US authorities have threatened to "terminate" designated school officials who they claim are engaged in "wilful ignorance or a level of negligence" when placing students in OPT programs, as they announced 15 arrests as a result of work permit fraud.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has confirmed that newly enrolled international students on fully online courses will "likely not be able to obtain" F-1 or M-1 visas, to the dismay of many in the sector.
Both Harvard and University of Southern California have said international first-year students will not be able to come to campus due to federal visa restrictions.
The US government has rescinded the ban on international students remaining in the country if their courses are being held online following uproar from the higher education community and multiple lawsuits.
Institutions across the US have shared plans to challenge ICE guidelines preventing international students from taking online-only courses.
Harvard University joins voices of disapproval and concern as it warns it will do all it can to ensure international students can continue their studies without fear of being forced to leave the country.
An investigation found that a handful of suspicious companies with unclear business dealings and virtually no online footprint were employing students through the country’s Optional Practical Training program.
A video showing international students knowingly breaking the law has been released by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
