Making the Decision to Travel
We realize that it many of you have already delayed or cancelled travel plans to see your family this year, and have a strong desire to return home over the winter break. While we are supportive of either decision you make and will provide travel signatures as needed, please carefully consider the following when making your decision:
-
Travel restrictions are subject to change at any time. Your ability to return to the U.S. will be based on numerous factors, including fluid U.S. State Department/CDC Travel Warnings, differing travel restrictions in various countries, availability of flights, quarantine mandates, and visa requirements. These changes can prevent or significantly delay your ability to reenter the U.S.
-
Spring 2021 guidance for F-1 visa holders has not yet been released. This guidance will determine whether or not F-1 visa holders pursuing a full course of study outside the U.S. will be able to maintain an active SEVIS record. This special provision may or may not be granted as it was for Fall 2020. We will make an announcement as soon as we have this information.
-
Speak with your faculty/advisor to make sure you can continue making progress in your degree remotely during Spring 2021 in the event that you cannot return to the U.S. for any reason. Students with Graduate Assistantships will also need to speak with the Graduate School about the potential implications of not returning to the U.S. in spring.
If you Decide to Travel
If you plan on exiting the U.S. over Winter Break, be sure to do the following:
