To Our International Students:
I write today with news about the Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s (SEVP) Spring 2021 Guidance. Inside Higher Education published an article today reporting that the federal guidance for fall 2020 will remain the same for spring 2021. A spokesperson for SEVP, Carissa Cutrell was quoted as saying, “Nonimmigrant students should continue to abide by SEVP guidance originally issued in March 2020.”
The continuation of this guidance will allow schools and students to engage in distance learning that exceeds regulatory limits while public health and safety concerns exist due to the pandemic.
The federal COVID-19 guidance on the ICE website has not yet been updated regarding Spring 2021 plans, but NAFSA, a nonprofit organization of international educators that advances international exchange, sent messaging to its stakeholders today confirming SEVP’s plans. As our office learns more, we will continue to update you. Please check your @case.edu email regularly, as well as ISSNews and our Communication Corner.
For now our website features the existing fall 2020 guidance on the Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVP) Updates page, and we encourage all students to review this information. We will add any new information that becomes available regarding the Spring 2021 semester.
We know that the Fall 2020 semester has been challenging and that you have all been very concerned about SEVP’s decisions for Spring 2021. Thank you for your patience and grace in handling this difficult time. We hope that the news in this message offers some relief and lifts your spirits as you proceed through final exams.
Stay healthy, stay safe, and stay in touch with ISS so that we can continue supporting you!
Best Regards,
Marielena Maggio, M.A.
Director, International Student Services, PDSO & ARO