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/Imp...) 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