Summary of Student and Exchange Visitor Program Guidance Issued April 26, 2021

Current SEVP guidance for the 2020-21 academic year will remain in effect for the 2021-22 academic year, and is summarized below. Please note that as course plans at U-M solidify, additional details will be shared via the IC, the Maize and Blueprint Fall Plan, or from your college or school.

New students

  • New F-1 or J -1 international students who enter the U.S. to study, per SEVP, must have at least one in-person or hybrid class, preferably for at least 3 credits. They cannot choose all online classes. Full-time enrollment is required unless the student has an approved Reduced Course Load.
  • New international students who plan to study remotely outside the U.S. may take as many or as few credits as they wish, and these can all be online. While they are studying remotely, they will be in initial (not active) F-1 or J-1 status, so F-1 or J-1 immigration requirements will not apply to them.
    • These new students should contact their admitting units to request a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a new start date, which will allow them to enter the U.S. for a future term.
  • New students should check with their academic programs for details on online course availability and to ensure that their proposed schedule meets program requirements.

Continuing students

  • Current students who began their studies on campus do not have in-person enrollment requirements, per SEVP, but must maintain a full course of study or have an approved Reduced Course Load.
    • Students who left the United States during or after the Winter 2020 Term and have not been able to return, may choose all online classes for Fall Term 2021, as long as that is available and acceptable to their academic program.  Their SEVIS record and I-20 or DS-2019 will remain in active status. 
    • This also applies to current students who began their studies on campus who are studying in the U.S., on campus or elsewhere in the U.S.
  • Students should check with their academic programs regarding any requirements to be in residence or attend in person classes on the Ann Arbor campus.