Major Immigration Updates

October 2021

Higher Education Associations Request White House/CDC Flexibility on Travel Policy for International Students and Scholars
October 14, 2021

On October 14, 2021, the American Council on Education (ACE), along with a number of higher education associations, wrote a letter to the White House Coordinator of COVID-19 Response and […]

September 2021

U.S.-Canada-Mexico “Non-Essential” Travel Restrictions Extended to 10/21/2021
September 22, 2021

UPDATED 09/22/2021: USDHS/USCBP has posted to the Federal Register that the Non-Essential travel restriction at land ports of entry between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico has been extended for an […]

USDOS Expands of In-Person Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility for F, M, and J academic visa types
September 15, 2021

On September 14, 2021, the U.S. Department of State announced an expansion of the ability for consular officers to waive in-person interviews, under certain criteria, for F, M, or J […]

August 2021

U.S.-Canada-Mexico “Non-Essential” Travel Restrictions Extended to 09/21/2021
August 24, 2021

UPDATED 08/23/2021: USDHS/USCBP has posted to the Federal Register that the Non-Essential travel restriction at land ports of entry between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico has been extended for an […]

USDOS Updates NIE Guidance and FAQ
August 18, 2021

On August 12, 2021, the U.S Department of State has updated their website posting on National Interest Exemptions (NIE) with some additional frequently asked questions (FAQ). Of specific interest is […]

Senators Ask USDOS To Speed Up Student Visa Processing
August 6, 2021

On August 6, 2021, a group of U.S. Senators, led by Senator Alex Padilla of California, sent a letter to Secretary Anthony Blinken at the U.S. Department of State to […]

July 2021

U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education Release Joint Statement in Support of International Education
July 26, 2021

On July 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education released a “Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education” at the 2021 EducationUSA Forum. […]

USCIS Announces New Policy Guidance on Change of Status Applications to F-1 Student Status
July 21, 2021

On July 20, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new policy guidance that eliminates the need for individuals who have applied for a change of status (COS) to […]

U.S.-Canada-Mexico “Non-Essential” Travel Restrictions Extended to 08/21/2021
July 21, 2021

UPDATED 07/21/2021: USDHS/USCBP has posted to the Federal Register that the Non-Essential travel restriction at land ports of entry between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico has been extended for an […]

USDOS Announces NIE Issued By US Embassy/Consulate Valid for Entry to US for 12 Months, Multiple Entries
July 9, 2021

On July 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of State announced an Extension of validity for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for Travelers from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the […]