International students FAQs

All residential students will be expected to leave campus if COVID-19 hits again and campus closes. Considerations will be made for international students and students who are housing insecure depending on the specific environment and circumstances.

The student health plan will cover any COVID-19 related costs. The Wicker Wellness Center does not bill insurance.

Upper class international students will have the same option to be on campus or remote as all other upper class students. Travel and visa issuances may restrict some students from re-entering the U.S. and returning to campus so a continuation with online courses may be the only option for fall term.

Students who know of travel issues that will prevent them from arriving on time to begin classes on September 9 should consider virtual options as an alternative. Please reach out to Kate Schurick, dean of first-year students, to discuss your options.

Upperclass students who are not able to renew their visa or book a flight to be on campus in the fall will have the option to take classes on-line.

Mode (synchronous and asynchronous) and timing of specific online classes will vary from class to class.

Depending on the active COVID-19 situation, Union will plan to offer continuous housing options to those who are unable to leave the U.S. due to travel bans and/or are housing insecure.

During the pandemic, students holding F-1 visas are able to take a full-course load of studies online either outside of the U.S. or in the U.S. while still maintaining active status.

International students who are not able to enter the U.S. will be able to take classes remotely. See planned mode of delivery for all courses in the traditional fall curriculum. Students will work with their professors to come up with a solution for an individual's time zone.

Yes.

First-year students who travel to the U.S. for fall term have to be enrolled in at least one in-person or hybrid course to satisfy their F-1 student status. The rest of the courses can be online.

First-year students who decide to remain in their home countries are able to take a full course load of online classes. Their I-20 will be deferred until they are able to physically be on campus.

Upperclass students are able to take a full-course load of online courses while in the U.S. or outside of the U.S. without it affecting their F-1 visa status.

First-year students will be able to take all of their courses online from their home country. Their I-20 will be deferred until January and they will receive an updated version. This will not affect their visa if it has been issued already. If students need to apply for a visa they will need the updated I-20 to show the new arrival date in January.

Upperclass students are able to remain outside of the U.S. and take all of their courses online while keeping their SEVIS record and I-20 active. This will not affect their visa unless it expires while outside of the U.S. then they will need to renew their visa before reentering the U.S.

Upperclass students can also enter the U.S. and take all of their courses online whether it be from on-campus or anywhere in the country. This will not affect the I-20, SEVIS record, or visa status as long as they are taking a full course load.