Please find below answers to immigration-related questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.
Due to the fluid nature of this situation, please continue visiting this page for the most up-to-date information.
The below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are intended for Continuing Students who are returning to the U.S. to continue their studies at MSU. Some of the information may apply to all students and scholars. New and Initial Students should visit the OISS website under Orientation.
What is the definition of “continuing” students for I-20 purposes?
A “continuing” or “active” student is a student who established their F-1 status by entering the U.S. with an F-1 visa stamp, maintained their SEVIS record (I-20), and remained in valid immigration status. Examples of “continuing” students include:
What are the enrollment requirements for continuing students?
Students with ‘active’ status must enroll full-time. Typical standard enrollment requirements are below-note that some programs may be exceptions:
How can I apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
Students who have maintained ‘active’ status for at least one academic year may be eligible to apply for CPT. Students should email the completed CPT application with the academic adviser’s signature and supplementary materials directly to their assigned OISS adviser. Standard processing times for OISS are 8-10 business days. Students must plan accordingly and should submit their requests in a timely fashion.
Can I apply for OPT from outside of the U.S.?
No, students must be in the United States to apply for OPT.
Do I need COVID testing to enter the U.S.? Am I required to quarantine?
Information about policies and protocols for all MSU travelers (domestic and international) coming to campus can be found at the Together We Will website.
Additional information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
Do I need to be vaccinated to attend MSU for Fall 2021?
On July 30, 2021, MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. announced updated COVID-19 requirements for the fall semester. Read the full statement on the Office of the President's website.
All MSU travelers - domestic and international - who are returning to campus are asked to follow MSU health protocols for inbound travelers. Information about measures on campus can be found on the Together We Will Website.
Can OISS help me secure a visa appointment?
Unfortunately, OISS is unable to assist in securing a visa appointment or an expedited request for a visa appointment. U.S. embassies and consulates are reopening around the world. Per the State Department, student visas are being prioritized. Students are encouraged to check their local embassy or consulate services' websites. Embassies and consulate services operate independently and their visa appointment availabilities depend on the public health situation in their locality.
Can MSU provide me with a letter for entry to the U.S. or for my visa appointment?
A standard letter of support can be found on the OISS website at Travel Letter for F-1 Students
What documents are required when traveling to the U.S.?
Students must have a valid I-20 (active students must have a valid travel signature), a valid (unexpired) F-1 visa, and a valid passport to enter the United States. Students are encouraged to have a printed copy of their schedule showing full-time enrollment and a printed copy of their I-901 SEVIS fee receipt.
What is the five-month rule?
The five-month rule applies to students who have been out of status or away from classes for more than five months. Information about the five-month rule can be found on the Study in the States website. The five-month rule has been waived due to COVID-19 and until further notice, this will not apply to students who have been out of the US for more than five months.
Will the five-month rule apply to me, since I might be away from MSU for more than five months?
The government recently provided guidance regarding the five-month rule. It states, "Under current conditions, if an active F student leaves the United States to complete the spring semester online, their SEVIS record should remain in Active status and not be terminated."
While these temporary measures related to COVID-19 are in place, students will be considered as maintaining status if they are maintaining full-time enrollment and making normal progress in their course of study. Because of this, the five-month rule addressed in the regulations will not apply to students who remain in Active status.
I have a valid F-1 visa stamp. Does that guarantee my entry into the United States?
An F-1 visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. An F-1 visa only allows a student to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States.
After you present your passport, visa, and Form I-20 (endorsed for travel) at the port-of-entry, a CBP official will make the decision to allow/deny you entry to the United States. Once you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp and electronic Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
Can I enter the United States with a valid F-1 visa stamp even if I have a new SEVIS ID?
There is inconsistent information about traveling with a new SEVIS ID and with a valid/unexpired F-1 visa stamp between the U.S. Department of State (the agency that issues visa stamps) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (the agency that interacts with international travelers at various airports) admits you to the U.S.
The Department of State states that students who receive a new SEVIS ID should get a new visa stamp. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has indicated that a valid visa stamp and a new SEVIS ID will not be a problem. Students have been allowed entry with a new SEVIS ID and a valid/unexpired visa stamp.
OISS encourages all students in this situation to contact their local embassy or consulate service for clarification.
Where can I find information on health insurance and COVID-related questions?
OISS recently conducted a webinar on insurance and COVID restrictions. Visit the International Family Orientation Program website.
For information about the U.S. Health Care and Insurance visit OISS' Health and Wellness page.
Information about policies and protocols for all MSU travelers (domestic and international) coming to campus can be found at the Together We Will website.
Additional information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
I'm having financial challenges. What financial support is available for international students and scholars?
Another problem the COVID-19 pandemic may create for international students and scholars is financial hardship. If you are struggling to pay rent, pay for your tuition, or are experiencing other financial distress, please make an appointment with an OISS advisor to discuss your options. OISS has limited financial assistance available to help international students and scholars facing financial challenges as a result of the pandemic. Please visit the Financial Assistance web page for other funding options across campus.
Do I have health insurance? Will it cover me for COVID-19 related tests and costs?
The MSU Student Health Insurance Plan coverage is not disrupted by the change to online classes. Questions about MSU's Student Health Insurance Plan can be directed to the HR Solutions Center, or by calling 517-353-4434. Currently, the COVID-19 test is 100% covered.
If you need help understanding health insurance policies, contact OISS Community Health Team at .
If you have waived out of the MSU Student Health Insurance Plan, you must contact your respective health insurance company for health insurance coverage and details.
Is the Olin Health Center on campus still open?
Health Services are still available for students at Olin Health Center. The Health Center is operating a bit differently to protect students. The medical clinic is open at Olin Health Center for students who are ill. Students must schedule an appointment before they arrive. Students can call (517) 353-4660 or, if they are an established patient, they can make an online request for an appointment through the MyMSUHealth patient portal.
The laboratory at Olin Health Center is also open. The Pharmacy is closed temporarily during the COVID-19 situation. MSU Pharmacy services are available at the Clinical Center location.
As Olin Health Center medical services are considered essential, Olin will remain open during the summer and into the fall. Current hours to call for an appointment are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 11:45 am and 12:45 to 4:50 pm.
Is there a way to access health care remotely?
For students with the MSU Student Health Insurance Plan, you and your dependents now have access to online medical and behavioral health services anywhere in the United States.
That means you can access the following health providers online:
Follow the instructions on the Blue Cross Online Visits worksheet to get started.
A few reminders specific to international students and scholars:
Do you need a card replacement or more info about your Blue Care Network health plan? Contact Sarah Allen with BCN at .
What should I do if I feel like I'm being treated unfairly, or experiencing harassment or discrimination?
If you are experiencing difficulties in relation to academics, contact the Office of the University Ombudsperson. The office phone number is (517) 353-8830. They are also available via email: . You may also contact them through the online "problem report form."
If you have experienced discrimination or harassment on or off-campus, you can file a report with the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE).
Is OISS open?
OISS is open and ready to serve all students and scholars through virtual advising. We are currently offering virtual advising by:
Due to the high volume of advising needs, students are urged to plan and allow at least 10 business days for processing employment authorization requests.
OISS website offers great advising information. Students are encouraged to utilize the OISS website. The LiveChat function will also provide students quick answers.
How can I get a travel signature?
Students are NOT required to get a travel signature to depart the U.S. Students should request a travel signature electronically. Do not mail OISS your I-20. Complete the travel signature request form below and OISS will issue an updated I-20 endorsed with a travel signature. The updated I-20 will be mailed out to you.
Who is my OISS advisor?
Students on an F-1 visa are assigned to a specific OISS advisor. In order to evenly spread advising caseloads, we have assigned students to an advisor based on the student's birth month. Visit the OISS Advising Team page to determine your OISS advisor.
For example: If you were born in December, you will click the November & December tab to determine your advisor.
How do I make an appointment with my OISS advisor?
To make an appointment with your OISS advisor, you must visit the OISS Advising Team page. We have assigned students to an advisor based on the student's birth month. Once you determine your OISS advisor, click on the drop-down tap and you will find a link to make an appointment with your OISS advisor. Students are encouraged to meet with their OISS advisor.
What is MyOISS system?
MyOISS is an online portal that all international students will use during their time at MSU for immigration-related processes. For more information on MyOISS, you can view this video.
What are the current processing times at OISS?
Standard processing times for OISS are 8-10 business days. Students must plan accordingly and should submit their requests in a timely fashion.
How do I submit immigration-related applications to OISS?
Many requests are located in the MyOISS system. For a list of forms click here.
Prior to COVID-19, J-1 students were limited on the number of online courses/credits in which they can enroll. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of State is allowing J-1 students to maintain status while attending online courses. While this flexibility will not last forever, there is not currently an end date established.
J-1 students can therefore maintain valid visa status while attending online classes at MSU in the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 semesters.
Yes. President Stanley's email on March 11, 2020, states "During Spring semester, students doing purely remote work can return to their permanent place of residence and we strongly encourage this because there are advantages for social distancing." OISS will continue supporting you while outside the U.S. Your academic advisor and professors will also continue supporting you while outside of the U.S.
OISS wants you to be comfortable and safe. The decision whether to return to your home country is a personal one and should be considered carefully. We encourage all students to discuss this decision with your support system. Whether you travel outside of the U.S. or stay in the U.S., OISS will be available to support and advise you.
If you departed the U.S. and want to return to continue your studies in spring, summer or fall 2020, we highly recommend you review current global public health advisories and keep track of any travel restrictions in place. That might mean restrictions put in place by your home country, countries where you are transiting and restrictions put in place by the United States government. Contact OISS to discuss any travel restrictions put in place by the U.S.
The March 14 Presidential Proclamations update suspends entry into the U.S. of all immigrants and Nonimmigrants who were physically present within the following countries during the 14-day period preceding their entry to the United States:
Unfortunately, this is unknown. OISS will monitor the situation and will communicate with students as necessary.
J-1 students are not required to depart the United States during spring semester. Like all J-1 students, you are required to maintain your J-1 visa status and continue full-time enrollment. If you will complete your program in Spring, you must either transfer your DS-2019 to another institution, apply for Academic Training (AT), or depart the U.S. within 30 days of the last day of classes. If you complete your studies in Spring, your DS-2019 will automatically complete within 30 days.
If you are planning to enroll for the fall 2020 semester, you are eligible to remain in the U.S. during the summer semester. Summer is considered a vacation semester if you are full-time during the spring 2020 semester and planning to enroll as a full-time student for fall 2020. Students are required to enroll for in-person courses for fall 2020 as soon as fall enrollment becomes available. Students are limited to one online course towards their full-time course load.
If you maintain full-time enrollment during the spring 2020 semester and you are planning to continue your studies/enroll full-time for fall 2020, MSU will not terminate your DS-2019.
If your DS-2019 is expiring and you need to continue your studies beyond the program end date, then you must apply for a DS-2019 extension prior to the program end date. Complete the J-1 Student Extension Request and submit to OISS as soon as possible. Once the program end date expires, your DS-2019 will auto-complete. You would then need to depart the U.S. and request a new DS-2019 if you wanted to continue studying in the U.S.
The "five-month rule" is a rule that applies to F-1 students. It does not apply to J-1 students. There is no regulatory limitation on how long a J-1 student can stay outside of the U.S. at present.
A J-11 visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A J-1 visa only allows a student to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States.
After you present your passport, visa, and DS-2019 (endorsed for travel) at the port-of-entry, a CBP official will make the decision to allow/deny you entry to the United States. Once you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp and electronic Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
J-1 students are not required to get a travel signature to depart the U.S. Students should request a travel signature electronically. Students are required to complete the form and OISS will issue an updated DS-2019 endorsed with a travel signature.
Due to the fluid nature of COVID-19, it is unknown how long this pandemic will continue. The university is in constant contact with the Ingham County Health Department and continues to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MSU will base its decision on guidance from governmental entities. OISS will communicate any developments regarding summer or fall courses/enrollment. Students should enroll for in-person courses for fall 2020 as soon as enrollment opens.
J-1 students who are completing their studies in Spring 2020 are eligible to apply for AT. Students must be able to begin AT inside the U.S. between 05/02/2020 and 05/31/2020.
If you are outside of the United States and wish to complete your final course(s) outside of the U.S., you are eligible to enroll for online courses. If you do not intend to return to the U.S. by 05/31/2020 to undertake Academic Training, then you must complete the Notice of Departure for J-1 Students. Failure to complete the Notice of Departure for J-1 Students/Scholars may cause your DS-2019 to be terminated.
MSU announced that summer 2020 session one, and summer 2020 full sessions will be online. Decisions regarding summer two have not been made as of yet.
If you are graduating in summer 2020 and enroll for your remaining credits, you are eligible to maintain your J-1 student status, regardless of whether those courses are online or in-person.
If you need to enroll in less than full-time, you are required to apply for Reduced Course Load for your Final Semester.
Individuals on Academic Training who have had a material change in employment should notify OISS of the changes via an email sent to .
Material changes include but are not limited to:
First, you must worry about maintaining status. If one AT position ends, you have 30 days to start a new AT opportunity. Individuals who have questions related to unemployment benefits should look to the unemployment benefits section of the US Department of Labor website. Additionally, individuals should look to their state of residency for state-specific guidelines on unemployment.
OISS is open and ready to serve all students and scholars through online advising. We are currently offering virtual advising by:
Appointments: 20-minute Zoom video conference sessions at various times, Monday-Friday
LiveChat Advising:Offered 1 – 3 PM (EST), Monday-Friday
Just a friendly reminder that H-1B regulations include a "no benching" rule. This rule requires the employer to continue to pay the wage rate to an employee in non-productive status unless the non-productive status is a common benefit such as maternity leave, illness, etc.
An employer is responsible for paying the required wage to the H-1B employee at all times during the Labor Condition Application (LCA) validity period and as specified on the LCA and Form I-129. Even if an employee is "benched," i.e., placed in a non-productive status for reasons such as training, lack of license, lack of assigned work, or any other job-related reason, the employer must still pay the employee the required wage. Furthermore, if the LCA carries a designation of full-time employment, the employer must continue to pay the full amount listed on the LCA even if the employee works less than full time. If the LCA carries a designation of part-time employment, the employer must pay the employee for the time actually worked, but no less than the number of hours indicated on Form I-129.
For example, if a Research Assistant/Research Associate in H-1B status who provides lab instruction to students must now move to online instruction and works less than full time and/or is in non-productive status for extended period of time, they must still continue to be paid full time wages listed on LCA/I-129.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a suspension of Premium Process (expedited) service for H-1B and green card applications. This will dramatically slow these applications. In some cases it may delay when a new employee may begin work, and for others it may affect international travel. Each case may be different depending on the start date and travel plans. Please contact OISS advisor to discuss details.
In response to significant worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State is temporarily suspending routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Embassies and consulates will cancel all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments as of March 20, 2020. As resources allow, embassies and consulates will continue to provide emergency and mission critical visa services. Our overseas missions will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. For more information, visit the Department of State travel website.
In order to limit the further spread of coronavirus, the U.S. has reached agreements with both Canada and Mexico to limit all non-essential travel across borders. For more information, visit the Department of Homeland Security website.
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