SEVP initially introduced the COVID-19 flexibilities to accommodate the challenges posed by national emergencies, including travel restrictions and changes in teaching methods, as they affected SEVP-certified schools and students.
SEVP initially introduced the COVID-19 flexibilities to accommodate the challenges posed by national emergencies, including travel restrictions and changes in teaching methods, as they affected SEVP-certified schools and students.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program officially ended its COVID-19 guidance effective on May 11, as the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and the COVID-19 National Emergency ended on April 10, the US Department of Homeland Security announced.
Although the SEVP’s COVID-19 guidance is no longer in effect, active F and M students will still be able to complete the 2022-23 academic year, including the 2023 summer semester, under the COVID-19 flexibilities, as per the advisory.
However, for the upcoming 2023-24 academic year, these students will no longer be allowed to count online classes beyond the regulatory limits specified in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G) and 8 CFR 214.2(m)(9)(v) as part of their full course of study.
New or re-entering students must now enroll in programs that adhere to the distance learning regulations outlined in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G).
The advisory also noted that designated school officials should not issue forms I-20, which certifies nonimmigrant student status to those outside the United States who intend to take classes at SEVP-certified educational institutions with online components that exceed the regulatory limits.
In terms of educational institutions, any previously submitted procedural change plans are no longer valid as of May 11.
Active F and M students will be able to continue benefiting from the COVID-19 flexibilities throughout the 2022-23 academic year until the summer session of 2023.
However, starting from the fall 2023 session onwards, schools must fully comply with all regulatory limits stipulated in 8 C.F.R. 214.2(f), 8 C.F.R. 214.2(m), 8 C.F.R. 214.3, and 8 C.F.R. 214.4.
SEVP initially introduced the COVID-19 flexibilities to accommodate the challenges posed by national emergencies, including travel restrictions and changes in teaching methods, as they affected SEVP-certified schools and students.
“The flexibilities were always intended as a temporary measure to allow students to continue their studies with the least disruptions as possible and did not signify or result in a permanent change to the regulations,” it stated.
SEVP is responsible for monitoring international F and M students and their dependents while they are in the United States, ensuring their compliance with rules and regulations. SEVP also certifies schools to enroll F or M students, requiring them to demonstrate operational capability and engage in course instruction before seeking certification. International students can only attend SEVP-certified schools.
