COVID-19 Updates

Your Form I-20 is your certificate of eligibility for F-1 student visa status. It should remain accurate and valid during your academic Program of Study. You should always travel with your most recently issued I-20 with a valid travel signature. You must sign and date the I-20 with blue pen.

The I-20 “form issue reason” explained (in the top box of the form).

Initial Attendance I-20

A new I-20 SEVIS ID number issued to a student entering the U.S. as a new admit, re-entry admit, or a student travel to correct their status.

Transfer Pending I-20

The current I-20 SEVIS ID number issued to a student who currently has a Form I-20 from another SEVP-certified school in the U.S. The student must meet the Transfer-in eligibility requirements.

Change of Status Pending I-20

A new I-20 SEVIS ID number issued to a student currently in the U.S. under a different visa status to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change to a new visa status while remaining in the U.S.

Continued Attendance I-20

The current I-20 SEVIS ID number issued to a student continues to maintain F-1 status. A new continued attendance I-20 is issued to the student any time there is an update to the Personal Information, Program of Study, Financial Information, Employment Authorization, or Authorized Reduced Course Load sections of the Form I-20.

Your DS-2019 is your certificate of eligibility for J-1 student visa status. It should remain accurate and valid during your academic Program of Study and post-completion Academic Training. You should always travel with your most recently issued DS-2019 with a valid travel signature. You must sign and date the DS-2019 with blue pen.

Your F-1 or J-1 student visa must be valid at the time you enter the U.S. The visa can expire while you are inside of the U.S. as long as you continue to maintain your F-1 or J-1 student visa status.

You cannot renew your visa inside of the U.S.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a government database where your I-20/DS-2019 and related information is updated. F-1 Designated School Officials (DSOs) and J-1 Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) at ISS have access to update SEVIS.

Understanding your SEVIS status

Active Status

F-1/J-1 student who

• Completed ISS check-in and orientation the first semester matching the I-20/DS-2019 program start date
• Is following the rules of their current situation
  • enrolled full-time
  • post-completion employment authorization
  • in a grace period

Initial Status

F-1/J-1 student who has not done the following for the semester matching the I-20/DS-2019 program start date

• Entered the U.S.
• Completed ISS check-in and orientation
• Enrolled full-time

New admits, re-entry admits, SEVIS transfer students, and students who have applied for a correction of status or change of status will begin in initial status.

Canceled Status

An initial status student who has no record of following within 30-60 days of the I-20/DS-2019 program start date.

• U.S. entry
• ISS check-in and orientation completion
• Full-time enrollment

Completed Status

A student who has completed their

• Program of study
• Post-completion employment authorization
• Grace period

Terminated Status

F-1 student is not following the rules to maintain lawful status. Students who willfully pause full-time enrollment and take a leave of absence are also in terminated status.

Deactivated Status

F-1 who has

• Changed the program of study education level at UW-Madison; or
• Transferred the SEVIS record to another SEVP-certified school

DSOs are authorized employees of UW-Madison to access a student’s F-1 SEVIS record. ISS staff are DSOs. We do not have assigned DSOs for students at this time. You can find the name of the DSO who issued your I-20 on page 1.

AROs are authorized employees of UW-Madison to access a student’s J-1 SEVIS record. ISS staff are AROs. We do not have assigned AROs for students at this time. You can find the name of the ARO who issued your DS-2019 on page 1.

See our Drop-in Advising page for schedule updates and tips to prepare for advising.

Drop-in Advising Tuesdays 8:30-11:00am

Follow the link to join: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/99773254570?pwd=Ym1ZVWFFVkpsWTF1bm5hU29JOWZXQT09
Meeting ID: 997 7325 4570
Passcode: UWBadger

Drop-in Advising Wednesdays 1:00-3:30pm

Follow the link to join: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/92584348272?pwd=VzNUaHMxK0xtVmtwUzdSSjZHd1dVUT09
Meeting ID: 925 8434 8272
Passcode: UWBadger

Advising staff are available for 20-minute phone appointments Monday – Friday. Schedule appointments at least one day in advance through your Terra Dotta portal.

How to make an appointment with an advisor. Include your phone number when scheduling your appointment. 

All immigration updates can be submitted through your Terra Dotta portal. We continue to process your I-20 and DS-2019 updates from our remote office locations. We strive to process your request within 15 business days. Our adapted office locations have increased the time it takes for us to complete document processing.

You will receive an email through TerraDotta when the update is complete and your document has been mailed. A scanned copy of your signed document will be uploaded to your TerraDotta portal 2-3 days later.

OPT and STEM Students: Your login credentials may not be valid for TerraDotta at this time. You can update your employment and address changes here.

New Students: If you experience TerraDotta login issues with your NetID and password, contact your admissions office to confirm:

• You are in admitted or matriculated status in the Student Information System.
• Your visa permit information is F-1 or J-1 with issuing authority “UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON”
• Your citizenship information has 2 rows (USA=”alien”; Enter country of citizenship on passport=”citizen” or “native”)

Updates made in the Student Center and SIS take up to 48 hours to update in TerraDotta.

Students should send a Terra Dotta Information Request to their assigned ISS advisor instead of sending an email!

We strive to answer your email inquiries in 3-5 business days. We are receiving a very high volume of emails and responses may be delayed.

Before you email, please check our website for your answers. You can find answers to your common questions for New Students and Current Students, including Employment Authorization. The search bar is great way to start your search. All COVID-19 related updates will be made on this page.

Include in your email to iss@studentlife.wisc.edu:

• full legal name
• NetID
• Student ID number
• A detailed question about your immigration status and information about your situation

TerraDotta is your student immigration portal where you can complete immigration document update requests, schedule an appointment with ISS, read important messages from ISS, and find copies of your documents. Students login with their NetID and password.

OPT and STEM Students: Your login credentials may not be valid for TerraDotta at this time. You can update your employment and address changes here.

New Students: If you experience TerraDotta login issues with your NetID and password, contact your admissions office to confirm:

• You are in admitted or matriculated status in the Student Information System.
• Your visa permit information is F-1 or J-1 with issuing authority “UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON”
• Your citizenship information has 2 rows (USA=”alien”; Enter country of citizenship on passport=”citizen” or “native”)

Updates made in the Student Center and SIS take up to 48 hours to update in TerraDotta.

Check our schedule on the Events Calendar for upcoming virtual engagement opportunities.

Or go to our Get Involved page for recordings of past sessions.

ISS is here to serve you virtually! We encourage all students to seek virtual services.

Our phone line is monitored by our peer advising staff. No immigration advising is provided Our peer advisors can provide you with the resources to find what you are looking for and answer questions about how to navigate your Terra Dotta portal.

*Phone advising is available. Students can make an appointment in TerraDotta.

In response to the Chancellor’s message on September 9.

The temporary shift to 100% remote instruction does not effect the F-1 or J-1 immigration status of any student in the U.S. Full-time enrollment, or approved ISS Reduced Course Load, is still required.

F-1 students with an “initial attendance” or “transfer-pending” outside the U.S. should evaluate the need to travel. Arrival by the I-20 program start date is expected and you may not be granted entry to the U.S.

No. The same enrollment options that appear on our ISS flowchart for continuing and change of level students applies in your final semester, too. You should enroll in the number of credits you have remaining to complete your degree program and have an approved ISS Reduced Course Load (RCL) if you have less than your full-time requirement to complete in your final semester.

You can print a Spring 2021 Travel Support Letter stating UW-Madison’s hybrid instruction for Spring 2021.

Changes to your enrollment will take 24-48 hours to update in Terra Dotta. 

Follow the ISS flowchart for new and transfer-pending students.

You will need to update your I-20 or DS-2019 program start date, contact the DSO or ARO who issued your document.

Follow the ISS flowchart for continuing and change of level students.

You must complete your ISS Leave of Absence form in your Terra Dotta portal to report your enrollment plans for Fall 2020.

1. Enroll full-time or have an approved ISS Reduced Course Load (RCL) 
   1. You can maintain your F-1 immigration status inside or outside the U.S. 
   2. You can enroll only in remote/online credits. There is no immigration requirement for in-person enrollment. 
   3. Submit your ISS Leave of Absence form in your Terra Dotta portal re: full-time enrollment outside the U.S. and maintaining status.
2. Enroll part-time without an approved ISS Reduced Course Load (RCL)
   1. Your SEVIS record cannot remain active. You will not have a valid F-1 or J-1 immigration status.
   2. Submit your ISS Leave of Absence form in your Terra Dotta portal re: enrolled in online classes and choosing to end F-1 status.
   3. You must be outside the U.S.
   4. You can enroll in only online/remote credits.
3. Take a gap semester or year 
   1. Discuss this option with your academic advisor or graduate program coordinator first. 
   2. You must be outside the U.S. 
   3. You may need to apply for re-entry admission to UW-Madison  
   4. Your F-1 immigration record cannot remain active during your leave of absence. You must complete the ISS Leave of Absence form in your Terra Dotta portal, re: not enrolled taking at least one semester off. 

If you cannot return to the U.S. for in-person courses you can explore the following options:

• Work with your academic or faculty advisor to select online or remote courses that you can complete outside of the U.S. You must complete a leave of absence form in Terra Dotta (please select full-time online enrollment and maintaining status outside the U.S.
• Take a leave of absence for the semester, withdrawal or drop all classes, and remain outside of the U.S. ISS will terminate your SEVIS record for Authorized Early Withdrawal.

Follow the ISS flowchart for continuing and change of level students.

Continuing students with a Continued Attendance I-20 or DS-2019/Active SEVIS record, you have two options: 

1. Enroll full-time or have an approved ISS Reduced Course Load (RCL) 
   1. You can maintain your F-1 immigration status inside or outside the U.S. 
   2. You can enroll only in remote/online credits. There is no immigration requirement for in-person enrollment. 
2. Enroll part-time without an approved ISS Reduced Course Load (RCL)
   1. Your SEVIS record cannot remain active. You will not have a valid F-1 or J-1 immigration status.
   2. You must be outside the U.S.
   3. You can enroll in only online/remote credits.
3. Take a gap semester or year 
   1. Discuss this option with your academic advisor or graduate program coordinator first. 
   2. You must be outside the U.S. 
   3. You may need to apply for re-entry admission to UW-Madison  
   4. Your F-1 immigration record cannot remain active during your leave of absence. You must complete the ISS Leave of Absence form in your Terra Dotta portal. 

We created an ISS flowchart for new and transfer-pending students to help with this question.

New students with an Initial Attendance I-20/SEVIS record, you have three options: 

1. Enroll in in-person credits 
   1. Full-time enrollment, International Student Orientation (ISO) and ISS Check-in are required.
   2. At least one credit of your full-time enrollment must  be an in-person credit.
   3. The U.S. consulate and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will review your eligibility for an F-1 visa and entry to the U.S. as an F-1 student.

2. Enroll in remote/online credits 

1. 1. Remain outside the U.S. 
   2. Request an I-20 program start date deferral from the Designated School Official who issued your I-20 (page 1). Your start date can be deferred to Spring 2021 or later when you intend to be on campus for in-person instruction. 

3. Change your semester of admission and do not enroll for Fall 2020 

1. 1. You must reapply for admission. 
   2. Your I-20 program start date can only be updated if your term of admission is updated. Your I-20 program start date must match the start date of your term of admission.  

We created an ISS flowchart for new and transfer-pending students to help with this question.

New students with an Initial Attendance I-20/SEVIS record, you have three options: 

1. Enroll in in-person credits 
   1. Full-time enrollment, International Student Orientation (ISO) and ISS Check-in are required.
   2. At least one credit of your full-time enrollment must  be an in-person credit.
   3. The U.S. consulate and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will review your eligibility for an F-1 visa and entry to the U.S. as an F-1 student.

2. Enroll in remote/online credits 

1. 1. Remain outside the U.S. 
   2. Request an I-20 program start date deferral from the Designated School Official who issued your I-20 (page 1). Your start date can be deferred to Spring 2021 or later when you intend to be on campus for in-person instruction. 

3. Change your semester of admission and do not enroll for Fall 2020 

1. 1. You must reapply for admission. 
   2. Your I-20 program start date can only be updated if your term of admission is updated. Your I-20 program start date must match the start date of your term of admission.  

We recommend that you work with your academic or faculty advisor or graduate program coordinator to select online or remote courses. You can remain outside the U.S. for the duration of the semester.

New students with an “initial attendance” or “transfer pending” I-20

You will need to update the program start date on your I-20. Contact the DSO who issued your I-20 to update the program start date to Spring 2021. If you are not eligible to enroll for Spring 2021, your I-20 program start date cannot be updated and your I-20 will be cancelled.

Current students with an “active” SEVIS record

You can remain in Active status if you are enrolled full-time.

Yes. Review the Worldwide, Worldwide research course through International Academic Programs. You will also need to submit a Travel Warning Waiver Request form for International Safety and Security.

You will need to work directly with your admitting unit to discuss possible changes to your term of admission.

You will need to update your I-20 or DS-2019 program start date, contact the DSO or ARO who issued your document.

ICE/SEVP have not extended the grace period for F/J students. Action needs to be taken before the end of your grace period in order to legally remain in the U.S. Be sure to document your efforts to depart the U.S. and return home.

Please refer to our Program Completion Checklist for a full list of options available to you when you complete your studies.

F-1/J-1 international students who have maintained their status have a grace period at the end of their studies. This grace period allows students to remain in the U.S. F-1 students earn a 60-day grace period, and J-1 students earn a 30-day grace period. This is calculated based on the end date of your I-20/DS-2019 or when you complete all degree requirements, whichever comes sooner.

If you applied for post-completion OPT, you can legally remain in the U.S. while your application is pending with USCIS, even if that is beyond your 60-day grace period.

Yes. You have 10 days to report any change in your U.S. address or permanent address outside of the U.S. Report your addresses changes in your Student Center.

If you are continuing student in Active status, enrolled full-time, and outside the U.S., you do not have to report your U.S. address change until you return to the U.S.

Updates made in the Student Center and SIS take up to 48 hours to update in TerraDotta.

Yes, I-20/DS-2019 documents are being issued to students for a Fall 2020 or later start date.

Which office issues my I-20?

We created an ISS flowchart for new and transfer-pending students to help with this question.

Students with “transfer-pending” SEVIS records will have different enrollment requirements if they are inside or outside the U.S.

If you have remained in the U.S., you will be considered a continuing student in Active SEVIS status and the following applies:

• You may study fully online to begin your program of study in the United States.
• You may reside anywhere in the U.S. throughout fall semester. Your U.S. address MUST remain up-to-date in MyUW.
• You must complete International Student Orientation for fall 2020.

If you are currently outside the U.S. and have a transfer-pending I-20, you will be considered a New student with an Initial Attendance I-20 and the following applies:

• You may re-enter the U.S. with a valid visa and I-20 if you are enrolled full-time and have at least one in-person credit.
• You may stay in your home country and defer your I-20 start date:
  • You can contact your admitting unit about beginning your program in spring 2021.
  • You can enroll in online credits to begin your studies, but your immigration status in the U.S. would not begin fall semester.

Yes, change of level students are considered continuing students and can start their program online while can maintaining an active SEVIS record and their F-1 status. 

Follow the ISS flowchart for continuing and change of level students.

If you are currently in the U.S. on another visa status, such as F-2 or H4, and you need to change your visa status to F-1 or J-1, review your Change of Status options.

I am currently an F-2 dependent

• You can study part-time. No full-time enrollment is allowed.
• You are not eligible for on- or off-campus employment authorization.

I am currently a J-2 dependent

• You can study part-time or full-time.
• You must apply to USCIS for employment authorization to work on- or off- campus.
• If you are subject to 212(e) (2-year home residency requirement), you are not eligible to change status within the U.S. You may be eligible to apply for a 212(e) waiver.

I am in another visa status

• You must review your eligibility to study part-time or full-time and your eligibility for on- or off- campus employment.

If you desire to enroll in a credit-bearing course(s) at a college or university in your home country for transfer to your program of study at UW-Madison, you will need to apply for a waiver to the international travel policy.  This must take place prior to enrollment and travel.  For information on this action, please contact International Academic Programs (IAP) as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances and the waiver process.  IAP can answer your questions and help you navigate the waiver process.  Please direct any  non-approved programs questions to non-approved@studyabroad.wisc.edu.

You can submit a Reprint Request in your TerraDotta portal. ISS will reprint your I-20/DS-2019, give you and any dependents a travel signature, and upload a digitally signed I-20 to your Terra Dotta portal. Do not mail your I-20/DS-2019 to ISS! 

Before you submit your Reprint Request, check your most recently issued I-20/DS-2019 to see if you need a new signature.

Some U.S. consulates have announced that they will resume processing visa applications. Each consulate will post its own reopening schedule online. Check with your local U.S. consulate on the application process and timeline.

Student visas may be considered essential at your local U.S. consulate. Your Form I-20 or DS-2019 is your UW-Madison support to apply for a visa for classes to start on January 25, 2021. We recommend that you carry proof of in-person enrollment or requirement to be on campus if you have an Initial status record.

You can print a Spring 2021 Travel Support Letter stating UW-Madison’s hybrid instruction for Spring 2021.

Some U.S. embassies in the European Schengen area have stated that there may be an exemption for student visas.

Review Global travel advisories regularly and check with your airline about any restrictions.

We encourage you to make the decision that is best for your health, safety, and well-being, and that of our global community. Before you plan your travel, consider

• Global travel advisories  – This is a quickly evolving situation and travel restrictions around the world are updated with little notice.
• I-20/DS-2019 program end date and travel signature validity – Plan in advance if you need a program extension or new travel signature.
• F-1/J-1 visa expiration date – If your visa will be expired when you intend to return to the U.S., you will need to apply for a new F-1/J-1 visa. Many U.S. consulates are starting to reopen for visa appointments after being closed. Be sure to check if your consulate will be open and the status for visa appointments.

Continuing students with an Active SEVIS record can maintain lawful F-1 status while enrolled full-time outside the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) expects you to arrive by the start of classes, so this is what ISS recommends.

You may be allowed to enter late with a support letter or email from each instructor confirming that your late arrival will not impact your academic progress. You should arrive before the first drop deadline on Friday, September 11, 2020, and absolutely no later than Friday, October 2, 2020, the deadline for ISS to report your full-time enrollment and current address. It is always at the discretion of CBP to allow you to enter the U.S.

Review academic deadlines, travel requirements and global travel advisories.

If you meet the following conditions, then you will not need to apply for a new F-1 or J-1 visa

• You remained enrolled full-time for Spring 2020
• You enroll full-time for Fall 2020
• Your I-20/DS-2019 is valid for Spring 2021
• Your current F-1/J-1 visa is valid at the time you plan to enter the U.S.
• You have not received written notice that your F-1/J-1 visa has been revoked (typically for legal trouble during your time in the U.S.)

The 5-month rule applies when a student has not been maintaining F-1/J-1 status for 5 or more months.

You can contact the U.S. consulate nearest you if you have questions about your visa validity.

It is recommended that you arrive by January 25, 2021, the first day of our fall semester. Late arrivals may not be allowed to enter the U.S.

Please review the flowchart that matches your current status for ISS recommendations on your enrollment, I-20/DS-2019, and travel plans.

• ISS flowchart for new students
• ISS flowchart for continuing and change of level students

For essential travel, University Health Services, located at 333 E Campus Mall, can provide you with COVID testing and/or medical clearance if this is required by the airline or country immigration/customs at your final destination.  Contact uhs.wisc.edu/make-an-appointment or call 608-265-5600 for further evaluation.

You can print a Spring 2021 Travel Support Letter stating UW-Madison’s hybrid instruction for Spring 2021. You can start planning for your enrollment date now. Spring 2021 enrollment will be open December-January.

Changes to your enrollment will take 24-48 hours to update in Terra Dotta. 

The Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak does not currently apply to F and J non-immigrants. There is no indication that F-1/J-1 student employment authorization or eligibility for authorization is impacted.

You can read the campus message here.

We recommend that you contact your country’s embassy in the U.S. They are tracking travel options and may be able to assist with options to return home.

If you are at risk of staying beyond your grace period, contact ISS so that we can make a remark on your SEVIS record that you attempted to depart on time. Be sure to document your efforts to depart the U.S. and return home (example: flight tickets/itineraries). 

Flight itineraries are rapidly changing or being canceled as global travel and flight restrictions shift. It is important to have flexibility and have a back-up plan in case your flight is canceled.

UW-Madison Transportation Services compiled the following resources with some of the scheduling disruptions of several intercity transit routes by Van Galder, Lamers, Badger Bus and Mega Bus.

Greyhound Buses

Tickets available from UW-Madison Campus (200 N. Lake St) to Chicago, IL. The Cumberland Farms stop (5800 N Cumberland Ave.) will get them the closest to the airport. You may need to take an Uber or shuttle into the terminals from this point.

Flights

There are currently several flights a day from Madison to O’Hare

Car Rental

Both Enterprise and Budget provide one-way car rental from Madison to O’Hare. The cost ranges from $20-$60 depending on the vehicle. There are several locations in Madison and pickup service is available.

Amtrak

Service from Columbus, WI is still operating. The train runs on a limited schedule to Glenview, IL. Local taxi service would be needed to get to the station and to complete the trip to O’Hare Airport.

Car Service

Chicago Limousine (limo66.com) operates car service between Madison and O’Hare. This service would need to be scheduled in advance. There are other car services available as well. There are no relationships between these companies and the University. Costs depends on vehicle type, but the basic rate is $240.

Uber/Lyft

Both services will provide service to O’Hare Airport. Trip may require a connection with another vehicle. Costs are in the $200 range.

Ridesharing Sites

There are several ridesharing sites on the internet. Given the current COVID-19 concerns, it is not recommended that these sites be used to obtain a ride.

If you have additional questions about transportation to O’Hare airport please call Campus & Visitor Relations at 608-263-2400.

It is not possible for UW-Madison to intervene in regular visa application processes. U.S. Department of State has indicated that F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrant student visa applications will be prioritized (along with medical professionals).

There is no visa interview voucher or waiver that a school can issue to a student. Your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 is your certificate of eligibility for your F-1 or J-1 student visa to attend UW-Madison. This is one of many forms and information the U.S. consular officer reviews to determine your eligibility for your F-1 or J-1 student visa. It is the decision of the consulate to review your application materials and require or waive your visa interview.

For new or re-entry students in Initial status, ISS recommends that you carry proof of in-person enrollment for Fall 2020.

It is recommended that you follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidance if you are traveling to campus from inside or outside the U.S.

Each U.S. consulate will update wait times, hours, and required application materials on its website.

Maybe. Learn about options to apply, renew, or replace your immigration documents, including Third Country National applications. It is also important to review global travel advisories.

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) is the central office for emergency funding relief for all UW-Madison students, including international students.

OSFA staff will assess your situation and connect you with eligible financial resources.

There are also additional community resources available to many students to help meet your basic needs.

There is a lot of confusion about the stimulus check. Review our tax resources page for additional information about taxes.

ISS and UW-Madison cannot legally provide you with tax advice or assistance. 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the best resource for accurate information.

The U.S. Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) eligibility (See Question 11)

• You are a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien in 2020 for tax purposes
• You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
• You have a Social Security Number (SSN) that is valid for employment
• Your adjusted gross income qualifies

Individuals who are not eligible:

• You are a non-resident alien for tax purposes 
• You filed Form 1040-NR, 1040-NR EZ to file your 2018 taxes

Some students may have received a payment in error. This might be due to incorrectly filed tax returns for 2019 or earlier. If you believe you received the stimulus payment or check in error, you should not spend the money. You should review the IRS website for instructions to return the money, specifically Question 41.

How do I know my residency for tax purposes?

Review your Glacier Tax Prep account and contact Glacier with any questions.

The deadline to file without penalty for 2019 has passed.

If you have not filed taxes for 2019 or earlier, and you were in the U.S. during that time, you should file past tax returns as soon as possible.

Review our tax resources page for additional information about taxes.

ISS and UW-Madison cannot legally provide you with tax advice or assistance. 

The latest information ISS received from the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Madison is that a student with a job or job offer must call the SSA office to schedule an emergency appointment. Additional information about the application process is on our Social Security page.

Call the local Social Security Office to schedule an emergency appointment.

Do not mail your original documents to the local Social Security Office. 

Visit https://grad.wisc.edu/covid19/#international-students for additional information.

Graduate students with assistantship appointments need to make every effort to return to campus or telecommute from within the U.S. Individuals who cannot return to the campus or the U.S. due to immigration issues may be permitted to telecommute internationally under certain circumstances. Individual graduate students need to work closely with their admitting graduate program and that program’s Human Resources office.

International telecommuting is prohibited from countries deemed to pose the highest risk associated with export control: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Republic of Sudan.

This guidance applies to international graduate students with research (RA), teaching (TA), and project (PA) assistantships as well as fellowships.

There is no regulatory change or additional federal guidance to relax the rule for on-campus employment.

On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week or less during the fall and spring semesters. You may work more than 20 hours per week during authorized vacation periods (summer break, winter break, and spring break).

You must have proper employment authorization to engage in any off-campus employment, internship, co-op, or other practical training opportunity.

At this time, no. You will need to establish your F-1 status by entering the U.S. and completing 1 academic year (fall/spring semesters) of full-time enrollment.

Review additional employment authorization information and resources.

Yes, according to the SEVP FAQs released on July 15, students who are enrolled full-time (or enrollment with an authorized RCL) in online or remote courses for fall 2020 will meet the 1 year requirement for OPT/CPT eligibility. 

OPT applications continue to be processed by USCIS. If you have a valid EAD card, you are authorized to continue using the EAD card for employment authorization.

Due to delays in issuing EAD cards, employers can now accept your USCIS I-797A approval notice for I-9 verification so you can begin working before you have your EAD card. https://www.ice.gov/coronavirus

It is not recommended for two reasons.

1. When you sign your Form I-765, Part 3, there is a note that you must file Form I-765 while in the United States. You are subject to the written penalties if you knowingly falsify or conceal information.
2. Your I-94 is a required document to submit with your OPT application. You do not have an I-94 if you are outside of the U.S.

There is currently no federal guidance relaxing the 90 days of unemployment. We recommend that you review the same options as after your OPT and take action before you reach 90 days of unemployment.

You can report employment, including volunteer positions, under 20 hours per week as full-time enrollment.

https://www.ice.gov/coronavirus

The same travel advice and requirements still apply.

Please be aware of all travel restrictions and advisories and inform your employer or be aware of your company’s policy for traveling during this crisis.

First, ask your employer if you can work remotely online and maintain your employment. If this is possible, you will continue to maintain your OPT.

If remote work is not possible, you can end your OPT early. Take action on your immigration record by reviewing your options after OPT or requesting ISS to complete your I-20 record.

According to the website, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is still processing applications. In-person services are temporarily suspended. Applying for OPT is not an in-person service.

You can review current processing times and check your case status online.

A furlough is a leave of absence. The F-1 regulations state:

“A student may not engage in practical training for less than 20 hours per week, excluding time off taken consistent with leave-related policies applicable to the employer’s similarly situated U.S. workers in the area of employment.”

This implies that if your company is furloughing employees due to COVID-19, you should be able to maintain status and would not necessarily be accruing unemployment.

Form I-983 requires ink signatures from the student and employer, per the Form I-983 itself. There has been no additional guidance allowing for electronic signatures on the Form I-983.

No. You do not need to submit an employer information update to ISS. If you are on OPT STEM Extension, you do not have to submit an updated Form I-983 Training Plan.

Yes. Any employment, including volunteer, under 20 hours per week will count toward your full-time employment requirement for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. You must report your employment and address updates to ISS within 10 days of any change.

We understand that this global pandemic leaves us with many uncertainties. Our colleagues at University Health Services have shared a few tools that you may use as you navigate this challenge.

• Living with Worry and Anxiety Amidst Global Uncertainty
  • Psychology Tools has created this free guide to help coach you through worry and anxiety. It is translated into multiple languages.
• Managing our Mental Health & Staying Well during a Virus Outbreak
  • mindhk has created this tool to help with coping during the global pandemic. It is also translated into multiple languages.

For international students that were enrolled for the spring/summer semester, SHIP coverage ends on August 14, 2020.  That is the default.

SHIP members can also request a pro-rated refund of their SHIP premium from the end date of their visa.  In that case, SHIP is refunded from the 15^th of the month following the visa end date.  For example, for a visa ending on May 8, SHIP coverage would run through May 14, and three months of premium (May 15 to August 14) would be refunded.  Additional information is available on page 23 of the Plan Document.

Yes. You can review the Smart Restart site for additional information on how we plan to safely reopen our housing and dining facilities.

Yes, there will be on-campus housing accommodations for Fall 2020 on-campus residents after Thanksgiving. Winter housing accommodations between fall and spring semesters may also be available. Contact UW Housing for additional information.

University Housing has an exemption process for you to apply to remain on campus for the summer. Summer enrollment is not required. All questions should be directed to University Housing.

For off-campus housing Campus Area Housing (CAH) can assist. CAH maintains an online listing of available privately-owned housing units located near campus. The office can also connect you with a variety of off-campus housing-related resources. Please visit the website for a full list of current vacancies. If you have questions or would like assistance with your search, please email campusareahousing@uwmad.wisc.edu or call 608-263-2452. Please see this document for Housing for immediate move-in.

The Open Seat (On Campus Food Pantry)

The Open Seat works hard to come up with a plan for providing boxes of food to be picked up at various locations on campus. Updates can be found on their website

The Keep Food Pantry (On Campus) 

The Keep is in the basement of Luther Memorial Church. They are closed for this week due to spring break, but plan to be open starting next week. They are available on Thursdays from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Bring along your student ID.

Catholic Multicultural Center Food Pantry 

Grab and go meals available daily – Monday – Friday 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Saturday – Sunday 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. CMC food pantry is available in their parking lot on Tuesday 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and Thursday 10:30 am – 12:00 pm.

Grace Food Pantry – Grace Episcopal Church 

Located near the Capitol. Food will be given outside of the building. Distribution is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:00 pm – 3:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Bring a form of ID for all members in the family. They may decide to cancel this program, so please call ahead or check the website.

The River Food Pantry – COVID-19 Emergency Food Fund 

Prepared boxes of groceries will be available for pick up curbside. Curbside pick-up distribution hours will be Monday–Thursday from 10:00am–5:00pm and Friday from 2:00 pm – 7:00pm.

Fritz Food Pantry – Goodman Community Center 

Will be distributing pre-packaged bags of food in the Ironworks driveway circle in a drive-thru or walk-up style. Hours are Tuesday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, Wednesday 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, and Thursday 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm.

Lussier Community Education Center 

LCE asks for individuals to stay in their vehicles or outside and they will deliver bags of food to you. There are no limits on pantry visits during this time. Distribution is available Wednesdays 7pm – 8pm and Saturdays 12pm – 1pm.

We have updated our flowcharts for spring 2021. There is no specific federal immigration guidance, so we are operating under the August 7, 2020 guidance until further notice.

• ISS flowchart for new and transfer-pending students
• ISS flowchart for continuing and change of level students

Any updates and announcements about visa processing and continuation of consular office services will be posted on each consular post website and broader messages may appear on the U.S. Department of State page. We have found a helpful resource that consolidates the information. ISS does not review or endorse the information provided.

Students who are unable to secure their F-1/J-1 visa before the program start date on the I-20/DS-2019 will need to contact their admissions officer to discuss options to

• Begin the program online and defer the I-20/DS-2019 program start date to Spring 2021 or later.
• Change the term of admission to Spring 2021 or later and defer the I-20/DS-2019 program start date to match the new term of admission.

ISS is monitoring the situation and advising students on a case-by-case basis.

Global travel advisories are quickly updated as the situation evolves around the world. It is difficult to predict when we might see looser travel restrictions. U.S. travel restriction updates are expected on the U.S. Department of State website.

ISS has not received regulatory guidance to allow for looser restrictions on these frequently requested needs

• Extended grace period – you are still expected to depart the U.S. or take action on your immigration record before your grace period ends.
• Extend I-20 without academic necessity – you need to follow the same eligibility requirements to extend your program of study as an F-1 student.
  • J-1 students: Department of State automatically extended DS-2019 end dates for 60 days for students still in the U.S. Only documents with an original program end date between 4/1/2020-5/31/2020 are eligible for the extension.
• Extend post-completion OPT authorization – you are still expected to follow the traditional options available when your post-completion OPT is ending. There has been no guidance to allow for more unemployment days.

Department of State and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have verbally confirmed that digitally signed or scanned copies of signed I-20s will be accepted for the purpose of visa processing and entry to the U.S. Electronic signatures on DS-2019s is not allowed and the original document is required. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) guidance states that I-20s issued electronically do not have to be updated or replaced with a hard-copy until there is an I-20 update that requires a reprint of the document when COVID guidance has expired.

ISS will issue electronically signed I-20s for future I-20 updates. Electronically issued I-20s will be uploaded to the student’s Terra Dotta portal.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) provided guidance to allow Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) to digitally sign or scan signed copies of I-20s and DS-2019s. ISS will upload electronically signed copies of I-20s and DS-2019s to a student’s TerraDotta portal. This action will trigger an email to the student. ISS will not email scanned copies to the student. ISS can mail the original document, if requested.