FYIs
FYI posts are brief announcements, reminders, updates, and shout-outs. They cover successes, happenings, and advances at the Graduate Center.
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USCIS Expands myProgress to Form I-765 and Form I-131
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that we are expanding myProgress (formerly known as personalized processing times) to Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-expands-myprogress-to-form-i-765-and-form-i-131
Guidance Directive 2023-01 Clarifying guidance regarding exchange visitor participation in host organizations’ remote policies or enrollment in online classes
ECA is ending its policy permitting the temporary modifications of exchange visitor programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, effective July 1, 2023.
USCIS Expands Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, will also be available for these applicants.
The premium processing expansion for certain Form I-539 applicants will occur in phases, and nonimmigrants requesting premium processing should not file before these dates:
- Beginning June 13, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed via paper form or online, for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, who have a pending Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
- Beginning June 26, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, when filed together with Form I-539
SEVP COVID-19 Flexibilities Terminated
Effective May 11, 2023, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) ended its Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) guidance, consistent with the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, following the end of the COVID-19 National Emergency on April 10, 2023.
Read the full announcement on the Department of Homeland Security website.
For further information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for SEVP Stakeholders about COVID-19.
F-1 student visas can now be issued up to 365 days in advance of the I-20 program start date
F and M student visas can now be issued up to 365 days in advance of the I-20 program start date, allowing more time for students to apply for a visa. Students are still not allowed to enter the U.S. on a student visa more than 30 days before their program start date.
Further Information about the F-1 visa application process is available at:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html
CDC Announces Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement from Air Passengers Entering the United States from the People’s Republic of China
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Starting at 12:01 AM ET on January 5, 2023 all air passengers two years and older originating from the PRC will be required to get a test (such as a PCR test or an antigen self-test administered and monitored by a telehealth service or a licensed provider).
More information will be made available by CDC in the coming days. For a list of authorized tests, check here.
COVID-19 Resources for International Students
NAFSA: Association of International Educators has assembled a library of resource links to help you navigate issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
CDC Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19
Source: Centers for Disease Control
If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get a COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States. If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19.
Read the full requirements for negative COVID-19 tests/proof of recovery
COVID Vaccine and Test Requirements for U.S. Entry
Source: NAFSA, CDC
Non-U.S. citizen, nonimmigrant individuals entering the U.S. are required to show proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID-19 test for entry.
Individuals entering the United States at land or ferry ports of entry must show proof of full vaccination status.
- See detailed vaccine requirements for land and ferry entry
- Read DHS announcement regarding these requirements
Individuals entering the United States by air must show proof of full vaccination status and proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery. See detailed vaccine and testing requirements for air entry
COVID-19 Restrictions on U.S. Visas and Entry
NAFSA: Association of International Educators has compiled the most recent information and updates on U.S. visa and entry restrictions related to COVID-19.