News Archive

News Articles

In March 2020, ICE/SEVP issued government guidance for the COVID-19 emergency for international students who were currently enrolled in the US and those who were admitted for programs of study.

April 27, 2021

On April 26, 2021, the US Department of State (DOS) updated its National Interest Exception (NIE) page to expand certain NIE eligibilities to all countries subject to a geographic COVID-19 entry ban.

April 07, 2021

President Bollinger joined sixteen other Presidents and Chancellors of New York State colleges and universities in a letter sent to the U.S. Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Acknowledging that events beyond our control may get in the way of realizing this goal, President Bollinger hopes that in-person classes, students living on campus, and academic and research activities can fully resume this fall, while recognizing the “need to have an adequate and sympathetic accommodation process in place… especially [for] our international students who may not be able to return to campus."

February 18, 2021

NAFSA published a copy of the February 18, 2021 email message from the Public Engagement Division of USCIS, in which they acknowledge the impact that the delay in receipting and processing OPT applications has had on F-1 student applicants, and provide clarifications and an update on what they are doing to address the problem.

February 09, 2021

Fraudulent emails and phone calls are a huge problem, and we all need to be vigilant in recognizing them and avoid giving up personal information--and our money! Please refer to the following information to help identify scams and phishing and how to report them to the proper authorities.

February 04, 2021

President Biden’s proclamation on January 25, 2021 added South Africa to the list of countries with COVID-19 related travel restrictions. These restrictions will remain in effect “until terminated by the President”.

February 02, 2021

The American Council on Education (ACE) sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on behalf of 46 higher education associations to advocate for actions that will welcome and support prospective and current international students and ...

January 26, 2021

President Biden issued a proclamation on January 20, 2021 that revoked several Presidential Proclamations and Executive Orders from the Trump administration. The Department of State updated their U.S. Visa News section on January 22, 2021 with the following information that pertains to nonimmigrants.

January 26, 2021

President Biden issued a memorandum on January 20, 2021 “... to ensure that the President’s appointees or designees have the opportunity to review any new or pending rules.” Paragraph 2 of the memorandum requires that all rules from the previous administration that were pending publication in the Federal Register but were not yet published ...

January 26, 2021

On January 26, 2021, ACE (American Council on Education) sent a letter to USCIS regarding the critical situation of extensive delays in receipting and adjudicating OPT applications at USCIS lockbox locations. These delays cause extreme anxiety and jeopardize employment opportunities of OPT applicants.

January 14, 2021

CDC Media Statement:"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expanding the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to all air passengers entering the United States... Air passengers are required to get a viral test (a test for current infection) within the 3 days before their flight...

January 08, 2021

Update 1/26/21: ISSO is aware and cares deeply about the hardships caused by these delays. Today, January 26, ACE (American Council Education) sent a letter to USCIS on behalf of 37 associations of higher education requesting immediate action.

December 08, 2020

The U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 1044 “Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants” to address the per-country numerical limitation of employment-based immigrants more than a year ago. On December 2, 2020, the Senate passed their version of the bill (S.383). Amendments were added and significant differences between the two bills have yet to be reconciled.

December 07, 2020

President Bollinger will address international students on a wide range of topics and engage in a moderated question and answer session. Students will be able to join this discussion remotely from anywhere in the world, including at one of the Global Center or pop-up sites. Registration required for the zoom link.