Tag: student visas

On July 6, 2020, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced modifications to temporary exemptions for international students taking online classes that it had enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic in March. The modifications asserted that students taking fully online course loads would be ineligible to receive visas or enter the U.S., and those already present […]

During the Spring 2019 semester, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) temporarily reduced the restrictions on online courses permitted under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The reductions allowed students in F-1 or M-1 status to participate in online or alternate learning procedures and count them towards a full course of study without risk […]

This morning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued guidance for all student and exchange visitors surrounding the recent developments of the coronavirus or COVID-19. ICE has stated that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is focused on ensuring that the nonimmigrant students presently in the U.S. are able to continue their full course of […]

As summer break comes to an end for many F-1 international students, it is important to keep in mind a few tips for a smooth entry into the U.S. for the upcoming school semester. When you re-enter at a U.S. Port of Entry, you should carry the following documents: your valid passport...

On May 22, 2019, the DHS has reported that the fees charged by SEVP (the Student and Exchange Visitor Program) to international students, exchange visitors and SEVP- certified schools will be increased beginning June 24, 2019. SEVP does not receive any funding from Congress and solely relies on fees to continue operations; therefore, the increase […]

A Federal Judge has enjoined USCIS from enforcing a policy memorandum issued in August 2018 relative to the accrual of unlawful presence for nonimmigrant student or exchange visitors. The ruling found that the policy memorandum amounts to a “legislative rule” in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act because the government did not publish in the […]

On August 17, 2018, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its website to reflect changes to the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT). Importantly, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that participants of this program can participate in training experiences that take place at offsite locations. Training experiences that are […]

The Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and the Foreign Affairs Handbooks (FAHs) are the comprehensive and authoritative sources for the U.S. Department of State’s (DOS) organization structures, policies and procedures. These resources convey codified information to DOS staff and contractors, so they can carry out their duties in accordance with statutory, executive and Department mandates. Recently […]

USCIS aims to improve the integrity of the F-1 and Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs by implementing an updated process that ensures consistency between Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and USCIS systems and informs students of the potential consequences of working with a terminated employment authorization document (EAD).  Under current regulations, F-1 students in […]

The F-1 visa enables an individual to enter the U.S. as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. The student must be enrolled in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma or certificate and the school […]