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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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.
CDC Tightens Testing Requirement for International Travel to the US to One Day
Source: Centers for Disease Control
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)has revised the current Global Testing Order to shorten the timeline for required testing for all international air travelers to one day before departure to the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions for SEVP Stakeholders about COVID-19
Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
This document provides answers to frequently asked questions from Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) stakeholders about the impact of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID19) on SEVP-certified schools and F and M students.
ICE Continues March 2020 Guidance for the 2021-22 Academic Year
Source: Immigrations and Customs Enforcement
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will extend the guidance originally issued in March 2020 for the 2021-22 academic year. This guidance enables schools and students to engage in distance learning in excess of regulatory limits due to the continuing public health concerns created by COVID-19.