NewsFlash! Some Consulates Demanding I-20s Showing In-Person Classes, Despite Reversal of Executive Order

As previously reported, on July 14, 2020, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reinstated the March 2020 policy, allowing F-1 and M-1 students to temporarily take all courses online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this announcement, however, numerous designated school officials (DSOs) have reported hearing from prospective students whose F-1 visas have been denied by consular officers for failing to submit I-20s verifying that at least some classes will be held in-person.

It is unclear whether the consulates were not made aware of the reinstatement of the March 2020 policy, or if they are somehow interpreting the rule to still require in-person classes for at least some visa applicants. MurthyDotCom will continue to monitor this story and post an update as additional information becomes available.

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