2023- 2024 Enrollment Requirements
Please check the Academic Year 2023-2024 Standard Enrollment Requirements for F-1 Students.
Please check the Academic Year 2023-2024 Standard Enrollment Requirements for J-1 Students.
2022-2023 Enrollment Requirements
Please check the Academic Year 2022-2023 COVID-19 Enrollment Requirements.
Termination of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
President Biden announced the termination of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, effective on May 11, 2023, following the termination of the COVID-19 National Emergency on April 10, 2023.
While the Student and Exchange Visitor Program's (SEVP) COVID-19 guidance is terminated as of May 11, 2023, Active F and M nonimmigrant students will be able to complete the 2022-23 academic year under the COVID-19 flexibilities through the 2023 summer semester. However, Active F and M nonimmigrant students will not be permitted to count online classes toward a full course of study in excess of the regulatory limits stated in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G) and 8 CFR 214.2(m)(9)(v) for the 2023-24 academic year.
Initial or re-entering students must enroll in programs complying with the regulatory limits for distance learning as stated in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G). Designated school officials should not issue Forms I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," for students in new or Initial status who are outside of the United States and plan to take classes at an educational institution certified by SEVP for a program of study that contains online components in excess of the regulatory limits.
Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for SEVP Stakeholders Post-COVID-19 for specific information regarding the end of SEVP's COVID-19 guidance for certified schools.
Travel Documentation
Documentation for Departure
Students who plan to travel outside of the U.S. should check with each country where they will visit regarding any testing or quarantine requirements.
Students Traveling to China must take a nucleic acid and IgM anti-body test within 48 hours of boarding starting November 6, 2022. More information and detailed instructions can be found on the Chinese Embassy website.
Documentation for Reentry
All F-1 and J-1 international students must have the following documentation for reentry to the U.S.: passport valid 6 months into the future, valid visa (unless you are a Canadian citizen), and valid I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature. Travel signatures are valid for one year; validity of travel signatures is reduced to 6 months while on OPT. Students with pending or approved OPT should also carry the receipt notice (if pending), EAD (if approved), and employment letter (optional).
Read more about necessary documentation and preparing for travel on our Travel Outside the U.S. frequently asked questions pages:
Vaccination Requirements
As of May 12, 2023, proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is no longer required to board a flight into the United States. Please visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information regarding travel and COVID-19. ---> wwwnc.cdc.gov
Negative COVID-19 Test Requirements
China, Hong Kong, and Macau: air travelers entering the United States from this region effective 03/10/2023 will no longer need to provide proof of negative COVID-19 test.
All Other Countries: air travelers to the U.S. effective 06/12/2022 no longer need to provide proof of negative COVID-19 test.
Visa Process
Visa Renewals
Department of State (D.O.S.) has temporarily expanded the ability of consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification. Previously, only those applicants whose nonimmigrant visa expired within 12 months were eligible for an interview waiver. The Secretary has temporarily extended the expiration period to 48 months. This policy is in effect until December 31, 2023. Read more about this on the Department of State website.
Travelers are encouraged to review the website of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for detailed information on what services are currently available as well as eligibility information and instructions on applying for a visa without an interview. See some country-specific D.O.S. pages below:
Expedited Visa Appointments
F-1 and J-1 students may be eligible for an expedited visa appointment if the purpose of travel is to begin or resume a valid program of study in the United States within 60 days when no regular visa appointments are available. This option is limited only to students and exchange students who are within 60 days of their start date. It is also limited only to applicants who have not been refused a visa within the last six months at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Check the U.S. consulate or embassy's website where you plan to apply for more information.