I just saw this, and thought that it might be of use to some of you.
*International Students and Spring Semester*
Cranwell International Center recently released the following message
regarding Spring semester:
As you may be aware, Virginia Tech recently announced its plans for spring
semester
<https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2020/10/unirel-spring-2021-course.html>.
Cranwell International Center understands that international students may
have a lot of questions regarding the impact of the university's plans on
their immigration status. International students may especially have
questions regarding how many online courses they are allowed to take versus
in-person or hybrid courses. In order to help you understand some of these
questions (and current answers to them), please note the following:
At this time, there have been no updates from by the US Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) regarding this issue. Therefore, Cranwell
International Center will continue to advise new and continuing
international students based on the current guidance as outlined in our
most recent memo (Impact of the SEVP/DHS March 9 and March 13 Guidance on
International Student at Virginia Tech
<https://international.vt.edu/content/dam/international_vt_edu/memos-2020/Im…>)
from July 24, 2020:
- *Continuing international students with SEVIS record in Active status *may
enroll in any combination of in-person, online, and/or hybrid courses for
the spring semester that best suits their academic, health, and other needs
(including 100% online) as long as they remain enrolled in a full-time
course of study.
- *New international students with SEVIS records in Initial status
**are not allowed
to enroll in a full-time course of study that is 100% online*. They may
enroll in any combination of in-person, online, and/or hybrid courses for
the spring semester that best suits their academic, health, and other needs
*as long as they are enrolled in a full-time course of study that
is not 100% online*. These students may need assistance finding
in-person or hybrid courses.
Full-time requirements are a minimum of 12 credits for undergraduate
students, 9 credits for graduate students without an assistantship, or 12
credits for graduate student with an assistantship; students who will be in
their final semester and do not require full-time enrollment to complete
their degree program may apply through their International Student Advisor
in Cranwell International Center for a Reduced Course Load.
*Please note that DHS policy on this and other immigration issues is
subject to change at any time, so it is extremely important that you
continue to reach out to Cranwell International Center with any questions.
You may also reference our **Fall 2020 FAQ page*
<https://international.vt.edu/index/faq.html>* for updates*.
We know that this uncertainty can create significant anxiety for students.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the International Student Advisor in
Cranwell International Center assigned to your college/school/department
<https://international.vt.edu/immigration_services.html> if you have any
questions. Aside from the general information above, please do not attempt
to address immigration questions. Refer them to Cranwell International
Center.
--
Cliff Shaffer
Professor and Associate Department Head for Graduate Studies
Department of Computer Science Phone: (540) 231-4354
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 WWW: www.cs.vt.edu/~shaffer
