Published: July 24, 2020

On July 24, 2020 at 10:30 a.m., the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued a news release and clarifying questions and answers for international students on F-1 visas for the Fall 2020 semester.   

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is grateful the federal government listened to the concerns of CU Boulder and other U.S. universities and has issued guidance that supports international students. CU Boulder understands that international students are eager to start or continue their studies in the United States this fall without having to be concerned about changes to mode of instruction and how they might impact their immigration status.

See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below for details. Please note that FAQs are based on the currently available information from the SEVP guidance and clarifying questions.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The government has confirmed that for the Fall 2020 semester, continuing students enrolled in a hybrid program of study such as CU Boulder’s that includes in-person and online instruction can count online classes toward a full course of study beyond the usual (pre-pandemic) three credit per semester limit, even if they have left the United States and are taking the online classes from elsewhere.

Yes. The government has confirmed that for the Fall 2020 semester, students in the United States enrolled in a hybrid program of study that includes in-person and online components of instruction can count online classes toward a full course of study in excess of the usual three credit per semester limit. Moreover, the government has confirmed that returning students may be engaged solely in online/distance/remote instruction.

Yes. Since CU Boulder is offering a hybrid program of study for Fall 2020, students need only be enrolled full-time to maintain their F-1 status. An in-person element is not required. After Thanksgiving, students may choose to depart the United States for the remainder of the Fall 2020 semester and maintain their active F-1 visa SEVIS record as long as they continue to be enrolled and participating in courses full-time.

Yes. The government has confirmed that international students in F-1 visa status enrolled in a hybrid program of study that includes in-person and online components of instruction may remain in the United Status and maintain their F-1visa status even if their university switches to a fully online as long as they continue to be enrolled and participating in courses full-time.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel supported, safe, and comfortable during your time at CU Boulder and in the United States. Please know that if you need to talk or have any questions, we are here for you. ISSS is currently providing services including advising remotely. We offer advising via Zoom. You may also reach ISSS via our general email account isss@colorado.edu or by phone at 303-492-8057 during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  For our sponsored students, the Third-Party Sponsored Student Advising hours are posted on the ISSS website and all sponsored student advising is also offered via Zoom. International sponsored students can reach the Sponsored Student Advising team at sponsoredadvising@colorado.edu.

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the CU Boulder community. We are here to support you so please reach out to us if you need anything.

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