Reports and Insights
Dive deeper into U.S. immigration trends and policy changes shaping student experiences.
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J-1 Visa Sponsorship Options: A guide for employers, scholars, and schools
This SEVP guide explains how employers, universities, and J-1 scholars can pursue exchange visitor sponsorship when H-1B isn’t viable: companies generally can’t sponsor J-1s directly, instead partnering with a State Department-designated sponsor…
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Hiring International Students: An Employer’s Guide to F-1 and J-1 Work Authorization
U.S. employers often have extensive questions regarding the hiring of international students. This guide will explain the options and the processes to follow.
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Curricular Practical Training Update: Summary of Policy Changes by SEVP – August 2026
SEVP issued two August 2026 broadcast messages that significantly narrow how CPT eligibility is interpreted—redefining “integral” to mean strictly required for graduation (not just credit-bearing and major-related) and requiring a signed cooperative…
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Exchange Visitor Program: Termination of Program Participation, Extension of Program and Reinstatement to Valid Program Status
This proposed DOS rule, published July 30, 2026, updates J-1 Exchange Visitor Program regulations and is open for public comment until September 28, 2026 — it is not yet final. It clarifies…
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Review of Final Dept. of Homeland Security Rule: Loss of D/S
This resource from the International Student Resource Center summarizes a final DHS rule eliminating “Duration of Status” (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 visa holders and their dependents, effective September 15, 2026. Going…
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Understanding International Student Employment and Non-Study Activities in F-1 Status
This resource from the International Student Resource Center explains the boundaries between permissible student activities and unauthorized employment for F-1 visa holders, with a focus on helping students recognize compliance risks before…
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J-1 STEM International Scholar Sponsorship Initiative for U.S. Colleges and Universities
This Immigration Insights report examines the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA J-1 STEM Sponsorship Initiative, which allows colleges and universities to sponsor J-1 research scholars in STEM fields for placements at qualifying…
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DHS Proposed Rule on Duration of Status (D/S) – FAQs for International Students and Scholars
This Immigration Insights report provides a comprehensive set of FAQs for international students and scholars regarding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s proposed rule to eliminate the current “Duration of Status” (D/S)…
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DOL Proposed Rule on Prevailing Wages for Foreign Workers
This Immigration Insights report analyzes the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed rule to increase prevailing wage requirements for foreign workers across key visa programs, including H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM-based green card…
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Filing Guide: Form I-539 for Visa Status Extension or Change of Visa Status with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
This Immigration Insights guide provides a practical, step-by-step overview of filing Form I-539 to extend or change nonimmigrant status within the United States. It explains key filing pathways—including online vs. paper submission,…
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Understanding the H-1B Visa Lottery, and Options if Not Selected
This Immigration Insights report explains how the H-1B visa lottery system operates under the annual cap, including the newly implemented wage-based selection process that prioritizes higher-paid positions and reshapes selection probabilities for…
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Provisions and Possible Impacts of the DHS Final Rule Establishing a New Weighted H-1B Lottery System
This Immigration Insights report analyzes DHS’s final rule establishing a new weighted H-1B lottery system, set to take effect in February 2026, replacing the traditional random selection process. The analysis explains how…
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Changing to F-1 Status from Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
This Immigration Insights report explains the complex legal and practical considerations for individuals seeking to change from Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to F-1 student status as TPS designations face increased terminations and…
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U.S. Expansion of Travel Restricted Countries
This report analyzes the December 2025 expansion of U.S. travel restrictions and what it means for international students, scholars, and institutions. It breaks down the new proclamation taking effect January 1, 2026,…
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Review of Pending Dept. of Homeland Security Rule: Loss of D/S
This report examines a proposed Department of Homeland Security rule that would significantly reshape how F-1 and J-1 students—and their dependents—maintain lawful status in the United States. The analysis breaks down the…