The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has announced to continue its March 2020 COVID guidance. The SEVP informed that the guidance will remain in effect for Visa F and M class students and SEVP-certified schools for the 2022-23 academic year.

One of the major benefits provided by the original March 2020 guidance is that it permitted international students enrolled in the US as of March 09, 2020, to keep their visa status and to be regarded to be engaged in a full programme even if they were studying online and whether in the abroad or US. Otherwise, the SEVP has put restrictions on the studies that can be completed online while still maintaining their visa status.

For detailed guidance for students and counsellors, a new section FAQ file has been added that highlights 'Clarifying Questions for the 2022/ 23 Academic Year':

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  The guidance mentioned under March 2020 primarily applies to continuing students who were enrolled as of March 09, 2020, in the US and who possessed a valid visa at the time. The guidelines permit any non-immigrant student who was enrolled in a programme of study in the US on March 09 but afterward left the country to remain eligible for a visa since the guidance allowed a fully online programme from inside or outside the US.

  
  


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  Similarly, continuing students are allowed to stay in the US even if their courses remain fully online, further states the guideline provided: "if they have not otherwise violated the terms of their non-immigrant status".

  
  


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  However, the updated guidance of SEVP also advises US institutions and schools to not issue a Form I-20 i.e. 'Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status' for any student in Initial or new status who is outside of the US and wishes to continue classes at a SEVP-certified institution that is conducting classes fully online.

  
  


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  In case the program of study is a hybrid program and requires some in-person learning, a new student can be issued a visa to study inside the US.

  
  

The interested ones can check the detailed SEVP guidance for new and continuing students for the 2022-23 session at Click Here.