Fall 2020 Guidance for International Students

Frequently Asked Questions and Clarifications

Although subject to change upon further guidance, Fall 2020 international students can enroll full time in any modality of classes. If outside of the U.S., SEVIS record can remain active if enrolled full time online.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS BY DEGREE PROGRAM:

Bachelor's = 12 credits

Master's = 9 credits

IF YOU ARE STAYING IN THE U.S. FOR FALL 2020

Your enrollment must meet the requirements of your program
You do not need to depart the U.S.
Follow regular F-1 regulations

This information is subject to change pending new guidance from SEVP

IF YOU ARE ENROLLING ONLINE FROM OUTSIDE THE U.S.

Your enrollment must meet the requirements of your program in order to keep an Active SEVIS record

This information is subject to change pending new guidance from SEVP

MORE INFORMATION IS ON THE WAY!

Once new guidance is released by SEVP, FGCU International Services will continue to update this page and

Email you to your eagle.fgcu.edu email

Frequently Asked Questions

DOES MY SEVIS RECORD STATUS AFFECT MY ABILITY TO TAKE CLASSES?
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- No. Your SEVIS record status does not affect your ability to enroll in classes, earn academic credit, make progress in your degree, or earn your diploma. Your academic status is independent of your SEVIS record status however your SEVIS record depends on your academic status and enrollment.
I’M BACK HOME AND WANT TO RETURN TO THE U.S. BUT THERE ARE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
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- You should enroll full-time in online classes from home to keep an active SEVIS record. *
- If you do not want to enroll full-time, you will need to submit the Exit Form to by August 24 to request Authorized Early Withdrawal. • You will need to request a new I-20 to return to the U.S. in a future semester.
I’M BACK HOME AND CANNOT RETURN CAN I STILL TAKE CLASSES?
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- You should enroll full-time in online classes from outside of the U.S. in order to maintain an Active SEVIS record. *
- If you want to take less than a full course load, you will either need to request a Reduced Course Load (if applicable to your situation) or submit the Authorized Early Withdrawal Form. If you submit the AEW Form, you will need to request a new I-20 to return to the U.S. in a future semester.
IF FGCU RETURNS TO ONLINE COURSES ONLY WILL I HAVE TO DEPART THE US?
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- While we don’t anticipate this happening, every effort will be made to ensure our international students can maintain their immigration status inside the U.S. Since the July 6 SEVP guidance requiring in-person enrollment was rescinded, we do not anticipate that this would be a problem should courses be moved online*
DOES MY SEVIS RECORD STATUS AFFECT MY ABILITY TO TAKE CLASSES?
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- Your SEVIS record status does not affect your ability to enroll in classes, earn academic credit, make progress in your degree, or earn your diploma. Your academic status is independent of your SEVIS record status however your SEVIS record depends on your academic status and enrollment.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF I BECOME ILL OR IF I HAVE A HEALTH CONDITION?
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- If you have a documented illness or medical condition that restricts your ability to take classes, you can request a Reduced Course Load (RCL) based on the recommendation of your medical doctor or licensed clinical psychologist.
- An RCL could enable you to take as few as zero classes based on your doctor’s recommendation. Submit the RCL Form and required doctor’s note to by the Fall 2020 add deadline.
SEVIS RECORD TERMINATION FOR AUTHORIZED EARLY WITHDRAW (AEW)
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- Authorized Early Withdrawal leads to a SEVIS record termination.
- Used to end your SEVIS record before your program end date and allows you to avoid violating your F-1 status for not being enrolled full-time during the semester
- “Leave of absence”
- You will most likely need a new initial I-20 to return to the U.S. in a future semester
- Does not impact your ability to take online classes, earn academic credit, or achieve your degree!
I WANT TO RETURN HOME BUT MY COUNTRY’S BORDERS ARE CLOSED WHAT SHOULD I DO?
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- We recommend that you contact your country's embassy. Many countries have organized repatriation flights for their citizens. If you are unable to return home, we recommend that you enroll full-time in courses to maintain your F-1 status
WHEN WILL FGCU SEND ME THE UPDATED I-20 METIONED IN THE JULY 6 GUIDANCE?
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- Since the July 6 Guidance was rescinded, FGC International Services will not be sending updated I-20s indicated in that guidance.
- If SEVP releases additional guidance that requires schools to issue updated I-20s, FGCU International Services will provide the required I-20 to students as indicated in the new guidance.
I AM TRAVELING BACK TO THE U.S. SOON DO I NEED TO SELF-QUARANTINE UPON ARRIVAL?
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DOES THE JULY 6 GUIDANCE APPLY TO J-1 VISA HOLDERS?
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- No, the rescinded July 6 SEVP guidance does not apply to J-1 visa holders however, Department of State guidance for J-1 visa holders is very similar. J-1 visa holders may enroll in online classes*.
DOES THE GUIDANCE AFFECT MY ABILITY TO APPLY FOR CPT OR OPT?
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- No, as long as you remain in the U.S., are enrolled full-time, and are maintaining F-1 status, the guidance does not impact your ability to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
HOW IS OPT AND CPT APPLICATIONS AFFECTED IF I AM OUT OF THE COUNTRY?
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- To be eligible to apply for OPT (whether pre- or post-completion) and/or CPT (curricular practical training), you must be physically present in the U.S. and be maintaining your full-time student status/visa.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

https://www.fragomen.com/about/news/immigration-update-coronavirus

https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/sevp-covid-19-guidance-sources#sevpcovid19faq

https://www.ice.gov/covid19

https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-coronavirus-2019-covid-19

https://www.fragomen.com/people/aaron-blumberg