Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Continues March 2020 Guidance for the 2022-23 Academic Year

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will extend the guidance originally issued in March 2020 for the 2022-23 academic year. This guidance enables schools and students to engage in distance learning more than regulatory limits due to the continuing public health concerns created 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.

The March 2020 guidance applies to continuing F and M nonimmigrant students who were in valid F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant status on March 9, 2020, including those previously enrolled in entirely online classes who are outside of the United States and seeking to re-enter the country for the 2022-23 academic year. Students actively enrolled at a U.S. school on March 9, 2020, who subsequently took courses online while outside of the country can re-enter the United States, even if their school is engaged solely in distance learning.

SEVP recently updated its frequently asked questions 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 for stakeholders.