Here’s an article about the SEVP Policy Guidance document, written in a polite and informative tone:
New SEVP Policy Guidance Clarifies Direct Relationship Between Employment and Student’s Major Area of Study
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), through its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), has recently published a comprehensive policy guidance document titled “Practical Training – Determining a Direct Relationship Between Employment and Student’s Major Area of Study.” Released on July 15, 2025, this guidance aims to provide clearer direction and understanding for Designated School Officials (DSOs) and students regarding the crucial requirement that practical training opportunities must have a direct relationship with a student’s declared major area of study.
This important document serves to ensure consistency and accuracy in the adjudication of practical training requests, a vital component of the international student experience in the United States. Practical training, which includes Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT), allows eligible F-1 visa students to gain valuable work experience related to their academic programs.
The newly released guidance meticulously outlines the criteria and considerations that DSOs and SEVP officers should use when evaluating whether a proposed employment opportunity aligns directly with a student’s major. This includes:
- Detailed Examination of the Position Description: The guidance emphasizes the need for a thorough review of the responsibilities and duties associated with the employment. It highlights what specific details within a job description are crucial for demonstrating the direct link to the student’s field of study.
- Understanding the Student’s Major: The document reiterates the importance of understanding the academic content and objectives of the student’s major area of study. This understanding is key to assessing how the proposed employment contributes to the student’s educational goals.
- Documentation Requirements: The guidance likely details the types of supporting documentation that students and DSOs should provide to substantiate the direct relationship. This may include program syllabi, course descriptions, degree plans, and detailed employer attestations.
- Examples and Scenarios: While not explicitly stated in the release title, such policy guidance often includes illustrative examples or scenarios to help interpret the rules in practical situations. This can be particularly helpful for DSOs navigating complex cases.
By providing this updated and clarified guidance, SEVP aims to:
- Enhance Compliance: Ensure that all practical training opportunities offered to international students are in full compliance with federal regulations.
- Support Student Development: Help students secure meaningful work experiences that genuinely enhance their academic learning and career preparation.
- Streamline Processes: Equip DSOs with the necessary information to accurately advise students and submit well-documented requests, potentially leading to more efficient processing.
The release of this policy guidance underscores SEVP’s commitment to supporting international students while upholding the integrity of the U.S. student and exchange visitor program. DSOs and international student advisors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the document to provide the best possible support to their students pursuing practical training opportunities. The full document can be accessed on the ICE.gov website.
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www.ice.gov published ‘SEVP Policy Guidance: Practical Training – Determining a Direct Relationship Between Employment and Student’s Major Area of Study’ at 2025-07-15 16:50. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.