Stay up-to-date with campus messages and information on coronavirus (2019nCoV). The site contains some message translations into Spanish, Hmong, Tibetan, Chinese and Nepali.
Frequently Asked Questions about coronavirus (2019nCoV)
University Health Services (UHS) has answers to many of your questions and concerns.
F-1/J-1 Student Immigration Options & Support Resources
With the recent developments in U.S. federal policy regarding travel entry of non-U.S. citizens to the United States, we want to let you know the how the changes may impact your student status at UW–Madison, what actions you may need to take now, and the resources available to you.
The travel restrictions apply to those who are currently outside of the U.S. in mainland China or Iran, or who have traveled to mainland China or Iran in the past 14 days. Additional travel restrictions may be imposed for travel to the U.S. and other countries. Please monitor world news to stay updated on current events that may affect your travel plans. If your travel is sponsored by UW-Madison, you must follow the university’s travel policies.
Upcoming Travel
The Chancellor sent a campus message regarding spring break and future travel plans outside of the U.S. Non-essential travel should be considered carefully. If you choose to travel outside of the U.S., it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance that will protect your airfare purchase (not all travel insurance will offer cover cancellations due to a global pandemic).
F-1/J-1 student immigration record options (choose one before February 19, 2020):
- Enroll full-time in approved research, directed study, or dissertator credits for work that you are reasonably able to complete outside the United States. This option is typically only available for graduate students.
- Submit an ISS Leave of Absence form in your Terra Dotta portal.
- Your immigration record can remain active.
- Continue to make satisfactory academic progress as defined by your department in the Guide.
- Your academic/faculty advisor can assist with your enrollment and advise which courses can count toward your degree requirements.
- Enroll in online classes
- Submit an ISS Leave of Absence form in your Terra Dotta portal.
- Your immigration record cannot remain active. You will need an updated I-20/DS-2019 to return for a future semester.
- Your academic/faculty advisor can advise which courses can count toward your degree requirements.
- Withdraw for the semester
- Submit an ISS Leave of Absence form in your Terra Dotta portal.
- Your immigration record cannot remain active. You will need an updated I-20/DS-2019 to return for a future semester.
- You may need to apply for re-entry admission. Confirm with your academic/faculty advisor or graduate coordinator.
- Review tuition refund dates and academic deadlines. See below for financial assistance resources.
Housing
- Inform your housing or rental agency that you will not return this semester.
- If this causes significant financial hardship, see below for financial assistance resources.
On-campus or authorized off-campus employment
- Notify your supervisor and human resources representative immediately.
- F-1/J-1 employment authorization typically applies to work that you perform while you are in the United States.
- With permission from your employer, you may continue to work outside the U.S. if your F-1/J-1 immigration record is active or terminated.
- You are always required to have authorization for work performed inside the U.S. while on F-1/J-1 student visa.
Financial resources
- Dean of Students Crisis Loan: The Dean of Students Office offers short-term loans between $500 to $1,000. Students must complete the online application and make an appointment with the Dean of Students Office (typically in-person).
- International Student Services Loan: ISS offers up to $5,000 long-term loans. Students must make an appointment with ISS (in-person or by phone) to discuss this option.
- Deferred Tuition Payment: You may be eligible for a deferred tuition payment date and late-fee waiver. Complete this form and send it to iss@studentlife.wisc.edu or make an appointment with ISS (in-person or by phone) for consideration. ISS will determine eligibility and inform the Bursar’s Office. Please note that deferred payments are due April 3, 2020. ISS can also advise on whether a deferred tuition payment or a loan would be most appropriate in individual cases.
- Other UW-Madison Emergency Funds: Your schools, colleges, departments, and programs may have other emergency funds that could support students. Please note that International students on F-1/J-1 visas are not eligible for federal financial aid or any funding that requires FAFSA.
Support resources
Your wellness and academic success are important to us. Please reach out to any of the following campus resources with questions or for support.
We understand the impact this has on many members of our Global Badger community and encourage you to reach out with any questions.Keep up-to-date with campus communications on the UHS and ISS websites. Again, we are here for you.
Students who are outside of the U.S. and not impacted by the travel restriction
To keep your student immigration record active this semester, you must:
- Enroll full-time (or have an approved ISS reduced course load)
- Confirm/Update your addresses in your Student Center
- Confirm/Update your emergency contact information in your Student Center
ISS recommends that you contact your academic/faculty advisor and your professors for written permission to arrive after the start date of the semester. If you do not have permission to arrive late, review the immigration options above.
When you travel:
- Carry the required and recommended documents in your carry-on bag
- Carry permission to arrive late (such as a printout of an email) from your professors
- Print your I-94 when you return to the U.S. Make sure that it is correct.
Students who are not able to return home
If you are currently in your grace period, we recommend that you take one of the following actions before the end of your grace period (if you meet the eligibility criteria).
- Apply for post-completion OPT, OPT STEM Extension or J-1 Academic Training
- Gain full admission to another degree or non-degree program at UW-Madison or another U.S. institution
- Classes must begin within 5 months of your I-20/DS-2019 program end date or EAD card end date
- If the new program is at UW-Madison, you must submit your Change of Level request in Terra Dotta before your grace period ends
- If the new program is at another U.S. institution, you must submit your Transfer-out request in Terra Dotta before your grace period ends
- Classes must begin within 5 months of your I-20/DS-2019 program end date or EAD card end date
- Apply for a change of U.S. visa status – you should consult an immigration attorney
Please contact ISS@studentlife.wisc.edu if you have any questions and to discuss your situation.