Will my immigration status be impacted if I leave the U.S.?
On March 13, the U.S. government announced that as long as you maintain full-time
enrollment online during the COVID-19 emergency, there will be no negative impact
on your immigration status, even if you depart the United States and complete your
classes via distance education from elsewhere. This temporary provision is in effect
for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. |
Will the five-month rule apply to my visa if I go back home until the Fall semester?
If you are maintaining full-time status until the end of the Spring Semester, then
you are entitled to your annual summer vacation. According to the immigration regulations,
an F-1 or J-1 student is in status during the annual (or summer) vacation if the student
is eligible and intends to register for the next term. If you maintain your immigration
status, the 5-month rule does not come into effect. Remember that when classes resume
in person, you must return to campus to maintain your immigration status. |
What if I am unable to return to my home country?
Most SUNY campuses will be able to work with you to ensure there are accommodations
for housing. |
Will I be able to come back to the U.S.?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict if and when further restrictions will be
put in place by the U.S. Administration for travelers returning from high risk countries.
You need to check the travel and visa restrictions that may be in place at the time
you are planning to travel as the situation is changing daily. If you are currently
outside the U.S. or plan to travel outside the U.S., we recommend that you continue
to monitor travel updates by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). As
of March 18, 2020 routine U.S. visa issuance has been suspended worldwide and daily
restrictions on travel are being implemented. |
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 by meeting
normal enrollment requirements. (Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the
U.S.) |
How will my on-campus employment be affected by SUNY's transition to distance learning?
Students working on-campus may experience a disruption due to SUNY's transition to
distance learning. We recommend speaking with your supervisor for clarification. |
How can I apply for off-campus work authorization based on economic hardship?
USCIS makes case-by-case decisions for off-campus employment for students who can
show that new, unexpected circumstances beyond their control have created severe economic
hardship. An F-1 student must have remained enrolled for at least one academic year,
in status and in good academic standing before USCIS will authorize off-campus employment.
The process to apply can be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765. |
I am graduating this semester, how can I apply for Optional Practical Training?
Please reach out directly to your international student services office for guidance
on Optional Practical Training. |
Will my health insurance through SUNY cover all the required medical fees for screening
and treatment of COVID-19, if needed?
If your in-network health provider deems it appropriate to test you, the COVID-19
testing kit will be covered by the UHC policy for students that have the SUNY international
student insurance plan. |
How will summer or fall classes be offered?
At this time no decisions have been made about the summer or fall semesters. When
a decision has been made, that will be communicated to all students. |
What if I live off-campus and am having trouble paying my rent?
Please reach out to your international student services office so that they can check
with residential life & housing regarding the availability of accommodations on campus. |