SEVP / SEVIS

Another school year in the books! The start of summer marks a period when many F and M international students begin employment and/or practical training opportunities, and with that comes reporting requirements and the need to look out for fraudulent activity. This helps ensure the integrity of the system so international students can gain practical work experience while studying in the U.S.
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that certain foreign students can now file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online.

F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT) directly related to their major area of study are eligible to apply for employment authorization online if they are filing under one of these categories:
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As the 2021 academic school year progresses, DHS hope you are adjusting well to changes in your school environment, whether it’s online, in-person, or a hybrid model. Given the impacts of COVID-19 on the international student life cycle this year,
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The evolution of the COVID-19 global pandemic continues to impact the international student community in an unprecedented manner. The U.S. education system has adjusted and responded, keeping campus safety a number one priority. As the Fall Semester continues, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) understands the challenges that myriad institutions face. ICE/SEVP recently sent a message to thank institutions for cooperation including informing SEVP of operational plans with regard to dealing with their international student communities during the pandemic emergency.
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The government announced Monday that international students will not be allowed to stay in the country if the institution in which they're enrolled is holding online-only courses this fall, and those failing to comply with the rules will risk deportation.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent participating colleges and universities the guidance on Monday (March 9, 2020). The guidance suggests on how schools affected by the disease can report procedural adaptations, including online instruction or alternate physical location, to SEVP. Schools must notify SEVP of procedural adaptations within 10 business days of the change.
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Volunteer positions that are not directly related to your course of study do not qualify as optional practical training (OPT) and must not be listed as OPT employment. Reporting non-qualifying volunteer opportunities as OPT employment will be deemed a violation of your reporting requirements and subject you to removal from the United States.
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On April 26, 2017, Study in the States redesigned the Stakeholder Webinars page. The redesigned page makes it easier to find and identify Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and government partner-hosted webinars by including them in one location.
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