US Embassy issues new ICE student visa guidance

KUWAIT: Student visas are an important priority for US Embassy Kuwait, and we are proud of the success Kuwaiti students have had at US academic institutions. We appreciate the patience of students and their families during this extraordinary time.

Guidance from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement indicates that students enrolled under a fully online program at an academic institution should depart the United States.

Students attending schools with in-person classes or a “hybrid model”-that is, a mixture of online and in person classes-are allowed to stay in the United States while completing their studies. All students should contact their Designated School Official (DSO) at their academic institution to understand the rules for their program. Your DSO can tell you whether you should apply for a student (F-1) visa at this time.

As the guidance unfolds, Embassy staff will continue to coordinate with the Ministry of Higher

Education and NUKS-USA to address students’ questions and concerns. Students may also contact our Consular Section at KuwaitNIV@state.gov with questions regarding their specific situation. Our staff stands ready to assist.

For new students wishing to apply to US universities for the upcoming academic year, please also feel free to reach out to our Educational Advisor with any question you may have at KuwaitCity@EducationUSA.org. For more information, the full press release from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is available here: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/sevp-modifies-temporary-exemptions-nonimmigrant-students-taking-online-courses-during.