Continuing international students are required to submit the
Fall 2020: Confirmation of Intent eform
On August 7, 2020, the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) provided additional guidance for F-1 students regarding fall semester study. Below are the key policy guidance updates for both new and continuing F-1 students:
NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- If you are a new international student and you intend to travel to the U.S. this fall, based on the new July 24 guidance it is mandatory that you have at least one in-person course on campus.
- 100% online/remote instruction is not permitted for new F-1 students.
- The ISSC will provide you with a support letter that confirms UMass Dartmouth is considered a “hybrid” instructional institution this fall semester, meaning that instruction will be provided both online (remote) and in-person, and thus travel to the U.S. with an F-1 visa is permitted. This letter may be requested by a U.S. consular officer at the time of your visa interview, and/or by a U.S. immigration officer upon arrival at a U.S. airport. Please remember to carry this document with your I-20, passport, and visa documents.
- You should continue with the F-1 visa application process and make travel plans to the U.S. if you intend to come to UMass Dartmouth this fall. Please note: Please plan to arrive to campus to begin classes by September 2, 2020. The add/drop deadline (class changes can be made until) is Thursday, September 10, 2020.
- If you do not intend to enter the U.S. this fall and do not intend to begin your studies online, you will need to defer admission to Spring or Fall 2021. Please consult with Graduate or Undergraduate Admissions and notify the ISSC by emailing intl_office@umassd.edu
- Upon entering Massachusetts, a 14-day self-quarantine is required (see link for exceptions). Massachusetts State Travel Quarantine & Registration: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order
- Virtual International Student Orientation will take place on Monday, August 31st (exception: Law Students will receive information about Orientation on a later date)
CONTINUING/RETURNING STUDENTS
- If you have already begun your studies at UMass Dartmouth
or another US insitution prior to March 9, 2020, the spring 2020 SEVP guidance retroactively applies to you. Fall 2020 allows for any combination of academic study methods (online, blended, and/or in-person) and does not require that you enroll for any in-person coursework for this coming fall semester. (Please note: your academic program may require in person classes. Please consult with your academic advisor.)
- The ISSC will provide you with a support letter that confirms UMass Dartmouth is considered a “hybrid” instructional institution this fall semester, meaning that most of the instruction will be provided online (remote) with some in-person/blended options, and thus travel to the U.S. with an F-1 visa is permitted. This letter may be requested by a U.S. consular officer at the time of your visa interview, and/or by a U.S. immigration officer upon arrival at a U.S. airport. Please remember to carry this document with your I-20, passport, and visa documents.
- Your existing F-1 visa and I-20 remain unchanged and travel to the U.S. is permitted as usual. Please review any existing travel bans to the U.S. as you make your travel plans. Additional updates can be found on the Customs and Border Patrol webpage.
- If you are considering taking a leave of absence (LOA), please be aware there will be an impact on your immigration status and SEVIS record. It is important that you contact the ISSC for consultation specific to your case.
Resources:
Massachusetts State Travel Quarantine & Registration: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order
Health Services: https://www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/health/
Housing: https://www.umassd.edu/housing/
Admissions: https://www.umassd.edu/admissions/
Registrar (Leave of Absence Form): https://www.umassd.edu/registrar/forms/student-forms/
