Update for International Students, Scholars and OPT Participants

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As the COVID-19 situation in the U.S. continues to evolve, ISSS has important information for international students, scholars and OPT participants.

 

International students

 

UConn has announced that courses will move to an all-online format for the rest of Spring semester.

 

If you decide to return to your home country:

 

  • You must maintain your full-time UConn online coursework for the rest of the semester, unless you are otherwise approved for part-time study.
  • If your online courses require you to participate in real time, then you will be expected to participate, even if during inconvenient hours (e.g. the middle of the night). You will also be expected to complete all work, despite anticipated technological difficulties such as internet firewalls in your country.
  • 5-month rule: Normally there is a rule that international students on F-1 visas may not be outside the U.S. for more than 5 months and return with their current I-20/SEVIS number. Exceptions apply for students on approved study abroad programs. ISSS has asked the U.S. government to provide guidance about whether the 5-month rule will apply to students who return home now to complete coursework online, and return after more than 5 months. If the government says F-1 students may not be outside the U.S. more than 5 months, then we will need to issue you a new I-20 for return. You may still use your old, unexpired F-1 visa with the new I-20, even if issued under a different SEVIS number. We will provide more information on this when we have a confirmed answer.
  • If you travel home you must research entry restrictions and arrival requirements for your destination city. ISSS has become aware that some locations will be requiring quarantine for all travelers, even citizens of the country. You must be aware of the arrival requirements for your intended destination.  
  • We do not know when entry restrictions to the United States from other countries will be lifted. We also do not know if other countries will restrict travel to the United States. Therefore by leaving the U.S., there is uncertainty about when you will be able to return. This is a risk you need to consider. However, ISSS will advise you and support you to the extent that we can for your successful return.
  • If your U.S. visa has expired, or will expire, before you return you will need to renew the visa while outside the U.S.  You may complete the DS-160 visa application and schedule your visa appointment at any time.  Some U.S. embassies and consulates are currently not taking visa appointments,  or are scheduling far in advance due to the COVID-19 situation. Contact ISSS if you are having difficulties scheduling your visa appointment.
  • Complete both the Remote Learning – ISSS Check In form and the Travel Information Record, if you have not already done so. Bring your current I-20/DS-2019 home with you now, and ISSS will mail you a signed I-20/DS-2019 for your return after normal operations resume.
  • Students who are graduating this semester will not be able to return with your I-20/F-1 visa after the semester ends. However, you might be able to return with your F-1 visa if you applied for post-completion OPT with the U.S. government before leaving, or if you have obtained a new I-20 to continue studies in summer or fall in a new program. You may be able to apply for a B-2 visitor visa or ESTA (visa waiver program) to return for a short stay in the future.

 

If you decide to stay in the U.S. for the rest of Spring semester: 

 

  • Students who live on campus must make sure they have arranged to remain on campus by completing the proper forms with Residential Life. Residential Life will provide you with any information about housing and dining during spring semester. Contact livingoncampus@uconn.edu with your questions.
  • You must notify ISSS of any changes to your address by completing the Remote Learning-ISSS Check In as soon as possible.
  • Essential services such as medical services for both mental and physical health, are still providing services to students. Call the office or check the website of the service you would like to access to learn how you can get assistance. In the community, grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations, in addition to take-out food, will remain open. For other offices/services, check the website for the office/business you would like to visit.
  • Please contact ISSS if you need any assistance during the semester. We will do our best to get you the help that you need.

 

OPT/CPT Students

 

  • Students who are on OPT must complete the Remote Learning-ISSS Check In form by this Friday, and again after if there are any changes.
  • The government has indicated that it is OK for training supervision to change from in-person to remote during the emergency period. Just be sure to report this change through the Remote Learning form to ISSS so that we can note it as a comment in your SEVIS record (not for printing on I-20).
  • ISSS will hold any I-20s issued for employment changes (like change of employer) until normal operations resume, and you can access an electronic copy of the I-20 (without signature) for the time being through the ISSS Portal.
  • Applications for OPT and STEM OPT will still be processed. While any advisory documents will be sent to you electronically, a paper I-20 with DSO signature will be mailed. ISSS will email you to confirm the mailing method/address after your document is printed.
  • The 90-day unemployment rule still applies during this time for post-completion OPT participants (or 150 day for STEM OPT, including any prior unemployment time during the initial 12 months). If you cannot participate in your work/training, but still remain an active employee/trainee of the internship provider/employer, we will still report you as actively employed in your SEVIS record. If you lose your training opportunity, you must report it to ISSS as unemployment and it will be reported to your SEVIS record accordingly.

 

J-1 Visiting Scholars

 

  • If you travel home due to concerns over Covid-19, the Department of State has indicated that we may maintain an active SEVIS record for you while you are out of the country, provided you will return to resume your exchange program after the situation calms.
  • We will temporarily waive the 30-day travel rule for visiting scholars that would normally limit personal travel to 30 days or less. Submit a Travel Signature request through the Scholar/Employee Portal. Login with your email address and password (do not use your NetID to login). More information here.
  • If you will intend to continue your UConn exchange program activity while abroad, you must also complete with your hosting academic department the J-1 Research Scholar Out of Country Request Form, and in some cases your research plans will need to be approved by OVPR for compliance with export control rules.
  • If you are a paid employee of UConn, you will still need to adhere to standard employee leave rules.
  • If you will end your program early, you must notify your hosting department and ISSS. Submit an End Program request through the Scholar/Employee Portal. Login with your email address and password (do not use your NetID to login).

 

We will provide another webinar/live chat at a soon to be determined date to take your questions related to these announcements. We hope that you are all doing well and staying healthy. Please let us know if you have any concerns or questions at this time.

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