On behalf of the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) manages schools and their nonimmigrant students.
As of November 20, 2013 ICE is proposing changes to SEVP by eliminating the limit of 10 Designated School Officials for oversight of campuses. This move is intended to improve the management of the various international student programs. It would also open up the opportunity for spouses and children of nonimmigrant students to study at a SEVP-certified school (as long as it is less than full time).
Designated School Officials are employed at SEVP-certified schools. They help nonimmigrant students through the nonimmigrant visa process by, among other things, assisting in the completion of government forms and advising on the maintenance of U.S. status.
“These proposed changes will provide greater incentives for international students to study in the United States by broadening study opportunities for their spouses and children,” said SEVP Director Louis Farrell.
The Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council (HSAAC) initially recommended the above-noted changes to advance their promise to enhance the economic, scientific and technological competitiveness of the U.S. by continuing to encourage the world’s most talented students to study, learn, and grow in the U.S.
The proposed rule is open for public comment until January 21, 2014. ICE encourages the public to submit their input via www.regulations.gov [1]. Contact Slepian Law [2] for additional information.