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Message to students in J-1 status regarding remote instruction

The following message was emailed by the Office of International Services to currently enrolled J-1 degree-seeking and exchange students on March 11, 2020.

By now, you have likely read the message from President Daniels cancelling in-person classes and transitioning to remote instruction until at least April 12. We are reaching out to address concerns you may have regarding your J-1 status during this time.

First, we want to assure you that the Office of International Services (OIS) will not take any action on your J-1 SEVIS Record as a result of this temporary change.

Second, please know that you do not need to take any action in regard to your J-1 visa status as a result of this change other than continuing your coursework remotely as directed by the institution. However, if you choose to do any of the following, you should contact OIS for guidance BEFORE doing them because these actions will likely impact your J-1 status:

– withdraw from classes or take a leave of absence

– drop below full-time status

– depart the U.S. and complete your degree program online from abroad

Finally, university offices remain open at this time so OIS staff continue to be available to answer your questions during walk-in hours, by phone, and via email. Contact info for OIS locations can be found on our website.