On April 26, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced an extension of the existing COVID-19 guidance for F-1 students for the 2021-2022 academic year. This guidance specifies what types of enrollment are acceptable for F-1 students to maintain their visa status. J-1 guidance from the Department of State is in many ways similar to F-1 guidance. Where the guidance is the same, the language below will explicitly refer to both F and J students.
I am a newly admitted student who will enter the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status for the first time. What are my enrollment requirements?
Entry into the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status is not permitted for students who will enroll in 100% online classes. Enrolling in 100% online classes would be a violation of your student visa status with serious implications for your immigration record. You are required to enroll in at least one course classified as “in-person” or “hybrid.” There will be fewer in-person or hybrid classes offered in Summer 2021 than Fall 2021, so students entering the U.S. in the summer to begin their program should pay special attention to their enrollment. Most classes offered in the fall will be in-person, so students entering the U.S. in the fall to begin their program should not have any difficulty creating an acceptable course schedule.
I am a newly admitted student. Because of travel/visa/health/family/personal reasons, I do not know if I can enter the U.S. What are my enrollment requirements?
If you cannot enter the U.S. by the 12th class day, you should remain outside the U.S. and you can begin your studies online from abroad. You are not subject to F-1/J-1 enrollment requirements and are not required to enroll full-time.
I already began my UT program from outside the U.S. and I will be entering the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status for the first time. What are my enrollment requirements?
Entry into the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status is not permitted for students who will enroll in 100% online classes. Enrolling in 100% online classes would be a violation of your student visa status with serious implications for your immigration record. You are required to enroll in at least one course classified as “in-person” or “hybrid.” There will be fewer in-person or hybrid classes offered in Summer 2021 than Fall 2021, so students entering the U.S. in the summer to begin their program should pay special attention to their enrollment. Most classes offered in the fall will be in-person, so students entering the U.S. in the fall to begin their program should not have any difficulty creating an acceptable course schedule.
I am in active F-1 status inside the U.S. What are my enrollment requirements?
You can maintain your immigration status by enrolling full-time in 100% online classes or in a combination of online, hybrid and/or in-person classes.
I am in active F-1 status outside the U.S. What are my enrollment requirements?
You can maintain your immigration status by enrolling full-time in 100% online classes from outside the U.S.
I am returning to UT Austin after a leave of absence. What are my enrollment requirements?
Since you will be entering the U.S. on an “initial” (new) F-1, I-20 or J-1 DS-2019, you are not permitted to enroll in 100% online classes. Enrolling in 100% online classes would be a violation of your student visa status with serious implications for your immigration record. You are required to enroll in at least one course classified as “in-person” or “hybrid.” There will be fewer in-person or hybrid classes offered in Summer 2021 than Fall 2021, so students entering the U.S. in the summer to begin their program should pay special attention to their enrollment. Most classes offered in the fall will be in-person, so students entering the U.S. in the fall to begin their program should not have any difficulty creating an acceptable course schedule.