Student & exchange

The Department of State is proposing changes to rules governing the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, which allows foreign nationals to participate in educational and cultural exchanges in the U.S. The update addresses procedures for program…

The Trump administration has issued a final rule targeting foreign student visa abuse. Details on the specific restrictions or compliance requirements are limited, but the rule appears designed to tighten oversight of F-1 and other student…

The State Department is updating the Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-7002) used for J-1 exchange visitor status. The department is seeking public comments on this form, which is required for students, scholars, and other exchange…

The U.S. Department of State is requesting public comments on an information collection for the Annual Report of the J nonimmigrant exchange visitor program, which tracks foreign nationals in cultural and educational exchange programs. The…

ICE is extending approval for Form I-515A, the Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor, which is used to notify students and exchange visitors of immigration violations or status issues. This administrative collection had no public comments…

DHS is revising the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) information collection, which tracks international students and exchange visitors in the United States. The revision follows a 60-day public comment period in…

DHS is revising the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) data collection to update paperwork requirements for student and exchange visitor tracking. The revision is under public review for comments. Public comments…

DHS is extending a currently approved information collection for Form I-515A, which is the Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor. The form is used to notify students and exchange visitors of violations or issues with their status. This is…

USCIS updated its policy manual guidance on optional practical training (OPT) eligibility for F and M nonimmigrant students, specifically regarding STEM field OPT extensions. The updated guidance clarifies when students may qualify for…

USCIS issued policy guidance on the two-year foreign residence requirement for J-1 exchange visitors, clarifying when and how the requirement applies and potential waivers. Exchange visitors and their sponsors should review the updated…

USCIS now offers premium processing for Form I-539 (status change) applications when the applicant is changing to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. Premium processing typically speeds up decisions in exchange for a fee.…