Dear Colleagues,
On April 26, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued much anticipated policy guidance for institutions that enroll international students in F-1 status during the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. ISSS has created an FAQ on the new guidance that can be viewed at https://www.isss.illinois.edu/updates/coronavirus.html and all international students were e-mailed this new information on April 27, 2021.
The key information for academic departments is that USCIS have extended all COVID-19 related provisions from AY20-21 through May 2022. Specifically:
- New students attending for the first time must take at least one in person class.
- All continuing students have no online or remote restrictions, meaning they can be entirely online, hybrid, or in person.
- Continuing students can maintain their status outside of the US.
Sincerely,
Martin McFarlane
Director
International Student and Scholar Services