International students are core and valued members of the University of Miami community. International Student and Scholar Services shares your concern regarding the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 and hopes you and your loved ones are in good health. We recognize that for international students, the current situation presents challenges and uncertainty. ISSS is here to help you navigate the impacts of COVID-19 and related measures on your F-1 or J-1 student status, and to provide support wherever possible.
For complete information about the university-wide COVID-19 response, including advisories and additional resources, please refer to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response. ISSS encourages you to refer to this webpage for information on travel restrictions, government guidance for F-1 and J-1 students, and other relevant resources.
SEVP Guidance FAQs
Important Dates | Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 | Travel Restrictions to the U.S. | Proof of Vaccination required for air travel to the U.S. | Students outside the U.S. | Students inside the U.S. | Online Classes | Deferring Enrollment
Advising Services | Electronic I-20s | Request a Travel Certification Signature or a new I-20 or DS-2019 | Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT
SEVP Guidance | Dos Guidance for J-1 students | Visa Services | Travel Restrictions | SEVP and DoS Resources | Social Security Administration (SSA) Services | Florida Driver License Centers | IRS Updates
Please click on Information for Students for the most updated academic information, orientation, campus life, etc.
Per immigration regulations, international students cannot generally take more than one online course per semester. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DoS) made an exception to this rule for the Spring 2020 semester, allowing international students to continue to maintain their F-1 and J-1 status by enrolling full-time in in-person, hybrid, or online coursework. Guidance for Initial Students In accordance with the March 2020 guidance, new or Initial F-1 students who were not previously enrolled in a program of study on March 9, 2020, will not be able to enter the United States as a nonimmigrant student for the 2022-23 academic year if their course of study is 100 percent online. A new student should be allowed to enter the United States if they are engaged in a hybrid program of study, with some requirement for in-person learning. Consistent with this restriction, Designated School Officials will not issue a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" for a student in new or Initial status who is outside of the United States and plans to take classes that are fully online. Guidance for Continuing Students As stated in the March 2020 guidance, Active F-1 students will be permitted to temporarily count online classes toward a full course of study in excess of the regulatory limits stated in 8 C.F.R. 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G) and 8 C.F.R. 214.2(m)(9)(v) for the 2022-23 academic year. The March 2020 guidance applies to continuing F-1 nonimmigrant students who were in valid F-1 nonimmigrant 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 2022-23 academic year. Students actively enrolled at a U.S. school on March 9, 2020, who subsequently took courses online while outside of the country can re-enter the United States, even if their school is engaged solely in distance learning.
The Spring 2023 federal guidance for international students enrolling in hybrid or online academic programs remains the same as the March 9, 2020 Guidance. A continuation of the March 2020 guidance means the following: USCIS has released FAQs that contain information for the 2022-23 academic year at Frequently Asked Questions from SEVP Stakeholders about COVID-19. .
The U.S. Department of State (DoS) provides information for future and current participants in an Exchange Visitor Program at Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19).
All international students are required to enroll in the University-sponsored health insurance program regardless of credit load. The annual premium for this coverage is added to each student's fees. Refer to Student Health Service for the most updated information and contact studenthealth@miami.edu if you have any questions about health insurance.
For specific questions about your student status and stay in the U.S., email isss@miami.edu.
F-1 students have a 60 day, and J-1 students have a 30 day grace period to leave the U.S. after they have completed their program of study.
Once you have completed your program requirements, your I-20 can no longer be extended. If you don’t plan to apply for OPT or start another program and are unable to leave the U.S. due to COVID-19 travel restrictions or unavailability of flights, you should file for a change of status to B2 (tourist) before the end of your grace period. Please see I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status for more information. The form can be filed online. You may also consider consulting an immigration lawyer.
Time spent studying remotely or online after March 2020 will count towards your eligibility for and Optional Practical Training (OPT) as long as the SEVIS record has remained in Active status. If you wish to apply for OPT, you must enter the U.S. before your program end date and submit a timeline application according to the OPT Application Timeline.
For the latest information about COVID-19 and our return to campus for the Spring semester visit coronavirus.miami.edu.
We are thrilled to share with you that during a hearing in the lawsuit filed by Harvard and MIT and joined by the University of Miami and over 170 educational institutions, the U.S. government agreed to rescind the July 6 policy that limited international student’s participation to only on-campus academic programs at the risk of deportation. The government will return to the status quo as established by the March 2020 guidance. Therefore, students in F-1 status will be allowed to engage in full-time online study during the Fall 2020 semester regardless of whether they are currently in or outside the U.S. In either case, their SEVIS record will remain active as long as they are taking a full-time load of online classes during the Fall 2020 semester. As previously communicated, to ensure continuity in teaching and learning, and to provide students with flexible teaching and learning options, fall courses will be provided in three modalities: Please see today’s communication regarding the details of our plans for the fall semester - July 14 Letter to UM Community. We will post updates to our ISSS COVID-19 information page as they become available. University-wide information and updates can be found at UM Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response. We are grateful that you have chosen to pursue your educational and professional goals at the University of Miami, and we look forward to interacting with you during the new academic year.
We’re excited to share with you that the University of Miami joined more than 170 institutions of higher learning in support of the lawsuit filed by Harvard and MIT. The lawsuit opposes the July 6, 2020 Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidance related to online courses for the fall 2020 semester for F-1 students. University of Miami joins lawsuit opposing deportation of international students “International students add to the intellectual and cultural life of the University of Miami and we are doing everything in our power to ensure they continue to have the opportunity to do so,” said President Julio Frenk. In addition to signing the amicus brief in support of Harvard and MIT, the University—through International Student and Scholar Services and the Office of the Provost—continues to support its community of international students and is providing assistance to each of them as they seek to continue their education at the U. We know that the new guidance has added to the uncertainty and concern you feel during this already very difficult time. ISSS is here to help and support you. As always, we will continue to carefully monitor developments that impact UM international students and provide you and your academic department with information and guidance as quickly as possible. Please refer to COVID-19 Information Updates for UM International Students for the latest updates. Rest assured that our advocacy and support for you will continue throughout and beyond these challenging times.
As we shared earlier this week, this fall, the University is offering classes in several formats, including in-person instruction, a hybrid of in-person and virtual/remote learning, and fully virtual/remote learning. The University remains hopeful that all international students in the U.S. will be able to continue their educational pursuits without fear of losing their immigration status.
If you are traveling to the U.S. from abroad, you should plan to arrive in the U.S. by the date below that applies to you:
Make sure you have a Form I-20 (F-1 student visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 student visa). If you do not have this document, new students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission or your graduate student program to initiate the I-20/DS-2019 request process. UM will not be able to issue an Initial Form I-20 for any student who is outside of the United States and plans to take classes fully online. Continuing students should contact ISSS. ISSS issues the I-20/DS-2019 for new and continuing students and sends the document to the student.
Effective January 5, 2023, airline passengers traveling from mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR must provide either a negative COVID test or documentation of COVID recovery in order to travel to the United States. All air passengers 2 years and older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, who are flying from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, or who have been in these areas in the past 10 days and are flying from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YZZ) in Canada, or Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada, are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 2 days before boarding a flight to the United States. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Effective January 5, 2023, airline passengers traveling from mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR must provide either a negative COVID test or documentation of COVID recovery in order to travel to the United States. All air passengers 2 years and older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, who are flying from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, or who have been in these areas in the past 10 days and are flying from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YZZ) in Canada, or Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada, are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 2 days before boarding a flight to the United States. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Prior to traveling, see International Travel to and from the United StatesNonimmigrant foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. remain subject to U.S. COVID-19 vaccination requirements unless they qualify for an exception.
Effective January 5, 2023, airline passengers traveling from mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR must provide either a negative COVID test or documentation of COVID recovery in order to travel to the United States. All air passengers 2 years and older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, who are flying from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, or who have been in these areas in the past 10 days and are flying from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YZZ) in Canada, or Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada, are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 2 days before boarding a flight to the United States. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Effective January 5, 2023, airline passengers traveling from mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR must provide either a negative COVID test or documentation of COVID recovery in order to travel to the United States. All air passengers 2 years and older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, who are flying from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, or who have been in these areas in the past 10 days and are flying from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YZZ) in Canada, or Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada, are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 2 days before boarding a flight to the United States. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Prior to traveling, see International Travel to and from the United States Effective January 5, 2023, airline passengers traveling from mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR must provide either a negative COVID test or documentation of COVID recovery in order to travel to the United States. All air passengers 2 years and older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, who are flying from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, or who have been in these areas in the past 10 days and are flying from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YZZ) in Canada, or Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada, are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 2 days before boarding a flight to the United States. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Effective January 5, 2023, airline passengers traveling from mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR must provide either a negative COVID test or documentation of COVID recovery in order to travel to the United States. All air passengers 2 years and older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, who are flying from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, or who have been in these areas in the past 10 days and are flying from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YZZ) in Canada, or Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada, are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 2 days before boarding a flight to the United States. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Prior to traveling, see International Travel to and from the United States For more information about the university-wide COVID-19 response, including advisories and additional resources, please refer to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response. ISSS encourages you to refer to COVID-19 Information Updates for UM International Students for information on travel restrictions, government guidance for F-1 students, and other relevant resources.Nonimmigrant foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. remain subject to U.S. COVID-19 vaccination requirements unless they qualify for an exception.
Nonimmigrant foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. remain subject to U.S. COVID-19 vaccination requirements unless they qualify for an exception.
University of Miami COVID-19 safety guidelines
Students that have obtained a student visa and unable to leave their country to travel to the U.S. If you plan to arrive in the United States after the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, you will need a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a deferred start date to enter the United States at a later time. UM will not be able to issue an Initial Form I-20 for any student who is outside of the United States and plans to take classes fully online. New students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission or their graduate student program to initiate process of obtaining an updated Form I-20 or DS-2019. ISSS will work with you to ensure you have the information and documents you need to arrive to the U.S. to start your studies at the University of Miami when travel is possible for you. Students who are abroad and do not have a valid student visa For information regarding visa application requirements or to schedule a visa interview, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html. Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are exempt from applying for a visa, but must present their valid passport, UM I-20, and SEVIS fee payment receipt at the port-of-entry to the U.S. Due to COVID-19, you may experience delays in securing a visa appointment as well as travel restrictions. The U.S. Department of State (DoS) has taken steps to alleviate some of the backlog due to the pandemic of visa applicants waiting for a visa interview. Consular officers will be temporarily allowed to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain F visa applicants from a Visa Waiver Program country. This provision is in effect until December 31, 2023. For details about country eligibility, special conditions and necessary procedures, check the website of the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate. ISSS will work with you to ensure you have the information and documents you need to arrive to the U.S. to start your studies at the University of Miami when travel is possible for you. International students unable to obtain a visa and travel to the U.S. in time for the Spring semester should contact their academic advisor. If you plan to arrive in the United States after the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, you will need a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a deferred start date to enter the United States at a later time. New students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission or their graduate student program to initiate process of obtaining an updated Form I-20 or DS-2019.
We do not know how long the travel restrictions will be in effect and whether the U.S. government will add any additional countries to the travel restrictions list. If you decide to travel, you need to understand the risks and be aware that you might not be able to return to the U.S. for an unknown time period.
As stated in the March 2020 guidance, Active F-1 students will be permitted to temporarily count online classes toward a full course of study in excess of the regulatory limits stated in 8 C.F.R. 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G) and 8 C.F.R. 214.2(m)(9)(v) for the 2022-23 academic year. The March 2020 guidance only applies to continuing F-1 nonimmigrant students who were in valid F-1 nonimmigrant 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 2022-23 academic year. Students actively enrolled at a U.S. school on March 9, 2020, who subsequently took courses online while outside of the country can re-enter the United States, even if their school is engaged solely in distance learning. If you plan to arrive in the United States after the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, you will need a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a deferred start date to enter the United States at a later time. UM will not be able to issue an Initial Form I-20 for any student who is outside of the United States and plans to take classes fully online. New students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission or their graduate student program to initiate process of obtaining an updated Form I-20 or DS-2019. As always, contact your academic advisor if you have any questions or need help with your course selection.
Please follow the instructions below if you wish to defer your enrollment at UM to a later date: If you are in the U.S. and choose to defer your enrollment, you may not remain in the U.S. in student visa status. You will either need to leave the U.S. or complete a change of status to another nonimmigrant status such as tourist status.
New students: Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission or your graduate student program. to request a Form I-20 or DS-2019. ISSS will issue a Form I-20 or DS-2019, which will be sent to your UM email address (I-20) or mailing address (DS-2019). UM will not be able to issue an Initial Form I-20 for any student who is outside of the United States and plans to take classes fully online. Continuing students: Email ISSS at isss@miami.edu and request an Form I-20 or DS-2019 with an updated travel certification signature. ISSS will issue a new I-20 or DS-2019 with an updated travel certification signature, which will be sent to your UM email address (I-20) or mailing address (DS-2019).
Email ISSS at isss@miami.edu and request a Form I-20 or DS-2019 with an updated travel certification signature. ISSS will issue a new I-20 or DS-2019 with an updated travel certification signature, which will be sent to your UM email address (I-20) or mailing address (DS-2019).
Try to secure an appointment for a student visa at a U.S. consular office as soon as possible. You can try to obtain a visa through expedited processing/emergency appointment. Review visa appointment information for further information, and consider possible travel and entry/exit restrictions when making travel plans. You should arrive no later than the start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. For more information regarding visa application requirements or to schedule a visa interview, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html. Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are exempt from applying for a visa, but must present their valid passport, UM I-20, and SEVIS fee payment receipt at the port-of-entry to the U.S. Due to COVID-19, you may experience delays in securing a visa appointment as well as travel restrictions. The U.S. Department of State (DoS) has taken steps to alleviate some of the backlog due to the pandemic of visa applicants waiting for a visa interview. Consular officers will be temporarily allowed to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain F visa applicants from a Visa Waiver Program country. This provision is in effect until December 31,,2023. For details about country eligibility, special conditions and necessary procedures, check the website of the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Many countries have restricted travel to/from other countries so be sure to review travel restrictions before you travel. ISSS advisors cannot advise on travel to countries other than the U.S. Make sure you research and understand any restrictions or requirements before traveling. Effective January 5, 2023, airline passengers traveling from mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR must provide either a negative COVID test or documentation of COVID recovery in order to travel to the United States. All air passengers 2 years and older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, who are flying from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, or who have been in these areas in the past 10 days and are flying from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YZZ) in Canada, or Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada, are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 2 days before boarding a flight to the United States. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Prior to traveling, see International Travel to and from the United States.Nonimmigrant foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. remain subject to U.S. COVID-19 vaccination requirements unless they qualify for an exception.
Effective January 5, 2023, airline passengers traveling from mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR must provide either a negative COVID test or documentation of COVID recovery in order to travel to the United States. All air passengers 2 years and older, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, who are flying from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, or who have been in these areas in the past 10 days and are flying from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YZZ) in Canada, or Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada, are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 2 days before boarding a flight to the United States. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Prior to traveling, see International Travel to and from the United States.Nonimmigrant foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. remain subject to U.S. COVID-19 vaccination requirements unless they qualify for an exception.
We do not know how long the travel restrictions will be in effect and whether the U.S. government will add any additional countries to the travel restrictions list. If you decide to travel, you need to understand the risks and be aware that you might not be able to return to the U.S. for an unknown time period.
The five-months rule of temporary absence provision will not apply for students who remain in SEVIS-active status. If you are maintaining valid F-1 or J-1 status and your current visa is unexpired, it will still be valid for entry to the US. You will also be able to use your current Form I-20 or DS-2019 to enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status.
For more information about the university-wide COVID-19 response, including advisories and additional resources, please refer to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response. ISSS encourages you to refer to COVID-19 Information Updates for UM International Students for information on travel restrictions, government guidance for F-1 students, and other relevant resources.University of Miami COVID-19 safety guidelines
Per Immigration regulation, an international student may start on-campus employment, given they are in F-1 status (or in J-1 status with employment authorization from ISSS), are enrolled full-time, have an SSN and work on-campus, and not remotely. Per current SEVP guidance, they may continue their work remotely if the current on-campus employment opportunity has transitioned to remote work in or after March 2020 or the employment can be done through remote means. Students should contact their academic department to inquire about their eligibility to receive a scholarship, stipend or fellowship, and to work on-campus.
If you completed a degree-seeking program at UM or OPT and are still within the 60 days grace period, you can remain in the US in F-1 status if you were admitted to another educational program and obtain a Form I-20 no later than the end of your grace period. Otherwise, if you are unable to leave the U.S. due to COVID-19 travel restrictions or unavailability of flights, you should file for a change of status to B2 (tourist) before the end of your grace period. Please see I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status for more information. The form can be filed online. You may also consider consulting an immigration lawyer.
ISSS will continue to offer you multiple ways to connect with your ISSS advisor: Please email isss@miami.edu if you have any questions.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has authorized schools to email a digitally issued and signed Form I-20 using electronic signature software to the student’s email address listed in SEVIS. When you apply for a travel signature or updated I-20 with a new major, a program extension or a benefit, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), ISSS will email you a digitally signed I-20. Currently enrolled students will receive their I-20 at their UM email address. Students engaged in OPT will receive their I-20 at the email address they provided to ISSS on their OPT application. Emailed and/or digitally signed I-20s will be valid when printed and signed by you.
If you need an updated travel certification signature, a new or an updated Form I-20 or DS-2019, send an email to isss@miami.edu or your ISSS advisor. Your advisor will issue a new I-20 or DS-2019 with an updated travel certification signature, which will be sent to your UM email address (I-20) or mailing address (DS-2019) within four business days. Reminders:
Government guidance states you must be in the U.S. to apply for OPT or STEM OPT. Students who left the U.S. and enrolled remotely will have to return to the U.S. before the end of the semester or term of their program completion if they wish to apply for OPT. Students who left the US and are working remotely will have to return to the U.S. and submit their STEM OPT application to USCIS before their current OPT ends. Follow the instructions at Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application Instructions to prepare your OPT application and to submit copies of your documents at miami.edu/optrequest for review by your ISSS advisor. Upon receipt of a completed OPT request, filled out by you and your academic advisor, your ISSS advisor will review your application. If eligible for OPT, your ISSS advisor will issue a new Form I-20 indicating your requested OPT dates. Your Form I-20 will be sent to you by email along with instructions to submit your application to USCIS. The I-20 will be valid once you print and sign it on page 1. Follow the instructions at 24-Month STEM OPT Extension Application Instructions to prepare your STEM OPT application and to submit copies of your documents at miami.edu/stemoptapplication for review by your ISSS advisor. Upon receipt of a completed STEM OPT request, your ISSS advisor will review your application. If eligible for STEM OPT, your ISSS advisor will issue a new Form I-20 indicating your requested STEM OPT dates. Your Form I-20 will be sent to you by email along with instructions to submit your application to USCIS. The I-20 will be valid once you print and sign it on page 1.
The Spring 2023 federal guidance for international students enrolling in hybrid or online academic programs remains the same as the March 9, 2020 Guidance. A continuation of the March 2020 guidance means the following: USCIS has released FAQs that contain information for the 2022-23 academic year as well as archived information at Frequently Asked Questions for SEVP Stakeholders about COVID-19.
On March 9, 2020, the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) published a Broadcast Message, and subsequently FAQs stating that international students who are currently enrolled in a program of study may engage in full-time online study until on-campus classes resume. The guidance was extended to the Fall 2020, Spring & Fall 2021, Spring & Fall 2022, and Spring 2023 semesters. A continuation of the March 9, 2020 Guidance means the following:
The U.S. Department of State (DoS) provides information for future and current participants in an Exchange Visitor Program at Exchange Visitor Program Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19).
You may enter the U.S. in J-1 status and start your exchange visitor programs, given you enroll for in-person classes or hybrid classes (a combination of online and in-person classes). DoS has not set a limit on the number of online classes a new J-1 student who is in the U.S. may enroll in. New J-1 students in the U.S. may take some, but not all, of the credits online.
You are allowed to take all of your Spring 2023 credits online and study from outside the U.S. Please request an updated Form DS-2019 with deferred program start date from your program sponsor.
You must enroll for in-person classes, online classes or a hybrid model. You are allowed to take all Spring 2023 credits online to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. As a reminder, all exchange visitors in J-1 and J-2 status must have health insurance that meets the minimum coverage requirements stated in the J-1 regulations, even if they are currently outside of the U.S., and can be terminated for failure to maintain health insurance.
Please request that your program sponsor update your SEVIS record.
Please request that your program sponsor update your SEVIS record. While the SEVIS record is in Inactive status, you are not subject to the health insurance requirement. Your program sponsor will be able to reactivate the SEVIS record within 120 days of deactivation and provide you with a Form DS-2019 to return for the Fall 2022 semester. You will need a valid, unexpired J-1 visa in the passport to reenter the U.S. in J-1 status.
Sponsors may continue to temporarily allow active students to continue their Academic Training remotely to prevent unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. In the case of graduating students, sponsors may temporarily allow them to begin their Academic Training remotely to prevent unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 as long as the host organization is open and able to provide the training remotely. This policy reflects sponsor obligations to promote the health, safety and welfare of Exchange Visitor Program participants while at the same time meeting program objectives. Other conditions, criteria and requirements under the regulations remain in effect. In the case of a College or University Student participating in Academic Training, for example, the regulations require that the student be primarily in the United States to study rather than to participate in Academic Training, that the Academic Training be directly related to his or her major field of study, that the student be in good academic standing with the post-secondary accredited academic institution; and the student receive written approval in advance from the responsible officer for the duration and type of academic training (22 CFR 62.23(f)).
For information regarding visa application requirements or to schedule a visa interview, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html. Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are exempt from applying for a visa, but must present their valid passport, UM I-20, and SEVIS fee payment receipt at the port-of-entry to the U.S. Due to COVID-19, you may experience delays in securing a visa appointment as well as travel restrictions. The U.S. Department of State (DoS) has taken steps to alleviate some of the backlog due to the pandemic of visa applicants waiting for a visa interview. Consular officers will be temporarily allowed to waive the in-person interview requirement for icertain F visa applicants from a Visa Waiver Program country. This provision is in effect until the end of 2022. For details about country eligibility, special conditions and necessary procedures, check the website of the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Update on the Presidential Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease 2019: The Presidential Proclamation restricting travel from to the U.S. from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe was revoked on December 31, 2021 - Revoking Proclamation 10315. Please continue to monitor the news, airline travel information and this webpage for changes and updates.
A global vaccination requirement for all adult foreign national air travelers took effect on November 8, 2021: A Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic. More information regarding the global vaccination requirement, including details on accepted COVID-19 vaccines, proof of vaccination, exceptions and waivers due to humanitarian concerns, is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at Non-U.S. citizen, Non-U.S. immigrants: Air Travel to the United States.
U.S. universities, including the University of Miami, automatically receive COVID-19 updates from SEVP and DoS and shares these updates with you. The U.S. government also makes these updates accessible to the public:
Check with your local SSA office to determine whether appointments or walk-ins are available. To access information about your local SSA office, enter your ZIP code in the Social Security Office Locator. Once you secure an interview appointment with a local SSA office or the office is open for walk-ins, complete the paper Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, and bring it with required supporting documentation to the interview. Check the information on the International Student and Scholar Services’ website for information on required documentation for F-1 and J-1 students and for J-1 scholars. SSA staff will conduct the mandatory face-to-face interview and make copies of the original documentation. The SSA office will process the documentation and mail a receipt to the applicant. Within ten days, the SSN card should follow.
Go to www.miami.edu/driverlicense for the most updated information on how to obtain a Florida Driver License or ID. Please note that your SEVIS record must be in Active status for you to be eligible for a FL driver license or ID card.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) advisors are not tax experts and are not able to provide tax advice. ISSS purchases access to GLACIER Tax Prep (GTP), an online tax preparation system for international students, scholars and dependents in F and J status, each year and shares access to this program via a specific access code each spring. ISSS reminded all current UM international students in F-1 and J-1 status of their IRS filing requirements and deadlines via email throughout Spring 2023. Please refer to these emails for information on how to access GLACIER Tax Prep (GTP) and how to file your required IRS tax forms with the IRS. For questions regarding access to GTP, please contact your ISSS Advisor.
Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the IRS dispensed economic impact payments to U.S. residents for tax purposes who filed a 2018 and/or 2019 federal income tax return. According to the U.S. Department of State, some international students and scholars who are nonresident aliens for tax purposes erroneously received an economic impact payment under the CARES Act because they incorrectly filed a 2018 or 2019 Form 1040 as resident aliens for tax purposes. An international student or scholar who erroneously received an economic impact payment under the CARES Act is required (1) to return the payment to the IRS by following the online instructions posted in the Economic Impact Payment Information Center (click Returning the Economic Impact Payment, then click on Q66 or Q67, and follow the IRS’ instructions for returning the EIP to the IRS), and (2) to file an amended tax return with the IRS. You can find information about how to file an amended tax return in GLACIER Tax Prep (GTP), an online tax preparation system for international students, scholars and dependents in F and J status, by selecting “FAQ” from the menu. ISSS purchases access to GTP each year and shares access to this program via a specific access code each spring. ISSS shared information on how to access GTP with current UM international students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status via email in spring 2021. GTP determines if you are a resident or nonresident alien for tax purposes. It also provides answers to questions regarding COVID-19 economic impact payments. For questions regarding access to GTP, please contact your ISSS Advisor.
On-campus employment for F-1 students is work that takes place either at your school or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. The work can be for an on-campus commercial business (such as a bookstore or cafeteria) as long as the work directly provides services for students. On-campus employment must either be performed on the school's premises or at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with the school.
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. New students and continuing students may also start an on-campus remote work assignment. Schools should be able to explain how the students are providing services associated with the employment while not at the location of the employer.
Yes, you can continue working on your assistantship remotely.
New students may start on-campus employment remotely if they are in the U.S. and enrolled for hybrid or remote learning. Schools should be able to explain how the students are providing services associated with the employment while not at the location of the employer. New students who are outside of the U.S. are not in F-1 or J-1 status should inquire with their on-campus employer if remote work from abroad is possible.
If you will remain in the U.S. and will engage in practical training remotely, you must first secure CPT authorization. You may engage in a remote internship for an employer in the US from abroad, provided you obtain CPT authorization, and the employer can assess student engagement and attainment of learning objectives electronically. No authorization from ISSS is needed for students who would like to engage in an internship abroad for a non-US employer.
Your CPT authorization request is submitted online. Information about CPT authorization can be found on the ISSS website here and instructions to apply can be found here. If eligible for CPT, your ISSS advisor will issue a new Form I-20 for you with authorized dates. Your Form I-20 will be sent to your UM email address. The I-20 will be valid once you print and sign it on page 1.
Notify your ISSS advisor of any changes to your internship. Your ISSS advisor will update your SEVIS record and issue you an updated I-20 as necessary.
Contact the local SSA office to determine whether appointments or walk-in services are available. A full list of documents you will need to present to SSA can be found here.
To apply for OPT, submit your full application at www.miami.edu/optrequest. The online request form will allow you to upload all application documents. If eligible for OPT, your ISSS advisor will issue a new Form I-20 indicating your requested OPT dates. Your Form I-20 will be sent to you by email along with instructions for mailing your application to USCIS. The I-20 will be valid once you print and sign it on page 1.
An F-1 student accrues eligibility for practical training whether they are inside or outside of the United States during the COVID-19 emergency if the student is in Active status in SEVIS. Students who started their program remotely from abroad or whose SEVIS record did not remain in Active status while studying remotely start accruing eligibility for practical training as of the semester their SEVIS record has been in Active status.
To be eligible to apply for OPT, you must be physically present in the U.S. This is outlined on page 4 of the Form I-765.
Students currently participating in OPT, including STEM OPT, may work remotely if their employer has an office outside of the United States or the employer can assess student engagement using electronic means. Students participating in STEM OPT do not need to submit an updated Form I-983 to report remote work. However, requirements to submit an updated Form I-983 for other changes remain in effect.
For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, you may work remotely if your U.S. based employer has an office outside of the U.S., or if the employer can assess your engagement using electronic means.
If you are temporarily furloughed but are expected to return to work, you do not need to report changes in the SEVP portal and will not accrue days of unemployment.
If your employment has ended, you must report the employment end date in the SEVP portal during OPT, and at miami.edu/optdocs during STEM OPT. You will begin to accrue days of unemployment.
DHS has not suspended or extended the 90-day allowed period of unemployment for students on OPT. You should plan to exit the U.S. before you exceed the allowable 90 days of unemployment.
If you are having difficulties finding employment, consider that employment while on OPT may be in any of these forms:
All employment must be directly related to your field of study and must be reported in the SEVP portal.
For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, SEVP considers students who are working in their OPT opportunities fewer than 20 hours a week as engaged in OPT and maintaining their status. All employment must be directly related to your field of study and must be reported in the SEVP portal. We recommend that you keep a record of hours worked while on approved OPT.
You should do everything possible to depart the U.S. before the end of your 60-day grace period. Many countries are organizing repatriation flights out of the U.S. for their citizens. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate for information about potential repatriation flights. If despite all of your efforts, are unable to leave the U.S. due to COVID-19 travel restrictions or unavailability of flights, you should file for a change of status to B2 (tourist) before the end of your grace period. Please see I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status for more information. The form can be filed online. You may also consider consulting an immigration lawyer. We recommend that you keep detailed records of all of your efforts to exit the U.S. (i.e. cancelled flights, travel restrictions, etc.).
DHS is currently not extending periods of approved OPT due to COVID-19.
Contact the local SSA office to determine whether appointments or walk-in services are available. You will need to take your EAD, Form I-20, Form I-94, passport, and foreign or U.S. driver license to the SSA office.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will allow flexibilities for certain international students whose application for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT was received by USCIS on or after Oct. 1, 2020, through May 1, 2021, inclusive. If you are affected by delayed receipt notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, please read the information at USCIS Extends Flexibilities to Certain Applicants Filing Form I-765 for OPT, summarized below, and follow the instructions provided in the USCIS guidance:
Sponsors may continue to temporarily allow active students to continue their Academic Training remotely to prevent unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. In the case of graduating students, sponsors may temporarily allow them to begin their Academic Training remotely to prevent unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 as long as the host organization is open and able to provide the training remotely. This policy reflects sponsor obligations to promote the health, safety and welfare of Exchange Visitor Program participants while at the same time meeting program objectives. Other conditions, criteria and requirements under the regulations remain in effect. In the case of a College or University Student participating in Academic Training, for example, the regulations require that the student be primarily in the United States to study rather than to participate in Academic Training, that the Academic Training be directly related to his or her major field of study, that the student be in good academic standing with the post-secondary accredited academic institution; and the student receive written approval in advance from the responsible officer for the duration and type of academic training (22 CFR 62.23(f)).
If you are experiencing stress or anxiety, we encourage you to reach out to the Counseling Center to talk about your feelings. In addition to your family and friends, International Student Scholar Services and Student Health Services are available to help. You can visit the Managing Concerns About Coronavirus for helpful tips.
Yes. All new students are required to participate in the International Student Orientation program – a pre-orientation program held by ISSS – in August. Please check the ISSS website for detailed information about ISO.
No. Only students who have arrived in the U.S. are required to participate in the International Student Orientation program for the Springg. You would be required to attend ISO upon your arrival in the Fall semester. Detailed information will be provided on the ISSS website.
Yes, it is! Sign up for the International Student Mentorship Program designed specifically to address the needs and concerns of incoming international students and make new friends.
There are over 300 student organizations on campus that offer a variety of opportunities for engagement on campus. Click here for detailed information on joining an organization that appeals to you. For a rewarding cross-cultural experience, contact the Council of International Students and Organizations (COISO) where you will meet students across the globe!
If you are an undergraduate student, please review the information provided by the Office of Undergraduate Financial Assistance and Employment. Graduate students should review the information at Financial Assistance. To contact a UM Financial Advisor, please call 305-284-6000.
Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the University will receive and distribute funds to University of Miami students who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These emergency funds will be distributed to students who have incurred expenses due to the disruption of campus operations, including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare. For detailed information about student eligibility, eligible expenses, and the application process, as well as an application to request emergency financial assistance, visit canescentral.miami.edu/cares-act.
ISSS offers short-term, small emergency loans of up to $500 for international students who have F-1 and J-1 status and experience an unforeseen financial emergency. Loan Application for Students in F-1 and J-1 Status is available online, and approval is determined on a case-by-case basis.
You may be eligible to apply for off-campus employment authorization based upon severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, provided that other employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient. These circumstances may include loss of financial support (i.e., assistantship or scholarship) or loss of on-campus employment without fault on part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of the currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.