ICE to Require Student Visa Holders Enrolled in Online Programs Only to Depart United States

Posted July 6, 2020

UPDATE — July 14, 2020

Turns out they were kidding.  After being sued by Harvard and MIT, the Trump Administration announced a rescission of this policy.  No longer are currently enrolled foreign students required to depart the United States if their schools offer entirely online instruction this Fall.

Expect further rule changes, however, including a possible application of this rule to foreign students abroad.  Stay tuned.

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a major rule change today that will impact thousands of F-1 and M-1 student visa holders inside the United States.  Effective this coming Fall 2020 semester, foreign students that are enrolled in universities or vocational schools which are only offering online academic programs due to the COVID-19 outbreak will be required to depart the United States.

No kidding.

Let’s wait to see how the court challenges to this major rule change play out.  If you are student visa holder in the Sacramento or northern California Bay Area, call (415) 858-8616 to schedule a consultation.

Tagged with: • •
 

USCIS Offices to Re-Open to Public on June 4

Posted April 29, 2020

USCIS plans to resume in-person benefit eligibility interviews, re-open public inquiry desks and resume biometrics appointments on June 4.  While application and petition adjudications have continued, public services have been suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak since March 3.  We will continue to monitor COVID-19 developments.

Tagged with: • •