DHS Bans Fully Online Learning for New or Initial Foreign National Students in Fall 2020

By: Malou Mararang, Kirti Kalra, and Deepika Singh

The Department of Homeland Security has clarified that new or initial F and M students may not engage in fully online learning for Fall 2020. The US Department of State will not issue new visas to these students, and US Customs and Border Protection will not admit them into the country. Foreign nationals who have been granted a change of status to an F or M visa may not be permitted to engage in fully online studies and may violate their status if they do so in Fall 2020.

Existing F and M visa holders who were in active student status on March 9, 2020 may remain in the US and continue their studies even if their courses are fully online.

Many US schools have opted to transition to fully or partially online learning to help contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Conclusion

For help navigating US immigration policy related to F and M student visas, please contact your trusted Chugh, LLP attorney.