F-1 and M-1 Students Enrolled in Fully Online Courses May Not Be Allowed to Stay in the U.S.

STUDY ABROAD

Information on U.S. Government’s Temporary Exemption for F-1 and M-1 Students Taking Online Courses (Fall 2020)

According to a source from the U.S. Department of State on July 6, 2020, there were temporary exemptions for F-1 and M-1 students participating in online courses during the Fall 2020 semester.

Following this announcement, OSI Vietnam received numerous inquiries from parents regarding these concerns. Below are the details of the U.S. Department of State's announcement for the Fall 2020 semester:

F-1 and M-1 Students Studying in Fully Online Programs:
- Students enrolled in fully online programs will not be allowed to remain in the U.S. for their studies. The U.S. Department of State will not issue visas for students attending schools or programs that are entirely online for the Fall semester. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will also not allow these students to enter the U.S.
- Students currently in the U.S. enrolled in such programs have two options:
  - They must leave the U.S. to continue their studies if their school offers fully online programs.
  - Alternatively, they can take measures such as transferring to schools offering in-person programs to maintain legal status. Otherwise, they could face immigration consequences and the possibility of having their status revoked.
F-1 Students Enrolled in In-Person Programs:
- Students enrolled in in-person programs will follow the regulations of the respective state. F-1 students can only take one online class or three credits per semester.
F-1 Students in Hybrid Programs (Combination of Online and In-Person Classes):
- F-1 students enrolled in hybrid programs are allowed to take more than one online class or three credits. Schools will verify this through Form I-20, which certifies the student's eligibility for status. The certification confirms that the program is not fully online, that the student is not taking entirely online courses, and that the student is enrolled in the minimum number of online classes necessary for normal progress toward their degree.
- These exemptions do not apply to F-1 students in English language programs or M-1 students pursuing vocational degrees, who are not allowed to take any online courses.

Schools should update the SEVIS system within 10 days if there are any changes.

Students Who Can Leave the U.S.:

Students enrolled in in-person programs but required to switch to online courses.
Students who change their program to a fully online program.

What Should DHS Do in Response to These Regulations?

We strongly advise students to remain calm and make informed decisions. In practice, when regulations are imposed that affect international students, the greatest loss is typically to schools and educational institutions. Therefore, we believe that schools will make adjustments to address the situation and protect the students' rights while they study at these institutions. At OSI Vietnam, we are currently working with schools to get early confirmation on the program details for our students. Meanwhile, students should continuously update themselves on the latest announcements from their schools regarding upcoming programs to ensure they have the most accurate information.

Is Transferring Schools the Best Option When This Regulation Takes Effect?

Transferring schools should be considered as a last resort for your educational plans. Given the ongoing uncertainty regarding the pandemic in the U.S., changes to school policies and state regulations could be unpredictable. It’s crucial to confirm your program's format with the school before making any decisions about transferring schools at this time.