After facing a number of lawsuits filed by some U.S. universities and states, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has agreed to rescind the policy change announced July 6, 2020 that rolled back some of the temporary COVID-19 pandemic exemptions for international students in F-1 and M-1 status. This exemption enables students to maintain their lawful status even when their universities shifted suddenly to an online-only model. United States District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs announced the government’s decision at an online hearing on July 14, 2020, to resolve a motion for preliminary injunction in a lawsuit filed by a number of colleges challenging the policy change. This decision to rescind the policy change means the temporary exemptions continue to apply, and F-1 and M-1 international students can maintain their legal status even while attending online-only classes. More information about the impact of COVID-19 on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is available at https://www.ice.gov/coronavirus, including Frequently Asked Questions, which were updated July 15, 2020.
As the pandemic situation is fluid, DHS policy guidance regarding the SEVP may change. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated. If you have any questions about the program or other business immigration questions, please contact Geetha Adinata, gadinata@fordharrison.com, or Charlie Roach, croach@fordharrison.com, in FordHarrison's Business Immigration practice group. You may also contact the FordHarrison attorney with whom you usually work.