Edu News

Coronovirus Updates for F1, OPT & H1B Visa Holders

Coronavirus Pandemic is having a devastating impact on a personal level.

F1 students in the USA who are attending school are in no man’s land when schools and dorms close or when schools are closed. Current F1 Visa, J1 or M1  students studying in the USA staying in Apartment, would at least have a place to stay.

What about students who are staying in Dorms?

Plus, F-1 students should attend schools full-time to maintain the status and online classes are limited to just one per semester.

I will be sharing Coronovirus updates, stories, and experiences here on this page.

How’s Coronovirus Impacting Your Life

Here’s how working from home and shutdown of cities is impacting F1, OPT, H1B Visa holders.

coronovirus job loss laid off opt jobs

“Had an interview with a hospitality company their hiring process is on freeze now.”

“Was about to sign a lease for an apartment. Property decided to stop renting.”

“Was trying to lose weight.. now gaining more because of WFH snack time.”

“Productivity affected. Feeling anxious always. Work-life balance has gone for a toss. Seeing “out of stock” on most basic supplies is the most infuriating thing in these times. If this continues, I fear people may start fighting over food.”

opt expired borders closed stay in usa coronovirus

“Setup my work station at my desk. Have a subscription to all major content providers. Bought dumbells for home workouts and bought some easy to cook for up to a month. 🙂 so life is going pretty well.”

“Wanted travel to Victoria Canada from Detroit Michigan cannot go due to US Canada border closure.”

“My friend’s new position went on hold, and the client replied this is because of the covid-19.”

“Frustrated sitting at home, work productivity not affected, but missing the office environment. It’s getting annoying every single day not being able to go out (apart from a walk) and hit the gym. Life seems to have come to a standstill.”

“Got a soft warning from the manager that the paychecks can be deferred, cut down or cancelled in worst case. Freaking out after hearing from a lot of people that they were fired and projects were cancelled.”

 

SEVIS Guidance for Schools and F1 Students – Mar 13, 2020

Scenario 1: A school completely closes and does not have online courses or other alternate learning procedures.

Response: If a school closes temporarily without online instruction or other alternative learning procedures, the students should remain in active status in SEVIS so long as the students intend to resume their course of study when classes resume. This is similar to short-term breaks in the school calendar when classes are not in session. Schools must notify SEVP of COVID-19 procedural changes within 10 business days.

Scenario 2: A school temporarily stops in-person classes but implements online or other alternate learning procedures and the nonimmigrant student remains in the United States

Response: If a school closes temporarily but offers online instruction or another alternative learning procedure, nonimmigrant students should participate in online or other alternate learning procedures and remain in active status in SEVIS. Schools must notify SEVP of COVID-19 procedural changes within 10 business days.

Given the extraordinary nature of the COVID-19 emergency, SEVP will allow F-1 and/or M-1 students to temporarily count online classes towards a full course of study in excess of the limits. This temporary provision is only in effect for the duration of the emergency and in accordance with the procedural change documents filed in a timely manner to SEVP.

Scenario 3: A school temporarily stops in-person classes but implements online or other alternate learning procedures and the nonimmigrant student departs the United States

Response: If a school closes temporarily but offers online instruction or another alternative learning procedure, nonimmigrant students should participate in online or other alternate learning procedures and remain in active status in SEVIS. Schools must notify SEVP of COVID-19 procedural changes within 10 business days. Given the extraordinary nature of the COVID-19 emergency, SEVP will allow F-1 and/or M-1 students to temporarily count online classes towards a full course of study in excess of the limits, even if they have left the United States and are taking the online classes from elsewhere. This temporary provision is only in effect for the duration of the emergency and in accordance with the procedural change documents filed in a timely manner to SEVP.

 

ICE & SEVIS Announcement (Mar 9, 2020)

  • SEVP-certified schools should advise students traveling from countries impacted by COVID-19 to refer to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of State and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for specific port-of-entry screening processes, as well as any travel restrictions.
  • Full-Time Student Status: SEVP intends to be flexible with temporary adaptations. In all cases, schools and students should document any decisions made and be able provide this information to SEVP upon request
  • OPT Work Location Changes: Changes to workplace requirements may impact nonimmigrant students engaging in practical training. SEVP encourages such students to consult with their employer to seek alternative ways to maintain employment, such as teleworking or other arrangements.
  • If School will be closed or alternative arrangements are made. SEVP Certified school should notify of such changes within 10 days of changes implementation.
  • Additional Resources:

 

 

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One Comment

  1. I got RFE for my H1 transfer, need to respond by April end. but due to Virus spread my legal company is closed for sometime. USCIS will also increase its time period during this time? please share if you have any update. Thank you!

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