ICE Issues Termination of SEVP COVID-19 Flexibilities After 2023 Summer Semester

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a broadcast message terminating the Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s (SEVP) COVID-19 guidance as of May 11, 2023 – the effective date for President Biden’s termination of the COVID-19 public health emergency. However, according to ICE, active F and M nonimmigrant students will be able to complete the 2022-23 academic year under the COVID-19 flexibilities through the 2023 summer semester. For the 2023-2024 academic year beginning in Fall 2023, active F and M nonimmigrant students will not be permitted to count online classes toward a full course of study in excess of regulatory limits.

Initial or re-entering students must enroll in programs complying with the regulatory limits for distance learning. School officials and students can refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for SEVP Stakeholders Post-COVID-19 for specific information regarding the end of SEVP’s COVID-19 guidance for certified schools.