SEVP Clarification of Continuation of March 2020 Guidance for the 2022-23 Academic Year

On May 31, 2022, The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) reissued its guidance for the 2022-23 academic year to clarify that the guidance only applies to nonimmigrant students who were actively enrolled at a U.S. school on March 9, 2020, and have continuously complied with the terms of their nonimmigrant status. Students who enrolled after March 9, 2020, must adhere to SEVP’s existing regulations regarding online learning, found here.

The original guidance issued by SEVP stated that schools and students are permitted to engage in distance learning in excess of regulatory limits due to the public health emergency generated by COVID-19. The March 2020 guidance applies to nonimmigrant students who were actively enrolled at a U.S. school on March 9, 2020 and are otherwise complying with the terms of their nonimmigrant status, whether from inside the United States or abroad.

SEVP has updated their FAQ page with information to clarify the application of the March 2020 guidance to the 2022-23 academic year and will continue to update these resources with the latest information and guidance.