Dear International Students,
The beginning of the fall semester is rapidly approaching. If you have not already done so, begin navigating the process referred to in previous communications sent on July 27 from International Student Services to understand your options for enrolling for the upcoming semester. As courses continue to fill, complete these steps immediately to maximize options available to you.
Along with the links to the flowcharts describing these processes, find additional guidance below on immigration status.
- ISS flowchart New F-1: if you follow the “no” channels and choose to enroll, you will not have a US immigration status. Your enrollment will count on your academic record. Your enrollment will not count toward your eligibility for off-campus employment authorization, such as CPT or OPT, because you are not enrolled full-time in a valid U.S. immigration status.
- ISS flowchart Continuing F-1: If you follow the “no” channels and choose option 2 or option 3, your US immigration status cannot remain active. Your enrollment will count on your academic record. Your part-time enrollment or gap semester may not count toward your eligibility for off-campus employment authorization, such as CPT or OPT, because you are not enrolled full-time in a valid U.S. immigration status.
The processes above were developed in compliance with the decision that the university will return to in-person instruction this fall–a decision that impacts all UW-Madison students, both domestic and international. There are limited online course options available to all students, as over 90% of Fall 2021 courses will be offered in-person. Additional potential flexibility may be available for international students who are unable to return to campus, but the complexity of these exceptional circumstances requires that you take action now. While the options presented might not be ideal in every case, they were created to comply with campus guidance and to provide some assistance to international students experiencing these extreme circumstances.
If you have any questions, please view the appropriate flowchart for information on who to contact.
Best,
International Student Services