Immigration Guidance
Updates and insights for schools and advisors.
Featured Resources
This is ISRC's interactive tool that helps F-1/J-1 students and scholars determine their new I-94 "Admit Until Date," grace period, and I-539 extension requirements under the incoming "Loss of D/S" rule taking effect September 15, 2026 (currently facing a court challenge).
Fixed Admission and the “loss of D/S” rule for J-1 exchange visitors and program sponsors
What is the new ‘Loss of D/S’ Regulation, and how will it impact international students in F or J status?
Who the F-1 visa is for, plus I-20 and SEVIS basics, financial requirements, and how to stay in status as a full-time student.
FAQs
Understand the J-1 212(e) waiver process, the four grounds for approval, and when to apply before pursuing H-1B or permanent residence.
Find out when you can change your J-1 category, why approval is rare, and how the process affects your status and future exchange programs.
Compare the J-1 Research Scholar and Professor categories, their primary activities, shared rules, and how to choose the right program.
Learn who qualifies for the J-1 Research Scholar category, eligible activities, the 5-year limit, and key requirements for participating in the program.
Explore your visa options after OPT or Academic Training, including J-1, H-1B, O-1, and green card pathways to remain in the U.S.
See when the reduced $800,000 EB-5 investment applies, which projects qualify, and how targeted areas can offer visa set-aside benefits.
Understand what qualifies as specialized knowledge for an L-1B visa, who meets the standard, and how USCIS evaluates eligible positions.
Find out how the H-1B annual cap works, who qualifies for the master's cap, and which employers are exempt from the H-1B lottery.
Understand how much you need to invest for an E-2 visa, what "substantial investment" means, and the requirements for a qualifying business.
Review the 10 EB-1A extraordinary ability criteria, the three-criteria requirement, and how USCIS makes its final eligibility decision.
Find out when you can file Form I-130 and Form I-485 together, who qualifies for concurrent filing, and how a spouse's status affects timing.
Understand how the National Interest Waiver (NIW) lets eligible EB-2 applicants self-petition without employer sponsorship or labor certification.
See which professions qualify for a TN visa, the education requirements, and how your job offer and qualifications must match USMCA rules.
Understand what extraordinary ability means for an O-1 visa, the evidence USCIS requires, and how applicants qualify under the eligibility criteria.
Find out when your J-2 spouse and children can stay in the U.S. while you travel abroad, and when your absence could affect their status.
Compare J-1 and H-1B visas for postdocs, including green card planning, work authorization, costs, and key differences before choosing.
Helpful Guides
This is ISRC's interactive tool that helps F-1/J-1 students and scholars determine their new I-94 "Admit Until Date," grace period, and I-539 extension requirements under the incoming "Loss of D/S" rule taking effect September 15, 2026 (currently facing a court challenge).
Fixed Admission and the “loss of D/S” rule for J-1 exchange visitors and program sponsors
What is the new ‘Loss of D/S’ Regulation, and how will it impact international students in F or J status?
The most common employment green cards for graduates with a U.S. job offer, plus the National Interest Waiver, which can skip the job offer entirely.
Who the F-1 visa is for, plus I-20 and SEVIS basics, financial requirements, and how to stay in status as a full-time student.