Through the end of spring semester 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is extending its previous Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) COVID Guidance that allows F-1 international students the flexibility to take online and hybrid classes, from both within and outside the U.S.
What this means for F-1 students:
- Continuing students are allowed to enroll in as many or as few online courses as needed for their program.
- New students are required to enroll in at least one in-person or hybrid course in their first semester.
Department of State guidance requires J-1 students to maintain program objectives (which may include some online classes) while preventing unnecessary exposure to COVID-19.
What this means for J-1 students:
- J-1 student programs must include an in-person component.
- A fully or predominantly virtual exchange program is not permitted for J-1 students or scholars, as of April 2022.
UMN highly recommends all students enroll in classes taught in person for the best academic experience.
All international students must enroll full-time to maintain their immigration status.
Please contact an ISSS advisor with any questions. New students should email [email protected] for assistance.