SEVP Ends COVID-19 Flexibilities for 2023-24 Academic Year
In conjunction with the declared end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced the termination of its COVID-19 guidance on May 11, 2023. SEVP's COVID-19 guidance allowed for temporary flexibilities in international student enrollment and physical presence requirements throughout the pandemic.
For the 2023-24 academic year, international students in F nonimmigrant status and the educational institutions that host them will need to comply with the standard regulatory limits on online learning that were in place prior to the pandemic. Specifically, Active F-1 students may only count one class (up to three credits) toward their full-time enrollment requirement. Active J-1 students may not count any online classes toward their full-time enrollment requirement. In addition, educational institutions may not issue an initial Form I-20 for a student that is outside the U.S. and planning to enroll in a program of study that contains online components in excess of the regulatory limits.
More information about online class enrollment limits can be found on the OIS website at International Student Enrollment Requirements. In addition, the Office of International Services is available to answer questions throughout the summer and during the fall add/drop period from members of the UIC international community and the UIC academic advisors that support them. We encourage you to connect with OIS to discuss any questions or doubts you may have.