ICE Releases Updated Guidance on Evidentiary Requirements for Schools Not Meeting Eligibility Criteria
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has published updated policy guidance, SEVP Policy Guidance S1.2, detailing the evidentiary requirements for Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools that are not currently meeting specific eligibility criteria outlined in 8 CFR 214.3(b) and (c). This document, released on July 15, 2025, at 16:49, aims to provide clarity and a framework for schools to demonstrate their continued compliance and eligibility to enroll and maintain foreign students.
The SEVP, managed by ICE, is responsible for overseeing the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and ensuring that foreign students and their dependents comply with U.S. immigration laws. For schools to be eligible to enroll F-1 and M-1 visa students, they must meet rigorous standards set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. These standards encompass various aspects, including the accreditation of programs, the school’s physical presence, the availability of qualified faculty, and the school’s financial stability.
This newly released policy guidance specifically addresses the circumstances where a school may be found to be not meeting these established eligibility criteria. It outlines the types of evidence that schools in such situations will be required to submit to ICE to prove their compliance and to seek reinstatement or continued certification. The guidance emphasizes the importance of a school’s ability to demonstrate a sustained commitment to upholding SEVP regulations and ensuring the integrity of the student visa process.
Key areas likely covered in the guidance, based on typical SEVP requirements, may include:
- Program Accreditation: Schools must demonstrate that their academic programs are recognized and accredited by appropriate accrediting bodies. The guidance likely specifies the acceptable forms of documentation to prove this, such as official accreditation letters or certificates.
- Physical Presence and Facilities: SEVP-certified schools are required to have a physical campus with classrooms, administrative offices, and facilities necessary for providing education. Evidence might include lease agreements, property deeds, or detailed site plans.
- Qualified Faculty and Staff: The policy likely requires schools to show that they employ qualified faculty and staff to deliver instruction and administer the student program. This could involve presenting faculty credentials, curriculum vitae, and organizational charts.
- Financial Stability: Schools must demonstrate financial solvency to operate effectively and support their student population. Acceptable evidence may include audited financial statements, budgets, or proof of adequate funding sources.
- Record Keeping and Reporting: Compliance with SEVIS data reporting requirements is crucial. Schools will likely need to present evidence of their robust record-keeping systems and their ability to accurately report student information to SEVIS.
- Curriculum and Course Offerings: The guidance may require schools to provide details about their curriculum, course catalogs, and the academic programs they offer to international students.
The release of SEVP Policy Guidance S1.2 signifies ICE’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the integrity of the U.S. student visa system. By providing clear expectations and outlining the necessary evidentiary requirements, ICE aims to support schools in their efforts to comply with regulations, while also safeguarding the national security interests of the United States.
Schools that may be facing scrutiny or have been identified as not meeting eligibility criteria are strongly encouraged to review this policy guidance thoroughly and prepare to submit comprehensive and accurate documentation to ICE. Proactive engagement and a demonstrated commitment to rectifying any deficiencies will be critical for schools seeking to maintain or regain their SEVP certification. This updated guidance serves as an important resource for the educational institutions that play a vital role in welcoming and educating international students in the United States.
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www.ice.gov published ‘SEVP Policy Guidance S 1.2: Evidentiary Requirements for Schools Not Meeting Eligibility Criteria in 8CFR 214.3(b) and (c)’ at 2025-07-15 16:49. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.