Dear International Students,
On July 14, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) communicated to you that the restrictions on international students taking online or remote learning classes had been rescinded for Fall 2020 and that we would be contacting you when the Department of Homeland Security released written clarification on the Fall 2020 rules. We’re happy to say that these guidelines were released on July 24 and we have compiled the information into an FAQ you can find below.
Additionally, ISSS has received many questions regarding the university instruction that individuals entering the U.S. will be required to self-quarantine upon arriving on campus. We have compiled answers that we hope will be useful, and you can find these below the Fall 2020 regulations information. We encourage you to use the contact information at the end of this FAQ if you still have questions.
FALL 2020 REGULATION QUESTIONS
I am a continuing F-1 or J-1 student who attended the University of Illinois in Spring 2020 or Summer 2020. What are my restrictions for registration in Fall 2020?
You should enroll full time to maintain your immigration status, or request a reduced course load through iStart. However the limitations on online enrollment have been lifted for Fall 2020, meaning you can take as many or as few online courses as needed for your program, including an entirely online program if necessary.
I am a continuing F-1 or J-1 student who attended the University of Illinois in Spring 2020 but who is currently outside the U.S. Can I enter the U.S. and begin studies this Fall?
Yes, regardless of whether you plan to take in person courses or online courses.
I am a new, initial international student. Can I enter the U.S. and begin studies this Fall?
Yes, if you plan to take at least one in-person course. Current guidance is that entry visas will not be issued to new students who are entering the U.S. to begin a program entirely online.
Are there any special considerations for Transfer students?
Students who have transferred to the University of Illinois to begin studies this Fall and are currently in the U.S. should check in with ISSS and enroll as a full time student. Students who have transferred to the University of Illinois to begin studies this Fall and are currently outside the U.S. should only attempt to enter the U.S. if they plan to take an in-person course. Transfer students who have left the U.S. and plan to be entirely online in Fall will receive a new I-20 or DS-2019 to enter the U.S. for a future semester.
Do I need a new I-20 or DS-2019 to be issued with remarks indicating whether I am taking online courses or not?
No, this is not required, however you can print this letter if asked for verification the University of Illinois is operating in person this Fall.
Are scanned copies of I-20s or DS-2019s allowed to obtain entry visas and enter the U.S.?
Scans of I-20s for F-1 students are acceptable during the global pandemic. Scanned copies of DS-2019s are not, and J-1 students must obtain original documents for any formal processing.
QUARANTINE QUESTIONS
What does it mean to self-quarantine?
People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department. CUPHD recommends that individuals in Quarantine only leave for essential service such as seeking medical care.
Will I be required to self-quarantine upon arrival to campus?
The University instructs all individuals to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) guidelines for protecting yourself and others from COVID-19. If you enter the United States from another country, the CDC requires that you self-quarantine for 14 days following these CDC guidelines and the university recommends you monitor your health using this handout.
Where will I self-quarantine?
Students living in University Housing will have access quarantining accommodation from early August. All others should contact their specific housing location and CUPHD.
Where should I report to start my self-quarantine at University Housing?
University Housing website has specific information for international students living in the residence halls or university owned apartment. If your arrival date is prior to August 16, you will coordinate early arrive with University Housing in advance. If you are arriving on or after August 16, residents can indicate at check in that you have travel from outside the U.S. in the past 14 days. Check in detailed information has been sent to your @illinois.edu email address.
What COVID-19 testing will occur during the self-quarantine?
Free On-Campus COVID-19 testing is available to all international students, but an iCard is needed to test. While in self-quarantine students are expected to test as soon as they arrive on campus and continue testing on a regular basis as indicated by the university. Students will go to a testing location with their mask on and maintaining social distance (2 meters) from other people. Students can also access medical services, contact McKinley Health Center for details.
What will I be allowed to do during my self-quarantine in University Housing?
University Housing resident in self-quarantine will follow the CDC guidelines. Students living in the residence hall will have meals coordinated through their meal plan. Students will have regular contact with a staff member by phone. More specific information will be provided when the student checks in to the designated quarantine residence hall room. University owned apartment resident will self-quarantine in their assigned apartment and will receive more information at check in.
Entry to the U.S. is prohibited for individuals who have been present in certain countries for the past 14 days. As I am from one of these countries, I will spend 14 days in another country before entering the U.S. Does this count as my self-quarantine?
No. You will still be entering the U.S. from another country and therefore will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Is the self-quarantine requirement just for international students?
The requirement to self-quarantine applies to anyone who has traveled outside the U.S. and has nothing to do with who has travelled. Regardless of your status with the University of Illinois, the CDC recommends anyone entering the U.S. must self-quarantine for 14 days.
Do I need to self-quarantine if I have not travelled internationally, but am returning to Illinois from another U.S. state?
No. The State of Illinois is not currently requiring self-quarantining following domestic travel, although this may change and all students are encouraged to check the latest guidance before travel.
Do I need to arrive early to self-quarantine?
We recommend that you are able to complete your 14 day self-quarantine before the start of any in-person classes you may have. If you will not be able to, you should communicate with your individual professors that you will not be able to attend in person until you have completed your self-quarantine.
Do I need to present COVID-19 test information to Customs and Border Patrol?
The United States is not currently requiring this.
Will I be quarantined by the government when arriving?
No, self-quarantining is done on your own and is not enforced by the U.S. government.
Who should I contact if I still have questions?
ISSS cannot answer quarantine questions, but the following resources are available:
Sincerely,
Martin McFarlane
Director
International Student and Scholar Services
Illinois International
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
432 Turner SSB
610 E. John St | M/C 306
Champaign, IL 61820
217.333.1303 | fax: 217.244.0530
isss.illinois.edu