Message for UConn Academic Departments Hosting Exchange Visitors on J-1 Visas

(Visiting Scholars, Professors, Interns and Student Researchers)

 

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, ISSS recognizes that academic departments who host exchange visitors may be unable to assist new exchange visitors to settle in to life at the University. The U.S. Department of State has recommended that program sponsors temporarily pause the start of new exchange visitor programs through at least the next 60 days. Considering the Department of State recommendations, and out of concern for the welfare of our exchange visitors, ISSS will implement temporary changes to our J-1 program administration.  This primarily affects academic departments hosting new visiting research scholars, professors, and visiting research students. This may also impact incoming postdoctoral fellows and other temporary staff, if coming on a J-1 visa.

 

Program Start Dates

ISSS will only accept new visa sponsorship requests with a start date after June 1,2020. In some cases, ISSS may request that a program start date begin after August 1, depending on the exchange visitor’s home country and field of research, due to anticipated visa processing delays.

 

ISSS has already reached out to departments and exchange visitors for whom we have issued a DS-2019 form with a program start date before June 1.  We plan to initially amend those programs to a start date of June 1 to prevent exchange visitors from traveling to the U.S., and will follow up with individual departments to determine if this is an acceptable date, or if you would like to invite your exchange visitor to begin their program on a different date after June 1.  Hosting departments must still submit a formal amend request with a new offer/invitation letter establishing the new program dates.

 

Initial DS-2019 Form Processing and Mailing

ISSS will continue to issue new DS-2019 forms for exchange visitors with program start dates beyond June 1. When the form has been processed, we will contact the academic department and also email the exchange visitor with their SEVIS and pre-arrival information. With this information, they can schedule their visa appointment, if the U.S. embassy/consulate in their home country is currently accepting appointments. At this time, ISSS will hold the form in our office until normal operations resume. If the Exchange Visitor has a visa appointment scheduled in the near future and requires the form, we will mail the DS-2019 directly to the scholar, at their cost. Thank you for your flexibility.

 

Exchange Visitors and Overseas Travel

If your exchange visitor returns home out of concerns for safety and wellness, ISSS can either: shorten their program to indicate that they have finished their program early, OR we can keep the SEVIS record active while they are out of the U.S. We will temporarily waive the 30 day out of country rule for exchange visitors until after global travel warnings have passed; however this time overseas will be counted toward the exchange visitor’s maximum program length. Your exchange visitor should complete a Travel Signature Request in the Scholar/Employee Portal to report their travel and request a travel signature. They should also complete the J-1 Research Scholar Out of Country Request if they are traveling, and will continue their UConn exchange program overseas. Exchange visitors who continue their UConn programs overseas may require additional approval from OVPR to ensure the activity is permitted under export control rules. Exchange Visitors who are paid employees of UConn must also adhere to any leave policies during the temporary absence.

 

Remote Learning – ISSS Check In Form

ISSS has asked all exchange visitors to complete a Remote Learning-ISSS Check In form to let us know of the exchange visitor’s location and mode of activity (on-campus vs. remote). Please encourage your exchange visitors to complete this form.

 

Department of State Reporting Requirements

As a reminder, ISSS is required to report incidents to the Department of State that affect the health and safety of our exchange visitors. If you have any specific concerns about individual exchange visitor’s well-being, please contact rae.alexander@uconn.edu.

As the COVID-19 situation in the U.S. continues to evolve, ISSS has important information for international students, scholars and OPT participants.

 

International students

 

UConn has announced that courses will move to an all-online format for the rest of Spring semester.

 

If you decide to return to your home country:

 

• You must maintain your full-time UConn online coursework for the rest of the semester, unless you are otherwise approved for part-time study.
• If your online courses require you to participate in real time, then you will be expected to participate, even if during inconvenient hours (e.g. the middle of the night). You will also be expected to complete all work, despite anticipated technological difficulties such as internet firewalls in your country.
• 5-month rule: Normally there is a rule that international students on F-1 visas may not be outside the U.S. for more than 5 months and return with their current I-20/SEVIS number. Exceptions apply for students on approved study abroad programs. ISSS has asked the U.S. government to provide guidance about whether the 5-month rule will apply to students who return home now to complete coursework online, and return after more than 5 months. If the government says F-1 students may not be outside the U.S. more than 5 months, then we will need to issue you a new I-20 for return. You may still use your old, unexpired F-1 visa with the new I-20, even if issued under a different SEVIS number. We will provide more information on this when we have a confirmed answer.
• If you travel home you must research entry restrictions and arrival requirements for your destination city. ISSS has become aware that some locations will be requiring quarantine for all travelers, even citizens of the country. You must be aware of the arrival requirements for your intended destination.  
• We do not know when entry restrictions to the United States from other countries will be lifted. We also do not know if other countries will restrict travel to the United States. Therefore by leaving the U.S., there is uncertainty about when you will be able to return. This is a risk you need to consider. However, ISSS will advise you and support you to the extent that we can for your successful return.
• If your U.S. visa has expired, or will expire, before you return you will need to renew the visa while outside the U.S.  You may complete the DS-160 visa application and schedule your visa appointment at any time.  Some U.S. embassies and consulates are currently not taking visa appointments,  or are scheduling far in advance due to the COVID-19 situation. Contact ISSS if you are having difficulties scheduling your visa appointment.
• Complete both the Remote Learning – ISSS Check In form and the Travel Information Record, if you have not already done so. Bring your current I-20/DS-2019 home with you now, and ISSS will mail you a signed I-20/DS-2019 for your return after normal operations resume.
• Students who are graduating this semester will not be able to return with your I-20/F-1 visa after the semester ends. However, you might be able to return with your F-1 visa if you applied for post-completion OPT with the U.S. government before leaving, or if you have obtained a new I-20 to continue studies in summer or fall in a new program. You may be able to apply for a B-2 visitor visa or ESTA (visa waiver program) to return for a short stay in the future.

 

If you decide to stay in the U.S. for the rest of Spring semester: 

 

• Students who live on campus must make sure they have arranged to remain on campus by completing the proper forms with Residential Life. Residential Life will provide you with any information about housing and dining during spring semester. Contact livingoncampus@uconn.edu with your questions.

• You must notify ISSS of any changes to your address by completing the Remote Learning-ISSS Check In as soon as possible.
• Essential services such as medical services for both mental and physical health, are still providing services to students. Call the office or check the website of the service you would like to access to learn how you can get assistance. In the community, grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations, in addition to take-out food, will remain open. For other offices/services, check the website for the office/business you would like to visit.
• Please contact ISSS if you need any assistance during the semester. We will do our best to get you the help that you need.

 

OPT/CPT Students

 

• Students who are on OPT must complete the Remote Learning-ISSS Check In form by this Friday, and again after if there are any changes.
• The government has indicated that it is OK for training supervision to change from in-person to remote during the emergency period. Just be sure to report this change through the Remote Learning form to ISSS so that we can note it as a comment in your SEVIS record (not for printing on I-20).
• ISSS will hold any I-20s issued for employment changes (like change of employer) until normal operations resume, and you can access an electronic copy of the I-20 (without signature) for the time being through the ISSS Portal.
• Applications for OPT and STEM OPT will still be processed. While any advisory documents will be sent to you electronically, a paper I-20 with DSO signature will be mailed. ISSS will email you to confirm the mailing method/address after your document is printed.
• The 90-day unemployment rule still applies during this time for post-completion OPT participants (or 150 day for STEM OPT, including any prior unemployment time during the initial 12 months). If you cannot participate in your work/training, but still remain an active employee/trainee of the internship provider/employer, we will still report you as actively employed in your SEVIS record. If you lose your training opportunity, you must report it to ISSS as unemployment and it will be reported to your SEVIS record accordingly.

 

J-1 Visiting Scholars

 

• If you travel home due to concerns over Covid-19, the Department of State has indicated that we may maintain an active SEVIS record for you while you are out of the country, provided you will return to resume your exchange program after the situation calms.
• We will temporarily waive the 30-day travel rule for visiting scholars that would normally limit personal travel to 30 days or less. Submit a Travel Signature request through the Scholar/Employee Portal. Login with your email address and password (do not use your NetID to login). More information here.
• If you will intend to continue your UConn exchange program activity while abroad, you must also complete with your hosting academic department the J-1 Research Scholar Out of Country Request Form, and in some cases your research plans will need to be approved by OVPR for compliance with export control rules.
• If you are a paid employee of UConn, you will still need to adhere to standard employee leave rules.
• If you will end your program early, you must notify your hosting department and ISSS. Submit an End Program request through the Scholar/Employee Portal. Login with your email address and password (do not use your NetID to login).

 

We will provide another webinar/live chat at a soon to be determined date to take your questions related to these announcements. We hope that you are all doing well and staying healthy. Please let us know if you have any concerns or questions at this time.

Dear International Students and Scholars,

ISSS would like to provide you with important updated information regarding ISSS operations.

To reduce risk, we have decided to move all ISSS functions to remote services only, starting Monday March 16 until Sunday, April 5. This applies to all ISSS offices at all campuses. This will have important implications for advising and processing services.

Advising Services
Please contact ISSS by email with your advising questions. If an appointment is needed, we can arrange for this by phone/skype/etc. Email your ISSS advisor or international@uconn.edu and we will respond to you as soon as we can.

Processing
Most ISSS immigration applications can be submitted online through the ISSS website. See ISSS Forms. If you cannot find the application you are looking for, email or call ISSS (860-486-3855). Students and scholars who submit applications must check their UConn email daily for important updates.

Specific information about form submission and delivery can be found below:

Travel Signature Requests:
Continuing students and scholars who are departing the U.S. must submit a Travel Information Record to ISSS for each trip outside the U.S. ISSS will not require students to submit the Enrollment Verification with your Travel Information Record request during this period of remote service. If you are leaving the U.S., simply submit the Travel Information Record through the online form. You do not need a travel signature to depart the U.S.

Check your I-20/DS-2019 form to see if it already has a valid travel signature (signed within 12 months of your expected return date, or last 6 months if on post-completion OPT). Often students already have a travel signature, and do not realize it. If it does have a valid travel signature, select in the form “I do not need a travel signature at this time. I am just reporting my travel to ISSS.”

If you need a travel signature, select “I require a travel signature and will bring my original I-20/DS-2019 to ISSS.” in the form. However, because you cannot bring your form for signature to ISSS, we will reprint a new form for you, and arrange to have it mailed to your address in the U.S. (if you will not depart within the next two weeks) or outside the U.S. (if you will depart within the next two weeks). For international mailing or express mailing, you will need to pay for the shipping of your document – ISSS will email you shipping instructions when your travel signature is complete. For domestic mailing within the U.S. we will mail your document at no cost to you through USPS. If you dropped off your form to ISSS for processing last week and have not picked it up, we will contact you regarding mailing.

OPT and Program Extension Requests:
Students who are applying for post-completion OPT authorization should submit their application forms through the ISSS website. Remember, you must complete all parts of the application and hit the SUBMIT button before your application will be considered complete.

Once processed, ISSS will send you all advisory documents related to the application by email, and we will send your updated Form I-20 with OPT recommendation by mail. Remember, students must be in the U.S. to apply for OPT. We will mail the form using standard USPS mail unless you request express shipping, which would be at your cost.

CPT, Reduced Course Load and Other Requests:
Most other ISSS requests do not require immediate paper production. For all other requests that do not require an immediate paper I-20/DS-2019 letter we will send you the document electronically with ISSS signature, and hold the paper form in our office for pick-up at a later date.

Initial I-20/DS-2019 Forms:
Requests for new student and exchange visitor I-20s and DS-2019s will still be processed. We plan to mail all forms directly from the ISSS offices through express mail. We will send you instructions for paying the express shipping fees by email.

Students/Scholars who are Finishing their Programs Early/Finishing from Home:
If you will depart the U.S. and do not plan to return to complete your program here, or wish to end your program early, submit the Program Update-Completion/Shorten record. Submit this form only if you do not plan to return to the U.S. to continue on your visa. Do NOT complete this form if you plan to continue your program, apply for OPT, or begin a new program in Fall.

Thank you all for your flexibility during this time, and please let us know if you have further questions. We will continue to provide important information to you through both the International-L listserv and the ISSS Soapbox. If any of the above information changes, we will let you know as soon as we can. Please stay connected.

Link to slides from ISSS Spring 2020 Semester Live Chat

https://isss.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2020/03/Spring-Semester-2020-Live-Chat-1.pdf

ISSS knows that many international students may be wondering if they will be able to travel home for the summer as planned. Please consider the following information when making your decision for personal travel, especially if you are from a country that has been highly impacted by the coronavirus spread:

Traveling Home for Summer

If you are from a country highly impacted by coronavirus, there is a risk that flight, visa and entry restrictions could prevent your timely return to campus for fall semester. You must be prepared for this possibility, and communicate your plans and whereabouts to the University and to ISSS if you are unable to return by the first day of the semester.

If you are a current student considering travel to China or Iran, please note:

• Foreign national travelers who were in China or Iran within the 14-days before arrival to the U.S. are not currently allowed to enter the U.S. unless they qualify for an exception (for example, if you have a U.S. citizen spouse or child, or you are a permanent resident). We do not know when this travel restriction will be lifted. If it is not lifted before fall semester, you may not be able to return for the semester as planned.
• U.S. visa services in China are temporarily suspended. ISSS is aware of visa appointments currently available starting in late May. This temporary suspension could lead to a backlog of visa appointments this summer, and increased delays in getting an appointment. If you need to renew your visa in order to return, keep this in mind. If you are a graduate student or visiting scholar in a STEM field, you will have to consider the timeline for administrative processing of your visa in addition to possible delays in getting a visa appointment. While U.S. visa services are not offered in Iran, if the countries where Iranian students would normally apply for visas have also imposed an entry restriction for travelers from Iran, then it may be difficult to obtain a visa appointment.

Also, there may be countries in addition to China and Iran that impose their own outbound travel restrictions, or countries whose travelers may be restricted from entering the U.S. This could also delay your travel back to UConn.

If you traveled home to a high-risk country, you could also be subjected to a mandatory quarantine period upon return. You must plan your return travel to accommodate any quarantine period before classes begin.

Staying in the United States during summer

If you would normally travel home for the summer, but you are considering staying in the U.S. due to the coronavirus, here is basic information to help you plan your stay.

Immigration information

F-1 students are allowed to stay in the U.S. for your summer vacation as long as you intend to enroll as a student for fall semester. Make sure the program end date on your Form I-20 is not  does not expire before December 2020.

Coursework 

You are not required to take courses to maintain your visa status, unless your academic program includes a required summer term (most do not). However, you may take summer courses for enrichment or to get ahead in meeting your program’s degree requirements.  UConn summer session registration begins March 23, 2020. During summer session, you may also take online courses, which would normally be restricted during summer. Also, the tuition rate for undergraduate courses during summer is the in-state rate!

Students who wish to enhance their academic English could consider enrolling in the summer intensive English program at UCAELI.

Summer Session at UConn

University of Connecticut American English Language Institute (UCAELI)

Working 

International students may work in on-campus positions full time during the summer. To qualify, you must be working on-campus with UConn as your employer. You may also work for the Starbucks at the UConn Bookstore, or the restaurants in the Student Union. If you are unsure whether your employment is OK for your student visa, always check with ISSS.

To look for on-campus jobs:

Studentjobs.uconn.edu > JobX for UConn Students

International students may apply for “Student Labor” positions, not “Work Study” positions.

International students may NOT work in casual positions off-campus, or work for yourself (i.e. drive for Uber, deliver food for GrubHub, babysit, etc.). This is a violation of your student visa. If this will be your first time working in the U.S., you will need to apply for a Social Security Number. ISSS can assist you with this.

International students may also be able to do an internship in the U.S. over the summer off-campus. You must have either CPT or OPT authorization BEFORE you begin, and the internship must be directly related to your field of study. See your ISSS advisor for details. Even unpaid internships require CPT or OPT authorization. The UConn Center for Career Development provides internship listings, resources and counseling to help improve your internship search and experience.

Employment for International Students

UConn Center for Career Development  

Housing 

The University is exploring whether on-campus housing at the Storrs and Stamford campuses may be available in summer for current students who are unable to travel home due to coronavirus. International undergraduate students from countries highly impacted by the virus will soon receive an email survey regarding your summer plans– this helps the University to assess student need for housing and other on-campus services. It will be very important that you respond to the survey. If housing will be available on campus, we will let students know of the application process as soon as possible.

If you live off-campus, it will be important to know the terms of your lease, in-case you need to extend your rental period. If you will not be able to stay in your current rental, the UConn Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services office has resources to assist you with your housing search.

Changing addresses 

Remember, all international students must notify ISSS if you are living at a different U.S. address over the summer. You must update ISSS within 10 days of moving. Update your address by logging into StudentAdmin and updating the “Current Local” address field. You must notify us of any address where you will stay 10 days or more. For more information on how to format your address, visit the ISSS Update Your Address webpage.

Health insurance

If you stay in the U.S. for the summer, you must ensure that your U.S. health insurance coverage is also extended! Contact your health insurance provider for details.

Some international students and visiting scholars who will soon complete their programs are wondering if they will have difficulty traveling or returning to their home countries after completing their program at UConn. Please consider this important information and make an appointment with your ISSS Advisor to discuss your plans if you have concerns.

Your Grace Period

Students on F-1 visas have a 60-day grace period to remain in the United States from the date you complete your academic program or your post-completion OPT benefit.

Students and visiting scholars on J-1 visas have a 30-day grace period to remain in the United States from the date you complete your academic program or your post-completion Academic Training benefit.

After the grace period ends, you will not be in valid legal status unless you have taken steps to change or extend your current visa status.

Options for F-1 students

Apply for post-completion OPT

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a work permit that allows you stay in the United States after graduation and do an internship or employment directly related to your academic major. UCAELI students are not eligible for OPT.

More Details: ISSS OPT Webpage.

Deadline to apply: One month after you complete your program.

Gain admission to a new degree program

Students who are admitted to a new degree program at UConn or other U.S. schools may stay in the U.S. between programs if you gain admission and obtain an I-20 for the new program before the end of your 60-day grace period, AND the new program begins within 5 months after completing your current program.

More details:

Stay at UConn for a new program

Stay at UConn but new program is at a different campus

Transfer out to another University

Deadline to request I-20 for new program: One month after completing program, to be safe. Transfers to a new University where you are admitted can take place up to 60 days after completing your program.

Extend your current program

Students who have an unexpected academic or medical reason that prevents you from completing your academic program may be able to extend your I-20 to continue your current program of study. Examples may include adding a minor, or if you encounter unexpected research problems.

More Details: Program Extension Request

Deadline to apply: At least two weeks before your current I-20 program end date.

Change to a different visa type

Students who are currently maintaining status, and are eligible to remain in the U.S. under a different visa type may file an application with the U.S. government to change visa status. We recommend that you work with an immigration attorney for guidance on this option.

More Details: Make an appointment with your ISSS Advisor.

Options for J-1 students and scholars

Apply for post-completion Academic Training (students only)

Academic Training is an extension of your current program that allows you to gain practical experience through internship, employment or training that is integral to your exchange program in the U.S. Only for J-1 exchange visitors in student categories (Student Non Degree, Student Masters, Student Doctoral, etc.)

More details: ISSS Academic Training

Deadline to apply: 2 weeks before current DS-2019 end date.

Extend your current program

Students and visiting scholars who have continued academic engagement at UConn may be able to extend your exchange program beyond its current end date. Exchange students should consult with Gabriella about the option to extend a current exchange program. Degree students must have valid academic or medical reasons for needing the extension.  Visiting scholars must be able to have their appointments extended by the UConn hosting department.

More details:

Student Extension

Scholar Extension (Departments request the extension on the scholar’s behalf)

Start a new program

Current J-1 students who are admitted to start a degree program in the U.S. might be able to remain in the U.S. until your new program begins through either a transfer or matriculation process in SEVIS. Meet with your ISSS advisor for details. Visiting scholars who are invited to continue their program at a different U.S. institution may be eligible to transfer visa sponsorship to the new University.

More Details:

Students- meet with your ISSS advisor.

Scholars – ISSS J-1 Scholar Program Requirements (transfer information at end of page)

Deadline: Before current DS-2019 end date, or program completion date, whichever comes first.

Change to a different visa type

Students and scholars who are currently maintaining status, and are eligible for a different U.S. visa type may be able to file an application with the U.S. government to change visa status. If you are subject to the 212(e) home residency requirement, this option will generally not be available to you. We recommend that you work with an immigration attorney for guidance on this option.

More Details: Make an appointment with your ISSS Advisor.

1. To whom does the entry restriction apply?

The Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus became effective on Sunday, February 2 at 5 pm. It restricts entry to the U.S. for foreign nationals who traveled from, or were physically present, in China within 14 days prior to the U.S. arrival.  Certain foreign national travelers are exempt from this restriction, such as permanent residents, spouses of U.S. citizens, or parents of U.S. citizen children (although these travelers will face quarantine upon arrival). The Secretary of State will determine how the proclamation will be implemented as it relates to visa issuance, and the Secretary of Homeland Security will determine how to implement these terms to entry/arrival procedures. Please note that this is not a restriction based on Chinese nationality – it applies to any foreign national who was present in China during the 14 days before arrival. A student from China could travel from the U.S. to Mexico, and should not be prevented from return under this entry restriction, unless they had also been in China during the 14 days prior to U.S. entry.

Other countries have also implemented travel restrictions –  this article lists an overview of international restrictions (ISSS cannot vouch for its accuracy).

2. When will the entry restriction be lifted?

The proclamation will be reviewed/renewed in 15-day increments and will remain in effect until terminated by the President.

3. Are U.S. airlines even flying to China?

American Airlines has suspended flights to China until March 27, United Airlines has suspended flights until March 28, and Delta has suspended flights until April 30. Worldwide, many other airlines have also suspended flights, making travel to China very difficult.

Some Chinese airlines, such as China Air, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines are still flying between the U.S. and China – students/scholars should check the websites for the latest flight updates.

3. How does this restriction impact a UConn student’s F-1 or J-1 visa?

International students on academic visas must enroll in coursework on a full time basis and make normal progress toward completing their degree. If a student is in China and unable to meet these requirements, ISSS must update the student’s SEVIS record to reflect that the student is not currently eligible for F-1/J-1 status. When the student is able to resume full time study, we can reactivate their prior Form I-20/DS-2019 for travel or issue a new Form I-20 for the next available term of full time study.

Students may not maintain an active student visa through distance learning, although it may be possible to maintain the student’s SEVIS record when engaged in full time research.

If a student’s program of study is interrupted in their final semester, this will likely affect their eligibility for the post-completion OPT work benefit.

4. What options are available for an undergraduate student if they are unable to return to the U.S. from China?

Undergraduate students who have been unable to return for Spring 2020 semester have been advised to cancel their enrollment for this term through the Dean of Students office. If they had enrolled in an online course, they could continue this course and maintain active student status while in China, instead of completely cancelling their enrollment. With both options, ISSS must terminate the student’s SEVIS record/I-20 and work with them to get a new I-20 for return. Even if the travel restriction is lifted before the semester ends, they will not be able to return to the U.S. until they can resume a full course of study (12 credits).

5. What options does a graduate student have if they are unable to return to the U.S. from China?

Graduate students who are enrolled in coursework must cancel their enrollment for the Spring 2020 semester, unless enrolled in an online or other distance learning course. With either option, ISSS will cancel the SEVIS record/I-20 and ISSS will work with the student to obtain a new I-20 for return. The student will not be able to return until they can resume a full course of study (9 credits, or 6 credits with GA) which may mean waiting until Fall semester to return.

Graduate students who are pursuing full time research may have the option to continue their research while away, if approved by OVPR to conduct the research in another country under export control regulations. In addition, the students should complete with their academic advisor the ISSS Off-Site Activity Form. However, ISSS can only maintain an active SEVIS record for that student if they are enrolled in full time research credits.

6. My advisee recently graduated and was planning to return home to China. They are now having difficulties finding a flight home. What options do they have?

If the student completed their degree within the last 60 days they may be able to apply for Optional Practical Training authorization, transfer to a new U.S. University, or apply to change to a different visa status. Some Chinese airlines are also still flying between U.S. and China. You should refer them to ISSS to explore these options as soon as possible – we can also help connect students to the Chinese consulate in New York for further guidance on returning to China.

6. I have a visiting scholar in my department whose end date is approaching, and they may be unable to get a flight home. What can I do?

The Department of State is allowing all program sponsors to extend the DS-2019 end date of visiting scholars who will soon expire to April 1, 2020. However, the exchange visitor must still be able to conduct their exchange visitor activity during this time – therefore as a hosting department, the best way to support your visitor is to extend their current appointment at UConn until at least April 1.

7. My department is hosting a visiting scholar from China who was supposed to arrive in the near future. What do I do?

First, confirm with your visiting scholar that they are physically present in China. If yes, please amend your exchange visitor’s offer letter, and submit a request to ISSS to amend the program start date listed on the Form DS-2019. You must select a date after April 1.

8. What resources are available to my students who are here, but have arrived late and missed classes?

This entry restriction has hit U.S. universities at a particularly difficult time, following the winter break period. To complicate matters further, many students had decided to stay home one extra week to be with family during the important Lunar New Year holiday, thinking it would not be too harmful to miss the first week of classes. When the virus began disrupting flight schedules and travel within China, students found themselves unable to return as planned. Many students were still able to return within the second week of classes, but they are now academically vulnerable and may need extra support.

Please check in frequently with your advisee if they have missed significant coursework. They may be afraid or feel like they are inconveniencing you to ask for help.  If they have been ill, ISSS may be able to authorize a Reduced Course Load for medical reasons, which would allow them to enroll on a part time basis. We also recommend that you contact Pam Fischl (pamela.fischl@uconn.edu), who is a Retention Specialist with FYP/Learning Communities whose work focuses on international students – she may be able to help the student access resources at the Academic Achievement Center. It is very helpful if all faculty can report midterm grades so that ISSS and other offices may identify students who are especially at risk for failure. If students fall out of status during the entry ban period, they risk accruing time in the U.S. without legal status because they cannot return home.

Please notify ISSS if you have a student who is supposed to be in your class, but has not attended. We are trying our best to identify international students who may be unable to return.

9. What financial resources may be available to students?

If an international student’s financial situation is impacted by coronavirus (e.g. parents are unable to work, unexpected expenses, etc.) the student may be able to apply for an off-campus work permit authorized for economic hardship purposes. Please refer the student to ISSS for more information.

Short-term emergency loans may also be available through Graduate Student Senate and Dean of Students office.

The IIE Emergency Student Fund is accepting applications from institutions for grants to support students from China who are impacted by the current coronavirus outbreak. Grants are also available for students from Australia impacted by the brushfires, students from Luzon, Philippines who are impacted by the Taal Volcano, and students from Elazig and Malatya provinces in Turkey who were impacted by the earthquake that struck January 24. Applications are due February 19. Contact ISSS if you think a student is in need of a student emergency grant.

10. What else can I do to help?

If your advisee is in China currently, please tell them to check their UConn email daily for important updates. Let them know that the University is doing what they can to get them back as soon as possible and resume their studies.

If your advisee is here in the U.S. also advise them to check their UConn email daily, but also let them know that Student Health and Wellness is willing to give free, personalized health screenings to students at the Storrs campus who returned from China within the last 14 days. There is also a coronavirus hotline that all UConn Storrs and Regional campus students may call during business hours – (860) 486-8987. If students have concerns or questions, you can refer them to this number. If students are wearing masks in your class, this does not mean they are sick – they may be trying to protect themselves from others who could be ill.  Students are very concerned about disease transmission, and may be self-isolating to prevent getting sick. Please contact ISSS if you have concerns about any individual international students.

 

This is the time of year when people in the United States are required to file an income tax return for income earned during 2019. Some international students and scholars are also required to file a tax Form 8843, even when they did not earn income. Please see more information below.

 

This week,  the University will hold two tax information sessions at the Storrs campus for international students and scholars.  During these sessions, a School of Business faculty member, who also coordinates UConn’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, will present an overview of the  income tax rules that apply to international students and visitors, and resources to help you file your taxes.

 

The first session will be offered Thursday, February 6, from 6 to 7:30 pm and the second session will be held on Friday February 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Location: School of Business, Room 106. Prior sign up is encouraged, but not required. To sign up, please visit icworkshops.uconn.edu > View Available Events > Tax Information Workshop.

 

The following topics and frequently asked questions will be discussed at the information sessions:

 

• Nonresident vs. Resident Alien tax status
• What is considered taxable income?
• What is an income tax treaty and how can I benefit from it?
• Who needs to file a 2019 federal and/or state income tax return?
• What documents do I need to prepare and file my income tax returns?
• Who needs to file Form 8843?
• UConn’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (“VITA”) program – freetax return preparation assistance provided to UConn’s international community

 

If you received taxable income (e.g. wages, taxable scholarships or fellowships) in the United States during the 2019 calendar year, you must file a 2019 federal income tax return (and possibly a state income tax return) and pay any unpaid taxes by April 15, 2020. Even if you had no taxable income in 2019, you may need to file Form 8843 with the Internal Revenue Service.  Form 8843 allows you to maintain your Nonresident Alien tax status while you’re in the U.S. for a certain number of years, depending on your visa type.

 

We understand that income taxes can be very confusing.  Therefore, UConn’s VITA program provides free personalized tax counseling and tax return preparation services for our international community at UConn.  Visit vita.business.uconn.edu for more information, and to schedule your appointment for free tax return preparation.  You will need to complete a brief questionnaire first, to ensure that you are eligible for the tax preparation service. 

 

UConn provides students and scholars who are unable to attend an in-person VITA program session free access to Sprintax tax preparation software, which prepares nonresident alien tax returns and the Form 8843. Contact ISSS at international@uconn.edu to request your access code to use Sprintax for free. Sprintax also prepares State Tax returns, for an extra fee.

 

Please note that if you arrived here as a new student or scholar in 2020, you do not need to file a tax return or Form 8843 at this time.

 

Students and scholars who are unable to attend one of the Tax Information Sessions should consult the following University resources:

ISSS Tax Resources for International Students

UConn VITA Program Tax FAQ: Tax Assistance for Foreign Students and Scholars

UConn Tax & Compliance Office Nonresident Tax FAQs

 

Dear International Students and Scholars,

 

ISSS understands that you may be worried about the emerging coronavirus situation, and that you may have been personally impacted through travel delays. If you are in China, or have family in China, we wish you and your family good health, and we hope that life will soon return to normal. Please let us know how we can support you.

 

We would like to share with you important updates and information:

 

Travel from China to U.S.

As you may know, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation on January 31^st that bars entry to the U.S. of foreign nationals who have recently (within the past 14 days) been present in, or traveled from, the People’s Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau). The restriction started Sunday, February 2^nd at 5 pm, and its end date is unknown.  Some categories of foreign nationals, including lawful permanent residents of the U.S., spouses of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and parents of U.S. citizen children, are exempt from this restriction.  However, exempt individuals may still be subject to testing and quarantine upon arrival to the U.S.

 

If you are a student, a visiting scholar, or an OPT participant who is in China, and unable to return due to the travel restriction, please notify ISSS if you have not already done so.

 

Spring Break Travel to China

At this time, ISSS suggests that students who are in the U.S. not plan unnecessary travel to China during the Spring break, until we know when the reentry restriction will be lifted. If students are required to travel due to an emergency or otherwise cannot stay here, please discuss your plans with your ISSS advisor so we can help you understand your options for return.

 

Maintaining  Your Visa Status

With the entry restriction in place, It is especially important that enrolled students make every effort to maintain your visa status by attending all classes, on a full time basis (unless you are already approved for a Reduced Course Load).

 

Also, do not work in the U.S. unless you have ISSS or USCIS authorization. The F-1 visa allows enrolled students to work up to 20 hours per week on campus, without special authorization. All other employment requires explicit ISSS or USCIS authorization. J-1 visa students require written ISSS authorization for all types of employment.

 

Visiting scholars are not required to study to maintain status, and  may only work in a position at UConn that forms the basis of your exchange program.  Please contact ISSS with further questions.

 

Health Information and Services

UConn Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) maintains up to date information related to coronavirus and flu on their webpage. They also have  a phone number dedicated to novel coronavirus –  if you have questions or concerns related to the virus, you may call (860) 486-8987 during business hours, or the after hours on-call nurse (860-486-4700) outside of business hours. If you are feeling ill, please seek medical treatment at Student Health and Wellness at the Storrs campus (for enrolled Storrs campus students) or through your local medical provider, if at a regional campus. SHaW would like to remind all students that they should get a flu shot, if they have not already done so. These are provided at SHaW, your local medical provider, and at many pharmacies.

 

Academic Support

We know that many students had to return to campus later than planned, or may have been ill and missed a number of classes. It is very important that you communicate with your professors if you miss class to find out how or if you can make up any missed work. The ISSS webpage on Academic Support lists a number of on-campus resources that can help you if you are struggling to keep up with your coursework. If you have missed significant class time due to an illness, and you have medical documentation, you may be eligible to take a Reduced Course Load for the semester and withdraw from the course, if necessary.

 

Please ask for help if you are  struggling. UConn campuses have resources and staff who are willing to help, but you must seek out that assistance.

 

Travel Advising

If you are unsure how the new entry ban will impact your travel or your family/friend’s travel, please consult with your ISSS advisor. You can make an appointment or visit during drop in hours.

 

Bias Incident Reporting

We would like to remind students how they can report bias incidents that occur on campus. From the Dean of Students webpage on Bias Incident Reporting:

A bias-related incident is an incident that negatively targets, intimidates, or threatens an individual or group due to race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities, as well as past/present history of mental disorders. This includes, but is not limited to, graffiti or images that harass or intimidate individuals or groups due to the above characteristics. ​  Because novel coronavirus is associated with a specific world region/country, we want students to know that if you feel you are negatively targeted, or witness other students being negatively targeted, due to an association between someone’s race, ethnicity, or national origin and the novel coronavirus, you may report such incidents through this form.

Thank you and best wishes for the rest of the semester.

International students and scholars who were enrolled in the UConn Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) at any point during 2019 may have received an email from Wellfleet Student with the subject line Important Student Health Insurance 1095-B Information. Wellfleet is the company that provides your insurance coverage under the UConn SHIP. This email is not spam or a scam. Many international students have reported receiving this email, and they have been confused by the message content.

If you received this message from Wellfleet, it means they don’t have your current Social Security Number information, and they would like to have this number to issue your tax form 1095-B (since the SSN is a tax ID number). The 1095-B is issued by the insurance company to document your health insurance coverage. When you file a U.S. tax return, you may or may not be required to demonstrate that you had health insurance using this form.

You may provide your SSN to the health insurance company by completing the W-9 tax form and mailing it to the address in the email. If you do not have a Social Security Number, or if you choose to not provide this to Wellfleet, the tax form 1095-B will still be mailed to you. If you are filing a U.S. tax return because you had taxable income in 2019, then save the 1095-B form for your tax records. If you are not filing a U.S. tax return because you did not have taxable income in 2019, we still advise you to save this form for your records.