Visa and Immigration Status FAQ

We know this time presents you with an extra set of stressors. You likely have concerns about your visa, your ability to travel, academics and more. Our top priority is your health, safety and well-being. We are here to support you, and we will continue to update the information below as new developments take place.

What are my academic options for the fall semester given the recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security?

We are pleased that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security agreed to rescind the July 6, 2020 policy guidance issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) that would prevent international students from taking online-only classes in the fall while residing in the United States. Effective immediately, SEVP will revert to the guidance it issued in March allowing students residing in the United States to take online classes to maintain their F-1 student status. In the coming days, we expect to receive further information about how the announcement will impact our continuing international students during the fall semester.

Are international students required to enroll full-time, even though most classes are online or hybrid in fall 2020?

To maintain F-1 status in the United States, you are required to maintain a full course load during this temporary transition to alternative instructional methods even if most classes are online.