International Students - FAQs

FAQS FOR NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Please read carefully the FAQs listed below:

Q. Will I still be able to get an F-1 visa?
A. Yes. Please check the website of the US embassy or consulate nearest you for updates and visa appointments availability.

PLEASE NOTE: If you plan to attend CSUN, you must use your CSUN I-20 to apply for your F1 visa and for admission into the U.S. Approval of the F1 visa stamp is the decision made by U.S. Department of State.

Q. I am a first time new international student and I won't be able to attend CSUN for my admitted term. What are my options?
A.   We are sorry that you won't be able to join us at CSUN. Please contact the International Admissions Office and request to have your application moved to the next semester available for your specific academic program. You can send an email to intladm@csun.edu for assistance.

Q. I am a new TRANSFER international student. Can I attend CSUN courses remotely while in the U.S.?
A. No. As you plan your first semester enrollment, make sure you are following the immigration regulations regarding online enrollment: F1 students are permitted to enroll in no more than the equivalent of one online class or three online credits per semester to count towards your full-time enrollment. Please register for classes accordingly.

Important Note: If you have only one class left to graduate, this class must be an in-class, traditional course to comply with legal guidelines governing your F-1 status.

Q. I have a foreign hold on my account. How do I clear this hold?
A: Please provide proof of health insurance to insurance@csun.edu. For more information, please visit our Health Insurance Requirement webpage.

Q: What type of courses are offered at CSUN?
A: CSUN has transitioned back to primarily in-person instruction. While some classes may remain virtual, most will require on-campus attendance. Please check the Schedule of Classes for the course format offered every semester. In addition, check the CSUN COVID-19 Information for latest information.

Q. How do I register for classes?
A.  As a new undergraduate student, please make sure to contact your International Academic Advisor at The Hub and follow their guidance on class registration. You can reach them at hub.intladvisor@csun.edu. Make sure to register full time (12 units) and make academic progress for the current semester.

New graduate students, please make sure to contact your Graduate Advisor within your graduate program. Make sure to register full time (8 units) and make academic progress for the semester.

Q. I am a first time new international student. Can I enter the U.S. while enrolled fully online?
A: No. You will not be able to enter the U.S. if you are enrolled in 100% fully online course of study. Please enroll accordingly to all F-1 regulations.

Q. I do have more questions. What should I do?
A.   IESC is ready to assist you! Please contact us at your earliest convenience. We understand that you may have additional questions about your F1 visa, I-20, travel and more. You may schedule an appointment with an international student advisor, see our International Student Advising Options. We are available, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. To contact us, please go here.

Click here to sign up for one of our upcoming webinar events.

FAQs FOR CONTINUING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Q: Can I take fully online classes and stay in the U.S.?
A: No. As you plan your enrollment and beyond, make sure you are following the immigration regulations regarding online enrollment: F1 students are permitted to enroll in no more than the equivalent of one online class or three online credits per semester to count towards your full-time enrollment. Please register for classes accordingly.

Q: What type of courses are offered at CSUN?
A: Check the Schedule of Classes for the course format offered this semester. In addition, please review the CSUN COVID-19 Information for latest information.

Q: What type of classes should I enroll to maintain legal F-1 status in the U.S.?
A: As you plan your enrollment and beyond, make sure you are following the immigration regulations regarding online enrollment: F1 students are permitted to enroll in no more than the equivalent of one online class or three online credits per semester to count towards your full-time enrollment. Please register for classes accordingly.

Important Note: If you have only one class left to graduate, this class must be an in-class, traditional course to be in compliance with legal guidelines governing your F-1 status.

Q: My F-1 Visa stamp is expired. Can I renew my F-1 Student Visa in the U.S.?
A: No. The student visa is only a permit to enter the United States and it can only be renewed at a U.S. consulate or embassy outside of the U.S. prior to re-entry. If you have an expired F1 or J1 student visa while in the U.S. and have no plans to leave the U.S., you do not need to worry about your expired visa. Once you are here, your I-20 form becomes the relevant document that keeps you in status. However, please review your I-20 form to make sure that it is not expired. Contact the IESC at least 60 days prior to the I-20 expiration date to inquire about an extension.

Q: How do I obtain a travel signature?
A: To request a travel signature, please complete and submit the Request for a New I-20/DS-2019 form to and indicate reason "Travel" and a new I-20 will be reprinted and signed for travel. Please allow 7-10 business day for processing.

Q. Can I request a leave of absence from CSUN?
A: Yes, you may request a leave of absence for one or two semesters. To request a leave of absence, please contact your International Student Advisor at the IESC.

Q. Can I obtain an immigration status verification letter from the IESC for visa or re-entry purposes?
A: Yes, you may obtain an immigration status verification letter from the IESC. To obtain this letter, please submit the Student Letter Request Form to iescrequest@csun.edu. Please allow 7-10 business day for processing.

Q: What should I do if I have more questions?
A: We understand that you may have additional questions about your F1 visa, I-20, travel and more. you may schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor, see our International Student Advising Options. We are available, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Click here to to contact us. Click here to sign up for one of our upcoming webinar events.

For more information on the Post-Completion OPT or STEM Extension OPT application process, please visit the appropriate links provided below:

Pre-Completion OPT

Post-Completion OPT

STEM Extension OPT

FAQs FOR OPT STUDENTS

Q. I need to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)/STEM OPT extension. Is it possible to apply while I am abroad?
A. No. Students must be physically present in the United States to apply for POST-OPT/STEM OPT Extension. You must be present in the United States when submitting your POST-OPT or an OPT STEM Extension application. The application requires an I-94 number, which is only valid while you are in the United States. If you depart the United States, you will not have a valid I-94 and your application will likely be rejected. We will keep you informed of any new policies and guidance from DHS/USCIS as they become available.

Q: I am on POST-OPT or STEM OPT. My employer has asked me to work from home due to the current situation. Will this affect my F-1 status?
A: Students must still report their employment information. OPT students should follow the same reporting requirements, please see Report (Your POST-OPT/STEM OPT) Employment.

Q: My company/employer is going out of business and I am no longer working for them. What should I do?
A: Students must report their unemployment. To report any change of employment or unemployment please follow the steps in Report (Your POST-OPT/STEM OPT) Employment.

Q: Does the 90-day/150-day unemployment rule still apply for POST-OPT/STEM OPT students?
A: Yes, the 90-days/150-day of unemployment rule still stands. DHS is evaluating this issue but has not yet determined whether to implement a specific exemption for exceeding the regulatory limits for unemployment of 90 days for OPT and 150 days for STEM OPT. Please visit this page regularly to remain informed as we will update information here.

Q. I am currently on OPT but have not found a job yet. I am nearing the end of my 90 days on unemployment, but I am unable to leave the United States. What should I do?
A. In the event you are unable to find paid or unpaid employment and you are nearing the 90th day of unemployment, you have the following options:

• Consider departing the United States. If you are having difficulties leaving due to flight cancelation, travel restrictions etc. Please contact an international advisor for further advise. You may be asked to provide proof of departure difficulties.
• Transfer your SEVIS record to another SEVP school to begin new program. Please note that any OPT time remaining will end.
• Change your visa status to another visa category. You will need to contact an immigration attorney for this option.

The IESC highly recommends that you keep travel restrictions in mind, which can change rapidly and with little to no notice. The information below can help prepare you to travel successfully inside and outside of the U.S. Please keep the following information in mind when traveling:

Traveling within the U.S?

• If you are traveling in the United States, make sure you carry the documents listed below.

Important note: If you are crossing state borders or traveling to San Diego, CA, take the original documents with you.

• • Valid Passport
  • Valid F1 visa or J1 visa
  • Copy of your electronic I-94 card (print your I-94 card here)
  • I-20 or DS-2019

Planning to travel abroad?

• Please make sure to carry your valid travel documentation.
  • Valid passport
  • Valid F1 visa or J1 visa
  •  I-20 or DS-2019 with valid travel signature *See below on "Need to request your travel signature."
  • Students on OPT will also need to carry their EAD card and a letter from their current employer.
• If you need to renew or apply for your F1 or J1 visa, please refer to your local U.S. embassy and U.S. consulate  any updates about visa issuance (if applicable) and additional travel information.
• Make sure to budget for any delays in your return. If applicable, we recommend that you look into purchasing travel insurance to cover for any applicable travel cost.
• If you are traveling to a country other than your home country, check to see if you need a visa to enter that country. 
• Please contact your IESC International Student Advisor immediately to help you coordinate any immigration issues.

How to obtain a travel signature on your Form I-20? 

• Please note: If you already have a travel signature on page 2 of your I-20, please make sure it is valid. For continuing students, the travel signature is valid for one year from the issue date of the travel signature. For students on OPT, the travel signature if valid for 6 months only. 

• To request a travel signature, please complete and submit the Request for a New I-20/DS-2019 form to iescrequest@csun.edu and indicate reason "Travel" and a new I-20 will be reprinted and signed for travel. Processing times are 7-10 business days; however, processing times may vary during peak times. An electronic I-20 will be sent to you, once your records are reviewed and you are in correct F-1 status. SEVP has allowed for issuance of electronic I-20s.

• For additional information and resources, please visit the US Department of State, the CDC, and the Travel.State.Gov website.

Need to renew your F-1 visa stamp?

•  Students who plan to travel outside the U.S. and need to renew their F-1 visa must do the following:

• Check with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their home country for appointments, required documents and processing times for visa renewal if applicable. Information on visa applications and U.S. embassies is also available.
• Request a travel signature
• If you would like to request a letter verifying your immigration status, please submit a request to iescrequest@csun.edu
• If you need an enrollment verification letter, please visit Admissions and Records to request one.

For the most up-to-date information about campus health and safety policies and protocols including masking, vaccinations and boosters, visit CSUN COVID-19 Information.

Vaccinations against COVID-19 are no longer required. The CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy has been updated to strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for faculty, staff and students who are accessing university facilities or programs. Current vaccination and booster rates among the campus community remain high and COVID-19 vaccination and boosters are readily available through retail pharmacies, ambulatory care clinics, and through the CDC's vaccine information page. Visit this page for the most recent messages/last updates to campus about COVID-19.

LAST UPDATE:

JANUARY 13, 2023. 

As of October 3, 2022, the wearing of masks is encouraged in classrooms, laboratories, the University Library and indoor spaces but no longer required. For those who prefer to wear masks, we welcome this and support your decision to do so.

Students and employees who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19 must wear a highly protective mask indoors for 10 days from the date of exposure or the positive test date. Please refer to Exposure and Reporting for isolation and quarantine guidance.

If you wish to get the vaccine after you arrive in Los Angeles, you would be eligible to receive it free of charge through Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. For more information, please call the LA County Public Health’s call center at 833-540-0473, open 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., 7 days a week, or visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health webpage.

Here you will find valuable information and assistance that will connect you to various resources:

Please refer to the Department of Homeland Security, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Travelers' Health from the CDC for updates regarding travel restrictions and warnings.

The University Counseling Services (UCS) is committed to supporting student mental health, well-being, and academic success. UCS is encouraging students to utilize resources to help students cope during this time. You may find these helpful resources at Mental Health Services and Resources For Students During COVID-19 State of Emergency.

MataCare Emergency Grant: The grant exists to help currently enrolled students with unexpected urgent financial needs. Please visit MataCare Emergency Grant for more information.

Affordable Learning Solutions (AL$): is an initiative by the CSU Chancellor’s office to promote the use of low- or no-cost course materials to reduce the financial burden on students. Please visit https://libguides.csun.edu/affordable-learning-solutions for more information.

Click here for  Scholarship opportunities

There are several resources available for students who are experiencing a shortage of food. These resources provide food and food assistance, with varying availability throughout the week.

During challenging times, you may experience some sort of  housing instability. These resources provide emergency housing, as well as information to minimize housing challenges. 

Oviatt Library Remote Resources and Services are available to students. Please visit their webpage for a list of available services.

Device Loaner Program: Provides technology to students who are without a device such as a computer or internet hotspot so that you may continue your education uninterrupted. 

Please visit the Learning Resource Center  to access a variety of learning programs including workshops, one on one and group tutoring, and supplemental instruction classes.

Physical and Mental Health are very important aspects in our lives and should be maintained to ensure we function at our best. There can often be a conflict balancing school, work, and life, however, there are resources available aimed to strengthen your mental and physical well-being. 

Join IESC for Coffee Hour on Fridays! Join us on Fridays from 2:00pm-4:00pm at the IESC Office - USU Building C during the semester. This is a great way to meet and make new friends and learn about different cultures from around the world.

Student Outreach and Recruitment. Check out their webpage for Campus Tours, Virtual Video Library, and Meet their counselors. In addition, Prospective students can find information on Admission Requirements.

YOU@CSUN is a comprehensive online well-being platform intended to enhance student mental health, physical wellness, happiness, and academic success, and to connect students to information, campus resources, peers, and opportunities. 

Special Student Relief (SSR). More information about SSR, please visit Study in the States.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Please review for more information about TPS found on NAFSA's website.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published in the Federal Register a final rule to establish a phased approach for increasing the availability of premium processing.

 April 7, 2023

Updates and guidance for Fall 2023 (2023-2024 academic year)

In a February 28, 2023 Broadcast Message, Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent notification notifying that SEVP continues to assess its (COVID-19) guidance following publication of the Feb. 14, 2023, Federal Register Notice announcing the anticipated end of the COVID-19 national emergency declaration on May 11, 2023. 88 FR 9385 (Feb. 14, 2023). In addition, SEVP will provide additional updates in the coming months so that students and schools can plan for the upcoming 2023-24 academic year.

SEVP's message indicates that SEVP will take into account President Biden's announcement of his intention to end the COVID-19 National Emergency declaration on May 11, 2023. For background on the national COVID emergency declarations, see NAFSA's page COVID-19 Executive Declarations and Determinations.

November 2, 2022

Updates and guidance for Spring 2023 (2022-2023 academic year)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended flexibility for schools and departments to enroll F-1 students in online classes. This extension allows for online distance learning through the spring 2023 semester.  For more information you may read the SEVP updated its COVID-19 FAQ guidance to address the 2022-2023 academic year.

On November 1, 2021, SEVP reaffirmed the continuation of the issuance of the electronic form I-20.

Although, there are no significant changes to the original guidance, we have updated the information on the accordions below to help you answer any of the questions you may have. We will continue to communicate any other updates via email and on this site. You can also review updates from the Department of Homeland Security and check the NAFSA Coronavirus Critical Resources for updates on governmental policy and guidance related to COVID-19.

Please be reminded that It is very important that new and continuing international students remain in contact with IESC International Student Advisors and your government sponsor as applicable.

This is a dedicated page for International Students to keep them informed during COVID-19. Please be sure to visit this page regularly to stay up-to-date on information regarding your international student status. IESC advisors are ready to assist you with any additional questions you may have.

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We are providing remote and in-persona advisement to our students Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Click here to contact us and/or schedule an appointment.

Whether you are attending CSUN as a new or continuing student while in the United States or abroad, the COVID-19 vaccine attestation requirement still applies to you. To learn how to complete your attestation, please go to How to Submit COVID-19 Vaccine Attestation Via Patient Portal.

How do I know if my attestation was submitted successfully? If the status of the "COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation" reads "Compliant," you have successfully submitted your COVID-19 Vaccine Attestation. Here is a picture of how it looks after you click on your Medical Clearance from your MyHealth Patient Portal.

• 
• Additional information can be found at Student FAQs.

LATEST UPDATE: For latest updates and messages, visit this page for most recent messages to campus about COVID-19.

UPDATED OCTOBER 10, 2022. Regarding the recent lifting of campus mask mandate

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 23, 2022. Campus Community: Modified Campus COVID-19 Protocols. Effective October 3, 2022, CSUN will be modifying campus COVID-19 protocols. The wearing of masks is now encouraged in classrooms, laboratories and the University Library but no longer required. For those who prefer to wear masks, we welcome this and support your decision to do so.

The requirements for daily health screening and COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are unchanged.

Daily Health Screening Survey
Everyone coming to campus must complete a health screening survey prior to arriving at campus.

• Student Health Screening Survey
• Employee Health Screening Survey
• Visitor Health Screening Survey

Updated 11/4/2022

Updates and guidance for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023

On April 18, 2022, SEVP updated its COVID-19 FAQ guidance to address the 2022-2023 academic year. This guidance offers an extension of the guidance originally issued on March 2020, for the 2022-2023 academic year. "This guidance enables schools and students to engage in distance learning in excess of regulatory limits due to the continuing public health concerns created by COVID-19."

It is very important that new and continuing international students remain in contact with your IESC International Student Advisors and your government sponsor as applicable. The information on the accordions listed below have been updated based on the latest SEVP guidance received for Fall 2020 and you may also find a list of resources available.

Updated 3/12/2021

Updates and guidance for Spring 2021

CSUN’s period of fully virtual learning and remote working has been extended until February 15, 2021. On February 15, a small number of classes with an in-person component will be able to return to campus. Per the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidance from fall 2020, F nonimmigrant students pursuing studies in the United States may remain in the United States even if their educational institution switches mode of instruction.

We will communicate any updates regarding the spring 2021 term for international students via email and on this site. You can also review updates from the Department of Homeland Security and check the NAFSA Coronavirus Critical Resources for updates on governmental policy and guidance related to COVID-19.

It is very important that new and continuing international students remain in contact with your IESC International Student Advisors and your government sponsor as applicable. The information on the accordions listed below have been updated based on the latest SEVP guidance received for Fall 2020 and you may also find a list of resources available.

Updated 12/7/2020

Updates for Fall 2020 and guidance for Spring 2021

On November 24, 2020, President Dianne Harrison announced the decision to return to fully virtual learning from Monday, November 30 through the end of the fall semester. The Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has stipulated that F and J nonimmigrant students pursuing studies in the United States for the Fall 2020 school term may remain in the United States even if their educational institution switches to a hybrid program or to fully online instruction. You should continue to actively engage in your courses as directed by your instructors and continue to refer to this site for any future updates concerning your F1 student immigration status.

SEVP has not yet issued guidance for the upcoming spring 2021 term. Be aware that plans for the spring 2021 term are fluid and subject to change. We will communicate any updates regarding the spring 2021 term for international students via email and on this site. You can also review updates from the Department of Homeland Security and check the NAFSA Coronavirus Critical Resources for updates on governmental policy and guidance related to COVID-19.

It is very important that new and continuing international students remain in contact with your IESC International Student Advisors and your government sponsor as applicable.

Updated 08/28/2020

Important USCIS News/Updates

Please review the following updates from USCIS. There have been updates regarding the production delays of EAD card (temporary use of I-797), Fee Adjustments, and Updates to USCIS forms.

Temporary Use of I-797 Approval Notices Due to COVID-19 EAD Production Delays

On August 19, 2020, USCIS posted the following notice "Due to the extraordinary and unprecedented COVID-19 public health emergency, the production of certain Employment Authorization Documents (Form I-766, EAD) is delayed.  As a result, employees may use Form I-797, Notice of Action, with a Notice date on or after December 1, 2019 through and including August 20, 2020 informing an applicant of approval of an Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) as a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, List C #7 document that establishes employment authorization issued by the Department of Homeland Security pursuant to 8 C.F.R. 274a.2(b)(1)(v)(C)(7), even though the Notice states it is not evidence of employment authorization".

To see this notice, visit USCIS I-9 Central (Form I-9 Verification During EAD Production Delays Due to COVID-19).

USCIS Adjusts Fees to Help Meet Operational Needs

On July 31, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security announced a final rule that adjusts fees for certain immigration and naturalization benefit requests to ensure U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recovers its costs of services. The rule adjusts the fees that USCIS charges for certain immigration and naturalization benefit requests. The rule becomes effective Oct. 2, 2020. For more information, see our USCIS News release.

To see the fee increases, see Filing Fees.

Update to USCIS Forms

Please note that there have been Updates to USCIS forms as well. Please see Forms Updates. You can view the latest edition for Form I-538 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) in the USCIS website.

International Student Rule Changes Modified

July 14, 2020

To the Campus Community,

I am pleased to share with you that the recently announced rule changes from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) relating to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) have been modified pursuant to a settlement of the Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) legal challenge. While we are waiting for official guidance and information from the government regarding the details of the decision, it appears this settlement agreement may bring positive changes affecting students with F-1 visas. We will provide additional information as details of this action are clarified.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in advocating for our students. To our international students, please know that across the university, we will continue our work to support student success and maintaining momentum toward your degrees.

Sincerely,

Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D.
President

Updated 07/14/2020

CSUN President Harrison Message: International Student Rule Changes Modified

Updated 07/07/2020

CSUN President Harrison Message Concerning Potential Harmful Impacts of Changes in Enrollment Options for F-1 International Students

Updated 06/23/2020

Presidential Proclamation on Temporary Visa Suspensions:

President Trump issued a Proclamation and a fact sheet on June 22, 2020 suspending entry to the United States of foreign nationals in certain temporary visa categories.

The Proclamation bars H-1B, H-2B, L-1, and certain J-1 exchange visitors (and their dependent family members) from entering the United States starting June 24, 2020 through the end of the year.

It appears this proclamation does not affect any students in F-1 or J-1 status. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Updated 05/01/2020

USCIS Expands 60-Day Grace Period to Respond to RFEs, NOIDs or to File I-290B. (May 1, 2020) In response to COVID-19, USCIS extends flexibility to a 60-calendar day grace period for receiving responses to Request for Evidence (RFE), Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID), among other agency requests, if the issuance or decision date is between March 1, 2020 and July 1, 2020, inclusive.

USCIS Extends Temporary Suspension of In-Person Services at Local USCIS Field Offices. (April 24, 2020) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended its temporary suspension of routine in-person services at local USCIS field offices by 30 days, "through at least June 4." The suspension does not impact electronic filing, filing at USCIS Lockboxes or filing or adjudications at USCIS Service Centers.

Coronavirus Proclamation of April 22, 2020 Limits Entry of Certain Immigrants. (April 22, 2020) The Proclamation suspends entry of certain new immigrants who do not already have an approved immigrant visa. The proclamation does not currently impact applicants for adjustment of status or nonimmigrants such as students, exchange visitors, H-1B workers, visitors for business or pleasure, etc.

Updated 04/03/2020

CSUN President Harrison announces Alternatives for Spring 2020 Grading and Planning Ahead for Extended Virtual Instruction.

USCIS clarified that it will continue to process Forms I-765 extension requests, by reusing previously submitted biometrics. This only applies to extensions of employment authorization, which should mitigate the closure of in-person appointments at USCIS Application Support Centers for those Forms I-765 requiring such appointments.

For our J1 Exchange Students, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) ECA Exchange Visitor Program "will now push a two-month extension to program end dates in SEVIS on active records with a program end date between April 1 – May 31, 2020 in order to provide exchange visitors the opportunity to complete either their educational or training programs, or continue to finalize travel plans to return home." This information has already been emailed to CSUN J1 Exchange Students.

Updated 03/30/2020

USCIS Announces 60-Day Grace Period to Respond to RFEs and NOIDs. In response to COVID-19, USCIS announced that: "For applicants and petitioners who receive an RFE or NOID dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020, any responses submitted within 60 calendar days after the response deadline set forth in the RFE or NOID will be considered by USCIS before any action is taken."

CSUN President Harrison just announced the expansion of the Laptop Loaner Program for currently enrolled CSUN students. If you are in need of a laptop, please make sure to follow the instructions listed on her message dated today 03/30/2020.

Updated 03/22/2020

USCIS Announces Flexibility in Submitting Required Signatures During COVID-19 National Emergency. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 National Emergency, USCIS will accept all benefit forms and documents with reproduced original signatures for submissions dated March 21, 2020, and beyond. A reproduced original signature means "that the copy must be of an original document containing an original handwritten signature."

USCIS suspends in-person services at local Field Offices and Application Support Centers. "As of March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has suspended routine in-person services until at least April 1 to help slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). USCIS staff will continue to perform duties that do not involve contact with the public." Most applications and petitions filed by schools, students, and scholars are filed at USCIS Service Centers and Lockboxes, not in person at local Field Offices. However, actions that are impacted by the suspension of in-person services are biometrics appointments at USCIS Application Support Centers (required, e.g., for change of status, F-1 reinstatement, and other benefits requests filed on Form I-539), and adjustment of status interviews.

For our J1 Exchange Students, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) ECA Exchange Visitor Program shares important resources on COVID-19.

Updated 03/18/2020

On March 17, 2020, travel.state.gov tweeted: "As a result of the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, US embassies and consulates may temporarily modify or suspend consular services. Visit the embassy or consulate website to confirm operating status and find information about appointment rescheduling and/or emergency services."

Click here to find embassy or consulate websites.

Updated 03/15/2020

On Presidential Proclamation of March 14, 2020, "the entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of all aliens who were physically present within the United Kingdom, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe, or the Republic of Ireland during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States is hereby suspended and limited ... This proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on March 16, 2020. This proclamation does not apply to persons aboard a flight scheduled to arrive in the United States that departed prior to 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on March 16, 2020."

Updated 03/12/2020

On March 11, 2020, the U.S. government placed another travel restriction, which suspends the entry of most foreign nationals who have been in certain European countries at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the United States. These countries, known as the Schengen Area, 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. This does not apply to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or other individuals who are identified in the proclamation.

This proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on March 13, 2020. This proclamation does not apply to persons aboard a flight scheduled to arrive in the United States that departed prior to 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on March 13, 2020.

Updated 03/09/2020

Recently, the U.S. government has placed travel restrictions on certain countries. These restrictions prohibit nonimmigrants and immigrants from entering the U.S. if they have been in China and Iran during the 14 days prior to attempted entry to the U.S. Additionally, there are other countries that are being monitored for potential increased cases of coronavirus, such as Italy, Japan, and South Korea.