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Immigration Updates
Important Immigration Updates
Page last updated: 15 December 2020
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SEVP Guidance For Fall 2020 Continues through Spring 2021
On December 9, 2020, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security's SEVP spokesperson confirmed that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) COVID-19 Guidance for the Fall 2020 term has been extended through the Spring 2021 term.
Frequently Asked Questions for Spring 2021
H-1 IB Interim Final Rule: This rule will go into effect within 60 days after posting in the Federal Register
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2020/10/06/department-homeland-security-and-department-
2 October 2020
Proclamation Suspending Certain H, F, and L entry of Nonimmigrants
From the Federal Register concerning the payment of new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Form I-765:
https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/uscis-2020-final-rule-fees-forms-and-related-changes
https://www.aila.org/advo-media/issues/all/changes-to-uscis-fee-schedule
“While the rule is preliminarily enjoined, we will continue to:
- • Accept USCIS forms with the current editions and current fees; and
- • Use the regulations and guidance currently in place to adjudicate applications and petitions. This includes accepting and adjudicating fee waiver requests as provided under Adjudicator's Field Manual (AFM) Chapters 10.9 and 10.10.”
24 September 2020
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule to eliminate Duration of Status D/S for students and scholars on F and J visas below:
NAFSA, a professional organization for international educators, released this press statement
https://www.nafsa.org/professional-resources/browse-by-interest/proposal-replace-duration-status
Frequently Asked Questions for SEVP Stakeholders about COVID-19
https://www.ice.gov/doclib/coronavirus/covid19faq.pdf
UNO’s Update and FAQ:
https://www.unomaha.edu/news/2020/07/new-information-for-international-students-f1-status.php
24 July 2020
ICE responds to 14 July Guidance
https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/bcmFall2020guidance.pdf
15 July 2020
https://www.unomaha.edu/news/2020/07/response-to-rescinding-of-sevp-guidance.php
14 July 2020
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded their earlier guidance and FAQs for international students that came out on 6 and 7 July. The new guidance for Fall made a return to the March 2020 guidance that permitted online learning for international students whether they returned home and studied full-time or remained in the U.S. to study. International Designated School Officials (DSOs) were able to keep SEVIS records active. Schools were awaiting additional information from SEVP to clarify this guidance.
7 July 2020
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announcement on new guidelines for F-1 international students:
https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/sevisFall2020_FAQ.pdf
6 July 2020
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/sevp-modifies-temporary-exemptions-nonimmigrant-students-taking-online-courses-during
Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens who present a risk to the U.S. Labor Market
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/proclamation-suspending-entry-of-immigrants-and-nonimmigrants-who-present-risk-to-the-US-labor-market-during-the-economic-recovery-following-the-COVID-19-outbreak.html
Suspending entry of certain Chinese graduate students and visiting scholars
ICE March Guidance
https://www.ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Document/2020/Coronavirus%20Guidance_3.13.20.pdf
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND REMINDERS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS
Important Travel and Visa Matters
International students must contact an international advisor before making travel plans. It is critical that you ask questions of your international advisors by email or zoom appointment to discuss your unique situations during these uncertain times.
Current students must check their I-20 or DS-2019 to be sure they have a valid travel signature before leaving the U.S. for their later re-entry. Anyone who needs information about visa processing should go to the Department of State website for appointment and visa processing times. Be sure to check information about possible delays for travel or visa processing in your home country.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, quarantine regulations are also a consideration in travel planning.
Staying Up-to-Date with the News through International Programs (INPR)
International Advising will update this page with important current information and send emails out to international students when critical issues arise. Occasionally, there may be a brief time lapse on posting on this website as we evaluate the situation. University Communications will also post information about some issues that impact many members of the UNO international community. If you have any questions, please contact Unointladvising@unomaha.edu or call International Programs at 402.554.2293.