This program is a valuable starting point for anyone new to international education. Designed for advisers, faculty, and administrators who interact with international students and scholars, this self-paced course introduces you to the foundational processes of how nonimmigrants establish and maintain their status in the United States. Successful support of these nonimmigrant students requires effective cross-campus collaboration between academic departments, administrative offices, and student services.
Through five comprehensive online modules, you'll explore various visa types (including F-1 and J-1), gain a deeper understanding of nonimmigrant status requirements, learn strategies for status maintenance, and discover approaches for effective cross-campus collaboration. Upon completing all requirements, you'll earn a NAFSA certificate of completion that validates your knowledge in this important field.
As a result of completing this on-demand program, you will be able to:
- identify various visa types most common on U.S. campuses,
- explain how nonimmigrant students obtain a U.S. immigration status,
- describe key issues in relation to maintaining nonimmigrant status in the U.S., and
- establish collaborative communication across campus departments to strengthen international student support.
Ready to start learning?
When you register, you will have 60 days to experience your content when it's convenient for you! Look for your access link in your registration receipt, on your MyNAFSA page, or by going directly to the learning portal.
For details on registering and accessing, review the FAQ page.
Build Your Competencies
NAFSA International Education Professional Competencies 2.0 outline the abilities, skills, and foundational knowledge necessary for successful international educators. Learn more about NAFSA Competencies 2.0.
This learning content targets the competency categories of Compliance Management and Communications.
Course Information
This on demand course is designed to provide you with asynchronous, self-paced learning where you will complete approximately three hours of interactive content. This course is divided into five (5) modules, and it is available immediately after purchase.
- Duration of Access: 60 days from the date of registration.
- Time Commitment: 30-60 minutes per module.
- Level: Introductory
- Course Type: On-Demand, self-guided.
Course Components
Module 1: Introduction
- Course Overview
- Key Terminology
Module 2: History and Terminology
- U.S. Immigration Events
- Important Terminology
- Knowledge Preview
Module 3: U.S. Regulatory Authority and Immigration Classification
- Immigrants vs. Nonimmigrants
- Visa Categories
- Law Governing International Students and Scholars
- U.S. Federal Agencies
- Ethics in International Education
Module 4: Obtaining and Maintaining Status and Benefits
- Obtaining Status
- Sponsorship and Institutions
- Maintaining Status and Benefits
- Benefits of Status
- Importance of Maintaining Status
- Scenario Application
Module 5: Campus Collaboration to Enhance International Student Experience
- Strategies for Collaborating with Multiple Campus Offices
- Study Abroad Office and Exchange Students/Scholars
- Helping International Students Study Abroad
- Successful Communication Between Offices