Rescission of Fall 2020 SEVP COVID-19 Guidance and Planning for the Fall Term

On July 14, 2020, DHS rescinded the guidance and FAQs they shared on July 6th and July 7th. This is partly in response to the Harvard - MIT case that U-M joined, among other cases that were being filed to prevent new restrictive measures. It means that we will return to the March 2020 guidance that facilitated remote learning for students whether they remained in the US or left the country, due to the COVID conditions at the time.

On July 24, 2020, DHS issued additional guidance and some FAQs to explain how the March 2020 guidance applies to the Fall Term, and included information for universities that, like U-M, are moving to a “hybrid” approach.

This information is based on our current understanding of the July 24 guidance and the FAQs, and will be updated if we receive additional information.

  • Continuing students studying in the U.S. can select in-person, mixed (hybrid) or online classes as they prefer. They must be enrolled full-time, but there is no limit on the number of online credits that they can take.
  • Transfer students and students changing educational level within the US. (bachelor’s to master’s for example) who are studying in the U.S. can select in-person, mixed (hybrid) or online classes as they prefer. They must be enrolled full-time, but there is no limit on the number of online credits that they can take. We are working to determine the impact of this new guidance on transfer students currently outside the United States, and will post an update as soon as possible.
  • New students who plan to study in the U.S. for Fall Term 2020 must choose some in-person or hybrid classes. They are not limited to a specific number of online credits, but their classes cannot be completely online. They must be enrolled full-time.
  • All students who are in the US can remain in the US if U-M switches to an entirely online model mid-semester, or when U-M switches to all-remote learning as planned on November 30.
  • New students who plan to study remotely outside the U.S. can do so and take as many or as few credit hours as they wish. Their SEVIS record will remain in initial status.
  • Continuing students studying outside the U.S. will remain in active F-1 status while studying remotely as long they are enrolled full-time.

On August 7th, U-M students may begin selecting in-person, mixed, or online classes, and you will be able to make changes to your class schedule until the end of the drop add period on Monday, September 21. Please keep this new information in mind as you make these selections.

Since current DHS guidance does not require the re-issuance of new I-20s for all new and continuing students, we have discontinued plans to re-issue new I-20s for all new and continuing students. However, a letter describing U-M’s plans for the Fall 2020 term is available for you to download and print.

We also call your attention to this announcement about the resumption of routine visa services at some consulates.

We know the past few weeks have been incredibly frustrating, but hopefully some relief can come now that the July guidance has been rescinded. Please continue to monitor the IC webpage for updates and new information.

We will all get through this if we work together.

 

Last updated: Tuesday, 7/28/2020, at 4:43PM.