On March 19, 2014 in a gesture of rapprochement that may be timed to coincide with Persian New Year “Nowruz,” Deputy Director Barbara Hammerle introduced the debut of General License G (GLG).   The new GLG reflects a warming of educational policy and high-lights are summarized below, but perhaps the most notable change is that it authorizes banks and private lenders to transact funds transfers and process student loan payments from persons in Iran.  Notes 2 and 3.

Summary high-lights:

a.  Accredited post-secondary institutions can enter into academic exchange programs with those in Iran;

b.  Educational services.

1. U.S. academic institutions and their contractors are authorized to export their services:

(i) As to filing and processing applications and accepting payment for same, as well as for tuition, from persons in Iran (or residents of Iran);

(ii) To recruit, hire, or employ Iranian nationals as teachers so long as the proper visa is obtained;

(iii) Providing selected undergraduate coursework through online learning to Iranian nationals;

2.  U.S. students may participate in coursework in Iran in selected fields or participate in noncommercial research.

3.  In support of several charitable educational activities such as educational reform, access to education, and the cultivation of literacy.

4.  U.S. persons are authorized to administer to Iranian nationals professional certificate exams as well as university entrance exams, to include standardized multiple-choice, and provide all ancillary services needed to matriculate a student at a U.S. institution.

The GLG likewise allows the exportation of software and hardware that supports personal communication (Note 5), which is already in place, but also authorizes U.S. persons to participate in publishing-related activities.  Note 4.  As always when it comes to OFAC matters, great care must be taken to comply with all rules; e.g., here it should be noted that exportation of technology in contravention with EAR99 are expressly prohibited.