August 7th Update: SEVP incorporated July 24th questions into an updated version of SEVP COVID-19 FAQs.
When ICE/SEVP rescinded their fall policy directive on July 14th, the guidance for international students reverted back to the March COVID-19 emergency modifications for students who were currently enrolled in the spring term. The March guidance did not address new students because it was in middle of the semester. This new clarification covers both new and continuing students.
Because Columbia will not be 100% online in the fall, new students will be eligible to apply for a visa and enter the U.S. to join Columbia. SEVP also confirmed that if educational institutions need to switch to fully online instruction during the semester, students will not be required to leave the U.S. Read the comprehensive updated SEVP COVID-19 FAQs here.
