ISSC updates and information related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

The ISSC wishes to provide support during this uncertain time, and answer questions related to traveling as ASU responds to COVID-19. We understand the uncertainty of the situation and respect the unease it may cause, and we aim to give as much advice as we can based on the available information. Due to the rapidly changing nature of this situation, please continue to check for updates on ASU’s response to COVID-19.  

With regards to traveling internationally at this time, here are some frequently asked questions we have received. We hope you find this information helpful as you make important decisions for yourself and your family.  

The information provided on this page is intended as general guidelines and updates. We still strongly encourage students and scholars to talk with ISSC staff about their individual situations. The ISSC is open and available to meet with students and scholars by phone, email or zoom. Please email issc@asu.edu with any questions or concerns.

Please note this information is subject to change depending on guidance from the Student Exchange Visitor Program.

Travel restrictions

Current travel restrictions from Brazil, China, Iran, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the European Schengen area 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, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City and South Africa prevent individuals from traveling directly to the U.S. If you are from one of the above countries, you will need to reside in a third country for 14 days prior to your arrival to the U.S. 

If you are traveling from the European Schengen area, the U.K. or Ireland and do not have a valid F-1 visa, you may qualify for a national interest exemption during the student visa application process. Students from these areas on a valid F-1 visa do not need to seek a national interest exemption to travel. If you acquire a national interest exemption, you are not required to reside in a third country for 14 days prior to your travel to the U.S. Please continue to monitor these restrictions in case this information should change.

COVID-19 test requirements for travel

As of Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention require all travelers flying into the U.S. from abroad to submit a negative COVID-19 test prior to being permitted to travel into the U.S. The viral test will need to be taken within three days prior to your flight departure date. If you do not provide proof of a negative test or documentation of recovery, you will be denied boarding onto your flight.

Please refer to the CDC website for more detailed information and updates related to COVID-19.

Living on campus

All students living in ASU University Housing must submit a negative PCR test result taken between Jan. 2 and Jan. 10 to be cleared to live in on-campus housing for the spring 2021 semester.

Living off campus

If you are an ASU student who will live off campus, you are not required to quarantine for a 14-day period or provide a negative PCR test result.

Please refer to the CDC and ASU webpages for information on safe physical distancing measures. Learn more about ASU’s required daily health check to maintain campus well-being.

General frequently asked questions

Is the ISSC open at this time?

The International Students Scholars Center remains open at this time. The staff will continue to produce immigration documents, respond to phone calls and emails, and will be available via email and phone for advising needs. We encourage you to email issc@asu.edu or call 480-727-4776 if you need assistance or have questions. You may also use the new live chat feature on the ISSC website. The live chat is located on all ISSC webpages and can be accessed Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. (Arizona time). We will continue to provide you with the most up-to-date information. If you would like to speak with a staff member, you can also make an appointment. 

What is the status of ASU’s classes? 

ASU Provost Mark Searle announced on Oct. 19 that ASU is set to continue on-campus, in-person classes on Jan. 11, 2021 for the spring 2021 semester. ASU will continue to offer courses in a variety of learning environments to accommodate student needs regardless of location or circumstances.

For the majority of classes, immersion (on-campus) students will have access to the following three learning environments:

  1. ASU immersion: On-campus, in-person, technology-enhanced learning environment.

  2. ASU Sync: Synchronous, technology-enhanced and fully interactive remote learning using live lectures via Zoom. This approach can be used simultaneously with in-person instruction to accommodate students in different circumstances and enable social distancing in classrooms, or as stand-alone technology. It offers the benefits of face-to-face instruction in an interactive group learning environment.

  3. iCourses: Courses delivered entirely online with lectures available on demand.

Will there be plans in place for students who may not be able to get back to ASU when the spring semester begins because of international travel bans?

The university is planning for all scenarios and has announced options for students who may not be able to return to campus or attend classes in person due to circumstances related to COVID-19. Please review ASU’s spring 2021 webpage. For specific international questions, please reach out to us at 480-727-4776 or issc@asu.edu.

Will there be plans in place for students who may not be able to return to campus when the spring semester begins due to international travel bans?

The university is planning for all scenarios and has announced options for students who may not be able to return to campus or attend classes in person due to circumstances related to COVID-19. Please review ASU’s spring 2021 webpage for all of the options available to students so that they may continue their education. For specific immigration questions, please reach out to us at 480-727-4776 or issc@asu.edu.

I am currently in the U.S. but was planning to travel outside of the U.S. soon. What should I do?

As the situation is constantly changing, we cannot predict how long certain travel restrictions will last and what additional countries may be added to current restrictions in place.  

If you decide to travel, be prepared, and know that you might not be able to return to the U.S. for an unknown period of time. Your trip could be disrupted, or you may be quarantined upon your return.

Please review our website on traveling to ensure you have all of the necessary documents to return to the U.S.

What happens if I decide not to return for in-person instruction for the spring 2021 semester? 

If you cannot return to campus by Jan. 11 for the spring semester, we encourage you to enroll in ASU Sync classes so that you can continue your studies. Your F-1 visa will not be impacted and will remain valid until its expiration date. As long as you enroll in the minimum number of credits to meet full-time enrollment requirements, your immigration status will remain active.

My visa is expiring, and I am unable to travel to my home country currently. What should I do?

You may stay in the U.S. on an expired F-1 or J-1 visa as long as you maintain your immigration status by being in possession of a valid I-20 or DS-2019 and meeting normal enrollment requirements. If you decide to depart the U.S., you will not be eligible to return until you renew your visa.

My passport is set to expire soon or has already expired. What do I need to do to renew it? 

In this situation, you should contact your country’s embassy or consulate to identify options for passport extension or renewal. If you decide to depart the U.S., you will not be eligible to return until you renew your passport. Once you have received your new passport, you can submit a copy of it via our F-1 Demographic Update eForm in our eForms Portal.

Can I travel within the U.S.?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported in all states, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease.Therefore, we do not recommend you travel within the U.S. during this time. Additional information about travel inside the U.S. can be found here.

Additionally, please email the ISSC at issc@asu.edu if you are unable to travel home so that we can work with you directly by providing you resources to help you put together a plan for your time here.

 

Will ISSC events still happen? 

All of our events have transitioned to Zoom for the spring 2021 semester. Please be sure to follow us on social media for program updates. You can also find ISSC events listed here.

If I need emotional support regarding COVID-19, what resources are available to me?

If you are experiencing increased anxiety or stress related to concerns for family or friends, please contact ASU Counseling Services at 480-965-6146 to speak with a counselor, or visit eoss.asu.edu/counseling.

F-1 and J-1 student FAQ:

How can I meet full-time enrollment requirements for the spring 2021 semester if I am outside the U.S.? 

Both new and incoming students outside of the U.S. may begin the spring 2021 semester remotely using ASU Sync classes as they are classified as in-person classes. Contact your academic advisor for assistance with your course schedule.

In order to maintain your immigration status, all continuing students are required to enroll in the minimum number of credits in order to meet full-time enrollment requirements.

If you are an incoming international student and will be studying outside the U.S. for the spring 2021 semester and will need to update your I-20, please contact ASU Admission Services to have your I-20 deferred.

Please email ASU Admission Services with your full name, ASU ID number and reason for your deferral request. Undergraduate students or advisors may email fg@asu.edu. Graduate students or advisors may contact GradI20@asu.edu.

Can I enroll exclusively in iCourses for all of the spring 2021 semester if I am currently in the U.S.?

You must maintain full-time enrollment with in-person classes in order to keep your SEVIS record active. ASU immersion and ASU Sync courses are considered in-person courses. iCourses are exclusively online. Contact your academic advisor for assistance with your course schedule. Due to the hybrid nature of ASU’s spring 2021 semester learning modalities, students are encouraged to reside in the Phoenix area in order to maintain a physical presence. As a reminder, USCIS regulations state that F-1 and J-1 students must update their local U.S. or SEVIS address within 10 days of moving. If you need to update your addresses, please do so on My ASU.

Can I travel outside the U.S. and would I be able to get back into the U.S.?

Your decision to stay on campus or travel outside the U.S. or back home is a personal decision that you should make after speaking with your family. Staying on campus ensures that you can continue your studies uninterrupted, and ASU will continue to provide on-campus services if you decide to stay. If you plan to travel home, we advise you to discuss this with each of your professors, as your studies may be interrupted while you travel. Alerting them to your plans may help you stay on track. While preparing to travel, please make sure that you have a valid travel signature on your I-20/DS-2019 before departing the U.S. If your visa will expire by the time you plan to return to campus, please make sure you renew your visa before returning to the U.S. To ensure you are able to return to the U.S., please review any travel restrictions put in place via presidential proclamation.

How do I continue my courses remotely if I decide to remain home?

If you plan to remain in your home country, we advise you to discuss this with your academic advisor. Informing them about your plans may help you stay on track. In addition, you should review the technology you have available so that you can continue your studies from home. Digital learning requires internet access, VPN, Zoom and access to My ASU. We recommend reviewing the information on these links to help you make an informed decision. If you do not plan to return to the U.S., please complete this eForm so we can update your I-20 with new remarks.

What if I go to my home country and then I can’t get back to the U.S. for the spring 2021 semester?

If you are unable to return to the U.S., you will need to contact your academic advisor and academic department to determine your course options. In order to maintain your immigration status, all continuing students are required to enroll in the minimum number of credits in order to meet full-time enrollment requirements.

If I return home for the spring semester, how will this affect my student visa?

As long as you maintain full-time enrollment for the spring 2021 semester and plan to return to ASU for the fall 2021 semester, your immigration record will be active. Your F-1/J-1 visa will remain valid until the date it expires regardless of your time spent outside the U.S.

Will my F-1/J-1 visa and I-20/DS-2019 remain valid if I choose to complete the final semester of my degree program remotely from outside the U.S. in spring 2021?

Please contact your academic advisor to ensure you continue fulfilling your degree requirements by enrolling in classes while outside the U.S. Please contact the ISSC for further advising regarding your immigration record.

Can I use an electronic or digitally signed I-20? How long is an electronic or digitally signed travel signature valid?

Yes, beginning May 11, 2020, the ISSC began issuing digitally signed I-20s, which are permitted by SEVP for use during the COVID-19 pandemic and will remain valid until you are in need of an updated I-20. Ink or digital travel signatures are valid for the same period of time — 12 months for current students and 6 months for students on Post-OPT and STEM-OPT.

I am having academic difficulty with the remote learning platforms. Am I allowed to drop a class?

Unfortunately there are no immigration exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement due to challenges with remote learning. Students are expected to maintain their full course of study. Please contact your academic department if you are having difficulty with your remote classes. We also recommend reaching out to ASU Tutoring for assistance.

 

I am having financial difficulty due to bank closures in my home country. What should I do? 

Please see the financial aid options for international students. You may also contact Student Business Services and the ISSC for further advice on payment options. 

I completed my degree program and I prefer to stay in the U.S. rather than return to my home country. What are my options? 

Because each student’s situation varies, please contact the ISSC for further advisement. In addition, see this webpage for options after completing your degree.

Can I extend my graduation date due to COVID-19 even if I have met all my degree requirements?

If you have completed all of your degree requirements, you cannot delay your graduation.

What happens if I am close to the end of my 60-day grace period after my program completion date?

Students are expected to depart the U.S. by the end of their grace period. If you wish to remain in the U.S., you should discuss your options with an ISSC advisor immediately. Your options may include quickly gaining admission to a new degree program at ASU or another U.S. school, updating or transferring your I-20, requesting a change of status with USCIS, seeking admission to another country other than your home country, or returning to your home country. Please see this webpage for options after completing your degree.

If you are having difficulty finding flights home, please be sure to contact your embassy. Complete this eForm if you are unable to find an appropriate flight home to your country due to flight restrictions or cancellations. You will need to provide appropriate documentation regarding your situation. Please note this eForm is not an extension request for your grace period.

What if my address changes during this time? 

As a reminder, USCIS regulations state that F-1 and J-1 students must update their local U.S. or SEVIS address within 10 days of moving. If you need to update your addresses, please do so on My ASU. If you will be outside the U.S. for the spring 2021 semester, do not update your local U.S. address on My ASU. Your last known U.S. address should remain listed.

What should I do if I am a sponsored student?

If you are a sponsored student and have concerns about your stay in the U.S. or at ASU, please consult your sponsor and an ISSC immigration advisor at sponsored@asu.edu. 

Does ASU Aetna Student Health cover the coronavirus testing fee and treatment?

Aetna will waive the copay for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19. This policy will cover the testing kit for patients who meet CDC guidelines for testing, which can be done in any approved laboratory location. Aetna will waive the member costs associated with diagnostic testing at any authorized location for all Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid lines of business. Please visit Aetna’s website for further details about COVID-19. 

Is this type of emergency covered by the ASU Student Health Plan?

At this time, aside from COVID-19 testing, services will be covered in accordance with plan benefits and coverage. The ASU Aetna Student Health policy has a $200 copay for emergency room visits.

Employment: Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training FAQ

If I take classes remotely from outside the U.S. for the spring 2021 semester and meet full-time requirements, will the time count toward the requirement for CPT or OPT eligibility?

You will accrue eligibility in spring 2021 for OPT or CPT whether you are inside or outside of the U.S. during the COVID-19 emergency as long as your SEVIS record is active and you meet full-time enrollment requirements.

If I am a new student starting in spring 2021 and I am not able to arrive in the U.S. by the start of the spring 2021 semester, how will this impact my eligibility for CPT/OPT?

If you meet full-time enrollment requirements, you will accrue eligibility in spring 2021 for OPT or CPT if you are outside of the U.S. and able to arrive in the U.S. prior to the end of the spring 2021 semester.

I am currently in Curricular Practical Training. Can I participate in remote practical training?

Yes. You can participate remotely in practical training by working with your employer to review available options.

What if my CPT employer requires employees to self-quarantine?

Remote work is allowed while on CPT and would not in itself require any special permission or a new authorization request, as long as the work continues and there is continued supervision and oversight through various technological means. Students would inform the ISSC via email of the new remote work address and expected duration of quarantine period so that we can update the student’s record. If the employer terminates the internship for any reason, the student will need to notify the ISSC immediately so that the CPT authorization can be adjusted to reflect the new end date.

What happens if my current internship is shortened due to the coronavirus?

Please contact the ISSC and we will modify your CPT authorization if necessary.

Can I apply for CPT for my spring/summer 2021 internship from outside the U.S.?

Yes, the ISSC will continue processing CPT applications as usual. 

Can I apply for Optional Practical Training if I am outside the U.S.?

No. You must be physically present in the U.S. at the time you mail your Optional Practical Training application to USCIS. 

If I have applied for OPT, can I leave the U.S.?

We do not recommend leaving due to widespread and rapidly changing travel restrictions. If there are any issues and your application is denied or rejected, you will not be able to return to the U.S. or fix the application.

Will the suspension of U.S. visa issuance affect the processing of OPT?

No. The U.S Department of State announcement on March 18 of temporary suspension of U.S. visa issuance will not affect the adjudication of your OPT application. USCIS continues processing certain applications, including OPT.

However, if you are out of the country while your OPT application is pending, it is not guaranteed you will be able to re-enter the U.S., especially if you plan to renew your visa.

What happens if I am close to the end of my 60-day grace period?

Unfortunately, there is no regulatory relief available to students in this situation, and such individuals are expected to depart the U.S. by the end of the grace period. Discuss your limited options with an ISSC advisor immediately, which may include applying for OPT, quickly gaining admission to a new degree program at ASU or another U.S. school, and updating or transferring your I-20, requesting a change of status with USCIS, seeking admission to another country other than your home country, or returning to your home country. 

If you are having difficulty finding flights home, please be sure to contact your embassy. Complete this eForm if you are unable to find an appropriate flight home to your country due to flight restrictions or cancellations. You will need to provide appropriate documentation regarding your situation. Please note this eForm is not an extension request for your grace period.

I am in post-OPT and I just lost my job due to COVID-19. What should I do?

To avoid a 90-day unemployment period while in post-OPT, we highly encourage you to find a temporary volunteer or intern position directly related to your field of study for at least 20 hours a week. You are able to report the employment information through the SEVP portal. Volunteering is NOT allowed on STEM-OPT. You are also encouraged to reach out to Career and Professional Development Services for additional resources.

Does COVID-19 affect my pending OPT application?

COVID-19 does not affect your pending OPT application. The ISSC and USCIS are operating as normal to process your I-20 and adjudicate your OPT authorization. 

Am I allowed to work remotely for my company while on post-OPT? 

Many of you are finding yourselves working remotely due to stay orders. The question then becomes, “Do I report my home address as a new work location”? If you are currently working from home, do not change your work location address through the SEVP Portal at this time. You also do not need to update Form I-983 with your remote location. You may report this change by submitting the OPT/STEM Remote Work Location Reporting eForm, which can be found through the self-service portal under F-1 Practical Training.

I am reaching the end of my 90-day unemployment grace period, but can’t get a flight out of the country. Is it possible to extend my grace period?

Please note that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is evaluating these issues and may issue additional guidance. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services adjudicates OPT employment authorization and status requests for F-1 students and has yet to issue official guidance. Please contact your embassy if you are having difficulty finding a flight. Complete this eForm if you are unable to find a flight home. Please note this eForm is not an extension request for your unemployment grace period.

Can I still apply for post-OPT considering the current situation? Will they process my application?

Yes, you can apply for OPT if you meet all the eligibility requirements. The ISSC will issue you a new OPT I-20 and provide options for you to obtain your OPT package, along with instructions to mail your OPT application to USCIS.

My employer changed the start date of my job offer due to COVID-19. Is it possible to extend my unemployment grace period? Or can my employer hire me on the initial date but put me on unpaid leave? 

If your employer has pushed your start date back, we encourage you to secure a position as a  volunteer or an unpaid intern for at least 20 hours a week and directly related to your field of study. You are able to report your employment information through the SEVP Portal which will prevent you from accumulating your unemployment period. Volunteer work is not allowed for students on their STEM extension.

Is SEVP allowing any flexibility in the required hours worked while on OPT?

For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, SEVP considers students who are working in their OPT opportunities fewer than 20 hours a week as engaged in OPT.

I am being required by my employer to self-quarantine or work remotely. What does this mean for my OPT?

If your employer allows you to work remotely, there is no impact on your OPT due to self-quarantine. Similarly, if you are able to take leave (sick leave, vacation days, etc.), there is no impact on your OPT. 

I am unemployed due to COVID-19. Can I apply for unemployment benefits? 

Students who are unemployed due to COVID-19 should contact their local or state employment agency for more information.  ISSC cannot advise on your eligibility of unemployment benefits.  Please read the information and contact the appropriate state office for questions.

J-1 scholar FAQ

I have been invited to start a program at ASU soon. What should I do?

You should reach out to the host department that invited you for more guidance. The ISSC is able to amend your program start and end dates as soon as your host department agrees and confirms your new dates.

My J-1 program is active, but I am currently outside the U.S. and cannot return. What should I do?

Please make sure you reach out to your faculty supervisor on options to continue your program remotely at this time. If you are engaging in teaching activities, visit provost.asu.edu/remote/faculty. 

I am close to my program end date. Are there options for me to stay in the U.S.?

Yes, if you are under the J-1 Research Scholar or Professor category, the maximum duration is up to five years. Please reach out to your host department on options to extend your stay. The ISSC will process your extension request as soon as we receive the request from your department contact. 

What should I do if I want to return to my country but my flights are canceled and my country is currently prohibiting all inbound travel?

The U.S. Department of State recommends exchange visitors proactively reach out to their respective embassies if they are unable to book return flights home. A growing number of embassies are posting special communications on their websites and social media for their exchange visitors in order to make contact with them. The Exchange Visitor Program published information regarding embassy contacts due to repatriation assistance.

If I choose to return to my home country during this time, can my J-1 status remain active?

At this time, we highly recommend you do not travel outside of the U.S. Please contact your ISSC scholar advisor for further information. If you or your family members have discussed returning home, we encourage you to contact the ISSC before you make any final travel plans. 

My J-2 dependent child’s school may resume in-person or hybrid instruction and there are some possible options for my child to receive instruction from home. To accommodate this, am I able to engage in my program remotely?

Employees should work directly with their supervisors on flexible work plans to ensure operations continue.

ASU Faculty and staff FAQ

What do we advise students if they want to postpone their graduation?

Students who have completed their degree requirements cannot postpone their graduation due to COVID-19. They should seek other options, which include pursuing Optional Practical Training, applying to a new degree program, transferring to another institution or changing their visa status. For a summary of these options, please review our website. 

If students cannot complete their degree requirements due to COVID-19, what are their options?

Students who cannot complete their degree requirements by the expiration date on their I-20 or DS-2019 must request an extension. 

Can our student workers work remotely due to COVID-19? Would this affect their visa?

If the current on-campus employment opportunity has transitioned to remote work or can be done through remote means, students may continue to engage in on-campus employment. This will not impact their visa. New students may not be able to work on campus, even in remote positions, until they have arrived to the U.S. and completed their SEVIS New Student Check-in. Students who receive TA or RA appointments should consult with their academic departments regarding eligibility of remote work.

Can students on CPT engage in internships abroad?

Yes, students may engage in CPT abroad or at their home country, as long as they are enrolled in a program of study of which the CPT is an integral component of their degree requirements.

How can we assist graduating and recently graduated students who are having difficulty finding jobs due to COVID-19? 

Students on Post-OPT can find a volunteer or unpaid internship position directly related to their field of study and at least 20 hours per week. The volunteer activity can be a form of research or other projects, if faculty are willing to engage students in such activity while they continue searching for a paid position. Faculty members should review our website on how to support volunteer positions for students on Post-OPT. Students are also encouraged to reach out to Career and Professional Development Services for additional resources.

What happens if a student receives an “I” or “Z” grade in one of the classes required for completing their degree? 

Unless a student has to enroll in another course for the subsequent semester to complete their degree requirements, an “I” or “Z” grade is not sufficient for delaying degree completion.  Students must be enrolled in a course for the next semester or be authorized to work via Post-OPT in order to maintain their immigration status. If a student needs to enroll in a course to complete their degree requirements, they may consider applying for a reduced course load. 

Additional Resources

Novel coronavirus information

Spring 2021 update | FAQ page | Class flexibility for students | Novel coronavirus updates
Admission FAQs   |  Current international student FAQs | Helpful resources