[CCoE Notice] F-1 Guidance for Fall 2020 Semester

[Knudsen, Rachel W]

Dear All,



SEVP has released initial guidance for fall 2020 semester earlier this afternoon. Our office plans to host a webinar soon regarding this. One for faculty and staff and then one for our international F-1 students.



Here is the new guidance: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/bcm2007-01.pdf<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/bcm2007-01.pdf__;!!LkSTlj0I!Tv7-TskRerdb01dWEJolQTUy7yvVMwupTDYWSuFnzlVSk3W2NXesU7ofOs0U3YRNC0OO$>



A few key points.



1)      The temporary final rule to the federal register will be released on August 4th, though, we can assume that this information will be just a way to make what is already said, official from the broadcast message.

2)      As UH is taking a mix of online/hybrid(HyFlex) courses, the main takeaway is that all F-1 students will need to be enrolled in at least one class that allows for face to face instruction. This or students will be required to leave the U.S. and terminate their F-1 status with an authorized early withdrawal.

3)      Taking courses online from back home cannot be done with an active F-1 status while the University has some sort of hybrid/face to face courses that it is offering to students. This could mean that students abroad would not be eligible for any on-campus job such as TA/RA as we would have to terminate their SEVIS records. They would need to be here in the U.S. with at least one HyFlex course with face to face interaction. (We are seeking additional clarification to see what exceptions can be made).

4)      If UH changes the operations from partial face to face to completely online prior to Thanksgiving break, this could mean that all F-1 students would be required to transfer to another school with face to face courses or leave the U.S. with an authorized early withdrawal.

5)      No F-1 student can arrive to the U.S. with only online course instruction.



We understand that travel and flights are a big issue for students coming to start a course of study, returning, or even to leave before the semester begins.



As additional guidance is released, we will update you all further. We hope the webinar that we will schedule soon will address questions that you may have regarding this new guidance.



Sincerely,



Stefan Johnsson, M.A.

SEVIS Compliance Senior Coordinator

International Student & Scholar Services

Student Center North, Room 203

4465 University Dr.

Houston, TX 77204-3024

Phone: 1 (713) 743-5074

Email: sjohnsson at uh.edu<mailto:sjohnsson at uh.edu>



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