Category: Featured

Immigration-Related Activity Under the Second Trump Administration

January 21st, 2025 in Featured

This page highlights executive orders, policy, legislative and regulatory changes enacted by the second Trump administration that alter and affect visa or immigration processing for our international student and scholar community. As always, we encourage members of our community to connect with a ISSO team member with any questions.

Spring 2025 Workshops

December 4th, 2024 in Featured

Please find our virtual immigration workshop series below. Join us at one of our scheduled workshops to learn about maintaining status and employment benefits as an F-1 or J-1 student and get your questions answered by ISSO staff. In addition, you are welcome to access one of our on-demand workshops available on our website about OPT or on-campus student employment.

Spring 2025 Workshop Series

Post Completion OPT Application Basics and Q&A

This workshop covers topics for students preparing to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), including eligibility factors and timing of application, considerations for travel and employment, and tips for preparing and submitting the OPT application. Questions will be taken via chat at the end of the presentation.

Friday January 10, 2025 3PM Register Here
Tuesday February 11, 2025 10AM Register Here
Wednesday March 5, 2025 1PM Register Here
- Please note that this session (03/05) will have an extra focus on the unique needs of PhD students.
Monday April 7, 2025 12PM Register Here
Thursday May 8, 2025 4PM Register Here
Friday June 6, 2025 11AM Register Here

STEM OPT Basics and Q&A

This workshop is designed for students who have already applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and who may already be working on OPT. Covers advanced OPT topics including an overview of STEM OPT, allowing OPT extensions for certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. After this workshop, students should be prepared to apply for the STEM OPT extension. Questions will be taken via chat at the end.

Tuesday January 28, 2025 12PM Register Here
Monday February 24, 2025 3PM Register Here
Friday March 28, 2025 10AM Register Here
Thursday April 24, 2025 4PM Register Here
- Please note that this session (04/24) will have an extra focus on the unique needs of PhD students.
Wednesday May 21, 2025 1PM Register Here
Tuesday June 24, 2025 11AM Register Here

Employment Authorizations for Internships

It’s not too early to begin planning for a summer internship. This workshop covers F-1 student employment authorization options for off-campus work and internships including: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Friday February 7, 2025 12PM Register Here

Academic Training- Employment Authorization for J-1 students

If you have a J-1 visa and are planning on either completing an academic internship or pursuing post-graduation employment opportunities this summer, join ISSO to learn about Academic Training, the J-1 employment authorization benefit.

Friday April 11, 2025 4PM Register Here

Special Topics in Immigration with Featured Immigration Attorneys

Join ISSO and local attorneys who specialize in immigration to learn more about special immigration topics;

Immigration Considerations During a New Federal Administration

Monday January 13,2025 9:30AM EST Register Here

Review how a new federal administration could enact changes to policies, procedures and regulations that may impact our international student and scholar community. The session will feature Elizabeth Goss, CEO and founding attorney of Goss Associates, a local immigration law firm as well as Stephen Kerr, Associate General Counsel in the Office of General Counsel at Boston University. While it is still too soon to know if or when changes may be implemented, the session will provide an:

overview of the relevant U.S. agencies involved in immigration practice
overview of how changes are made at the federal level
opportunity to speculate as to what could transpire during a second Trump administration
opportunity for questions International students, scholars and all campus stakeholders are encouraged to register to attend.

Immigration Options after OPT

Thursday February 13, 2025 5-6PM Register Here

Learn from an immigration attorney what options for employment based visas you may have after your OPT period ends.

Immigration Considerations for Entrepreneurs and Non-Traditional Employment

Looking to start your own business in the United States? Learn about visa options for start ups and entrepreneurs from a local immigration attorney.

**NEW DATE**

Wednesday March 26, 2025 5-6PM Register Here

On-Demand Workshops – access them anytime!

Student Employment

This workshop covers tips for finding a job on campus, U.S. work permission, your rights and expectations as a U.S. worker, Social Security numbers, getting paid and taxes. It is now offered online in an on-demand format. If you are interested in learning about how to work at BU, you can watch the video any time!

You're Hired! On Campus Employment for International Students- on demand workshop

OPT Application Basics

Want to know more about the OPT Application process? Check out the OPT Application Basics Workshop below. This video is a 25 minute overview intended to introduce you to basic concepts and terms. You will learn more about what OPT is, when you should apply, and how to maintain your status while on OPT. We recommend that you watch this video when you are starting to think about OPT as it gives you a good overview of the entire process.

OPT Applications Basics – on demand workshop

ISSO Collaboration with Center for Career Development

Please register for these Center for Career Development sessions through the CCD website. These workshops are in person.

Internship and Job Searching for International Students- Tuesday February 4, 2025 4PM
Networking for International Students- Monday February 10, 2025 4PM
Interviewing in the US- Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:30AM

Spring 2025 Student Reminders

December 4th, 2024 in Featured

Please review the information below for important reminders about maintaining status for new students and continuing F and J students. Please read our updated summaries of F-1 student and J-1 student regulations to learn more!

Update Your Addresses in the MyBU Student Portal

It is critical that you understand the different addresses on the MyBU Student Portal and keep each address updated correctly. If you live in on-campus housing, your dormitory address will populate automatically. Please confirm it is accurate. If you live off campus, it is critical you keep the address field called “Current” up to date as this is the address that ISSO will use to report your address to SEVIS. Immigration regulations require that you update your address within 10 days of a move so you must keep your immigration-related addresses in the MyBU Student Portal up to date throughout the duration of your program.

Initial ISSO Check-in for New Students

All international students beginning a new program and F-1 students returning to campus after a leave of absence will be required to complete Initial ISSO check-in remotely through the ISSOPortal. You will be required to upload copies of your US immigration documents to notify us of your arrival in the US so we can activate your SEVIS record. You should only complete Initial ISSO check-in after you have entered the US. Students beginning a new program of study will receive separate email messages with additional details about Initial ISSO check-in.

SEVIS Reporting for Continuing Students

Boston University is required to confirm your enrollment to the US Department of Homeland Security through the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) at the start of each semester. The ISSO will rely on your academic registration data to automatically update your SEVIS record for spring. You do not need to take any additional steps provided you are academically registered.

Enrollment Requirements

Remember that you must be enrolled full-time and making normal academic progress in your degree each semester. For most students, full-time is a minimum of 12 credits. Some graduate student programs may have different full-time equivalents or there may be a situation where you are considered to be full time with less credits such as during dissertation. If this is the case, you must work with your academic department and be designated full time under “Approved Academic Load” in MyBUStudent to maintain valid student immigration status.

Students are only allowed to take one online course each semester towards the 12 credit enrollment minimum so students seeking to enroll in an online course must enroll in at least 8 credits of in-person instruction. If it is your last semester and you need less than 12 credits to graduate, you should enroll in at least one on-campus course and request authorization for a Reduced Course load from your ISSO advisor prior to the start of the semester.

Please also be aware that MyBUStudent has technology features that will allow students to drop or withdraw from courses without additional authorization. If you drop or withdraw from courses on your own dropping your total credits to less than full time enrollment, that is a violation of your F-1 or J-1 status and will result in a termination of your SEVIS record.

On-Campus Employment

Immigration regulations allow international students to work a maximum of 20 hours per week on-campus during the regular semester. If you have multiple jobs, you are still restricted to a maximum of 20 hours per week. The consequences of exceeding the 20 hour per week limit are severe so it is important you pay attention to your hours each week. You can read more about being hired to work on-campus on the ISSO website. If you have not worked on-campus before, you will need to complete an I-9 Employment Eligibility form before you begin work. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you will need to apply for one after you secure a job.

Off-Campus Employment

Immigration regulations intentionally limit employment option off campus during the academic year so you can concentrate on your full-time coursework. You can learn about eligibility requirements and the application process from the ISSO website. Consequences of beginning employment without authorization are severe so, it is critical that you obtain specific authorization BEFORE you begin any employment opportunity.

F-1 students may qualify for Curricular Practical Training from the ISSO for academic internship experiences specifically required by a program of study or a particular course. Alternatively, if you are interested in gaining work experience related to your major field of study during your program, you may need to apply for pre-completion OPT employment authorization in advance from USCIS for Optional Practical Training for jobs directly related to your field of study.
J-1 students may qualify for Academic Training authorization from the ISSO for experiences related to your program of study.

We wish you a successful semester. The ISSO team is available in-person or virtually to support you. Please see our website to confirm your assigned ISSO Advisor and make sure you check this frequently as sometimes assignments chance. Attend one of our immigration workshops or visit our website to learn how to contact us, meet with our Advisor-On-Call or schedule an appointment. Given the volume of messages, it may take your advisor a few days to respond to inquiries and up to 10 business days to issue immigration documents and complete requests so please plan in advance.

USCIS Premium Processing Fee Increases

January 3rd, 2024 in Fall 2024 Workshops, Featured

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced increases to premium-processing fees effective February 26, 2024.

Premium processing allows for accelerated case review for certain petitions. Premium processing is available for several services, including OPT and STEM OPT extensions, certain Form I-539 applications to extend/change nonimmigrant status and Form I-129 petitions for nonimmigrant employment. The increased fee will be required for all requests postmarked on, or after February 26, 2024. See details below for the most common fees utilized by our international community:

Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (OPT/STEM OPT) will increase from $1500 to $1685.
Form I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Employee (H-1B, TN, etc.) will increase from $2500 to $2,805.
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status will increase from e is $1750 to $1965.

Please consult with the ISSO if you are unsure which fee will apply to your application/petition before filing as USCIS will not accept requests that are not accompanied by the appropriate fee on the date the request is received. You can find additional details about premium process options here.

ISSOPortal is Live for Student Immigration Processing!

November 27th, 2023 in Featured

The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) has launched a new system to manage all international student documents and immigration processing. The new ISSOPortal allows students to securely upload documents and to initiate and track requests for immigration processing like travel signatures CPT, OPT, extensions etc. online through a single portal.

Students should refer to instructions on how to login and use the portal to:

Access the portal using your BU login
Submit all immigration requests
View request tracking
Upload and retrieve documents (including immigration documents)
Interact with ISSO for all of your processing needs

Faculty and staff who serve as approvers for certain immigration requests can see detailed instructions.

Please contact the ISSO staff with questions regarding the ISSOPortal.

Reminders for F-1 Students Graduating in January

October 5th, 2023 in Featured

As you near the end of your program, it is important for you to read the information below so you can understand your how program completion impacts your F-1 student status.

The end date on your I-20 is initially determined by the average length of your program but often changes during your final semester to reflect the date you will officially complete your program. We will be adjusting I-20 end dates throughout the summer when you apply for OPT, when you apply to be part-time in your final semester, or, after your graduation is confirmed.

I am graduating in January and want to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

ISSO will begin accepting OPT requests for Fall 2023 graduates on Tuesday October 10, 2023 at our front desk at 888 Commonwealth Ave. You may apply to USCIS from Sunday October 15, 2023- Tuesday March 12, 2024. Applying to USCIS outside of this window will result in a denial of your OPT application. USCIS is currently processing OPT applications in about 3 months. Your OPT must be approved before you begin any work.

The ISSO offers a toolbox of services to help you prepare your OPT application:

Learn more about OPT from the ISSO website
Watch all 8 short videos to learn about the application process and what to expect

IMPORTANT NOTICE: ISSO will be moving to a brand new immigration management system in November that will allow all international students at BU to manage their immigration status and requests to the ISSO with ease and transparency. Due to this impending system change, ISSO will be required to limit operations from Friday November 10 -Friday November 17. If you wish to apply for OPT before operations are briefly suspended, you must drop off your request to ISSO before 5PM on Monday November 6 to receive your OPT recommendation before Thursday November 9. Any submissions after this time will be delayed until after the system changeover is completed.

For the week of November 13-17, you may access Advisor on Call hours from 2-5PM in the lobby of the ISSO for limited and emergency services only, including travel signatures. More information to follow on the ISSO News website.

Once you ready to apply for OPT:

Make sure you have been cleared to graduate by your school/college and that your expected graduation is posted as Fall 2023 in the student registration system
Gather all of the documentation on the OPT checklist
Obtain a new I-20 from the ISSO with the OPT recommendation
Submit your application, fee and all supporting documentation to USCIS

To obtain the I-20 with the OPT recommendation, please complete the ISSO Drop-Off OPT Process as outlined below:

carefully review our video instructions on how to apply for OPT
stop by the front desk of the ISSO during our normal business hours with the following documents to request the new I-20 with the OPT recommendation. For Medical Campus students please come to Advisor on Call hours at the Medical Campus to complete this process.

valid passport
passport with most recent US visa (if different from current passport)
printed version of your I-94 record listing your most recent entry to the US in F-1 student status which can be retrieved and printed from the USCBP I-94 website
completed ISSO OPT Acknowledgement Form indicating that you take responsibility for the success of your OPT application
printed copy of the email confirmation that you have paid the $100 ISSO OPT Processing Fee
A Summer Reduced Course Load form can be completed at the ISSO front desk if you are enrolled part time in your final term (summer).
PhD students that have not already officially graduated must also provide a letter from their academic department that specifies:
- expected defense date
- expected thesis submission date
- expected graduation date
- last date of on-campus student employment
  Please note that your requested post-OPT start date must be after your last date of on-campus student employer. Student employment cannot overlap post-completion OPT.

Once we review your request and confirm that you are scheduled to graduate in summer, we will send you the new I-20 with the OPT recommendation to you via email in approximately 10 business days.

If you have questions about OPT, please attend an OPT Workshop, utilize Advisor on Call or make an Advising Appointment with your ISSO Advisor for clarity.

OPT Drop off process disclaimers:

Please be advised that the staff at the front desk of the ISSO will not be able to advise you on how to file your OPT application so it is critical that you review all of our OPT application videos for specific details.
All OPT applications are the responsibility of the student applicant and are adjudicated at the discretion of USCIS.
If during review, ISSO finds your records are incomplete, we reserve the right to require an advising appointment.
Please be advised that we cannot accept drop-off requests for OPT I-20 via email as we must check immigration documentation.

I am graduating in January but not planning to apply for OPT

I am NOT graduating in January

Spring 2023 Student Reminders

January 12th, 2023 in Featured

Update Your Addresses in the MyBU Student Portal

It is critical that you understand the different addresses on the MyBU Student Portal and keep each address updated correctly. Local address is used by the university to know your location while the Foreign-Immigration and the US-Immigration address are reported to the US Department of Homeland Security through SEVIS. Immigration regulations require that you update your address within 10 days of a move so you must keep your immigration-related addresses in the MyBU Student Portal up to date throughout the duration of your program.

Foreign-Immigration address: must reflect your address in your home country
US-Immigration address: must reflect your current US address (If you are living on campus, this address will automatically reflect your BU housing address)

Initial ISSO Check-in for New Students

All international students beginning a new program and F-1 students returning to campus after a leave of absence will be required to complete Initial ISSO check-in remotely through MyBU Student Portal. You will be required to upload copies of your US immigration documents to notify us of your arrival in the US so we can activate your SEVIS record. You should only complete Initial ISSO check-in after you have entered the US. Students beginning a new program of study will receive separate email messages with additional details about Initial ISSO check-in.

SEVIS Reporting for Continuing Students

Boston University is required to confirm your enrollment to the US Department of Homeland Security through the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) at the start of each semester. The ISSO will rely on your academic registration data to automatically update your SEVIS record for fall. You do not need to take any additional steps provided you are academically registered.

Enrollment Requirements

Remember that you must be enrolled full-time and making normal academic progress in your degree each semester. For most students, full-time is a minimum of 12 credits. Some graduate student programs may have different full-time equivalents, but you must be certified as a full-time student to maintain valid student immigration status. Students are only allowed to take one online course each semester towards the 12 credit enrollment minimum so students seeking to enroll in an online course must enroll in at least 8 credits of in-person instruction.

If it is your last semester and you need less than 12 credits to graduate, you should enroll in at least one on-campus course and request authorization for a Reduced Course load from your ISSO advisor prior to the start of the semester.

On-Campus Employment

Off-Campus Employment

Immigration regulations intentionally limit employment option off campus during the academic year so you can concentrate on your full time coursework. You can learn about eligibility requirements and the application process from the ISSO website. Consequences of beginning employment without authorization are severe so, it is critical that you obtain specific authorization BEFORE you begin any employment opportunity.

F-1 students may qualify for Curricular Practical Training from the ISSO for academic internship experiences specifically required by a program of study or a particular course. Alternatively, if you are interested in gaining work experience related to your major field of study during your program, you may need to apply for pre-completion OPT employment authorization in advance from USCIS for Optional Practical Training for jobs directly related to your field of study.
J-1 students may qualify for Academic Training authorization from the ISSO for experiences related to your program of study.

May Graduates

If you are graduating in May, please note that you will have a 60-day grace period after your official program completion date of May 21, 2023 during which you must:

Apply to USCIS for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), or
Request that ISSO transfer your SEVIS record to a new school, or
Obtain a new I-20 reflecting your plans to study in a new degree level at BU, or
Depart the United States or take other action to change your nonimmigrant status

We wish you a successful semester. The ISSO team is available in-person or virtually to support you. Attend one of our immigration workshops or visit our website to learn how to contact us, find your ISSO advisor, meet with our Advisor-On-Call or schedule an appointment. Given an increased volume of inquiries, it may take your advisor a few days to respond to inquiries and up to 10 business days to issue immigration documents and complete requests so please plan in advance.

Latest country specific COVID travel bans revoked. Vaccination & testing requirements remain.

December 28th, 2021 in Fall 2024 Workshops, Featured

On December 28, 2021, President Biden revoked nonimmigrant travel restrictions to the US through or from the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of South Africa, and the Republic of Zimbabwe during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry effective at 12:01am. Proof of a negative COVID test within 24 hours from departure and proof of full COVID vaccination remains in place on all nonimmigrant entry to the US. See details at the CDC website.

On December 6, 2021, all travelers must show a negative COVID test taken no more than 1 day before departing for the US. This new 1 day testing requirement replaces the previous requirement of 3 days and will be imposed regardless of vaccination status. More details are available on the following CDC website.

On November 26, 2021, President Biden signed a new Presidential Proclamation which bans nonimmigrant travel to the US through or from the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of South Africa, and the Republic of Zimbabwe during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry effective at 12:01am November 29, 2021. These bans are in addition to the requirement that all nonimmigrant travelers be fully vaccinated against COVID with a WHO or US FDA acceptable vaccine and be able to document a negative COVID test before departure. A CBP Carrier Liaison Program bulletin clarified that National Interest Exceptions - NIEs - that were granted under previous proclamations are void or invalid with respect the Proclamation of November 26, 2021. This means F-1 students are not automatically exempt from these travel restrictions and will need to contact their nearest US Embassy to request an individual NIE to travel to the US.

On October 25, 2021, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation which will replace the geographic COVID-related restrictions on travel to the US outlined below, with a requirement that all nonimmigrants be fully vaccinated beginning November 8, 2021 to enter the US. See relevant ISSO news blurb for more details.

On October 15, 2021, the White House announced a new travel policy that will require foreign nationals traveling to the US to demonstrate proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 beginning November 8, 2021. All international travelers will need to show proof of full vaccination prior to boarding U.S.-bound planes. A COVID-19 test will also be required within three days of departure and proof of negative results must be shown. Enhanced contact tracing and masking will also be required, but there will be no quarantine mandate.

The CDC and other agencies are working to develop the orders and guidance documents to implement this new travel policy and the Department of State will provide further information on travel.state.gov as it becomes available.

The four COVID-19-related presidential proclamations outlined below will continue to limit entry to the United States until the proclamations are officially revoked or amended.

On July 7, 2021, the Secretary of State clarified that National Interest Exemptions (NIE) granted to specific individuals either in writing, or by notation on their nonimmigrant visa, will now be valid for 12 months from initial approval rather than 30 days.

On June 24, 2021, the Secretary of State updated the webpage that clarifies eligibility and application procedures for National Interest Exemptions (NIEs) from COVID travel restrictions.

On April 30, 2021, the Secretary of State added F-1 students travelling from India to the list of students eligible for a National Interest Exemption from COVID travel restrictions.

On April 26, 2021, the Secretary of State announced that F-1 students travelling to the US from Brazil, China, Iran and South Africa will automatically qualify for a uniform global National Interest Exception (NIE) to the COVID travel restrictions provided they have a valid F-1 visa and will enter the US on or after August 1, 2021. These exceptions are in addition to the revised criteria for certain travelers seeking to provide vital support for critical infrastructure. Students traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK, and Ireland with valid F-1 visas visa will continue to be automatically considered for an NIE to travel and do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual NIE to travel

On March 2, 2021, the Secretary of State revised criteria for national interest exceptions (NIE) from these COVID-related travel restrictions for certain travelers seeking to provide vital support for critical infrastructure. Students traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK, and Ireland with valid F-1 visas visa will continue to be automatically considered for an NIE to travel and do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual NIE to travel. Other types of academics, J-1 students, and journalists who already have a valid visa in the appropriate class, or an ESTA authorization, should contact the nearest US Embassy to request individual consideration for a NIE.

All other nonimmigrant travelers who wish to visit the United States to offer vital support to critical infrastructure sectors, or for purposes related to humanitarian travel, public health response, and national security should contact the nearest US Embassy to request both a new visa and an individual NIE if they believe they qualify for an exception.

On January 25, 2021, President Biden signed Presidential Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Non-Immigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease extending COVID-related restrictions on travel from all countries covered under previous Proclamations (mainland China, Iran, Brazil, 26 Schengen countries, Ireland and the United Kingdom) and restricted travel from South Africa on January 30, 2021.

On July 22, 2020, the Department of State updated its website to clarify that F-1 nonimmigrants traveling from the 26 Schengen countries, Ireland and the United Kingdom would automatically qualify for a national interest exemption (NIE) from these travel restrictions. All other nonimmigrant travelers must request approval for an individual NIE from a US consular post on a case-by-case basis.

Please be advised that this situation is very fluid and travel bans due to the coronavirus may change at any time. Therefore, we urge you to carefully consider any plans to leave the U.S. during the Spring semester as country travel restrictions are changing daily. If you choose to travel, please refer to our Current Travel Advisory for details regarding documents required for re-entry to the US.

All nonimmigrant travel from mainland China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, India and Europe has been suspended for the 14 days preceding entry to the US since the COVID pandemic spread in 2020. More countries may be added to the list without advance warning. See country specific details below:

Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease suspends entry effective 12:01am on May 4, 2021 of aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants and other non U.S. citizens) who were physically present in India during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry to the United States.

Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease suspends entry effective 12:01am on January 30, 2021 of aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants and other non U.S. citizens) who were physically present in South Africa during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry to the United States.

Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus suspends entry effective 11:59pm May 26, 2020 into the U.S. of aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants and other non U.S. citizens) who were physically present in Brazil during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry to the United States.

Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus suspends entry effective 11:59pm March 13, 2020 into the U.S. of all aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants and other non U.S. citizens) who were physically present within the following 26 Schengen Area countries during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The 26 Schengen area countries include: 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. The United Kingdom is not included at this time.

Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus suspends entry into the U.S. effective February 2, 2020 of all aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants, and other non U.S. citizens) who were physically present within the People's Republic of China, excluding the Special Autonomous Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States.

Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants of Persons who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus suspended entry into the U.S. effective March 2, 2020 of all aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants and other non U.S. citizens) who were physically present in Iran, during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States.

Proclamations clarify that the coronavirus travel bans do not apply to any U.S. citizens nor alien who is:

a lawful permanent resident of the United States
a spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
a parent or legal guardian of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is unmarried and under the age of 21;
a sibling of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that both are unmarried and under the age of 21;
a child, foster child, or ward of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications;
an alien traveling at the invitation of the United States Government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the virus;
C (transit) or D (air or sea crewmember) nonimmigrants
seeking entry into or transiting the United States pursuant to an A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3 (as a foreign government official or immediate family member of an official), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-4, or NATO-6 visa;
an alien whose entry would not pose a significant risk of introducing, transmitting, or spreading the virus, as determined by the CDC Director, or his designee;
an alien whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees based on a recommendation of the Attorney General or his designee; or
an alien whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their designees.

USDOS Expands COVID Travel Ban Waivers for F-1 Students

April 26th, 2021 in Fall 2024 Workshops, Featured

The US Department of State expanded eligibility for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) from the COVID travel bans to include F-1 students travelling to the US from China, Iran, Brazil, or South Africa, if their academic program begins August 1, 2021 or later. F-1 students travelling to the US from the UK, Ireland and the Schengen countries continue to qualify for waivers from the COVID travel restrictions. This exemption from the 14-day COVID travel ban should be applied automatically to any F-1 student who is in the possession of a valid F-1 visa. See below for more details:

F-1 students travelling to the US from China, Iran, Brazil, or South Africa who already have a valid F-1 visa, and are intending to begin, or continue an academic program commencing August 1, 2021 or later, do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual NIE to travel. They may seek to enter the US with a valid passport, F-1 visa and I-20, no earlier than 30 days before the start of their academic studies.
F-1 students travelling to the US from China, Iran, Brazil, or South Africa who do not have a valid F-1 visa, should follow instructions from the website of the nearest US Embassy or Consulate to either renew an expired F-1 visa or schedule an appointment to apply for a new F-1 visa.
F-1 students travelling to the US from the UK, Ireland and the Schengen countries can continue to seek entry the US with a valid passport, F-1 visa and I-20.
It is unclear how this new announcement will impact F-1 students seeking to enter the US during a period of approved OPT or STEM OPT.

All students are encouraged to refer to the current ISSO travel advisory for more details, check their immigration documentation carefully and contact their ISSO advisor should they have specific questions.