This information is for students that have been previously enrolled at UNT (Spring 2020, Summer 2020) and U.S. Transfer Students

Updated Guidance as of July 24^th Regarding Fall 2020 F-1 International Student Enrollment

The Department of Homeland Security issued a new broadcast message regarding Fall 2020 enrollment on July 24th. 

1. Continuing students defined as F-1 students who were in active SEVIS status in Spring 2020 (including U.S. transfer students and UNT students changing their degree level in Fall):

   •  Are allowed to enroll in 100% online/remote coursework

   • Must continue to be enrolled full time (9 credit hours for graduate students/12 credit hours for undergraduate students)

   • Can re-enter the U.S. for Fall 2020 and pursue 100% online coursework if they departed in Spring or Summer 2020 and have a valid F1 visa stamp

2. Newly Admitted Students Outside the U.S. defined as F-1 students who were not in active SEVIS status in the U.S. in Spring 2020:

   • Can enter the U.S. for Fall 2020 if at least one class is face-to-face, partially online, or partially remote with an on-campus meeting

   • If coursework is only offered 100% online, newly admitted students outside the U.S. in Spring 2020 need to either enroll remotely in their home country or defer their admission to a later term. More information HERE.

3. If UNT returns to 100% remote learning during Fall 2020 in response to COVID-19, all active F-1 students can remain in valid immigration status and stay in the U.S.

Please continue to monitor your UNT email address for updates. 

We do have additional information on our Immigration Updates page here.

We are thankful to have such a wonderful international student community! 

Current Student COVID-19 FAQ

• What is the mode of instruction for Fall 2020?
  
  The Registrar has a great webpage with instructions on how to check mode of instruction here. Be sure to read all the information carefully as they give step-by-step instructions on how to verify each class format.
• What if I am only enrolled in thesis or dissertation hours?
  

  You must have a Graduate Student Full Time Equivalency Form approved by the Toulouse Graduate School and on file with ISSS

• Will the latest guidance impact Ph.D. students who are enrolled and also on OPT?
  
  No. If you are a graduate student enrolled in thesis/dissertation hours and also in a period of approved OPT, there is nothing more you need to do at this time.
• What happens if the university transitions back to 100% online midway through the semester?
  
  F-1 and J-1 international students will remain in valid immigration status if the university transitions to 100% remote learning. No further action will be needed.
• If all my classes are offered online/remotely, can I return to my home country and study from there?
  
  Yes. Please email internationaladvising@unt.edu to inform us of your plans. We must update your SEVIS record to indicate your intention to study outside the U.S. for Fall 2020. 
• I'm in my last course of my program/last semester and it is only available online. Is this okay? 
  
  Please contact our office to complete a Less Than Full Time Request. We will provide you with additional instructions.
• What is the difference between an online class and a remote class?
  
  Online classes have traditionally been offered online. Remote classes are classes that are usually offered on campus but have had to transition to remote in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
• How can I receive a travel signature to depart the U.S.?
  
  To request a travel signature, submit the Request for a Revised I-20 via iNorthTX. You do not need to wait for the signature to travel. Please move forward with your plans. After you submit a request, an advisor will reach out to you with instructions on getting a new document with the new signature mailed to you either here in the United States or to your home country. If you require a travel endorsement on your DS-2019, please contact jinfo@unt.edu. 
• Will I be able to return in August?
  
  If you were enrolled in Spring 2020, and you are enrolled full-time for Fall 2020, you should be able to re-enter the U.S. with a valid visa, passport, and updated I-20. You may want to print a copy of our travel letter to carry with you. 
• Can I enroll in more than one online class in Fall 2020?
  
  Yes. 
• Can I still apply for things like OPT, CPT, Academic Training (J-1s only), Program Extensions, or just get advising when needed?
  
  Yes. ISSS will continue to advise and support you while practicing social distancing. We will do so via phone, email and web advising. To start this process, request documents via iNorthTX or by emailing us a PDF form. You can call us during reduced office hours (Mondays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), email us at internationaladvising@unt.edu or schedule an appointment via Appointment Manager. If you are in J-1 status, you can contact jinfo@unt.edu to be connected with your Sr. Immigration Advisor. 
• Do you offer support for job seeking international students?
  
• Has there been any change to off-campus work authorization for international students?
  
  No. F-1 and J-1 international students must receive permission from either ISSS or USCIS prior to working off-campus. Working off-campus without permission is a violation of your immigration status. Know that ISSS is monitoring all regulatory updates and will send email announcements to your UNT email address if there are changes to off-campus work authorization.
• Will there be opportunities to remain engaged with ISSS and UNT during this time?
  
  Yes! Check our our calendar on our main page (international.unt.edu) and our Facebook page! UNT International Affairs is hosting weekly events via Zoom!
• The University has announced that all classes will be remote after Thanksgiving Break. Does this impact my F-1 status?
  
  No. Adjusting to remote learning after Thanksgiving will not be a change in operational plans, so the move to remote after Thanksgiving will not impact your F-1 status.
• How does the updated F-1 ICE Guidance impact my immigration status if I am not in F-1 status (i.e. H-4, L-2, etc.)?
  
  This guidance does not apply to you. If you are not in F-1 visa status, you do not have enrollment requirements to meet immigration rules.
• Can I meet my enrollment requirement by enrolling in classes at another college through concurrent enrollment?
  
  Yes. You must be enrolled in at least one class at UNT but can enroll in additional courses at another institution through concurrent enrollment.
• Will I be required to self-isolate after entering the United States prior to attending on-campus classes in Fall 2020?
  
  If you have recently entered the United States after international travel, please follow the instructions listed on the UNT Health Alerts website: https://healthalerts.unt.edu/travelers