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. | Negative COVID-19 test 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 | Suspension of Entry to the U.S. of Certain Nonimmigrants | SEVP and DoS Resources | Social Security Administration (SSA) Services | Florida Driver License Centers | IRS Updates
The University of Miami will offer courses in one of three methods of course instruction or modality: in-person, hybrid, and online. 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, Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, 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.
A Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) spokesperson has confirmed that the Spring 2021 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: ISSS has compiled a list of FAQs with the information that we have to date, available at FAQs for UM F-1 Students, Spring 2021.
The U.S. Department of State (DoS) has not yet issued guidance regarding spring 2021 enrollment for J-1 students. We will update this section as soon as possible.
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. International students who are enrolled in Virtual/Remote learning for the Spring Semester and are residing outside of the United States will not be eligible for the University of Miami Student Health Insurance. 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 during Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 will count towards your eligibility for and Optional Practical Training (OPT). 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.
Students traveling to the U.S. from a country impacted by the coronavirus travel restrictions to the U.S. will need to comply with the Presidential Proclamation prior to entering the U.S. The proclamation suspends entry into the U.S. of all non-U.S. citizens who were physically present in the following countries during the 14-day period preceding their entry to the U.S. On January 25, 2021, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Non-Immigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease. This proclamation continues the 14-day entry restrictions to the U.S. on individuals who were present in the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the European Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, or Brazil, and, effective on January 30, 2021, adds South Africa to the list of countries with travel restrictions to the U.S. People’s Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau), Islamic Republic of Iran and Brazil. South Africa effective 1/30/2021. If you plan to travel to another country before entering the U.S. in order to meet the 14-day requirement, make sure to research and understand any travel restrictions before making travel plans. Many countries have restricted travel to/from other countries. Immediately prior to traveling, reconfirm that you will be able to enter and exit the country as the situation remains fluid in many countries, and new restrictions can be implemented with little or no advance notice. You will need to remain physically present outside of any country impacted by travel restrictions for 14 days before entering the U.S. Schengen Area, UK, and Ireland F-1 students traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK, and Ireland may qualify for national interest exceptions to the Presidential Proclamation. Students traveling from these places with valid F-1 visas do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual national interest exception to travel. Students who have qualified for an F-1 visa will automatically be considered for a national interest exception to travel. If you are a student traveling from Schengen area, the United Kingdom and Ireland in with a valid J-1 visa, you may contact the nearest embassy or consulate to initiate an exception request. An approved national interest exception allows a single entry into the U.S. within 30 days from the date of approval. If a new trip to the United States is planned, a new application must or can be submitted. The following countries make up the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released information about a new travel requirement for all air passengers entering the U.S. on or after January 26, 2021:
Students that have obtained a student visa and able to leave their country to travel to the U.S. Students traveling to the U.S. from a country impacted by the coronavirus travel restrictions will need to comply with the Presidential Proclamation prior to entering the U.S. (Country list and requirements provided above.) Students that have obtained a student visa and unable to leave their country to travel to the U.S. International students unable to travel to the U.S. in time for the spring semester due to closed borders and/or suspended flights should consider enrolling in online classes at UM for the spring semester or deferring their enrollment at UM to a later date. (Information regarding these options provided below.) Students who are abroad and do not have a valid student visa As of July 14, U.S. Embassies and Consulates were beginning a phased resumption of routine visa services, including the processing of F-1 and J-1 visas. Please check your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website for re-opening dates and up-to date information. International students unable to obtain a visa and travel to the U.S. in time for the spring semester should consider enrolling in online classes at UM for the spring semester or deferring their enrollment at UM to a later date. (Information regarding these options provided below.)
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 University will offer new and continuing students the choice of enrolling for either online classes or in person classes. Online classes will be both synchronous (i.e., accessible online during time of on campus instruction) and asynchronous (i.e., accessible at any time) to accommodate students who live in time zones outside of the U.S. The request form for remote learning will be available from December 7 to December 22, 2020. For more information on remote learning, visit coronavirus.miami.edu/remote-learning. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidance related to online courses (F-1 Students) For the Fall 2020 semester, F-1 students with a SEVIS record in active status were allowed to temporarily count online classes toward a full course of study, even if they have left the United States. New or continuing students were able to begin or continue their education at UM provided they enrolled for in-person classes or a hybrid plan (a combination of online and in-person classes). SEVP has not released guidance for Spring 2021 yet. We will update this section as soon as possible.
International students that are unable to travel to the U.S. in time for the spring semester and do not wish to register in online classes should defer their 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 Continuing Students
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.
Please click on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to see the most recent list of countries affected by travel restrictions. 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.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released information about a new travel requirement for all air passengers entering the U.S. on or after January 26, 2021:
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.
At this time, the University of Miami will not require members of the University community who travel internationally to quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival to the U.S. Please note that this situation remains fluid.
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.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) staff are currently working remotely. Immigration advising for international students and scholars is available remotely via email, Zoom Video Meeting, or telephone: Please email isss@miami.edu if you have any questions.
Due to COVID-19, 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. Until further notice, 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 I20 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. Should you need an original Form I-20 in the future, ISSS will provide one to you once we are able to resume in-person services.
Original Form I-20s or DS-2019s cannot be dropped off at ISSS at this time because ISSS staff is working remotely. 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/optapplication 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. While ISSS’s document pick-up services are suspended, 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. 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. While ISSS’s document pick-up services are suspended, 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.
A Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) spokesperson has confirmed that the Spring 2021 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: ISSS has compiled a list of FAQs with the information that we have to date, available at FAQs for UM F-1 Students, Spring 2021.
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 and Spring 2021 semesters. A Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) spokesperson has confirmed that the Spring 2021 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: ISSS has compiled a list of FAQs with the information that we have to date, available at FAQs for UM F-1 Students, Spring 2021.
The U.S. Department of State (DoS) has not yet issued guidance regarding spring 2021 enrollment for J-1 students. We will update this section as soon as possible.
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 2021 credits online and study remotely 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 2021 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 2021 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)).
As of July 14, U.S. Embassies and Consulates are beginning a phased resumption of routine visa services, including the processing of F-1 and J-1 visas. Please check your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website for re-opening dates and up-to date information. As of July 16, 2020, students may qualify for National Interest Exceptions to the presidential proclamations restricting travel from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland. The announcement specifies that: For a summary of the national interest exception for F-1 students and their F-2 dependents and a list of the 15 U.S. airports authorized to receive flights from those countries, see July 24, 2020 CBP’s Carrier Liaison Program Information Sheet. The following countries make up the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
On March 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of State announced the temporary suspension of routine immigrant and non-immigrant routine consular visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates. As resources allow, U.S. embassies and consulates will continue to provide emergency and mission critical services. They will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. If you need to travel outside the U.S. and will require a new visa to return to the U.S., please review the visa appointment information for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you intend to apply for your new visa before you consider any travel plans. You may want to reconsider your travel plans and remain in the U.S. since we do not know when the U.S. government will permit the resumption of routine U.S. consular visa services.
On January 25, 2021, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Non-Immigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease. This proclamation continues the 14-day entry restrictions to the U.S. on individuals who were present in the following countries:
As of July 16, 2020, students may qualify for National Interest Exceptions to the presidential proclamations restricting travel from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland. The announcement specifies that:
Please continue to monitor the news, airline travel information and this webpage for changes and updates.
On June 22, 2020, President Trump signed a proclamation that will suspend the entry to the U.S. of certain nonimmigrants to the U.S. The proclamation is part of the Trump Administration’s response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ban takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on June 24, 2020 and will be in place through December 31, 2020. This proclamation does not affect international students in F-1 or J-1 status or their dependents in F-2 and J-2 status. It also does not affect Optional Practical Training (OPT) and OPT STEM, which are benefits for students in F-1 status completing an academic degree in 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:
As of March 17, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has suspended all in-person services at all SSA offices. Although SSA offices remain closed, local SSA offices may make appointments based on staff availability. Please review information and updates online at Social Security & Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and call your local SSA office to determine whether appointments are available. To call your local SSA office, look for the local SSA office telephone number at Social Security Office Locator under “Social Security Office Information” for office you select. The toll-free “Office” number is the telephone number for your local office. Please note the following requirements for appointments:
Florida driver licenses and ID cards are issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Due to COVID-19, driver license centers in Broward, Miami-Dade and Volusia counties provide services by appointment only. To obtain a Florida driver license or ID card, you need to schedule an appointment online and submit specific documents to the driver license center at the time of your appointment. Please note that your SEVIS record must be in Active status for you to be eligible for a FL driver license of ID card.
Due to COVID-19 and its economic ramifications, the IRS postponed the deadline for filing a 2019 U.S. income tax return with the IRS from April 15 to July 15, 2020 but urged taxpayers who are owed a refund to file as quickly as possible. 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 2020 and informed you on April 10, 2020 of the postponed July 15, 2020 deadline for filing a 2019 income tax return. 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 2020. 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 during Summer 2020 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 can be 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. While ISSS’s document pick-up services are suspended, 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 an emergency appointment is 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 miami.edu/optapplication. 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. While ISSS’s document pick-up services are suspended, 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.
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 employer has an office outside of the U.S. or if the employer can assess your engagement using electronic means. All employment must be directly related to your major field of study and must reported in the SEVP portal. Once you exceed 90 days of unemployment, you will no longer eligible to enter the U.S. in F-1 status to engage in OPT.
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 an emergency appointment is available. If you schedule an appointment, 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.
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 January. Due to social distancing guidelines, ISO for undergraduate and graduate students will be held in webinar format. Please check the ISSS website for detailed information to access the sessions.
No. Only students who have arrived in the U.S. are required to participate in the International Student Orientation program for the spring. You would be required to attend ISO upon your arrival in the Fall semester. Detailed information will be provided late fall 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.