COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for Current International Students

The enrollment requirements for F-1 students remain the same. You must maintain full-time enrollment or have authorization to have less than a full course load of study. http://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/F-1-Status#3-ImmigrationRegulations

The enrollment requirements for J-1 students remain the same. You must maintain full-time employment or have authorization to have less than a full course load of study. http://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/J-1-Status#3-ImmigrationRegulations 

If you need to fall below the required number of credit hours, you must apply for and obtain authorization from ISS for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) prior to dropping below hours.
F-1 Reduced Course Load please visit here: http://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/F-1-Status#2-F-1ReducedCourseLoad
J-1 Reduced Course Load please visit here: http://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/J-1-Status#2-J-1ReducedCourseLoad

 

Normally, F-1 students are limited to count 3 hours of online classes per semester toward full-time enrollment. 

Normally, J-1 students are permitted for distance learning or online education courses however they do not count towards the fulfill-time enrollment. 

However, the March 2020 SEVP Guidance has been extended for Spring 2021 semester. This means that if you have been enrolled in the United States as of March 9, 2020 as an international student, then you are permitted to enroll in 100% online courses. Although, if you enrolled at Texas A&M after March 9, 2020, or were outside the US as of March 9, 2020, then you are required to be enrolled in a hybrid program, which includes being enrolled in at least one in-person class for the semester inside the United States.

We understand this is a difficult time for everyone. If you intend to withdraw from classes and leave the United States, be sure to contact your academic department and follow all university procedures to initiate the withdraw process. You will also need to complete the Authorized Early Withdraw Request within Terra Dotta.

Normally, a complete AEW application includes evidence that the individual plans to depart the U.S. within 15 days. ISS understands this may not be possible right now due to extremely limited flight options. As such, we request that students submit the following written statement along with their AEW application: “I plan to depart the U.S. and will do so as soon as I am able. I am currently unable to secure a flight because of the travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. I cannot provide proof of departure with my Authorized Early Withdrawal application. I am aware of the risk if I cannot depart the US within 15 days after my SEVIS record is terminated for Authorized Early Withdrawal.”
 

It is possible, but you must update your Student Local Physical address in Howdy within 10 days of moving.  Visit http://iss.tamu.edu/ISS/media/ISS-Files/ISS-PDF/Current%20Students/Updating-Your-Local-Address-Phone.pdf for instructions.  Keep in mind that if you were outside the US or not enrolled on March 9, 2020, you need to be in a face-to-face course for Spring 2021. 
 

As a Change of Education Level F-1/J-1 student and were enrolled at a U.S. college as of March 9, 2020 then you are permitted to enroll 100% online for Spring 2021. If you were not enrolled until after March 9, 2020 then you will have to be enrolled in a hybrid program consisting of a mix of in-person and online coursework for this spring. This is better clarified as taking at least one in-person calss inside the United States.

The ISS Check-In registration hold should be removed by ISS when the student applies for the Change of Education Level I-20 or DS-2019.

Please make an appointment with an ISS advisor to speak about your options.  It may not be advisable to enroll in all distance courses if you are trying to get back in status.
 

Please make an appointment with an ISS advisor to speak about your options.  It depends on many factors including how close you are to having the F-1/J-1 status.  We recommend you enroll in at least one in-person course for Spring 2021.

Yes, if Texas AM University changes to a 100% online delivery method for courses during the Spring 2021 semester due to COVID-19 according to the March 2020 SEVP Guidance international students are temporarily permitted to participate in online learning and consquently remain in active status in SEVIS.

Most likely, yes. If the 691 course does not have a distance education attribute, it is considered an in-person course by the University and therefore by ISS. A 691 course can be considered an in-person course even if it is enrolled as “in absentia” and/or if the student is able to take the course remotely during Spring 2021. However, ISS cannot determine how the U.S. government will interpret this type of enrollment.

Yes, for Spring 2021 it is acceptable for F-1 students to enroll in only online courses even with a Final Term RCL as long as you were in Active F-1 status prior to March 9, 2020.

On January 25, 2021, President Biden issued a presidential proclamation continuing the COVID-19 travel restrictions for the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Brazil.  He also added South Africa to the list. The COVID-19 travel restrictions are still in effect for China and Iran.

Noncitizens "who were physically present within the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom (excluding overseas territories outside of Europe), the Republic of Ireland, and the Federative Republic of Brazil during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States, is hereby suspended and limited subject to section 2 of this proclamation.”
   
“The entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of noncitizens who were physically present within the Republic of South Africa during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States, is hereby suspended and limited subject to section 2 of this proclamation.”

As per a January 26, 2021 press release from the U.S. Department of State , President Trump's presidential proclamations, concerning COVID-19 travel restrictions, for China and Iran are still in force.

As a reminder, "effective January 26, 2021, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of departure or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days​. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or proof of recovery for all passengers two years of age and over prior to boarding. ​Airlines must deny boarding of passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery.  Please see CDC’s FAQ for answers to questions about the new requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States.”   travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html

According to SEVP, students currently outside of the United States and looking to enter the country should “check on any travel restrictions their country might have regarding international travel, including restrictions applicable to countries they may travel through.”

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/from-other-countries.html for the most up-to-date list of restrictions.

Also, the United States has restricted travel to and from Canada and Mexico to only essential travel. Entering the U.S. to attend an educational institution may be considered essential travel (see https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/), but it is not guaranteed.

Other countries have travel restrictions that can affect travel plans, please monitor any country you are considering traveling to for updates. If you are planning on returning to the United States, be sure to follow all the Texas A&M University instructions about reporting your travel and self-isolation.  https://www.tamu.edu/coronavirus/

If you plan on returning to the United States, be sure to get a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019. You can complete the Travel Signature Request within Terra Dotta. We will print a new I-20 or DS-2019 and sign it for travel. A travel signature is not needed to depart from the U.S., but it is needed to return to the U.S. You can find more information on travel signatures here: http://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/F-1-Status#2-TravelandVisaRenewal.

The answer to this question depends on the individual. Some steps you should take when questioning if you should leave should include the following:

1. Visit the Texas A&M University Coronavirus Update page at https://www.tamu.edu/coronavirus/. The messages from Texas A&M University are posted there and the main Frequently Asked Questions contains a Travel Guidance section. This section contains the latest updates regarding Texas A&M University policy related to international travel to countries affected by COVID-19.
2. Monitor the news about any travel restrictions to the country you plan on visiting.  Be sure to check on any countries you will pass through.  There may be restrictions for persons coming from the United States.
3. Monitor the CDC Travel Alert levels while you are outside the United States.  If the country or countries you are visiting change to a CDC Level 2 or 3, you will need to follow the instructions provided by the University regarding reporting your travel and any isolation requirements upon your return.
4. Make sure your immigration documents are in order and signed for travel.
5. Determine if the travel is necessary. The travel situation around the world is changing quickly.  Use some of the following criteria to help you determine the risk in traveling:
   1. The expiration date of your I-20 or DS-2019.
   2. The validity of your visa and your passport.
   3. Do you have to apply for a new visa to enter the United States?  Will you be able to continue your academic program if there is a delay in receiving the visa or if the Embassy closes because of COVID-19?
   4. Can you financially afford to be outside the United States for an extended time, especially if you will be in a third country?
   5. Do you have an academic reason to be returning to the United States?
   6. Are you on Optional Practical Training or Academic Training?
   7. Is the travel worth the possibility of a delay in your academic program or work authorization?
   8. Are there travel restrictions from the United States government to any of the areas you will travel?
   9. Are there travel restrictions from where you will be leaving?

If you are in F-1 or J-1 status and have D/S on your I-94, then you can remain in the United States with an expired visa as long as you are maintaining your F or J status.

If you do travel internationally and your visa has expired or will be expired upon your planned return to the U.S., you should plan to get it renewed before re-entering the U.S. Check the status of visa issuance at the Embassy or Consulate you plan on using at  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/list-of-posts.html. Refer to the official Department of State website to get the most accurate updates on visa delays and United States’ Embassy closures. You can find individual listings of each country here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html.

Keep in mind that travel conditions can change with little notice and can affect your ability to return to the United States or to receive a visa.  

The March 2020 Guidance has been extended for Spring 2021. This means that the five-month rule related to international students will not apply to students with Active SEVIS records and transfer SEVIS records affected by COVID-19.

Please note that if you have fallen out of status or have withdrawn from the University, then your SEVIS record will not be “Active” and you would need to apply for a new immigration document before you return to U.S.. Please contact ISS prior to your return.
 

No. Do not enter the United States on your tourist or tourist waiver status if you plan on enrolling at Texas A&M University for spring 2021. You cannot take courses on a tourist visa. USCIS considers your intent for entering the U.S. on a tourist visa when adjudicating your Change of Status application. If you enter the U.S. as a tourist with an intent to study, this can be considered visa fraud or misrepresentation, which could create serious immigration roadblocks for you in the future. If your intent is to come to the U.S. to study, it is best for you to wait to apply for the F or J visa at the proper time. Anytime when you apply for a visa or apply for a benefit in the U.S., your entire immigration history is in play. 

If you are considering a Change of Status to an F-1 or J-1 status, please set up an appointment with one of our ISS advisors.
 

Whether an individual is eligible to apply for an F or J visa is a decision that must be made by the U.S. Department of State and is not made by SEVP or ISS. 

Due to COVID-19, the Social Security Administration (SSA) office staff are working remotely. The only personnel authorized to be in the office is management; and only on certain days. The office is scheduling face to face appointments with students of dire need. An international student needing a first time Social Security Number (SSN) should call the office; provide their name, current mailing address, and a good call back number.  Management will return the call within 1-2 business days. The student will be screened for eligibility to come into to the office for an appointment. Once the appointment is made, the student will need to bring ALL required, original documents, as well as copies with them. A list of required documentation and other helpful information can be found on the ISS Website at http://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/Social-Security-Number. The documents will be reviewed and then scanned into the system to be processed. The student will receive a receipt in the mail within a few days. The receipt can be submitted to the employer as proof of their pending application with SSA. The student will receive the SSN card in the mail with 2 weeks of receipt of a completed application.
 

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 neither ISS nor the Social Security Administration (SSA) can participate in the Social Security Dates at ISS event this year. We hope to continue this program when it is possible to do so.

The most recent SEVP FAQ update has answered this question: "Can F students engage in remote work for on-campus employment?”

"If the current on-campus employment opportunity has transitioned to remote work or the employment can be done through remote means, students may continue to engage in on-campus employment remotely. Schools should be able to explain how the students are providing services associated with the employment while not at the location of the employer."

However, your eligibility to continue on-campus employment remotely inside the U.S. is ultimately determined by your on-campus employer and whether they will permit the employment to continue.

You will need to check with your hiring department, student employment office, OGAPS graduate employment office, etc. to make sure that this is permitted. This is not a decision that ISS makes.

F-1 and J-1 students are still limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week for on-campus employment during major semesters. J-1 students must still obtain authorization from ISS prior to working on-campus. Please refer to the following webpages for further information:

• F-1 Students: http://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/F-1-Status/F-1-On-and-Off-Campus-Employment
• J-1 Students: http://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/J-1-Status/J-1-Students

If your CPT has yet to be approved by ISS, please make sure the location where you will physically be working is very clear in your CPT application so that ISS enters the correct CPT location in SEVIS. Unclear information regarding the location of the CPT can result in delays to the processing of a CPT request.

If your CPT has already been approved and you need to change the employment location to a remote or home address, please complete the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Update Request within Terra Dotta. Please also contact your academic department and notify them about this change to your CPT employment. ISS will make the determination if any updates need to be made in SEVIS or on the I-20. 
 

Within the Curricular Practical Training (CPT)(F-M) Request in Terra Dotta you will find detailed instructions on how to indicate that you are working remotely. 

You are asked to provide "the address where you will be physically conducting the practical training experience”. If you will be working from home, then this address should be your home address.
It is strongly recommended that you obtain something in writing from your employer to confirm your plan to work remotely, and this confirmation should be included with your CPT application to ISS. This clarification could be included in your offer letter, provided as a separate document from your employer, or even sent to you via email from your employer. Without this clarification, the ISS advisor may need to reach out to you to obtain this clarification, which will delay the completion of your CPT Request.

Please call the ISS office at 979-845-1824 so we can assist you in getting this updated. Our staff must manually give you access to edit your request within Terra Dotta once you have submitted it. 

If your CPT employment location will change in any way, please submit the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Update Request within Terra Dotta.  If you are changing from one employment site to another, or from remote work to an employment site, you should not begin working at the new location until the CPT Update Request has been processed.
 

The March 2020 SEVP Guidance has been extended for Spring 2021. This means that F-1 students are allowed to engage in CPT if they are studying outside of the United States as long as they are:

• Enrolled in a program of study in which CPT is integral to the program of study;
• Authorized for CPT in advance of the CPT start date; and
• Either the employer has an office outside the United States or the employer can assess student engagement and attainment of learning objectives electronically. As noted in SEVP’s March 13, 2020, COVID-19: Guidance for SEVP Stakeholders, this enrollment may be online. All other requirements at 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i) still apply.

CPT is authorization is for one employer at a specific location for a set period of time. If you end your CPT earlier than expected, you should ISS so we can update the employment information in SEVIS for you.   Please complete the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Update Request within Terra Dotta. ISS will make the determination if any updates need to be made in SEVIS or on the I-20.  Please also contact your academic department and notify them about this change to your CPT employment. 
 

If your CPT ends prior to the authorized end date, please take the following actions. Complete the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Update Request  within Terra Dotta. If possible, try to submit this program before your last day of CPT employment or as soon as possible after your last day of CPT employment.

Contact your academic department to notify them about this change to your CPT employment.
 

If you were previously working full-time on CPT (that is, over 20 hours per week) and now you are working part-time (that is, 20 hours per week or less), please complete the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Update Request  within Terra Dotta.

Similarly, if you were previously working part-time (that is, 20 hours per week or less) and now you wan to work full-time on CPT (that is, over 20 hours per week), please complete the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Update Request  within Terra Dotta. Do not begin working full-time until your CPT Update Request has been approved by ISS. 

ISS will make the determination if any updates need to be made in SEVIS or on the I-20. 

Please also contact your academic department and notify them about this change to your CPT employment.
 

If your offer for CPT employment is rescinded or you have chosen not to work for your CPT employer, you will need to withdraw your CPT Request from Terra Dotta.

Both the System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) and Graduate Student Employee Plan are provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). The health benefits are identical.

BCBSTX has issued the following statement on coverage of Covid-19 related testing and treatment. You can find their full statement at the following link. https://www.bcbstx.com/covid-19/whats-covered

“Testing and Treatment

With a BCBSTX health plan, you have easy access to care for COVID-19 related health issues:
Testing: Lab tests to diagnose COVID-19 are covered at no cost share.
Testing-Related Visits: Visits to get COVID-19 testing are covered at no cost to you at in-network clinics and facilities.
Treatment: Most BCBSTX members won’t pay for COVID-19 treatment at a network facility or any emergency facility (ER).

About Our Cost-Sharing Waivers for Treatment
Cost-sharing waivers for COVID-19 treatment are offered for members of all fully insured group, individual, Medicare (excluding Part D), Medicare Supplement, and Medicaid plans from April 1 through Aug. 31, 2020.

Many self-funded groups are also waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatment. If you are unsure about your plan, contact your company’s benefits administrator or call BCBSTX Customer Service at the number listed on your member ID card.

In some instances, a provider that doesn’t contract with BCBSTX may not accept the amount we pay as payment in full. In that instance, they may send you a bill for the remaining balance. We encourage you to use providers who are in your health plan’s network.”

You can make an appointment online: https://members.mdlive.com/bcbstx/landing_home

COVID-19 treatment will be covered consistent with the benefits of your insurance plan. You can find more information on the benefits of SHIP and Grad Plan here: https://tamu.myahpcare.com/benefits

Student Health Services is currently operating and providing services. You can find more information on their COVID-19 response here: https://shs.tamu.edu/coronavirus
More Information:

• Announcement on BCBSTX member coverage of COVID-19 testing and treatment: https://www.bcbstx.com/company-info/alerts-announcements/alerts-announcements?lid=k78zo5hx
• Message from CEO and President of BCBSTX: https://www.bcbstx.com/company-info/alerts-announcements/alerts-announcements?lid=k7ixluto

Academic Health Plans is offering the Student Assistance Program (SAP) to all Texas A&M System students regardless if they purchased the System Student Health Insurance Plan.  Please visit https://myahpcare.com/wp-content/uploads/SAP-2.pdf for more information regarding SAP.

Additional resources from Academic Health Plans are available at https://myahpcare.personaladvantage.com/
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