International Student Back to Campus & COVID-19 FAQs

What is the current policy?

On July 15, 2020, ICE’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued an FAQ document for universities to follow with respect to international students in Fall 2020. This FAQ replaces the now rescinded July 6 directive blocking online only students in the United States.  On July 24, 2020, ICE issued clarifying questions to supplement this guidance. -updated July 27, 2020

Does the current policy apply to continuing F-1 international students with an active SEVIS record at Penn State? What are my options for fall 2020?  

Yes. Continuing international students can take classes in various modes: in-person, hybrid, or fully remote from the United States Most universities are following a mixed delivery method like Penn State. Our understanding is that there will be no effect on your SEVIS record as long as you remain enrolled full time and have no other violations of status such as unauthorized employment or unauthorized drop below full-time enrollment. -updated July 27, 2020

Can an F-1 international student with an Active SEVIS record take a fully online course load in fall 2020 at Penn State from inside the United States?

• Continuing international students may take a fully online course load from the United States, because of the temporary exemptions in place under the July 15 ICE FAQ.
• International students with INITIAL SEVIS 1-20s who are seeking to enter the United States may not take fully online classes in fall 2020 in the United States. -updated July 27, 2020

Can a new international student take a fully online course load from outside the United States?

Yes. An I-20 and active SEVIS record are not required to enroll in online courses from outside the United States. New international students will not be activated in SEVIS in fall 2020, but they will be activated after arrival in the United States and enrollment in in-person classes.

New students who remain outside the U.S. but enroll while overseas should request a new I-20 from DISSA by completing the DEFERRED ARRIVAL PROCESS in iStart by November 1. -updated July 27, 2020

Can a continuing F-1 international student take a fully online course load in fall 2020 at Penn State from outside the United States? What happens to the SEVIS record? 

Yes. If the student began in summer 2020 or earlier and have an active SEVIS record, the student can take a fully online course load in fall 2020 from outside the United States. The SEVIS record will remain active as long as the student maintains full-time enrollment. -updated July 27, 2020

Based on the outcome in the Harvard/MIT lawsuit and the July 15 FAQ, our reading is that international students with active SEVIS records may keep their active SEVIS status as long as they enroll full-time. When Penn State returns to normal operations, students must return to campus to maintain active SEVIS status. -updated July 27, 2020

How does the 5-month rule apply to F-1 international students who are transferring from another SEVIS-approved school?

According to the July 15 FAQ, the five-month rule related to transfer students will not apply to students affected by COVID-19. SEVIS transfer students who exceed the 5-month period should contact an international student adviser by completing a SUBMIT A QUESTION eform in iStart.gp.psu.edu. Depending on the circumstances, the international student adviser may have to request a data fix from SEVP. -updated July 27, 2020

What immigration laws govern online and in person learning?

One important regulation is 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(G) which states in part: “For F-1 students enrolled in classes for credit or classroom hours, no more than the equivalent of one class or three credits per session, term, semester, trimester, or quarter may be counted toward the full course of study requirement if the class is taken on-line or through distance education and does not require the student's physical attendance for classes, examination or other purposes integral to completion of the class...”  

The July 15 FAQ by ICE exempts continuing international students from the regulation, meaning that they can take more than one class/three credits of online or remote instruction in Fall 2020.

What authority does the government have to waive the one course/three-credit requirement in the regulations? Why would ICE exempt some international students from the regulations but not every international student?  

The government used its discretion to allow continuing international students to take online courses in excess of these regulatory requirements due to the pandemic. Discretion is a powerful tool in immigration law and one that has been used historically to protect people during emergencies. -updated July 27, 2020

Yes, but take note of the following:

• New international students outside of the United States may take classes 100% online while they remain outside of the United States.
• International students with an INITIAL SEVIS I-20 may not enter the United States to take fully online classes.
• International students with an INITIAL SEVIS I-20 may enter the United States if the student’s schedule is not 100% online. Our best reading is that international students with I-20s marked “initial attendance” taking at least one in-person class (this could be 100% in person or courses that are a mixed delivery with a meaningful component in person) may still be able to study in the United States. -updated August 10, 2020

• If the transfer student is already in the United States or enters the United States and checks in with DISSA at Penn State, the student would be considered a continuing student for enrollment purposes.
• If the transfer student is outside of the United States and does not enter the United States for fall 2020, the student’s SEVIS record will remain in initial status and the student must SUBMIT A QUESTION eform in iStart -updated August 10, 2020

One important regulation is 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(G) which states in part: “For F-1 students enrolled in classes for credit or classroom hours, no more than the equivalent of one class or three credits per session, term, semester, trimester, or quarter may be counted toward the full course of study requirement if the class is taken on-line or through distance education and does not require the student's physical attendance for classes, examination or other purposes integral to completion of the class...”

The July 24 Clarifying Questions by ICE exempts new and continuing international students from the regulation, meaning that they can take more than one class/three credits of online or remote instruction in Fall 2020. For continuing students, this may include a hybrid of online and in-person classes or a completely online course load. For new students, this may include a hybrid of online and in-person classes. However, as stated above, new international students may not enter the United States to take fully online courses in fall 2020. -updated August 10, 2020

I heard that U.S. visas are being issued. Is this true? 

Yes. The Department of State announced a phased resumption of routine visa services on July 14, 2020. The resumption of visa services will occur on a post-by-post basis so long as it safe for Department of State personnel to return to work. Students should check with the specific consulate site to its operations by going to https://www.usembassy.gov/.

The proclamations from the White House restricting certain travelers from entering the United States due to COVID-19 remain intact. Notably, the Department of State announced on July 16, 2020 that F-1 international students would be exempt from the proclamations banning certain travelers from the Schengen Area, UK, and Ireland. updated July 27, 2020

As a continuing student in Active SEVIS status, how does the current situation affect my ability to apply curricular practical training or optional practical training?

• We do not have a guidance on how CPT and OPT are affected by students enrolled in remote classes, but we assume since you are main in active status in fall and are enrolled full time, that there is no effect.
• You should not be affected as long as you meet the requirement of full-time study for one academic year. -updated August 10, 2020

I am a new student starting in fall 2020, and I plan to enroll remotely while outside the United States my first semester.  Will I be eligible for an internship  (CPT) in summer 2021? 

• At this time, our response is ‘no’ that you are not eligible for CPT or even OPT if you are in a one-year program. We are hoping that SEVP provides guidance soon because this is a frequent question.
• Students need to be enrolled full time for two consecutive semesters in F-1 status in the United States to be eligible for CPT and OPT.
• If a graduate program of study requires an internship in the first year, then it is permissible for DISSA to authorize CPT but not recommend OPT. -updated July 27, 2020

If I am enrolled full-time overseas with an Active SEVIS record, am I eligible for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you are still eligible for OPT.  However, the application for employment is on the form I-765 which requires you to submit the application while in the United States. OPT applications are processed by USCIS, and USCIS has been consulted by ICE but has not yet provided guidance. When you sign the I-765, you are certifying you are filing the form while you are in the United States. -updated July 27, 2020

Do students need a new I-20 from DISSA if they attend Penn State First – either in Shanghai or Seoul?

No. An I-20 is not needed for study outside the United States.  If students have an I-20 now, they should request a deferral of their start date after September 1, 2020.  If students do not yet have an I-20, an I-20 for a January 2021 start date will be issued after September 1. -updated July 27, 2020

No.  An I-20 is not needed for study outside the United States. -updated July 27, 2020

Do students in Penn State First – either Shanghai or Seoul – need to purchase health insurance?

No. Students do not need to meet the Penn State Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) until arrival on campus. -updated July 27, 2020

How and when do we pay the tuition for Penn State First?

Will pre-arrival orientation be virtual for Penn State First?

Can students in Penn State First cancel their on-campus housing contracts, meal plans and health insurance?

If a student is in the Penn State First program, they will automatically be cancelled from their on-campus housing contract. They will also not be billed for the student health insurance program.

Reach out to pennstatefirst@psu.edu email for questions about either program location, or students may reach out to their specific Education Abroad adviser is in the network tab.

Penn State First Seoul

Penn State First Shanghai

If I am scheduled for all remote-learning classes and not returning to campus, can I cancel my Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract?

Yes. Upper-class students who are scheduled for all remote-instruction classes and wish to live at home for the fall semester may request to have the Fall 2020 HFS contract cancelled and keep the Spring 2021 HFS contract active. Submit a Contract Cancellation Request through eLiving.

To avoid fall room and board charges being applied to the August billing statement, the deadline to request an HFS Contract Cancellation is noon on Monday, July 27. Please note, the Housing Assignment Office is not able to guarantee that your spring room assignment will match any preferences. You will be assigned to any vacancy that is available. Details about spring semester housing will be provided in December.

If I am scheduled for in-person classes but no longer want to live on campus, can I cancel my Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract?

Students who want to move off campus for fall and spring semesters have until noon on Wednesday, July 15, to submit a HFS Contract Cancellation Request. Cancellations that are processed before that deadline will have no penalty fee applied. After the July 15 deadline, students who are interested in living off campus will be required to submit the HFS Contract Release request paperwork, along with any supporting information. The request will be reviewed by the HFS Contract Release Committee. A penalty fee may be incurred for cancellations that are approved after July 15.

If I am scheduled for all remote-learning classes and not returning to campus, can I cancel my Campus Meal Plan?

If you had a HFS Contract, your meal plan will also be cancelled. If you live off campus and purchased a meal plan, your meal plan can be cancelled with no penalty. Please email assignmentoffice@psu.edu for assistance. LionCash+ does not need to be cancelled; any funds on LionCash+ will be available in future semesters.

Will students be required to arrive back to campus 14 days early to quarantine prior to moving into dorms?

The University is asking students, prior to returning, if they have exhibited COVID-like symptoms or have reason to believe they were exposed to COVID-19, to self-quarantine and seek testing in consultation with a health care provider. Further, as a precaution, the University encourages all students who can to self-quarantine prior to arrival. As students arrive from across the United States and around the world, we understand that self-quarantine may not be possible, and students are encouraged to follow all health precautions. Penn State will have a fully operational health protocol in place upon students’ arrival and all students are asked to adhere to all medical recommendations and associated services related to the COVID-19 virus. More information will be shared regarding the steps the University is taking to maintain health and safety precautions.

Should the University see the need to close that campus due to the spread of COVID-19, what on-campus living options will be available to international students who are unable to return home?

The University continues to monitor state and national disease data and follow guidance from state and local health officials. Based on that guidance, and in consultation with faculty experts in epidemiology, medicine and public health, the University is prepared to adjust its approach as necessary, including the possibility that Penn State would need to shift the semester to a fully remote learning environment once again.

We are fully prepared to support our international students living on-campus and will follow the precedent set in spring 2020. Penn State will allow international students to maintain their “home away from home”. Those who wish to remain on campus will be accommodated and critical services such as dining will remain in place. Additionally, students will be allowed to maintain their accommodations over the winter break as well. However, a modest fee is required to stay on campus between semesters.

If I am not studying in the U.S., do I need to show proof of health insurance or continue on the Penn State student health insurance plan (SHIP)?

The charge for the Penn State SHIP for international students (J and F visa holders) will show up on LionPATH after the fall tuition calculation runs at the end of June.  If as an international student you are not going to be inside the U.S. for fall 2020, the premium for the Penn State SHIP will not show up on your LionPATH account.

For international students that are in the U.S., health insurance is a requirement and must be maintained for the academic year (8/13/2020-8/12/2021).  To not carry health insurance is a Code of Conduct violation and will be treated as such.

Immigration-Related Resources

Office of Global Programs, Penn State International Students- DISSA: 814-865-6348, Option 2

Students can complete Submit a Question in iStart.gp.psu.edu. 

Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia: Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Director of the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at Penn State Law: ssw11@psu.edu

• Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic
• Immigration in the Time of Trump contains resources for immigrants and the broader community
• Presidents Alliance on Higher Education