Updated Travel Guidelines for Noncitizens

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The U.S. government has confirmed plans to change the entry requirements for noncitizen, nonimmigrant entry to the U.S., effective November 8, 2021, 12:01 am. Read the full proclamation here. Some key points from this proclamation include the following: 

  • The geographic entry restrictions that previously restricted travel from Brazil, China, India, Iran, South Africa, UK, Ireland, and Schengen Area of Europe will be lifted.   

  • A vaccination requirement will go into effect, requiring all noncitizen, nonimmigrant air travelers to the U.S. to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The definition of fully vaccinated, accepted vaccines, and documentation guidelines are outlined here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/proof-of-vaccination.html#covid-vaccines. Proof of negative COVID-19 test will still be required to travel.

  • Noncitizen travelers who are coming on nonimmigrant visas other than B-1/B-2 (such as F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2) and who are citizens of the countries listed here may qualify for an exemption of the vaccination requirement. The country list will be updated every 90 days.

  • Travelers who qualify for an exemption to the vaccine requirement will need to be tested for COVID-19 with a viral test 3-5 days after travel, self-quarantine for 7 days and isolate if you test positive. If your stay is longer than 60 days, you will need to obtain a vaccination within 60 days after arrival (some exceptions apply).  

  • Full details for noncitizen nonimmigrants traveling to the U.S. can be found on the CDC web page: Non-U.S. citizen, Non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Read this carefully if you intend to travel to the U.S. in the coming months. 

Although the proclamation included certain exemptions to the vaccine requirement, we understand there could still be international students and visiting scholars who are negatively impacted by this policy change. Please reach out to ISSS if you need assistance to understand how this requirement applies to you and your plans for travel to the U.S.

 
ISSS will discuss these updates further at our next Stay Informed! meeting, which will take place on November 3 at 12 pm. Join the meeting here, and please contact international@uconn.edu if you have questions.
 

Reminders for J-1 Scholar Hosting Departments

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Dear academic departments,


We hope your fall semester is off to a great start. ISSS would like to provide you with some updates and reminders related to hosting visiting scholars/exchange visitors on J-1 visas. 

ISSS Services for you and your scholar:

  • ISSS at Storrs is open 5 days a week in person, from 8 am to 5 pm. The front desk is open for procedural questions, and international advisors are available to meet with J-1 exchange visitors for both in-person and virtual appointments. You can find your ISSS Advisor liaison and your scholar’s assigned advisor, here: https://international.global.uconn.edu/isss-advisors/  Your scholar can follow the links on their advisor’s profile to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.

  • ISSS also has drop-in advising each afternoon from 1:30 to 3:30 pm (in-person) and online chat advising in the morning from 9 am to 10 am, and afternoon from 2 pm to 3 pm. These services are intended for quick questions only. If your scholar has a more complex issue to discuss, they should schedule an appointment with their assigned ISSS Advisor.

J-1 Visa Sponsorship Policies:

  • J-1 visa sponsorship requests can only be made for exchange visitors who will be conducting their program in-person. Remote participation is not appropriate for J-1 visa sponsorship.  

  • New J-1 visa sponsorship requests must be fully submitted (all sections completed by the hosting department and the exchange visitor, offer/invitation letter signed and approved for hire) at least 7 weeks before the anticipated start date to UConn to allow adequate time for visa processing. For exchange visitors in STEM fields, we recommend at least 12 weeks advance notice due to the anticipated background checks needed for the visa process. Exceptions may be granted for exchange visitors who are currently in the U.S. and transferring their J-1 visa sponsorship to UConn. 

  • Newly arrived J-1 exchange visitors hosted at the Storrs campus must check-in at the ISSS office in Storrs as soon as possible after arrival. Please remind your scholar to come to ISSS during the designated check in days: Tuesday and Friday, between 2 and 4 pm. Failure to check in with ISSS can lead to a termination of the visiting scholar’s visa sponsorship. The scholar will need to bring their passport, DS-2019, and medical insurance documentation when they check-in. Scholars at the regional campuses will check-in online and then meet with their ISSS Advisor for an orientation meeting.

  • If your visiting scholar cannot arrive and begin their program by the start date listed on the offer letter/DS-2019 form, then you will need to amend both the offer letter and the DS-2019 form before their arrival. Request the DS-2019 amendment from ISSS following these instructions: https://international.global.uconn.edu/department-information/department-information-hosting-an-exchange-visitor/amend-start-date-j-1-exchange-visitor/ 

  • You must notify ISSS if your visiting scholar/exchange visitor decides to end their program early. Please notify both Dana Foster and your ISSS Advisor liaison if your scholar will end their program and return home before their DS-2019/offer letter end date.

  • ISSS publishes further details for hosting departments about the J-1 visa sponsorship process here: https://international.global.uconn.edu/department-information/department-information-hosting-an-exchange-visitor/

COVID-19 Resources and Information for visiting scholars:

Thank you, and please reach out if you have further questions. 

U.S. Extends Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility

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The U.S. Department of State announced yesterday that through the end of 2021, certain applicants for F, M, or J academic visas may be granted a waiver of the requirement to have an interview at a U.S. consulate as part of the visa application. Prior to this announcement, some F or J visa applicants seeking to renew the same visa were eligible to have the interview requirement waived.

This announcement extends the possibility for interview waiver to include:

  • F or J visa applicants in participating countries who were previously issued a U.S. visa of any type (with certain conditions).
  • First time F or J visa applicants who are citizens of countries that currently qualify for Visa Waiver Program for tourism purposes.

Please note that:

  • The consulate has discretion to determine whether a visa applicant is subject to the interview.
  • Not all countries or missions will be able to implement this extended interview waiver eligibility. You must still follow the directions for visa application or renewal provided through the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are located. See U.S. Travel Docs for full application instructions, or review the website of your closest U.S. mission for more details.

This announcement only extends eligibility for a waiver of the interview associated with the visa process; it does not waive the need for a visa.
Read the full announcement here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-announcement-on-F-M-and-academic-J-Visas.html

Message for continuing and returning students regarding Fall 2021 arrival

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ISSS would like to share with you important information regarding arrival to campus for the fall 2021 semester to help you in your planning. Classes at all UConn campuses begin August 30, 2021. Please read the following information carefully to help you plan your arrival.

Student Arrival Dates

If you will live on-campus:

Most returning students who live in on-campus residential housing at Storrs or Stamford campuses will move in August 28 or 29. Please see the important dates posted by Residential Life here. More move-in details will be provided by Residential Life at a later time. Please contact livingoncampus@uconn.edu with any questions you have.

Living off campus:

If you will live off campus your arrival dates are more flexible. Students who have initial attendance I-20 forms may enter the U.S. with your F or J visa up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. If your Form I-20 or DS-2019 is already active, you may return any time in the summer, unless you are traveling to the U.S. from an entry restricted country*.  If you will travel from an entry restricted country, and your I-20 begins before August 1, 2021, we recommend that you do not arrive earlier than July 31, or 30 days before semester begins. J-1 students traveling from an entry restricted country also require a written national interest exception (or a visa annotated for NIE) before you can travel. If you will not be fully vaccinated upon arrival in the U.S., we recommend that you arrive at least 7 days before classes or any in-person campus commitment begins, and follow all guidelines listed in this email regarding testing and quarantine.

 

Airport shuttle:

ISSS plans to sponsor an airport shuttle for students from Bradley International Airport  (Windsor Locks, Connecticut) to Storrs, Connecticut on the following dates:

 

Friday, August 13, 2021

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Tuesday, August 24, 2021 – drop off at UConn Storrs campus only.

 

Priority for this shuttle is given to new international students, but on a space-available basis, returning or continuing students may be able to sign up for a seat on the shuttle. ISSS will provide more details soon.

COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination, and Quarantine Requirements

COVID-19 Vaccination:

The University requires that all UConn students be vaccinated for COVID-19, unless you have been approved for an exemption from this requirement for medical or non-medical reasons. Students who wish to apply for the exemption should submit the exemption request form by July 15. Links to the exemption requests form can be found here. Do not submit the exemption form if you plan to be vaccinated upon arrival to the U.S.

 

You are considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after completing a full course of a vaccination approved by the World Health Organization. If you are unable to be fully vaccinated in your country, the University will allow you to get your vaccination when you arrive.  Students who need to be vaccinated upon arrival can register for an open appointment with the on-campus vaccination clinic in Storrs starting in August. Students who are not at the Storrs campus can obtain a vaccination through a local community provider. ISSS will provide more information on community vaccination options soon.

 

Please upload proof of your vaccination status, even if you are not yet fully vaccinated and even if it is not a WHO-approved vaccine, to myhealth.uconn.edu as soon as you are able to, and no later than July 31 (when possible).  If you will not have access to a WHO approved vaccination upon arrival, do not apply for the vaccination exemption. More information on the University’s vaccination requirement can be found here.

 

COVID-19 testing:

After international travel:

All international students who fly to the U.S. from another country are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to fly to the United States. Learn more here. Please also submit this proof of your negative COVID-19 test result to myhealth.uconn.edu. Upon arrival in the U.S., you should be tested again, and then again 5-7 days after arrival. Students who attend the Storrs campus can be tested through on-campus student health and wellness (SHaW) services. Students who do not attend the Storrs campus can be tested through a community provider. ISSS will provide more information on community testing options soon.

 

Residential students who are not yet fully vaccinated, no international travel:

Students who are not fully vaccinated, but will live on campus and did not travel from outside the U.S., must also be tested prior to arrival, upon arrival, and within 5-7 days after arrival.

Quarantine:

Your vaccination status will determine if you will need to quarantine upon arrival to the U.S. or arrival to campus.

 

Quarantine Scenario 1: If you are fully vaccinated, living on-campus or off-campus:

Quarantine is not required. However, if you traveled from an international destination, you will still need pre-arrival testing, arrival testing, and testing 5-7 days after arrival for COVID-19 (as described above) and monitor for symptoms.

 

Quarantine Scenario 2: If you are not fully vaccinated, and arrive from a U.S. location, or from an international location that is not subject to geographic entry-restriction*:

 

Students living on campus:

In addition to the COVID-19 testing described above, you will need to follow a modified residential quarantine for 7 days. During the modified quarantine:

 

  • Students are permitted to attend class and participate in essential research functions conducted at UConn.
  • Students in clinical rotations should follow the recommendations of their clinical setting.
  • No close contacts (<6 ft. for >15 min) outside defined residential pod.
  • Continue to wear masks, physically distance, and avoid crowds and social gatherings.
  • May leave primary residence for Dining Hall take-out service.
  • May engage in outdoor activities by yourself or with members of defined residential pod.
  • May participate in limited, university sponsored, socially distanced outdoor activities.
  • No prolonged indoor activity outside of primary residence other than to attend class, engage in essential research, and access take-out food service.
  • Adhere to all control measures advised by the university.
  • Daily symptom check during the modified quarantine period.
  • May leave primary residence to obtain medical care and participate in required testing for COVID-19.

 

Students living off-campus:

Follow the modified quarantine guidelines above for seven days (but in your off-campus residence), or ten days if you are unable to follow the COVID-19 testing schedule after arrival.

 

Quarantine Scenario 3: If you are not fully vaccinated, and arrive after international travel from a country subject to entry-restriction*:

 

Students living on campus:

In addition to the COVID-19 testing described above, you will need to follow a medical quarantine for 7 days after arrival to the U.S. If you arrive in the U.S. before your move-in date, you should complete the 7-day quarantine and related COVID-19 testing before you move into your on-campus housing and upload your testing results to SHaW. Otherwise you may complete the medical quarantine on-campus.

 

During the 7-day medical quarantine:

  • You will live in temporary housing for residential quarantine.
  • No close contacts (<6 ft. for >15 min).
  • May only leave primary residence for Dining Hall take-out service.
  • No in person class attendance. If you must miss classes due to quarantine, the University will support you to remain engaged with your coursework.
  • No in-person work attendance.
  • Daily active monitoring of temperature (2x/day) and daily symptom check
  • Testing for COVID-19 day 5-7 after arrival from an entry restricted country.
  • May leave primary residence to obtain medical care and participate in required testing for COVID-19.

Students living off-campus:

Follow the general medical quarantine guidelines above for seven days (but in your off-campus residence), or ten days if you are unable to follow COVID-19 testing schedule after arrival.

 

*Entry restricted countries as of June 2021: Brazil, China, India, Iran, South Africa, Ireland, United Kingdom, and Schengen Area countries of Europe, which are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

 

 

Summary of Arrival, Testing, and Quarantine Policy

Travel description: Covid-19 Testing Quarantine Arrival Date- Living On Campus Arrival Date- Living Off Campus
Domestic travel: Fully Vaccinated: None required

 

Not fully vaccinated:

Pre-arrival, upon arrival and 5-7 days after arrival

 Fully vaccinated: None required

 

Not fully vaccinated:
Modified quarantine for 7 days

 Freshmen (Storrs):

August 27

 

All others: August 28-29

 If you are already in the U.S. on an F or J visa, you may arrive at any point in summer, by your program start date.
International travel (not traveling from an entry restricted country): All students: Pre-arrival, upon arrival, and 5-7 days after arrival Fully vaccinated: None

 

Not fully vaccinated: Modified quarantine for 7 days

 Freshmen (Storrs):

August 27

 

All others: August 28-29

 New I-20/DS-2019: Arrive up to 30 days before program start date.

 

Continuing I-20s/DS-2019s:

Arrive at any point in the summer.
International travel from entry-restricted country: All students: Pre-arrival, upon arrival, and 5-7 days after arrival Fully vaccinated: None

 

Not fully vaccinated: Medical quarantine for 7 days

 Freshmen (Storrs):

August 27

 

All others: August 28-29

 New I-20/DS-2019: Arrive up to 30 days before program start date.

 

Continuing I-20s:

Arrive no earlier than July 31. This includes students whose flights transit entry- restricted countries.

 

If not fully vaccinated, arrive at least 7-10 days before classes begin.

 

 

What to do next:

  • We know that you probably have a lot of questions about your situation. Please attend a live webinar to learn more about arrival and returning to campus, and ask your questions to SHaW, Res Life, and ISSS staff.

When: Tuesday, July 6 at 8:30 am – 9:30 am, EST.

Link to meeting:

https://uconn-cmr.webex.com/uconn-cmr/onstage/g.php?MTID=e277313e6e231215f85ab85d960f36f70

Event number 120 869 7786

Event password: UConn2021

  • Upload your COVID-19 vaccination record status, even if you are not yet fully vaccinated, to uconn.edu by July 31 (when possible). Contact studenthealth@uconn.edu with any questions. Check your myhealth.uconn.edu portal for response from Student Health Services (for your privacy).
  • Fill out your ISSS Fall 2021 Study Plan, if you have not already done so. Please also complete this form if you will not study in-person for fall 2021.

Message for new international students at the Stamford, Hartford, Law, Avery Point and Waterbury campuses

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ISSS would like to share with you important information regarding arrival to campus for the fall 2021 semester to help you in your planning. Classes at all UConn campuses begin August 30, 2021. Please read the following information carefully to help you plan your arrival.

Student Arrival Dates

If you will live on-campus:

International students who will live in the Stamford campus residence hall move-in August 28 or 29;  more details will be provided by Residential Life at a later time about the move-in process. Please contact livingoncampus@uconn.edu with any questions you have.

Living off campus:

If you will live off campus you may enter the U.S. with your F or J visa up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. Please be mindful of any in-person activities or program requirements, as well as testing and quarantine requirements (see below) when planning your arrival date.

COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination, and Quarantine Requirements

COVID-19 Vaccination:

The University requires that all UConn students be vaccinated for COVID-19, unless you have been approved for an exemption from this requirement for medical or non-medical reasons. Students who wish to apply for the exemption should submit the exemption request form by July 15. Links to the exemption requests form can be found here. Do not submit the exemption form if you plan to be vaccinated upon arrival to the U.S.

 

You are considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after completing a full course of a vaccination approved by the World Health Organization. If you are unable to be fully vaccinated in your country, the University will allow you to get your vaccination when you arrive. Students who need to be vaccinated upon arrival can receive a vaccination through a community provider. We will share more details regarding community vaccination provider options soon.

 

Please upload proof of your vaccination, even if it is not a WHO-approved vaccine, to myhealth.uconn.edu as soon as you are able to, and no later than July 31 (when possible). More information on the University’s vaccination requirement can be found here.

 

COVID-19 testing:

After international travel:

All international students who fly to the U.S. from another country are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to fly to the United States. Learn more here. Please also submit proof of your negative COVID-19 test result to myhealth.uconn.edu. Upon arrival in the U.S., you should be tested again, and then again 5-7 days after arrival. We will provide you with more information on how to obtain a COVID-19 test in your community.

 

Residential students who are not yet fully vaccinated, no international travel:

Students who are not fully vaccinated, but will live on campus and did not travel from outside the U.S., must also be tested prior to arrival, upon arrival, and within 5-7 days after arrival.

Quarantine:

Your vaccination status will determine if you will need to quarantine upon arrival to the U.S. or arrival to campus, whichever comes first.

 

Quarantine Scenario 1: If you are fully vaccinated, living on-campus or off-campus:

Quarantine is not required. If you traveled from an international destination, you will still need pre-arrival testing, arrival testing, and testing 5-7 days after arrival for COVID-19 (as described above) and monitor for symptoms.

 

Quarantine Scenario 2: If you are not fully vaccinated, and arrive from a U.S. location, or from an international location that is not subject to geographic entry-restriction*:

 

Students living on campus:

In addition to the COVID-19 testing described above, you will need to follow a modified residential quarantine for 7 days. During the modified quarantine:

 

  • Students are permitted to attend class and participate in essential research functions conducted at UConn.
  • Students in clinical rotations should follow the recommendations of their clinical setting.
  • No close contacts (<6 ft. for >15 min) outside defined residential pod.
  • Continue to wear masks, physically distance, and avoid crowds and social gatherings.
  • May leave primary residence for Dining Hall take-out service.
  • May engage in outdoor activities by yourself or with members of defined residential pod.
  • May participate in limited, university sponsored, socially distanced outdoor activities.
  • No prolonged indoor activity outside of primary residence other than to attend class, engage in essential research, and access take-out food service.
  • Adhere to all control measures advised by the university.
  • Daily symptom check during the modified quarantine period.
  • May leave primary residence to obtain medical care and participate in required testing for COVID-19.

 

Students living off-campus:

Follow the modified quarantine guidelines above for seven days (but in your off-campus residence), or ten days if you are unable to follow the COVID-19 testing schedule after arrival.

 

Quarantine Scenario 3: If you are not fully vaccinated, and arrive after international travel from a country subject to entry-restriction*:

 

Students living on campus:

In addition to the COVID-19 testing described above, you will need to follow a medical quarantine for 7 days after arrival to the U.S. If you arrive in the U.S. before your move-in date, you should complete the 7-day quarantine and related COVID-19 testing before you move into your on-campus housing and upload your testing results to SHaW. Otherwise you may complete the medical quarantine on-campus.

 

During the 7-day medical quarantine:

  • You will live in temporary housing for residential quarantine.
  • No close contacts (<6 ft. for >15 min).
  • May only leave primary residence for Dining Hall take-out service.
  • No in person class attendance. If you must miss classes due to quarantine, the University will support you to remain engaged with your coursework.
  • No in-person work attendance.
  • Daily active monitoring of temperature (2x/day) and daily symptom check
  • Testing for COVID-19 day 5-7 after arrival from an entry restricted country.
  • May leave primary residence to obtain medical care and participate in required testing for COVID-19.

Students living off-campus:

Follow the general medical quarantine guidelines above for seven days (but in your off-campus residence), or ten days if you are unable to follow COVID-19 testing schedule after arrival.

 

*Entry restricted countries as of June 2021: Brazil, China, India, Iran, South Africa, Ireland, United Kingdom, and Schengen Area countries of Europe, which are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

 

 

Summary of Arrival, Testing, and Quarantine Policy

Travel description: Covid-19 Testing Quarantine Arrival Date- Living On Campus Arrival Date- Living Off Campus
Domestic travel: Fully Vaccinated: None required

 

Not fully vaccinated:

Pre-arrival, upon arrival and 5-7 days after arrival

 Fully vaccinated: None required

 

Not fully vaccinated:
Modified quarantine for 7 days

 Early Arrival:

To be confirmed

 

Standard Arrival:

August 28-29

 If you are already in the U.S. on an F or J visa, you may arrive at any point in summer, by your program start date.
International travel (not traveling from an entry restricted country): All students: Pre-arrival, upon arrival, and 5-7 days after arrival Fully vaccinated: None

 

Not fully vaccinated: Modified quarantine for 7 days

 Early Arrival:

To be confirmed

 

Standard Arrival:

August 28-29

 You may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date on I-20.
International travel from entry-restricted country: All students: Pre-arrival, upon arrival, and 5-7 days after arrival Fully vaccinated: None

 

Not fully vaccinated: Medical quarantine for 7 days

 Early Arrival:

To be confirmed

 

Standard Arrival:

August 28-29

 You may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date on I-20.

 

If not fully vaccinated, arrive at least 7-10 days before classes begin.

 

 

What to do next:

  • We know that you probably have a lot of questions about your situation. Please attend a live webinar to learn more about arrival and returning to campus, and ask your questions to SHaW, Res Life, and ISSS staff.

When: Tuesday, July 6 at 8:30 am – 9:30 am, EST.

Link to meeting:

https://uconn-cmr.webex.com/uconn-cmr/onstage/g.php?MTID=e277313e6e231215f85ab85d960f36f70

Event number 120 869 7786

Event password: UConn2021

 

  • Upload your COVID-19 vaccination record status, even if you are not yet fully vaccinated to uconn.edu by July 31 (when possible). Contact studenthealth@uconn.edu with any questions. Check your myhealth.uconn.edu portal for response from Student Health Services (for your privacy).
  • Fill out your ISSS Fall 2021 Study Plan, if you have not already done so. Please also complete this form if you will not study in-person for fall 2021.

Message for new international graduate students at Storrs campus

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ISSS would like to share with you important information regarding arrival to campus for the fall 2021 semester to help you in your planning. Classes at all UConn campuses begin August 30, 2021. Please read the following information carefully to help you plan your arrival.

International Graduate Student Welcome Program

 

ISSS invites new graduate students at the Storrs campus to attend the International Graduate Student Welcome Program on Monday, August 23. This program complements your online international student orientation, and will include both in-person and virtual elements. This includes graduate students who began their program abroad, and who will arrive at UConn for the first time in the fall.

 

Students who are fully vaccinated may participate fully in the International Graduate Student Welcome Program. Students who are not fully vaccinated may likely participate in only some aspects of the orientation program. We strongly encourage all new international graduate students at Storrs to attend this program, which will help orient you to life at UConn and meet others. We will provide more details to you regarding the International Graduate Student Welcome Program soon.

Student Arrival Dates

If you will live on-campus:

New international graduate students living on-campus at Storrs may move into their room early, on Friday, August 13. There is an extra charge/fee associated with early move-in, and specific details about how to sign up and the cost for early move-in will be provided to you by Residential Life. New international graduate students who cannot move-in on August 13 should follow the standard move-in calendar, posted here. New graduate students who cannot arrive for the early move-in date can move in August 28 or 29. Contact livingoncampus@uconn.edu with any on-campus housing questions.

 

Living off campus:

If you will live off campus you may enter the U.S. with your F or J visa up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. If you are a Storrs campus student and you will attend the International Graduate Student Welcome Program, please arrive by August 24. If you will not be fully vaccinated, you should arrive at least 7 days before the International Graduate Student Welcome Program to fully participate, or at least 7 days before classes begin, and follow all guidelines listed in this email regarding testing and quarantine.

 

Airport shuttle:

ISSS will sponsor an airport shuttle for students from Bradley International Airport  (Windsor Locks, Connecticut) to Storrs, Connecticut on the following dates:

 

Friday, August 13, 2021

Sunday, August 14, 2021

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Tuesday, August 24, 2021 – drop off at UConn Storrs campus only.

 

ISSS will provide more information about the airport shuttle, and a form to sign up for the shuttle, very soon.

COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination, and Quarantine Requirements

COVID-19 Vaccination:

The University requires that all UConn students be vaccinated for COVID-19, unless you have been approved for an exemption from this requirement for medical or non-medical reasons. Students who wish to apply for the exemption should submit the exemption request form by July 15. Links to the exemption requests form can be found here. Do not submit the exemption form if you plan to be vaccinated upon arrival to the U.S.

 

You are considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after completing a full course of a vaccination approved by the World Health Organization. If you are unable to be fully vaccinated in your country, the University will allow you to get your vaccination when you arrive. Students who need to be vaccinated upon arrival can register for an open appointment with the on-campus vaccination clinic starting in August. As an international student, you will be allowed to move to Storrs campus residence halls on the designated early arrival day of August 24 even if you are not fully vaccinated, but you will need to follow all guidelines described below.

 

Please upload proof of your vaccination status, even if you are not yet fully vaccinated and even if it is not a WHO-approved vaccine, to myhealth.uconn.edu as soon as you are able to, and no later than July 31 (when possible).  If you will not have access to a WHO approved vaccination upon arrival, do not apply for the vaccination exemption. Instead, register for a vaccination appointment when available. More information on the University’s vaccination requirement can be found here.

 

COVID-19 testing:

After international travel:

All international students who fly to the U.S. from another country are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to fly to the United States. Learn more here. Please also submit proof of your negative COVID-19 test result to myhealth.uconn.edu. Upon arrival in the U.S., you should be tested again, and then again 5-7 days after arrival. Students who attend the Storrs campus can be tested through on-campus student health and wellness (SHaW) services.

 

Residential students who are not yet fully vaccinated, no international travel:

Students who are not fully vaccinated, but will live on campus and did not travel from outside the U.S., must also be tested prior to arrival, upon arrival, and within 5-7 days after arrival.

Quarantine:

Your vaccination status will determine if you will need to quarantine upon arrival to the U.S. or arrival to campus, whichever comes first.

 

Quarantine Scenario 1: If you are fully vaccinated, living on-campus or off-campus:

Quarantine is not required. If you traveled from an international destination, you will still need pre-arrival testing, arrival testing, and testing 5-7 days after arrival for COVID-19 (as described above) and monitor for symptoms.

 

Quarantine Scenario 2: If you are not fully vaccinated, and arrive from a U.S. location, or from an international location that is not subject to geographic entry-restriction*:

 

Students living on campus:

In addition to the COVID-19 testing described above, you will need to follow a modified residential quarantine for 7 days. During the modified quarantine:

 

  • Students are permitted to attend class and participate in essential research functions conducted at UConn.
  • Students in clinical rotations should follow the recommendations of their clinical setting.
  • No close contacts (<6 ft. for >15 min) outside defined residential pod.
  • Continue to wear masks, physically distance, and avoid crowds and social gatherings.
  • May leave primary residence for Dining Hall take-out service.
  • May engage in outdoor activities by yourself or with members of defined residential pod.
  • May participate in limited, university sponsored, socially distanced outdoor activities.
  • No prolonged indoor activity outside of primary residence other than to attend class, engage in essential research, and access take-out food service.
  • Adhere to all control measures advised by the university.
  • Daily symptom check during the modified quarantine period.
  • May leave primary residence to obtain medical care and participate in required testing for COVID-19.

 

Students living off-campus:

Follow the modified quarantine guidelines above for seven days (but in your off-campus residence), or ten days if you are unable to follow the COVID-19 testing schedule after arrival.

 

Quarantine Scenario 3: If you are not fully vaccinated, and arrive after international travel from a country subject to entry-restriction*:

 

Students living on campus:

In addition to the COVID-19 testing described above, you will need to follow a medical quarantine for 7 days after arrival to the U.S. If you arrive in the U.S. before your move-in date, you should complete the 7-day quarantine and related COVID-19 testing before you move into your on-campus housing and upload your testing results to SHaW. Otherwise you may complete the medical quarantine on-campus.

 

During the 7-day medical quarantine:

  • You will live in temporary housing for residential quarantine.
  • No close contacts (<6 ft. for >15 min).
  • May only leave primary residence for Dining Hall take-out service.
  • No in person class attendance. If you must miss classes due to quarantine, the University will support you to remain engaged with your coursework.
  • No in-person work attendance.
  • Daily active monitoring of temperature (2x/day) and daily symptom check
  • Testing for COVID-19 day 5-7 after arrival from an entry restricted country.
  • May leave primary residence to obtain medical care and participate in required testing for COVID-19.

Students living off-campus:

Follow the general medical quarantine guidelines above for seven days (but in your off-campus residence), or ten days if you are unable to follow COVID-19 testing schedule after arrival.

 

*Entry restricted countries as of June 2021: Brazil, China, India, Iran, South Africa, Ireland, United Kingdom, and Schengen Area countries of Europe, which are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

 

 

Summary of Arrival, Testing, and Quarantine Policy

Travel description: Covid-19 Testing Quarantine Arrival Date- Living On Campus Arrival Date- Living Off Campus
Domestic travel: Fully Vaccinated: None required

 

Not fully vaccinated:

Pre-arrival, upon arrival and 5-7 days after arrival

 Fully vaccinated: None required

 

Not fully vaccinated:
Modified quarantine for 7 days

 Early arrival: August 13

 

Standard arrival:

 

August 28-29

 If you are already in the U.S. on an F or J visa, you may arrive at any point in summer, by your program start date.
International travel (not traveling from an entry restricted country): All students: Pre-arrival, upon arrival, and 5-7 days after arrival Fully vaccinated: None

 

Not fully vaccinated: Modified quarantine for 7 days

 Early arrival: August 13

 

Standard arrival:

 

August 28-29

 You may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date on I-20.
International travel from entry-restricted country: All students: Pre-arrival, upon arrival, and 5-7 days after arrival Fully vaccinated: None

 

Not fully vaccinated: Medical quarantine for 7 days

 Early arrival: August 13

 

Standard arrival:

 

August 28-29

 You may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date on I-20.

 

If not fully vaccinated, arrive at least 7-10 days before classes begin.

 

 

What to do next:

  • We know that you probably have a lot of questions about your situation. Please attend a live webinar to learn more about arrival and returning to campus, and ask your questions to SHaW, Res Life, and ISSS staff.

When: Tuesday, July 6 at 8:30 am – 9:30 am, EST.

Link to meeting:

https://uconn-cmr.webex.com/uconn-cmr/onstage/g.php?MTID=e277313e6e231215f85ab85d960f36f70

Event number 120 869 7786

Event password: UConn2021

 

  • Upload your COVID-19 vaccination record status, even if you are not yet fully vaccinated to uconn.edu by July 31 (when possible). Contact studenthealth@uconn.edu with any questions. Check your myhealth.uconn.edu portal for response from Student Health Services (for your privacy).
  • Fill out your ISSS Fall 2021 Study Plan, if you have not already done so. Please also complete this form if you will not study in-person for fall 2021.
  • Watch for emails from ISSS with a link to fill out a new student arrival form. In this form you will confirm your arrival date, request early arrival, and register for the new student welcome program and airport shuttle.

Message for new international undergraduate students at Storrs campus

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ISSS would like to share with you important information regarding arrival to campus for the fall 2021 semester to help you in your planning. Classes at all UConn campuses begin August 30, 2021. Please read the following information carefully to help you plan your arrival.

International Student Welcome Program 

 

ISSS invites new international undergraduate students to attend the International Student Welcome Program starting Tuesday, August 24. This program complements your online orientation program, and will include both in-person and virtual elements. Students who began their program abroad, and who will arrive at UConn for the first time in the fall are also invited to attend the International Student Welcome Program.

 

Students who are fully vaccinated may participate fully in the International Student Welcome Program. Students who are not fully vaccinated may participate in only some aspects of the welcome program, but can still arrive early, with certain conditions. We strongly encourage all new international undergraduates at Storrs to attend this program, which will help orient you to life at UConn and meet others. We will provide more details to students regarding the New Student Welcome Program soon.

Student Arrival Dates

If you will live on-campus:

 

New international students living on-campus at Storrs may move into their room early, on Tuesday, August 24, to attend the International Student Welcome Program.

 

New international students who cannot move-in on August 24 should follow the standard move-in calendar, posted here. Students admitted for Fall 2021 semester move in Friday, August 27.  All other students sign up for a move-in time on August 28 or 29 – more details will be provided by Residential Life at a later time. Please contact livingoncampus@uconn.edu with any questions you have.

 

Living off campus:

If you will live off campus you may enter the U.S. with your F or J visa up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. If you plan to attend the New Student Welcome Program, you must arrive by August 24. If you will not be fully vaccinated, you should arrive at least 7 days before the New Student Welcome Program to fully participate, or at least 7 days before classes begin, and follow all guidelines listed in this email regarding testing and quarantine.

 

Airport shuttle:

ISSS will sponsor an airport shuttle for students from Bradley International Airport  (Windsor Locks, Connecticut) to Storrs, Connecticut on the following dates:

 

Friday, August 13, 2021

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Tuesday, August 24, 2021 – drop off at UConn Storrs campus only.

 

ISSS will provide more information about the airport shuttle, and a form to sign up for the shuttle, very soon.

COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination, and Quarantine Requirements

COVID-19 Vaccination:

The University requires that all UConn students be vaccinated for COVID-19, unless you have been approved for an exemption from this requirement for medical or non-medical reasons. Students who wish to apply for the exemption should submit the exemption request form by July 15. Links to the exemption request forms can be found here. Do not submit the exemption form if you plan to be vaccinated upon arrival to the U.S.

 

You are considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after completing a full course of a vaccination approved by the World Health Organization. If you are unable to be fully vaccinated in your country, the University will allow you to get your vaccination when you arrive. Students who need to be vaccinated upon arrival can register for an open appointment with our on-campus vaccination clinic starting in August. As an international student, you will be allowed to move to Storrs campus residence halls on the designated early arrival day of August 24 even if you are not fully vaccinated, but you will need to follow all guidelines described below.

 

Please upload proof of your vaccination, status, even if you are not yet fully vaccinated and even if it is not a WHO-approved vaccine, to myhealth.uconn.edu as soon as you are able to, and no later than July 31 (when possible).  If you will not have access to a WHO approved vaccination upon arrival, do not apply for the vaccination exemption. Instead, register for a vaccination appointment when available. More information on the University’s vaccination requirement can be found here.

 

COVID-19 testing:

After international travel:

All international students who fly to the U.S. from another country are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to fly to the United States. Learn more here. Please also submit proof of your negative COVID-19 test result to myhealth.uconn.edu. Upon arrival in the U.S., you should be tested again, and then again 5-7 days after arrival. Students who attend the Storrs campus can be tested through on-campus student health and wellness (SHaW) services.

 

Residential students who are not yet fully vaccinated, no international travel:

Students who are not fully vaccinated, but will live on campus and did not travel from outside the U.S., must also be tested prior to arrival, upon arrival, and within 5-7 days after arrival.

Quarantine:

Your vaccination status will determine if you will need to quarantine upon arrival to the U.S. or arrival to campus, whichever comes first.

 

Quarantine Scenario 1: If you are fully vaccinated, living on-campus or off-campus:

Quarantine is not required. If you traveled from an international destination, you will still need pre-arrival testing, arrival testing, and testing 5-7 days after arrival for COVID-19 (as described above) and monitor for symptoms.

 

Quarantine Scenario 2: If you are not fully vaccinated, and arrive from a U.S. location, or from an international location that is not subject to geographic entry-restriction*:

 

Students living on campus:

In addition to the COVID-19 testing described above, you will need to follow a modified residential quarantine for 7 days. During the modified quarantine:

 

  • Students are permitted to attend class and participate in essential research functions conducted at UConn.
  • Students in clinical rotations should follow the recommendations of their clinical setting.
  • No close contacts (<6 ft. for >15 min) outside defined residential pod.
  • Continue to wear masks, physically distance, and avoid crowds and social gatherings.
  • May leave primary residence for Dining Hall take-out service.
  • May engage in outdoor activities by yourself or with members of defined residential pod.
  • May participate in limited, university sponsored, socially distanced outdoor activities.
  • No prolonged indoor activity outside of primary residence other than to attend class, engage in essential research, and access take-out food service.
  • Adhere to all control measures advised by the university.
  • Daily symptom check during the modified quarantine period.
  • May leave primary residence to obtain medical care and participate in required testing for COVID-19.

 

Students living off-campus:

Follow the modified quarantine guidelines above for seven days (but in your off-campus residence), or ten days if you are unable to follow the COVID-19 testing schedule after arrival.

 

Quarantine Scenario 3: If you are not fully vaccinated, and arrive after international travel from a country subject to entry-restriction*:

 

Students living on campus:

In addition to the COVID-19 testing described above, you will need to follow a medical quarantine for 7 days after arrival to the U.S. If you arrive in the U.S. before your move-in date, you should complete the 7-day quarantine and related COVID-19 testing before you move into your on-campus housing and upload your testing results to SHaW. Otherwise you may complete the medical quarantine on-campus.

 

During the 7-day medical quarantine:

  • You will live in temporary housing for residential quarantine.
  • No close contacts (<6 ft. for >15 min).
  • May only leave primary residence for Dining Hall take-out service.
  • No in person class attendance. If you must miss classes due to quarantine, the University will support you to remain engaged with your coursework.
  • No in-person work attendance.
  • Daily active monitoring of temperature (2x/day) and daily symptom check
  • Testing for COVID-19 day 5-7 after arrival from an entry restricted country.
  • May leave primary residence to obtain medical care and participate in required testing for COVID-19.

Students living off-campus:

Follow the general medical quarantine guidelines above for seven days (but in your off-campus residence), or ten days if you are unable to follow COVID-19 testing schedule after arrival.

 

*Entry restricted countries as of June 2021: Brazil, China, India, Iran, South Africa, Ireland, United Kingdom, and Schengen Area countries of Europe, which are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

 

 

Summary of Arrival, Testing, and Quarantine Policy

Travel description: Covid-19 Testing Quarantine Arrival Date- Living On Campus Arrival Date- Living Off Campus
Domestic travel: Fully Vaccinated: None required

 

Not fully vaccinated:

Pre-arrival, upon arrival and 5-7 days after arrival

 Fully vaccinated: None required

 

Not fully vaccinated:
Modified quarantine for 7 days

 Early arrival: August 24

 

Standard arrival:

Freshmen: August 27

 

Continuing students: August 28-29

 If you are already in the U.S. on an F or J visa, you may arrive at any point in summer, by your program start date.
International travel (not traveling from an entry restricted country): All students: Pre-arrival, upon arrival, and 5-7 days after arrival Fully vaccinated: None

 

Not fully vaccinated: Modified quarantine for 7 days

 Early arrival: August 24

 

Standard arrival:

Freshmen: August 27

 

Continuing students: August 28-29

 You may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date on I-20.
International travel from entry-restricted country: All students: Pre-arrival, upon arrival, and 5-7 days after arrival Fully vaccinated: None

 

Not fully vaccinated: Medical quarantine for 7 days

 Early arrival: August 24

 

Standard arrival:

Freshmen: August 27

 

Continuing students: August 28-29

 You may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date on I-20.

 

If not fully vaccinated, arrive at least 7-10 days before classes begin.

 

 

What to do next:

  • We know that you probably have a lot of questions about your situation. Please attend a live webinar to learn more about arrival and returning to campus, and ask your questions to SHaW, Res Life, and ISSS staff.

When: Tuesday, July 6 at 8:30 am – 9:30 am, EST.

Link to meeting:

https://uconn-cmr.webex.com/uconn-cmr/onstage/g.php?MTID=e277313e6e231215f85ab85d960f36f70

Event number 120 869 7786

Event password: UConn2021

  • Upload your COVID-19 vaccination record status, even if you are not yet fully vaccinated to uconn.edu by July 31 (when possible). Contact studenthealth@uconn.edu with any questions. Check your myhealth.uconn.edu portal for response from Student Health Services (for your privacy).
  • Fill out your ISSS Fall 2021 Study Plan, if you have not already done so. Please also complete this form if you will not study in-person for fall 2021.
  • Watch for emails from ISSS with a link to fill out a new student arrival form. In this form you will confirm your arrival date, request early arrival, and register for the new student welcome program and airport shuttle.

ISSS will be closed Monday, May 31

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Dear students and scholars,

The ISSS office will be closed on Monday for the Memorial Day holiday for both in-person and virtual services. Thank you and we look forward to helping you on Tuesday.

Review of National Interest Exception and Travel from Geographic Entry Restricted Countries

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Dear students and exchange visitors,

We are writing to provide you with an update on the travel National Interest Exception (NIE) for students and exchange visitors located in Brazil, China, India, Iran, and South Africa, Schengen Area of Europe, the UK, and Ireland. The national interest exception announcement has been updated on the Department of State website to include language about traveling dependents and OPT participants and can be found here. Please note that although the announcement does not list India, a separate Department of State announcement confirms that India is included among the NIE eligible countries for academic travel, falling under the same conditions as individuals located in Brazil, China, Iran, and South Africa.

The announcement language is still ambiguous, but we have now had the opportunity to experience how the U.S. embassy is interpreting the NIE process. Based on the latest information, we are providing you with the current ISSS interpretation of the NIE announcement and recommendations for travelers. If this interpretation changes, we will update you.

Students and Exchange Visitors located in Brazil, China, India, Iran, and South Africa

  • Students coming to the U.S. to begin or continue studies with a new initial I-20 or DS-2019 are eligible to travel under the NIE if the program start date listed your form is August 1, 2021, or later. The earliest you may enter the U.S. is 30 days before your program start date. Students do not need to worry if remarks on your I-20 refer to prior study in your home country, as this does not disqualify you from the NIE. The I-20 form just needs to list the program start date after 8/1/21. Remember to report your intent to study in-person at UConn, by completing the Fall 2021 Study Plan form.
  • If you are a continuing student who departed the U.S., you have maintained your full-time student status and active SEVIS status, and your I-20 form or DS-2019 form has your original program start date (in the past), you also qualify to travel under the NIE to resume studies. However, it will be less apparent to the airline, consular officials, or border officials that you are returning to resume studies that begin after August 1. Therefore, ISSS will issue new I-20 forms next week for active students with Brazil, China, India, Iran or South Africa citizenship, who we know to be outside the United States, and who have active I-20 forms listing program start dates in the past. You will receive an email early next week confirming that we have issued your new I-20 form. The new form will have comments regarding your return to the U.S. to resume studies that begin August 30 and will include an updated travel signature. Continuing students should travel to the U.S. under the NIE no earlier than 30 days before the semester begins (July 31 at the earliest). If you are renewing your visa, you should clearly present yourself as a continuing student at your visa appointment, present proof of your full time enrollment while outside the U.S., and contact ISSS if you are told to bring a new I-20 with an updated program start date.  Continuing students must report their intent to return to UConn from abroad, or to travel abroad this summer and return for fall, by completing the Fall 2021 Study Plan, option 2. This submission will also prompt ISSS to issue a new form with travel signature for those students who are not automatically issued the updated form for travel next week.
  • If you are on OPT: if you are outside the U.S. and located in one of these countries, we interpret this announcement to mean that you may travel under the NIE to return for work on OPT that begins after August 1. We also recommend that students on OPT with valid U.S. visas email the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to them, to confirm their eligibility to travel and resume OPT work under the NIE, if the OPT period began before August 1. Remember to report all new employment to ISSS by completing an OPT Employment Update record. When traveling, we suggest that you carry a letter confirming that you are returning to start work that begins after 8/1, or if you are already actively employed, that you are returning to resume work in the United States after 8/1. Students on OPT complete the Travel Information Record to report travel dates and request a travel signature.
  • Visiting scholars: If you are a new visiting scholar located in Brazil, China, India, Iran or South Africa, your program start date listed on your Form DS-2019 must be August 1 or later to be considered for travel under the NIE. If you are a current or continuing visiting scholar who has a program start date before August 1, please reach out to ISSS for advice on return travel under the NIE.
  • F-1 visa holders: If you apply for a visa, you will be considered for the NIE and if your visa is approved, the NIE will be noted on your visa. Continuing students who need to renew the visa should present themselves as a continuing student and bring proof of your full-time enrollment while at UConn, if your I-20 form lists a start date before 8/1/2021. If you have a valid F-1 visa you do not need permission from the U.S. embassy to travel under the NIE (you are automatically eligible), but you are still subject to the date restrictions already noted.
  • J-1 visa holders: If you apply for a visa, you will be considered for the NIE and if your visa is approved, the NIE will be noted on your visa. If you already have a valid J-1 visa for your program at UConn, you must email the U.S. Embassy or Consulate 30 days before you plan to travel and request the national interest exception for travel. Send a copy of your J-1 visa and your DS-2019 form with your request. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will send you an email with the NIE approval, if granted, that is valid for travel for 30 days.

Students and Exchange Visitors located in Schengen Area of Europe, Ireland, United Kingdom

  • Academic travelers (students, exchange students and visiting scholars), also qualify for a National Interest Exception to travel to the U.S. but are not subject to the same 8/1 date restriction as other travelers. If you are a new student coming to the U.S. on an I-20 issued for initial attendance, you may enter under the NIE up to 30 days before the program start date. Your I-20 even lists an “Earliest Entry Date” that you may refer to. If you are coming to the U.S. to begin a new J-1 exchange program as a student or visiting scholar, you may also enter up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your form. Continuing students and exchange visitors may enter at any time to resume your F or J program, but J-1 visa holders must have written approval of the NIE if they already have a valid visa for their program at UConn, and F-1 visa holders do not (see process below).
  • F-1 visa holders: If you apply for a visa, you will be considered for the NIE and if your visa is approved, the NIE will be noted on your visa. If you have a valid F-1 visa and you will use this to travel, you do not need permission from the U.S. embassy to travel under the NIE, it is automatic, but you are still subject to the date restrictions already noted.
  • J-1 visa holders: If you apply for a visa, you will be considered for the NIE and if your visa is approved, the NIE will be noted on your visa. If you already have a valid J-1 visa for your program at UConn, you must email the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate 30 days before you plan to travel and request the national interest exception for travel. Send a copy of your J-1 visa stamp and DS-2019 with the request. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will send you an email with the NIE approval, if granted, that is valid for travel for 30 days.

General Reminders: 

Visa validity: Many students have asked if they can use their unexpired visa for travel after an extended stay abroad. Generally, an unexpired visa in the correct classification (e.g., F-1, J-1) has been considered valid for use unless it has been cancelled by the Department of State. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program addressed this topic on the Study in the States website in 2017. However, ISSS recommends that students who enter the U.S. on an initial attendance I-20 form to attend UConn obtain a new visa if the current visa does not list UConn as the school of attendance. Also, out of an abundance of caution, students may consider applying for a new visa if they have had a break in studies of more than 5 months. Finally, we advise J-1 exchange visitors to use the visa that was issued specifically for their exchange program at UConn.

Where to find your immigration documents in the ISSS Portal: 

F-1/J-1 Students: Visit isssportal.uconn.edu and click “Log In”.  Students should log in with your NetID and password. From your user home page, click on your “Academic Objective” on the left-hand side.  Your Academic Objective will be listed under the semester and year that you started, or will start, your program in the U.S.  (it matches your I-20 or DS-2019 start term). Scroll down to “Attached Documents”. You can see copies of all the documents issued by ISSS in your academic objective within 1 week after we have processed your update.

J-1 Visiting Scholars: Visit the UConn Scholar/Employee Portal.  Log in with your email and Scholar Portal password (NOT your UConn NetID).  Click on the “Documents” tab on the top of the page. Click on “Other” on the left-hand side. You can see copies of all the documents issued by ISSS in the SEVIS Profile within 1 week after we have processed your update.

Report your Fall 2021 Study Plan: If you have not already done so, ISSS is requesting that all active students (not visiting scholars or OPT participants) tell ISSS your intended plans for fall 2021 semester, here. Please submit your intended plans by June 15. If your plans change after submitting the form, resubmit the form (even after June 15). This information helps us to advise you and to plan for fall semester.

ISSS COVID-19 FAQ: The ISSS COVID-19 FAQ answers many of your questions, and we suggest that you review it periodically to see if new information has been posted.

Get help: You can 1) email international@uconn.edu with your questions, 2) schedule a virtual appointment with your ISSS advisor, or 3) visit the ISSS website daily between 9 and 10 am, and 2 and 3 pm (UConn time) to speak to an advisor through the chat option. The ISSS office in Storrs is also open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed for lunch between 12 and 1 pm) for basic assistance, though individual advising services still take place virtually.

We thank you for your patience while we all navigate this complex situation, and please let us know if you have any questions.

5/17 Tax Deadline

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The deadline to file a U.S. tax return is Monday, May 17, 2021.  If you earned income in the U.S. in 2020 you are responsible to file a tax return by May 17, 2021 and should pay attention to the information below.  Sprintax software is available to students and scholars.  If you did not earn any income, but were present in the U.S. skip down to the bottom for instructions on submitting the 8843 form.

Sprintax is a software that specializes in nonresident alien tax returns.  UConn can provide you with a code to use to file your federal tax return for free but there is an additional fee to file your CT state return. To learn more visit: https://international.global.uconn.edu/tax-preparation-resources/  To get your tax code email international@uconn.edu with your name and student ID number.

Click here to watch step by step instructions for using Sprintax to file your taxes.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3mMKjXTjm7XXyUsaeWXd4dI1OYbYy8t6

 

If you did not earn income in the U.S., but are a nonresident for tax purposes there is still one tax form you must file, the form 8843 – see below for information on how you can learn to file the form 8843.  https://accounting.business.uconn.edu/undergraduate/vita-program/form-8843-filing-instructions/

Watch a video with instructions on how to submit the form 8843: https://international.global.uconn.edu/tax-preparation-resources/

For more information, contact: ISSS at international@uconn.edu