COVID-19 Related Communications and Resources

Updated August 14, 2020

A new Update to the ICE SEVP FAQ. As of August 7, ICE released another FAQ to clarify U.S. COVID-19 provisions as they affect international students. 

This Update changes:  

  • Added new section, “Clarifying Questions for Fall 2020 Based on March 9 Spring Guidance Broadcast,” with FAQs pertaining to SEVP’s July 17 Broadcast Message: Follow-up: ICE Continues March Guidance for Fall School Term. 

  • Added new section “Archived Questions” containing FAQs specific to the spring or summer semester. The answers to these questions are considered rescinded. 

  • Edited existing questions and answers to reflect the fall 2020 semester, including: Maintaining student records: Question 1 and question 4

Click here for the FAQ sheet.

AIRC will continue to share information that we believe is of high importance that all of our members may not see otherwise and we will share the direct resource links to you.

+ Resource Pages

AIRC will share information with its members about adapted tools and resources such as virtual student fairs, virtual agent fairs, postponements and cancellations. Please write to us if you have adapted an event you wish to share with AIRC members.

+ Recruitment Info and Events

+ AIRC Certified Agencies: Online Tools and Resources

+ University Closings and Admission Updates

+ Testing Updates

+ Consider how you can adapt to support students, families and agency and third party partners:

  • reminder of why international students are so important: [https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/why-we-need-international-students].
  • increase online and remote communication and training with agency partners and their student clients to continue to support them
  • ensure your website is current and has information for any online communication, activities and resources
  • increase communication to parents; can your agency partners help with this?
  • consider application fee waivers, cancellation refund policies
  • examine test requirements for potential waiver and replacement; and revisit deadlines
  • source or utilize institutional partnerships at campuses overseas to assist students who may not be able to travel to the U.S.
  • reach out to students that did not return home to ensure their safety and provide resource information
  • consider engaging alumni in your market if you or your staff cannot travel
  • prepare for long-term adjustments
  • create travel and health emergency policies; evaluate these after the greatest impact alleviates