[Intl-stu] Fall 2020 SEVP Guidance Released July 24, 2020: Continuing International Students

[International Students]

07/27/2020

Dear International Students:

It's now countdown to the first day of classes on August 24, 2020. Hope you are staying safe and well.

Last Friday, SEVP guidance for Fall 2020 semester was released. This is what we know now.

Continuing (returning) students may enroll in 100% online courses in Fall 2020. They are permitted to study in the U.S. or stay in their home countries, register for all online courses and still remain in "Active" status in SEVIS.

Links on SEVP Guidance
Main page: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ice.gov_coronavirus&d=DwIFAg&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=YxK6DXrxRSQuuEWUa-YFmF7VOPJK5cc3lgW8FEsEm-A&m=2gNj7ofa7FJ593-hr-oAc-FQEPf7Lm206a97ahvyOUQ&s=0FWcaRbHYfq28dgxqyELC8rAAxUQmAKq3pkNWsV92j4&e= <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ice.gov_coronavirus&d=DwMFAg&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=HayomLMUDYjeaAyaY-mVMLzYU7nLX8K1MBC3LWJU70w&m=dXYqrtRCJMPpfeaj2xlt5Io1qYs-aHBsAyL90SSIfgQ&s=PXB383SUfZb2UaanK8sGtyr0DD2yAgGEXVJnktkk6EM&e=>
Broadcast message (new):  https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ice.gov_doclib_sevis_pdf_bcmFall2020guidance.pdf&d=DwIFAg&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=YxK6DXrxRSQuuEWUa-YFmF7VOPJK5cc3lgW8FEsEm-A&m=2gNj7ofa7FJ593-hr-oAc-FQEPf7Lm206a97ahvyOUQ&s=O0cDuOfDd_Wyyd3RHtyoTwrIOu3L4ZYhQSiO_8AXVsY&e= 
Additional FAQs (new):   https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ice.gov_doclib_sevis_pdf_fall2020faq.pdf&d=DwIFAg&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=YxK6DXrxRSQuuEWUa-YFmF7VOPJK5cc3lgW8FEsEm-A&m=2gNj7ofa7FJ593-hr-oAc-FQEPf7Lm206a97ahvyOUQ&s=M-cIjKr6OrTLUX10sqx-UfadvX8b6ENECeo36i0udpw&e= <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ice.gov_doclib_sevis_pdf_fall2020faq.pdf&d=DwMFAg&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=HayomLMUDYjeaAyaY-mVMLzYU7nLX8K1MBC3LWJU70w&m=dXYqrtRCJMPpfeaj2xlt5Io1qYs-aHBsAyL90SSIfgQ&s=rpIELwbAHsIOK5rUEGWowjaO84Jm4Im18poze8ExIvY&e=>
Spring FAQs:  https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ice.gov_doclib_coronavirus_covid19faq.pdf&d=DwIFAg&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=YxK6DXrxRSQuuEWUa-YFmF7VOPJK5cc3lgW8FEsEm-A&m=2gNj7ofa7FJ593-hr-oAc-FQEPf7Lm206a97ahvyOUQ&s=ruHgaieHTkpG5H19HDDMHzgt4NqMYSAV4d9T8LyuTck&e= <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ice.gov_doclib_coronavirus_covid19faq.pdf&d=DwMFAg&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=HayomLMUDYjeaAyaY-mVMLzYU7nLX8K1MBC3LWJU70w&m=dXYqrtRCJMPpfeaj2xlt5Io1qYs-aHBsAyL90SSIfgQ&s=Cez1xyhar-Z1AdVnj0eHph43c84M8vxhQr-6m2yamHE&e=>

Matters Arising From Guidance

1.       Fall 2020 OPT Application: *This guidance raises questions for students who want to study online from overseas, but whose last semester is Fall 2020 and will like to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) during the semester.

At https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ice.gov_coronavirus&d=DwIFAg&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=YxK6DXrxRSQuuEWUa-YFmF7VOPJK5cc3lgW8FEsEm-A&m=2gNj7ofa7FJ593-hr-oAc-FQEPf7Lm206a97ahvyOUQ&s=0FWcaRbHYfq28dgxqyELC8rAAxUQmAKq3pkNWsV92j4&e= <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ice.gov_coronavirus&d=DwMFAg&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=HayomLMUDYjeaAyaY-mVMLzYU7nLX8K1MBC3LWJU70w&m=dXYqrtRCJMPpfeaj2xlt5Io1qYs-aHBsAyL90SSIfgQ&s=PXB383SUfZb2UaanK8sGtyr0DD2yAgGEXVJnktkk6EM&e=> (July 15, 2020), under "Employment", the question was asked:

6. Due to COVID-19, what is SEVP's advice to students who want to apply for OPT? Is there any chance that students would be able to apply for post-completion OPT from outside the United States?

Answer: DHS is evaluating these issues and may issue additional guidance. In the meantime, since USCIS adjudicates OPT employment authorization requests, SEVP recommends reaching out to USCIS for further guidance.

Keep checking https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ice.gov_coronavirus&d=DwIFAg&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=YxK6DXrxRSQuuEWUa-YFmF7VOPJK5cc3lgW8FEsEm-A&m=2gNj7ofa7FJ593-hr-oAc-FQEPf7Lm206a97ahvyOUQ&s=0FWcaRbHYfq28dgxqyELC8rAAxUQmAKq3pkNWsV92j4&e=  for DHS guidance on OPT, but no one knows when guidance will be released and time may not be on your side. Due to uncertainties surrounding OPT applications from overseas, OIP will advise that you study in the U.S. to be ready for OPT application, if Fall 2020 is your last semester and you wish to apply for OPT. *This is an advice. Feel free to make your decisions.


2.       CDC guidelines for International Visitors: If returning to the U.S. for Fall 2020 semester, CDC guidelines https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.cdc.gov_coronavirus_2019-2Dncov_travelers_after-2Dtravel-2Dprecautions.html&d=DwIFAg&c=oqyuZuih6ykib6aKiBq22_bich4AVfYGoLertJN0bEc&r=YxK6DXrxRSQuuEWUa-YFmF7VOPJK5cc3lgW8FEsEm-A&m=2gNj7ofa7FJ593-hr-oAc-FQEPf7Lm206a97ahvyOUQ&s=4HJmDEOoK9lC50jshrt-K9ZE9qZVB4jIuX219DDiIA8&e=  require all international visitors to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the country. Please plan your return to the U.S. to accommodate these 14 days of quarantine before classes begin on August 24th.


3.       International Students With Fall 2020 Housing Contracts: The Residential Living and Learning Office will be responsible for international students with Fall 2020 Housing contracts during quarantine. Such students will be accommodated on campus but, it is your responsibility to contact the RLL Office with information on your return to the U.S. That way RLL can provide you with instructions on on-campus accommodation during quarantine. Please contact RLL today at 903-886-5797.


4.       International Students Without Fall 2020 Housing Contracts: If you are returning to the U.S. without a housing contract with RLL, meaning, you will live off-campus during Fall 2020 semester, you don't need to contact the office. RLL will be responsible for international students who choose to reside on campus only. The assumption is that you have made arrangements for your off-campus accommodation. It is your responsibility to quarantine for 14 days in your apartment or off-campus accommodation before mixing with people on campus and everywhere. Please plan your return to the U.S. accordingly.


5.       ***OIP Survey
To gather information on who will be studying inside or outside of the U.S., OIP will send you a survey link ASAP. Complete and submit survey and OIP will update your SEVIS records accurately. Thank you.

Enjoy the rest of summer. We look forward to receiving your survey responses soon. Go Lions!


Sincerely,
Dr. Titilola O. Adewale
Director of International Programs & PDSO
On behalf of the OIP Team




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