ISS COVID-19 FAQ

This page outlines the impact of COVID-19 & how it affects F-1/J-1 immigration status. SEVP COVID-19 guidance will no longer be in effect starting Fall 2023.

On this page:

SEVP COVID-19 Flexibilities Expected to End Soon

During the COVID-19 emergency, guidance issued by SEVP permitted online enrollment exceeding the standard limitations, as well as other flexibilities. SEVP is expected to rescind these flexibilities for international students effective Fall 2023.

This means online study options for F-1 students will be limited to the options described on Maintaining F-1 Status.

If you have questions after reviewing our information contact us for assistance.

2022-2023 Academic Year Policy

New Students

2021-2022 & 2022-2023 Academic Year Enrollment Requirements

Modes of Instruction for International Students (through Summer 2023)

100 % ONLINE STUDY ACCEPTABLE FOR: MINIMUM 1 CREDIT P, HY, HE REQUIRED FOR:

Current UB F-1 students continuing in current program, if they were engaged in full-time study on March 9, 2020

New F-1 students who intend to enter the US for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Current UB F-1 students starting new program at UB, if they were engaged in full-time study on March 9, 2020 F-1 students who began their program online outside the U.S. without F-1 status and who will enter the U.S. as a new F-1 student to continue studies.
F-1 students engaged in full-time study on March 9, 2020 who are transferring from another SEVP-certified U.S. school to UB for the 2022-2023 academic year. F-1 students who entered the U.S. to begin a new program after March 2020 and were not enrolled in F-1 status on March 9, 2020. 
New international students who intend to remain outside the U.S. for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Former UB students currently on OPT returning to begin a new degree program (if they were not enrolled on March 9, 2020)
  F-1 students currently on OPT transferring from another SEVP-certified U.S. college or university to UB (if they were not enrolled on March 9, 2020)
  Current UB students changing status to F-1 for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023.
  UB F-1 students who are re-entering the U.S. after a leave of absence or status violation with an “initial” I-20

Maintaining F-1 Student Status

Maintaining J-1 Student Status