Latest Updates about Study in USA

November 2020

The priority at universities in USA is to ensure that the well-being and health of students remain intact. Thus, all the regulations that have been brought in place have been done so taking into account the health of the student.

The US State Department announced that routine visa services will commence at embassies and consulates around the world. F and J visa appointments will be prioritized for those with urgent travel needs to study in USA.

Travel Documents required to re-enter the USA include:

Valid I-20 with a valid travel signature
A valid passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond your expected return to the U.S.
Valid F-1 U.S. visa stamp
Proof of funding or financial evidence
Autumn 2020 class schedule showing courses
SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt

Re-entry to the U.S. is at the discretion of U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

Students who enter to study in USA are then encouraged to self-isolate themselves for a period of 14 days and monitor their health during the same.

India has formed travel bubbles with 13 countries and the USA happens to be one of them.

Applying for OPT

To be able to apply for an OPT, students need to be in the USA.
If the student's curricular practical training is now offered remotely, and they wish to stay in the USA, they must ask for necessary authorization for the same. Owing to the current scenario, students are allowed to undertake remote work.
The government has also allowed the Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT students to engage in remote work on a temporary basis due to COVID-19.
Students currently participating in STEM OPT may work remotely if their employer has an office outside of the United States or the employer can assess student engagement using electronic means. They do not need to submit an updated Form I-983 to report remote work.

Studying Online and OPT

A student must complete one academic year of full-time study in USA to be eligible for OPT.
A student's F-1 SEVIS record cannot be activated by the institution until the student physically arrives in the U.S. for their first in-person quarter; which is when eligibility for OPT starts to accumulate.

Universities in USA realise how anxious students may be getting due to the current scenario. Therefore, students are encouraged to talk to their friends, counsellors, student communities to get a helping hand.

While these are indeed tough times for us all, we at Edwise as USA education consultants offer all means of support. Get in touch with our counsellors virtually, with our Live Free Virtual Counseling and solve all your doubts today.