destination-specific experts. Universities rely heavily on our partners to provide healthy and safe

SEVP Policy Guidance: Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20

Download: SEVP Policy Guidance: Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20 On November 1, 2021, SEVP notified stakeholders that it made permanent its policy allowing DSOs to electronically sign and send Form I-20: "On Nov. 1, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

COVID Vaccine and Test Requirements for U.S. Entry

May 16, 2023

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for International Travelers to the United States Ended on May 12, 2023 As of May 12, 2023, nonimmigrant travelers to the United States are no longer subject to the requirement that they be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccination before boarding an