• Continuing students who are currently in the U.S. in F-1 status and will remain in the U.S. for the Fall 2022 semester
  • May continue to take online classes if offered by their academic department. These students will maintain an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record as long as they enroll in a full course load and otherwise maintain their immigration status.

• Continuing students who are currently in the U.S. in F-1 status and will be outside of the U.S. for the Fall 2022 semester
  • May continue to take classes online if offered by their academic department. These students will maintain an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record as long as they enroll in a full course load and otherwise maintain their immigration status.

• Continuing students who are currently in the U.S. and do not intend to enroll in the Fall 2022 semester
  • Should consult with their academic advisor regarding the possibility of taking a Leave of Absence (LOA). Students must submit a Leave of Absence (LOA) form by the start of the Fall 2022 semester. Students on an LOA must leave the U.S. for the duration of the leave period, except for absences based on documented medical reasons. The five-month temporary absence provision will begin on the date of departure from the U.S.

• Continuing students who are currently outside the U.S. in F-1 status and will remain outside the U.S. for Fall 2022
  • May continue to take online classes if offered by their academic department. These students will maintain an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record as long as they enroll in a full course load and otherwise maintain their immigration status.

• Continuing students who are currently outside the U.S. in F-1 status and wish to return to the U.S. for Fall 2022
  • May continue to take online classes if offered by their academic department. To re-enter the U.S., these students must have a valid F-1 visa, an I-20 endorsed for travel and all other documents listed on the travel section of the ISSO website. These students will maintain an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record as long as they enroll in a full course load and otherwise maintain their immigration status.

• Continuing students who are currently outside the U.S. in non-F-1 status – which includes students admitted for the Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022 semesters who began their programs from outside the U.S. – and wish to enter the U.S. for Fall 2022
  • MAY NOT TAKE 100% ONLINE CLASSES. These students may only enter the U.S. if they are able to obtain an F-1 visa and can confirm enrollment in at least one hybrid or in-person course for the Fall 2022 semester.
  • This will require you to have at least one hybrid or in-person class on your schedule of classes on the first day of classes for the fall semester. If you enter the U.S. with the expectation of hybrid or in-person courses and are unable to demonstrate enrollment in a hybrid or in-person class on the first day of classes, the ISSO will not be able to activate your SEVIS record, which may result in you having to depart the U.S.
  • After the student arrives in the U.S. and completes the immigration check-In, these students will maintain an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record as long as they enroll in a full course load and otherwise maintain their immigration status.

• Continuing students who are currently outside the U.S. in non-F-1 status – which includes students admitted for the Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022 semesters who began their programs from outside the U.S. – and will remain outside of the U.S. for Fall 2022
  • May continue to take online classes in non-F-1 status if offered by their academic department. 

• Continuing students who are currently outside the U.S. and are returning from a leave of absence with an initial attendance I-20 for Fall 2022
  • MAY NOT TAKE 100% ONLINE CLASSES. Please refer to the Returning from Leave on the ISSO website for instructions on how to request an I-20 from the ISSO and how to register for Fall 2022 courses.
  • This will require you to have at least one hybrid or in-person class on your schedule of classes on the first day of classes for the fall semester. If you enter the U.S. with the expectation of hybrid or in-person courses and are unable to demonstrate enrollment in a hybrid or in-person class on the first day of classes, the ISSO will not be able to activate your SEVIS record, which may result in you having to depart the U.S.

• Continuing students who are currently outside the U.S. and have an initial attendance I-20 for purposes of traveling to change their status to F-1 and who wish to return to the U.S for Fall 2022
  • MAY NOT TAKE 100% ONLINE CLASSES. These students may only enter the U.S. if they are able to obtain an F-1 visa and can confirm enrollment in at least one hybrid or in-person course for the Fall 2022 semester.
  • This will require you to have at least one hybrid or in-person class on your schedule of classes on the first day of classes for the fall semester. If you enter the U.S. with the expectation of hybrid or in-person courses and are unable to demonstrate enrollment in a hybrid or in-person class on the first day of classes, the ISSO will not be able to activate your SEVIS record, which may result in you having to depart the U.S. 
  • After the student arrives in the U.S. and completes the immigration check-In, these students will maintain an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record as long as they enroll in a full course load and otherwise maintain their immigration status.

• Continuing students who have an initial attendance I-20 – including students returning from a Leave of Absence (LOA), traveling to change their status to F-1, or to change their degree level – who will remain outside the U.S. for Fall 2022
  • May continue to take online classes in non-F-1 status if offered by their academic department.

• Continuing students who have an initial attendance I-20 for reinstatement purposes but will remain outside the U.S. for the Fall 2022 semester
  • May take online classes in non-F-1 status if offered by their academic department. 

• Continuing students with an active or initial attendance I-20 who will remain outside the U.S. for the Fall 2022 semester and will not be enrolled in classes
  • Must file for a Leave of Absence (LOA). 

• Fall 2022 admitted students who are already in the U.S. and are transferring their SEVIS record to CPP
  • May enroll in 100% online classes so long as they do not depart the U.S. before their CPP SEVIS record has been activated. To activate their SEVIS record, transfer students must first complete the Immigration Check-In.
  • Students who have not yet requested their CPP transfer I-20 must submit I-20 e-Request by June 15. 
  • For more information about the onboarding requirements and deadlines, see the Onboarding webpage.

• Fall 2022 admitted students who are currently outside the U.S. and wish to enter the U.S. with an initial attendance I-20
  • MAY NOT TAKE 100% ONLINE CLASSES. These students may only enter the U.S. if they are able to obtain an F-1 visa and can confirm enrollment in at least one hybrid or in-person course for the Fall 2022 semester. To activate their SEVIS record, students must complete the Immigration Check-In upon entry to the U.S.
  • This will require you to have at least one hybrid class or in-person  on your schedule of classes on the first day of classes for the fall semester. If you enter the U.S. with the expectation of hybrid or in-person courses and are unable to demonstrate enrollment in a hybrid or in-person class on the first day of classes, the ISSO will not be able to activate your SEVIS record, which may result in you having to depart the U.S. 
  • Students who have not yet requested their CPP transfer I-20 must submit I-20 e-Request by June 15. 
  • For more information about the onboarding requirements and deadlines, see the Onboarding webpage.

• Fall 2022 admitted students who are currently outside the U.S. and will remain outside the U.S.
  • Have two options:
    1. Begin academic program from abroad as a non-F-1/J-1 student.
       • Submit an Insurance Waiver to temporary lift Health Insurance Hold and F-1 Mandatory Workshop Hold for Fall 2022.
    2. Inquire about possible options for beginning your academic program in a future semester.
       • Contact the Office of Admissions for guidance.

• Continuing students who are currently in the U.S. in F-1 status and will remain in the U.S. for the Spring 2023 semester
  • May continue to take online classes if offered by their academic department. These students will maintain an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record as long as they enroll in a full course load and otherwise maintain their immigration status.

• Continuing students who are currently in the U.S. in F-1 status and will be outside of the U.S. for the Spring 2023 semester
  • May continue to take classes online if offered by their academic department. These students will maintain an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record as long as they enroll in a full course load and otherwise maintain their immigration status.

• Continuing students who are currently in the U.S. and do not intend to enroll in the Spring 2023 semester
  • Should consult with their academic advisor regarding the possibility of taking a Leave of Absence (LOA). Students must submit a Leave of Absence (LOA) form by the start of the Spring 2023 semester. Students on an LOA must leave the U.S. for the duration of the leave period, except for absences based on documented medical reasons. The five-month temporary absence provision will begin on the date of departure from the U.S.

• Continuing students who are currently outside the U.S. in F-1 status and will remain outside the U.S. for Spring 2023
  • May continue to take online classes if offered by their academic department. These students will maintain an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record as long as they enroll in a full course load and otherwise maintain their immigration status.

• Continuing students who are currently outside the U.S. in F-1 status and wish to return to the U.S. for Spring 2023
  • May continue to take online classes if offered by their academic department. To re-enter the U.S., these students must have a valid F-1 visa, an I-20 endorsed for travel and all other documents listed on the travel section of the ISSO website. These students will maintain an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record as long as they enroll in a full course load and otherwise maintain their immigration status.

• Continuing students who are currently outside the U.S. in non-F-1 status – which includes students admitted for the Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Fall 2022 semesters who began their programs from outside the U.S. – and wish to enter the U.S. for Spring 2023
  • MAY NOT TAKE 100% ONLINE CLASSES. These students may only enter the U.S. if they are able to obtain an F-1 visa and can confirm enrollment in at least one hybrid or in-person course for the Spring 2023 semester.
  • This will require you to have at least one hybrid or in-person class on your schedule of classes on the first day of classes for the fall semester. If you enter the U.S. with the expectation of hybrid or in-person courses and are unable to demonstrate enrollment in a hybrid or in-person class on the first day of classes, the ISSO will not be able to activate your SEVIS record, which may result in you having to depart the U.S.
  • After the student arrives in the U.S. and completes the immigration check-In, these students will maintain an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record as long as they enroll in a full course load and otherwise maintain their immigration status.

• Continuing students who are currently outside the U.S. in non-F-1 status – which includes students admitted for the Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Fall 2022 semesters who began their programs from outside the U.S. – and will remain outside of the U.S. for Spring 2023
  • May continue to take online classes in non-F-1 status if offered by their academic department. 

• Continuing students who are currently outside the U.S. and are returning from a leave of absence with an initial attendance I-20 for Spring 2023
  • MAY NOT TAKE 100% ONLINE CLASSES. Please refer to the Returning from Leave on the ISSO website for instructions on how to request an I-20 from the ISSO and how to register for Spring 2023 courses.
  • This will require you to have at least one hybrid or in-person class on your schedule of classes on the first day of classes for the fall semester. If you enter the U.S. with the expectation of hybrid or in-person courses and are unable to demonstrate enrollment in a hybrid or in-person class on the first day of classes, the ISSO will not be able to activate your SEVIS record, which may result in you having to depart the U.S.

• Continuing students who are currently outside the U.S. and have an initial attendance I-20 for purposes of traveling to change their status to F-1 and who wish to return to the U.S for Spring 2023
  • MAY NOT TAKE 100% ONLINE CLASSES. These students may only enter the U.S. if they are able to obtain an F-1 visa and can confirm enrollment in at least one hybrid or in-person course for the Spring 2023 semester.
  • This will require you to have at least one hybrid or in-person class on your schedule of classes on the first day of classes for the fall semester. If you enter the U.S. with the expectation of hybrid or in-person courses and are unable to demonstrate enrollment in a hybrid or in-person class on the first day of classes, the ISSO will not be able to activate your SEVIS record, which may result in you having to depart the U.S. 
  • After the student arrives in the U.S. and completes the immigration check-In, these students will maintain an active Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record as long as they enroll in a full course load and otherwise maintain their immigration status.

• Continuing students who have an initial attendance I-20 – including students returning from a Leave of Absence (LOA), traveling to change their status to F-1, or to change their degree level – who will remain outside the U.S. for Spring 2023
  • May continue to take online classes in non-F-1 status if offered by their academic department.

• Continuing students who have an initial attendance I-20 for reinstatement purposes but will remain outside the U.S. for the Spring 2023 semester
  • May take online classes in non-F-1 status if offered by their academic department. 

• Continuing students with an active or initial attendance I-20 who will remain outside the U.S. for the Spring 2023 semester and will not be enrolled in classes
  • Must file for a Leave of Absence (LOA). 

• Spring 2023 admitted students who are already in the U.S. and are transferring their SEVIS record to CPP
  • May enroll in 100% online classes so long as they do not depart the U.S. before their CPP SEVIS record has been activated. To activate their SEVIS record, transfer students must first complete the Immigration Check-In.
  • Students who have not yet requested their CPP transfer I-20 must submit I-20 e-Request by November 15. 
  • For more information about the onboarding requirements and deadlines, see the Onboarding webpage.

• Spring 2023 admitted students who are currently outside the U.S. and wish to enter the U.S. with an initial attendance I-20
  • MAY NOT TAKE 100% ONLINE CLASSES. These students may only enter the U.S. if they are able to obtain an F-1 visa and can confirm enrollment in at least one hybrid or in-person course for the Spring 2023 semester. To activate their SEVIS record, students must complete the Immigration Check-In upon entry to the U.S.
  • This will require you to have at least one hybrid class or in-person  on your schedule of classes on the first day of classes for the fall semester. If you enter the U.S. with the expectation of hybrid or in-person courses and are unable to demonstrate enrollment in a hybrid or in-person class on the first day of classes, the ISSO will not be able to activate your SEVIS record, which may result in you having to depart the U.S. 
  • Students who have not yet requested their CPP transfer I-20 must submit I-20 e-Request by November 15. 
  • For more information about the onboarding requirements and deadlines, see the Onboarding webpage.

• Spring 2023 admitted students who are currently outside the U.S. and will remain outside the U.S.
  • Have two options:
    1. Begin academic program from abroad as a non-F-1/J-1 student.
       • Submit an Insurance Waiver to temporary lift Health Insurance Hold and F-1 Mandatory Workshop Hold for Spring 2023.
    2. Inquire about possible options for beginning your academic program in a future semester.
       • Contact the Office of Admissions for guidance.

• Essential travel: Is your travel essential, for example mental health, medical, or family reasons?
• Risks: Are you comfortable with the travel risks, both health risks and re-entry to the U.S.?
• Visas: Do you require a new F-1 visa? If yes, consider the limited U.S. consulate services and visa delays.
• Travel restrictions: Are you traveling to a country with current travel restrictions? Be prepared for quarantines and limited flights or additional restrictions that may impact your return to the U.S.

Continue to check the International Student COVID-19 FAQ webpage for updates as they become available. Also, stay up to date on CDC’s travel requirements and LA County’s COVID-19 guidelines.

Please read this section carefully before applying for CPT.

• I am currently on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or I plan to start CPT in academic year 2022-23. Can I participate remotely in my practical training?
  • Yes, you can participate remotely in practical training and should work with your employer to review available options where student engagement in practical training can be assessed using electronic means. 
  • Make sure you are able to explain/document how you are providing services associated with the practical training while not at the location of the employer/organization.

• If I already started my program from my home country and studied remotely, when will I be eligible for CPT?
  • An F-1 student must have completed at least one academic year of full-time enrollment, which is defined as two full-time semesters or three full-time quarters on-ground or in person. When you arrive in the U.S. and the ISSO completes your SEVIS Registration, your SEVIS record changes from “Initial” To “Active.” Students with Active SEVIS records then begin accruing benefits of the F-1 visa status.
  • For example, if a student started their program from overseas in Spring 2022, they will not have completed the SEVIS Registration requirements and their enrollment in Spring 2022 will not count towards the one academic year of full-time enrollment.
  • More information about CPT eligibility can be found here.

Please read this section carefully before applying for Post-Completion OPT or STEM extension.

• Can I apply for OPT from overseas?
  • The Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is evaluating this and may issue additional guidance but currently this is not an option.
  • The I-765 form still requires a mailing address in the U.S. USCIS will mail your EAD to this address, as well as any additional correspondence (such as a Request for Evidence). 

• If I already started my program from my home country and studied remotely, when will I be eligible for OPT?
  • An F-1 student must have completed at least one academic year of full-time enrollment, which is defined as two full-time semesters or three full-time quarters on-ground or in person. When you arrive in the U.S. and the ISSO completes your SEVIS Registration, your SEVIS record changes from “Initial” To “Active.” Students with Active SEVIS records then begin accruing benefits of the F-1 visa status.
  • For example, if a student started their program from overseas in Spring 2022, they will not have completed the SEVIS Registration requirements and their enrollment in Spring 2022 will not count towards the one academic year of full-time enrollment. 

• I am currently on Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). Are there any accommodations if I am not able to work and exceed my 90-day limit on unemployment?
  • The Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has recognized that the spread of COVID-19 may impact students engaging in OPT. Changes to workplace requirements may impact international students engaging in practical training. SEVP encourages such students to consult with their employer/practical training organization to seek alternative remote arrangements for engaging in employment/practical training where student engagement can be assessed using electronic means. 
  • In addition, for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, SEVP considers students who are working in their OPT opportunities fewer than 20 hours a week as engaged in OPT.
  • Make sure you are able to explain/document how you are providing services associated with the practical training while not at the location of the employer/organization.

• Will there be an extension or suspension of the 90-day/150-day allowed period of unemployment for OPT and STEM OPT during the COVID-19 emergency?
  • The Department of Homeland Security is evaluating this issue but has not yet determined whether to implement a specific exemption for exceeding the regulatory limits for unemployment of 90 days for OPT and 150 days for STEM OPT.

• Most questions about academics will need to be addressed by your professors or academic department.

• CPP provides a VPN to all students but you will likely have access to many campus resources (Canvas, etc.) without a VPN. Zoom has some restrictions in China, but there is a workaround so you can access Zoom from China.

• If you have questions or concerns, contact CPP's Information Technology & Institutional Planning.

• Questions about on-campus housing and dining should be directed to those offices for the most up-to-date information.