Update on July 14: The following guidance has been rescinded by the federal government.
Dear F-1 UW-Madison Students,
On July 6, 2020, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) released updated guidance for F-1 student enrollment for fall 2020. Since UW-Madison announced that we will offer a mix of in-person and remote instruction, we will follow the guidance for a hybrid model when the rule becomes final. We offer the following guidance below and invite you to join us for an information session on fall 2020 instruction on Thursday, July 9, 2020, at 8 a.m. Central Time.
What does this mean?
- If you are inside the U.S. or intend to re-enter the U.S., you must enroll in some in-person credits, but the number of in-person credit hours is not currently specified.
- If you enroll full-time only in online/remote credits, you must attend the courses from outside the U.S.
- Your SEVIS record may remain active. Please submit the ISS Leave of Absence form.
- If you are a new student, you will not be eligible for an F-1 visa or entry to the U.S. if you are enrolled only in online/remote credits.
- UW-Madison is moving online after Thanksgiving recess, which begins on November 26. As this is part of the official hybrid academic plan, we interpret this to mean that students should not have to return to their home countries after this holiday break.
What is next?
- Course mode of instruction will be finalized the week of July 20.
- Campus leadership is working closely together to appropriately plan course instruction and communicate with F-1 students how this updated guidance will impact your enrollment and immigration status.
- ISS will email you on July 13th to complete a required form in your Terra Dotta portal.
- By August 4th, ISS will report your Fall 2020 enrollment.
What should you do?
- Review our COVID-19 Updates webpage which has the latest information related to the pandemic’s impact on your F-1/J-1 immigration status. UW-Madison’s Smart Restart website also provides up-to-date information about the reopening of campus for the fall 2020 semester.
- Watch your student email address and Terra Dotta portal for additional guidance from your UW-Madison school or college regarding course enrollment and from ISS for F-1 immigration status updates. Monitor your course schedule as it is finalized the week of July 20 and work with your academic advisor or graduate program coordinator as needed to continue making progress toward your degree.
- After schedule changes are finalized, complete your full-time fall course enrollment or leave of absence:
- If you are inside the U.S. and intend to remain inside the U.S. for the fall semester, we recommend that you choose at least one in-person course.
- If you are outside the U.S. and intend to re-enter the U.S. for the fall semester, we recommend that you choose at least one in-person course and travel with proof of your enrollment and new I-20 reprint.
- If you will remain outside the U.S. and take only online/remote courses, complete the ISS Leave of Absence form after your course schedule is finalized.
- If you will remain outside the U.S. and take a gap semester, complete the ISS Leave of Absence form as soon as you have determined your plan.
We know this has been a tremendously difficult year. The chancellor, our ISS team, and colleagues at UW–Madison are committed to supporting and advocating for you. Again, please join us for an information session on fall 2020 instruction on Thursday, July 9, 2020, at 8 a.m. Central Time to learn more about how the recent guidance may affect your enrollment and immigration status and to share your questions with us.
Sincerely,