Important Note: Any below references to online/remote coursework are specifically from an immigration perspective. Students should consult their academic departments to determine remote options during the fall 2021 semester.
Fall 2021 International Student FAQ
This FAQ is based on the information we have available as of July 2021 and assumes DHS COVID-19 provisions remain in place. If DHS releases new guidance, the FAQ will be updated accordingly. New information will be added as it becomes available.
What is GW’s plan for the fall semester?
Encouraged by the expanded vaccine production and distribution, improved transmission rates, and containment of the spread of virus on campus, GW is actively planning for an in-person return to campus this fall. This fall, courses will be in person for undergraduates, and students will be expected to attend in-person. Graduate students should speak with their academic departments about course offerings. Visit GW's Coronavirus Response page for more information and updates.
I am a new student outside of the United States. Will my F-1 status be active if I do not come to the U.S. for coursework this fall?
No, under current guidance if you do not enter the U.S. your F-1 record will not be activated until you do so. If new information becomes available, we will share it as soon as possible. If you are outside the U.S., you may still enroll in online courses if your graduate program allows it, but you will not have a non-immigration F status until you enter the U.S. You will not be able to enter the US with a previously issued GW I-20 that has not been updated to your intended term of study in the US.
I am an international student on a visa transferring to GW. What do I need to know?
International transfer students on a visa coming to the U.S. for the fall 2021 semester: If you were actively enrolled since March 9, 2020 in any SEVP approved U.S. institution, and otherwise maintained status, then you are considered to be in continuing F-1 status. Undergraduate students will be expected to attend in-person courses to maintain their status. Graduate students should speak to their school, college, academic department or program to determine course offerings. If you were not enrolled since March 9, 2020 then you are not considered to be an international transfer student per DHS guidelines. Please consult with your admissions liaison to determine the appropriate process for you to join us at GW.
International transfer students on a visa inside the U.S.: Transfer students inside the U.S. must complete the check in process through isogateway within 15 days of your program start date. If you were actively enrolled since March 9, 2020 in any SEVP approved U.S. institution, and otherwise maintained status, then you are considered to be in continuing F-1 status. Undergraduate students will be expected to attend in-person courses to maintain their status. Graduate students should speak with their academic departments about course offerings.
International transfer students on a visa who will remain outside of the U.S.: For students outside of the U.S. who are transferring their SEVIS record to GW but will remain outside the U.S. during fall 2021, please contact the ISO to arrange a record correction with DHS at least 30 days prior to entry. The time period for correction may vary and is outside of the ISO’s control. If new information becomes available, we will share it as soon as possible.
How will the five-month rule apply to international transfer students on a visa?
The five month rule refers to the termination of a student’s record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) based on the student being away from classes or not in status for five months. Current DHS guidance notes that the five-month rule related to international transfer student on a visa will not apply to students affected by COVID-19. For students that exceed the five-month period, please contact the ISO to arrange a record correction with DHS. The time period for correction may vary and is outside of the ISOs control. We encourage you to not book flights to the U.S. until the correction is approved. If new information becomes available, we will share it as soon as possible.
I am a student changing study levels (for example moving from undergraduate to graduate level). What do I need to know?
Students changing academic levels who were actively enrolled as an F-1 student on March 9, 2020, and who have otherwise maintained status are considered to be in continuing F-1 status. Undergraduate students will be expected to attend in-person courses to maintain their status. Graduate students should speak with their academic department regarding course offerings.
I started at GW in spring 2021 and took an in-person course to maintain status. Do I need to take an in-person course in fall 2021?
If you were in active F-1 status as a new student in spring 2021 and took an in-person course, you will be a continuing F-1 student in fall 2021. This also applies to initial students who started summer 2021 with an in-person course. Undergraduate students will be expected to attend in-person courses to maintain their status. Graduate students should speak to their academic department to determine course offerings.
I am a continuing student in the United States and am otherwise maintaining F-1 status. Can I enroll in online coursework this fall?
Undergraduate students are expected to attend in-person courses to maintain their status. Graduate students should speak to their academic department to determine course offerings.
I am a continuing graduate student outside of the United States. If I enroll in online coursework and remain outside of the United States, will my F-1 status remain active?
If you are a continuing student who decided to remain abroad for fall 2020 and/or will be abroad for fall 2021 and continue coursework online, your F-1 status is considered active under current DHS guidance. However, this fall, courses will be in person for undergraduates, and students will be expected to attend in-person. Graduate students should speak with their academic departments about course offerings. You will need to be enrolled full time (12 credits for undergraduate students and 9 credits for graduate students) to maintain active F-1 status. You should have received an email asking you to confirm you are abroad during the fall 2020 semester so the ISO can notate that information in your electronic SEVIS record. A new I-20 will NOT be issued for you. If you have questions please contact the ISO. If new information becomes available, we will share it as soon as possible.
How can I tell if a class is going to be in person or virtual?
This information is made available to students in the schedule of classes where online classes are listed as “Online Courses”. In-person classes note the physical location of the class meeting.
I am a continuing international student and am considering taking a leave of absence for fall semester 2021. Is this possible?
Yes, this is possible. After you consult with your Academic Advisor (for undergraduate students) or your Faculty Advisor (for graduate students) to determine if a leave of absence is possible, please contact your ISO Advisor for guidance on how to handle this process in regards to your immigration record.
Undergraduate Students
Incoming international undergraduate students should work with the academic advising team in their school to select courses that meet their needs.
Graduate Students
Graduate students should speak with their academic departments about course offerings. Please consult your school or see below for more information:
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Elliott School of International Affairs
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Graduate School of Education and Human Development
Milken Institute School of Public Health
College of Professional Studies
Work Authorization Questions
If I begin my full course of study from outside the United States, can I count that time towards the CPT or OPT 1 year requirement?
An F-1 student accrues eligibility for practical training whether they are inside or outside of the U.S. during the COVID-19 emergency if the student is in Active status in SEVIS.
I am on OPT but working fewer than 20 hours a week due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. Am I maintaining status?
Yes. Current SEVP guidance states that "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".
Is there an extension or suspension of the allowed period of unemployment for OPT and STEM OPT during the COVID-19 pandemic?
DHS has not made any exceptions at this time regarding the period of unemployment allowed for students on OPT and STEM OPT. Students must abide by the standard 90-day/150-day period of unemployment for OPT and STEM OPT respectively.
I have left the U.S. and will no longer use my OPT/STEM OPT, is there anything I need to do?
You must report any changes of your plans to the ISO so that we may properly maintain your immigration record by emailing us at [email protected]. Please include in your email your confirmed date of departure from the U.S. and your understanding that you are forfeiting your OPT/STEM OPT authorization for the education level you are currently approved for.
Am I exempt from employment reports during COVID-19 pandemic?
No. You must report any changes of the following within 10 days:
1. Current employer changes name and/or address
2. Any termination of employment
3. Any change in employment (e.g. employer name and/or address changes)
4. Change of Visa Status (e.g. to H-1B)
5. Change in physical/residential address
6. Any updates to your biographical information
7. Leaving the U.S. and foregoing your OPT/STEM OPT
Travel and Visa Questions
How can I obtain a travel signature on my immigration document when I am not in Washington, D.C. or I am abroad?
To request a travel signature, log into ISOGateWay and select Travel Signature Request. ISO will issue you a new document with a travel signature. For F-1 students, your document with travel signature will be emailed to you. For J-1 students, the document will be mailed to you at the address you provide.
Will my current and valid F-1 visa stamp be cancelled if I am studying from my home country in fall 2021?
No. If you have a valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport, your visa should not be cancelled or revoked because you are studying from your home country.
My F-1 visa stamp is expiring/expired and I am in the U.S. I am currently unable to travel to my home country. What should I do to renew it?
The F-1 visa stamp does not control your stay in the U.S. The Form I-20 controls how long you can stay based on your program end date and/or OPT/STEM OPT recommendations. The F-1 visa stamp is only a document used to enter the US and must be valid when entering the U.S. It does not matter if it expires while you are in the U.S. You will only need to obtain a new visa stamp to reenter the U.S. after traveling internationally. You can only renew an F-1 visa from outside the U.S. Please note that Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the U.S.
Can I re-enter the U.S. on an expired F-1 visa stamp?
No. Your F-1 visa must be valid at the time you enter the U.S.
Which countries are prohibited from entry to the United States due to COVID-19?
The U.S. Center for Disease Control maintains the list of prohibited travelers. After arriving in the United States from one of these countries, the CDC recommends that travelers stay home and monitor their health for 14 days.
What are GW’s plans for testing international students (and/or U.S. Citizens) living abroad?
GW has COVID-19 testing available on arrival to campus for the community. Anyone who tests positive will receive guidance about specific steps to take from the D.C. Department of Health (or local health department where you reside, e.g., Virginia or Maryland). The University’s Campus COVID Support Team (CCST) will reach out to offer assistance and can help answer questions and provide support as well.
Anyone who tests positive will be required to isolate. Students who live in residence halls on campus will be housed in a separate facility reserved solely for isolation. Off-campus students will isolate in their residence.
The U.S. government may require those traveling from abroad to quarantine for some period of time. In general, both on and off-campus students will quarantine in their residence. The CCST will work with students to provide any support necessary during that time.
