U.S. Immigration Systems, Data, Status, and Concepts

SEVP External Training Application

SEVP is developing the SEVP External Training Application (SETA), to replace the current DSO Online Training modules that have been in place for more than a decade.

Proposal to Replace Duration of Status

DHS proposed eliminating the duration of status (D/S) admission period with "a maximum period of authorized stay, and options for extensions, for each applicable visa category." DHS withdrew the proposal on July 6, 2021.

Trending Regulatory Issues

NAFSA members facilitate the goals of international educational exchange while ensuring institutional and individual compliance with applicable laws and government policies. This page describes major immigration-related issues of concern to international educators. Consult NAFSA's Regulatory

GAO Report Recommends DHS Enhance Fraud Controls Over Schools

In a March 18, 2019 report titled, "Student and Exchange Visitor Program: DHS Can Take Additional Steps to Manage Fraud Risks Related to School Recertification and Program Oversight," the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommends that DHS "further enhance controls over schools

Presidential Memorandum on Combating High Nonimmigrant Overstay Rates

April 24, 2019

A Presidential Memorandum on Combating High Nonimmigrant Overstay Rates (April 22, 2019) directs the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and State (DOJ, DHS, DOS) to take the following actions: Within 120 days of the memorandum: DOJ, DHS, and DOS must "provide to the President recommendations

SSA Resumes Sending No-Match Letters

May 3, 2018

In March 2019 the Social Security Administration (SSA) resumed sending EDCOR notices, commonly known as "no-match" letters. SSA sends these notices to employees or employers when a name or Social Security Number (SSN) reported on Form W-2 or on self-employment reports does not match SSA's records

DACA Resource Page: For International Student Advisers and Education Abroad Advisers

NAFSA's resource page on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), for International Student Advisers and Education Abroad Advisers.

2018 SOC and OES Revision Process

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey is the default source of wage data utilized by DOL's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) to make prevailing wage determinations for the H-1B and other temporary programs, as well as the PERM permanent labor certification program. The OES

Study Abroad for International Students: A Guide for Education Abroad Professionals

This resource provides a framework to consider, collaborate, and communicate with the international student and scholar services (ISSS) office for advising international students who wish to study abroad as a component of a U.S.-based education.

DOL Final Rule On Labor Certification Validity Period, Substitutions, Payments, and Fraud

DOL final rule effective July 16, 2007 establishing 180-day validity period of approved labor certs, prohibition on substitution of beneficiaries, and restricting payment of labor certification costs to the petitioning employer.