2021-2022 Academic Year Guidance

On April 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed the continuation of the March 2020 COVID-19 guidance for the 2021-2022 academic year.

This announcement allow for students to continue to engage in online/distance learning in excess of regulatory limits due to the continuing public health concerns created by COVID-19. The March 2020 guidance applies to F-1 students who were actively enrolled at a U.S. school on March 9, 2020 and are otherwise complying with the terms of their status, whether from inside the United States or abroad.

Active F-1 students will be permitted to temporarily count online classes towards a full course of study. This guidance applies to continuing F students who were in valid F-1 status on March 9, 2020, including those previously enrolled in entirely online classes who are outside of the United States and seeking to re-enter the country for the 2021-2022 academic year.

New F-1 students will not be able to enter the United States for the 2021-2022 academic year if their course of study is 100% online. New students will be allowed to enter the U.S. if they are engaged in a hybrid program, and must enroll in at least 1 in-person or hybrid course with an in-person component (3 semester credit hours).