To Our International Students,
I wrote you last week about the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s (SEVP) would continue to apply its fall 2020 federal guidance through spring 2021. As a result, international students will be able to engage in distance learning that exceeds existing regulatory limits in light of the pandemic’s ongoing public health risks and safety concerns.
While the federal COVID-19 guidance on the ICE website has not yet been updated (as of Dec. 17) to reflect this announcement, the Office of International Student Services (ISS) remains confident the fall guidance will apply to spring 2021. Our peers at other U.S. campuses share this perspective.
We will update you directly as new information becomes available Please continue checking your @case.edu email regularly, as well as ISSNews and our Communication Corner.
ISS’ Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates website now includes information about Spring 2021 SEVP Guidance. Please take your time when reading this information and pay particular attention to how the status of your SEVIS record in Spring 2020, when the COVID-10 guidance was released, determines your options for maintaining status in Spring 2021.
We understand that this information is complicated and can affect students’ academic plans. We also acknowledge that students may need assistance in evaluating their individual circumstances for maintaining status. ISS is here to help. Email your questions to international@case.edu and we will do our best to support you.
We wish you a restful winter break and look forward to supporting you in 2021!
Best Regards,
Marielena Maggio, M.A.
Director, International Student Services, PDSO & ARO