Bill > S2555

This bill, titled the Student Visa Integrity Act of 2025, introduces comprehensive reforms to student and exchange visitor visa programs, enhancing oversight and security measures. The bill increases criminal penalties for visa-related fraud, with potential 15-year sentences for educational institution owners or employees who violate Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) rules. It mandates stricter accreditation requirements for academic institutions, requiring accreditation by a Secretary of Education-recognized agency, with limited waivers possible for institutions making progress toward accreditation. The bill imposes new reporting obligations for educational institutions, including disclosure of financial transactions with foreign entities, particularly those connected to the Chinese government. It restricts student visas for nationals from countries considered adversarial or of concern, including China, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Russia, and others, and prohibits students from these countries studying in sensitive fields like nuclear science or flight training. Additionally, the bill introduces more rigorous background checks for school officials, limits online education options for international students, and requires definite end dates for student visa periods. The legislation also mandates the development of SEVIS II, a modernized tracking system for international students, and requires consular officers to review trafficking protection information with visa applicants before issuance.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2555/all-info