I have read about Columbia College’s Fall 2020 Academic Implementation Plan. What are the immigration implications?
Will my immigration status be jeopardized if the pandemic compels Columbia College to shift to an all-virtual platform unexpectedly?
No. According to the July 24 Guidance issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), international students who are already in the U.S. would retain their F-1 status so long as they maintain full-time enrollment.
The U.S. State Department suspended nonimmigrant visa services in all countries. How will this affect me?
It depends. Students can stay in the U.S. with an expired visa so long as their passport and I-20 have not expired. If outside of the U.S., students will need a valid visa to enter the country (exception: Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the U.S.). Due to U.S. consulate and embassy closures and limited staffing in some areas affected by COVID-19, it may be difficult to obtain a new visa. Students should continue to check their local U.S. embassy or consulate website to confirm operating status and find information about appointment rescheduling and/or emergency services.
I’m concerned about travel restrictions to the U.S. Where can I find the latest information?
As the current global situation evolves, we recommend students check the travel updates by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) as well as resources from their own country’s governmental agencies when planning travel to the U.S. The International Center is carefully monitoring updates from the CDC, SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program), USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), and Department of State, and will communicate changes to students as we receive new information.
I am a NEW student. What options do I have if I am not able to return for the Fall 2020 semester?
For new international students who are unable to be physically present for in-person classes due to various reasons (travel constraints, health/safety, etc.), the International Center recommends deferring their form I-20 start date to Spring or Fall 2021. Contact InternationalCenter@CCIS.edu for help with this process. Another option is to participate in classes remotely (students do not need F-1 status to take online classes), though international students should note that their I-20 start date will still be deferred to the semester start date they arrive and start classes in person. Contact Admissions@CCIS.edu for help with this process.
I am a CONTINUING student with an ACTIVE F-1 RECORD residing outside of the U.S. What options do I have if I am not able to return for the Fall 2020 semester?
International students who are unable to be physically present for in-person classes due to various reasons (travel constraints, health/safety, etc.) may be able to participate in fall classes remotely from their home country. As long as students enroll full-time, they will retain their F-1 status. Another option is to take a temporary leave of absence (in other words, “a break from studies”), with the intent to return to campus in Spring or Fall 2021. Before making a final decision, contact the International Center to discuss the immigration implications of a leave of absence.
I am a prospective international student. How can I provide proof of English proficiency for admission review in light of global circumstances?
There are several ways applicants can provide proof of English proficiency for admission review. Testing centers (like TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) are offering alternative forms of testing for students, including in-home testing in some countries. One test in particular is a great option for applicants – Duolingo English Test. More information about this test option and all options for English proficiency can be found on our English Proficiency page.
What should I be mindful of when booking my travel to the U.S.?
We encourage students to get to know their airline’s waiver and refund policies as well as to purchase flight insurance that offers maximum flexibility should tickets need to be changed or canceled. For information about current travel restrictions related to the coronavirus outbreak, refer to the International Air Transport Association.
I am a residential student. Will international students be allowed to stay in on-campus housing after the planned transition to virtual learning? What happens if an announcement is made to close campus prior to that date due to a COVID-19 resurgence?
No. All students are being asked to move out of the residence halls on Saturday, November 21 by 5:00 pm – or within 48 hours if an announcement is made to move to virtual learning prior to that date – so there can be a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of campus before the Spring Semester begins. While we understand that this expectation creates a hardship, it is one of many steps campus leadership is taking to maximize the health and safety of the entire Columbia College community in the COVID-19 environment. Student Athletes should direct any questions or concerns regarding athletic participation during this time to Athletics.
Residence hall move in for Spring 2021 begins at noon on Friday, January 8, 2021. If students can return to their home countries for this 7-week period between semesters, we encourage them to do so. Students whose circumstances prevent them from returning home are responsible for securing off-campus housing at their own expense. View resources for securing off-campus housing.
We want to make expectations clear. This coming semester will not be a traditional fall semester on campus in any respect. This past spring serves as a reminder that students should be prepared to vacate campus at any time in the event that we can no longer safely support in-person instruction. We ask that you be flexible and adaptable. It is essential that you have a plan in place for quickly relocating off-campus at any time.
I am a new student for the Fall 2020 semester. What will orientation look like?
In light of the global pandemic, we are working on a revised orientation plan. Most sessions will be virtual and available to you by mid August. International Student Welcome is tentatively planned for the afternoon of Friday, August 28. As campus leadership continues to define suitable guidelines for transitioning campus back to face-to-face activities, we will adapt orientation plans accordingly.
I am currently in the U.S. (with a valid visa) but was planning to travel outside of the U.S. before the fall semester start. Should I cancel my trip?
From an immigration perspective, international travel is very unpredictable at the moment. There are travel restrictions for certain countries, and we do not know how long they will last and which additional countries may be added to the restrictions already in place. With the growing number of cases now in the U.S., restrictions could be implemented in the U.S. without much notice. If you decide to travel, be prepared, understand the risks, and know that you might not be able to return to the U.S. for an unknown period of time. It is important to note, too, that you will be expected to complete a 14-day quarantine after arriving in the U.S. and before being allowed back on campus.
For travel inquiries and up-to-date information on travel restrictions bans, please visit the US Department of State's COVID-19 Country Specific Information page and CDC's country-specific health information and travel recommendations by country.
I am returning from abroad for the fall semester. Do I need to self-quarantine? When can I move into the residence halls?
Yes; students returning from abroad are expected to self-quarantine. Columbia College defers to the guidance from the government and best practices across the country. Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, travelers are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival in the U.S. from abroad.
Beginning two weeks prior to their assigned arrival day, students must complete a 14-day quarantine in an off-campus location. Once the 14-day quarantine period is complete and approval has been granted, students may travel to campus. Please note that students are responsible for covering off-campus housing costs during this quarantine period.
In the event a student has COVID-19 symptoms, known exposure to COVID-19, and/or a positive COVID-19 test result, they will be relocated to other housing as appropriate while being monitored by trained staff who will initiate contact tracing.
Key dates
Thursday, August 13, 2020*
- Students are expected to arrive in the U.S. and self-quarantine for 14 days.
Friday, August 28, 2020
- Students may travel to campus as approved.
- Residence hall move-in begins at 9:00 am.
- International Student Welcome tentatively begins at 1:00 pm.
*Students whose circumstances might prevent them from arriving on/before August 13 will be subject to the same quarantine guidelines and expectations.
View instructions and resources for quarantine. Anyone returning to campus must receive approval to do so. At this time, we anticipate verifying date of U.S. entry on I-94 Forms. We will have more details in the weeks ahead about the return to campus check-in process and will share information as it becomes available.
I am living in a country impacted by coronavirus travel bans to the U.S. Is it advisable to travel to another country before traveling to the U.S. in order to arrive in time for the fall semester?
The International Center cannot advise on travel to countries other than the U.S. It is unclear how long the travel bans and other global travel restrictions will remain in effect for re-entry to the U.S. However, if you are considering traveling to another country before entering the U.S., do your research: Review travel restrictions for that country before making travel plans. Know that you must remain physically present outside of the country impacted by travel restrictions for 14 days or more before being permitted to enter the U.S. Finally, keep in mind that upon arrival in the U.S., you will be expected to complete a 14-day quarantine before being allowed back on campus.
For travel inquiries and up-to-date information on travel restrictions bans, please visit the US Department of State's COVID-19 Country Specific Information page and CDC's country-specific health information and travel recommendations by country.