The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) invites public comment on draft policy guidance on three issues:

• Annual Vacation—offers an interpretation of 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(iii) for F-1 students, defining vacation and when and under what conditions an F-1 student may have an annual vacation.
• Temporary Leave of Absence—interprets those relevant regulations (8 CFR 214.2(f)(4) and 8 CFR 214.2(m)(4)), explaining the process for F-1 and M-1 students for leaving the United States for a temporary absence and returning afterward.
• Timely Filing—explains changes in the amount of time school officials will have to respond to notices from SEVP, due to the move from traditionally paper-based administrative processes to paperless processes.

How to Comment on Draft Guidance

SEVP values your feedback as it helps us to better understand your areas of concern and provides a forum for us to consider all relevant information.

This draft policy guidance for SEVP adjudicators provides stakeholders the opportunity to comment on these policies. Visit SEVP Guidance: Opportunity for Stakeholder Feedback to download the draft guidance. To comment on the guidance, e-mail SEVPFeedback@ice.dhs.gov with the title of the guidance in the subject line.

Comments for each guidance must be in a separate e-mail. SEVP will consider feedback on these issues from October 2, to October 23, 2013.