Some students rely on verification of their school enrollment to maintain their U.S. visas. Residents of Florida might be interested in the modification of temporary exemptions for students who are not immigrants.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program announced temporary modifications. These affect non-immigrant students who will be taking online courses in the fall semester of 2020.
Non-immigrant F-1 and M-1 students who attend schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States. In order to remain in the United States, these students need to transfer to a school with in-person instruction. They can also take a mix of online and in-person courses. Visas will no longer be issued to those students enrolled in schools that are fully online.
Non-immigrant F-1 students who attend schools operating under normal in-person classes are bound by existing federal regulations. Eligible F students may take a maximum of one class or three credit hours online.
Those F-1 non-immigrant students who attend hybrid schools with in-person and online courses will be able to take more than one class or three credit hours in an online course. The exemptions mentioned above do not apply to F-1 students in English language training programs. M-1 students pursing vocational degrees are not permitted to enroll in any online courses.
Immigration law is complex and contains many issues that may be easier understood with the help of an attorney versed in this field. With ICE regulations often changing, an attorney may help with immigration issues and their challenges. The help of a knowledgeable attorney might also make it easier when forms need to be filled out.
