Sharing COVID-19 Updates from SEVP’s Government Partners

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SEVP Spotlight

March 2021 | Volume 11 | Issue 1

DIRECTOR'S CORNER

Sharing COVID-19 Updates from SEVP’s Government Partners 

COVID-19 Resources

 

As the 2021 academic school year progresses, we 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, I’d like to provide an update from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on new flexibilities for some international students applying to participate in optional practical training (OPT) who have been impacted by COVID-related processing delays. Recently, USCIS announced flexibilities for certain international students affected by delayed receipt notices for Forms I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization." These flexibilities include a 14-month OPT period and options for refiling after an application has been rejected. For more information on these new flexibilities for OPT applicants, read the USCIS web alert. 

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Contact Us

 

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is dedicated to maintaining open communication with international students and academic officials. Our offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, except federal holidays at 703-603-3400 or SEVP@ice.dhs.gov.

 

If you need assistance with passwords or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) technical help, email SEVISHelpDesk@ice.dhs.gov.

 

To report national vulnerabilities or national security concerns, contact ICE’s Counterterrorism and Criminal Exploitation Unit at CTCEU@ice.dhs.gov. To report exploitation of student visa programs, contact your local HSI special agent by calling 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or visit www.ice.gov.

 

Disclaimer: The information presented in SEVP Spotlight is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.