Skip to main content
2025 Annual Conference Main banner
Back

50-Minute Sessions

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Emerging Technologies and Trends for Navigating Security Advisory Opinions in Higher Education

Friday, May 30, 2025
9:30 AM – 10:20 AM PST
Explore the impact of security advisory opinions (SAOs) on F-1 students, J-1 scholars, and H/O faculty and researchers in the context of emerging technologies and other trends. This session covers SAO procedures, best practices for international travel, and strategies to address and mitigate SAOs in higher education.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the legal framework and context behind Security Advisory Opinions (SAOs), including how they are issued and resolved, with a specific focus on their implications for F-1 students, J-1 scholars, and H/O faculty and researchers in the higher education sector.
  • Identify and analyze the impact of emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, robotics, and machine learning on international students, scholars, and researchers seeking visas, as well as applicability of the Critical and Emerging Technology List.
  • Develop and implement best practices for advising international students, scholars, and faculty on preparing for visa interviews and travel, including how to complete DS-160 forms and what to expect in interviews.
  • Learn effective strategies for managing and responding to SAOs when they are issued, including how to escalate cases, communicate with relevant authorities, and utilize resources like TRIP requests, supported by real-world case studies and examples.