NAFSA has assembled these resource links to help you navigate issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

ICE and SEVP

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) COVID-19 guidance and FAQs for F-1 and M-1 schools.

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DOS EVP

Department of State COVID-19 guidance and FAQs for J-1 Exchange Visitor Program sponsors and participants.

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Visas and Entry

NAFSA is actively tracking the U.S. visa and entry restrictions related to COVID-19.

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Latest COVID-19-Related Updates

Looking for non-COVID-19-related immigration news? Go to the Adviser's Manual 360 Home Page.

  • DOL Ends its COVID-19 Flexibilities on August 24, 2023. On August 24, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Foreign LaborCertification (OFLC) rescinded its 4 rounds of COVID-19 FAQs from 2020.
     
  • DOS Ends its J-1 COVID-19 Flexibilities on July 1, 2023. ECA Guidance Directive 2023-01 (June 8, 2023) ends ECA's temporary COVID-19 flexibilities for J-1 exchange visitors and programs effective July 1, 2023, but introduces new interpretations on hybrid or virtual work and learning. The directive also establishes a transition period.
     
  • SEVP Terminates its COVID-19 Flexibilities on May 11, 2023. On May 11, 2023, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) terminated its Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) guidance to coincide with the end of the COVID-19 National Emergency and Public Health Emergency. An updated FAQ provides answers to frequently asked questions from SEVP stakeholders about the impact of the termination of COVID-19 flexibilities.
     
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for International Travelers to the United States Ended on May 12, 2023. As of May 12, 2023, nonimmigrant travelers to the United States are no longer subject to the requirement that they be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccination before boarding an aircraft destined to the United States or before entering the United States through a land or ferry port of entry.
     
  • Biden Ends COVID-19 National Emergency Declaration. On April 10, 2023, President Biden signed into law a joint resolution that terminated the national emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic. H.J.Res. 7, Public Law No: 118-3 (04/10/2023). President Biden originally anticipated terminating the national emergency on May 11, 2023, but by signing the joint resolution on April 10, 2023 ended it early.
  • USCIS Ends COVID-19 RFE Response Flexibility Effective March 23, 2023. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ended on March 23, 2023 the COVID-19 flexibilities it had established for responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and other similar response-based notices and requests, and filing date requirements for filing Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion. "You must respond to any notices or requests from USCIS dated after March 23 by the deadlines listed in the notice or request." USCIS announced this end date in its last extension of the flexibilities dated January 24, 2023.

  • CDC Terminates COVID Test Requirement for Passengers on Flights Originating in PRC. On March 10, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) terminated its order that required passengers on flights originating in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) to take an acceptable COVID before their departure to the United States.

  • DOS Extends Visa Interview Waiver Policy For Certain Nonimmigrants Until December 31, 2023. In a December 23, 2022 announcement, the Department of State (DOS) extended until December 31, 2023 the discretionary authority given to consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain "F, M, and Academic J Visa Holders" and "Petition-Based H, L, O, P, and Q Visa Holders."

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NAFSA Statements and Resources