Rutgers Global Alerts

The information included here is intended to provide guidance and resources to all members of the Rutgers community regarding issues related to travel advisories, immigration policies, and other regulatory updates that impact international students and scholars, as well as domestic students and faculty traveling abroad.

Termination of SEVP COVID-19 Flexibilities +

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced it plans to return to the usual registration requirements for F-1 students in Fall 2023. As classes at Rutgers have returned to primarily in-person and blended modes of delivery and the U.S. government’s COVID-19 emergency has ended in May 2023, the Department of Homeland Security’s exception allowing additional online courses no longer applies and will expire after the 2022-2023 academic year.

This means that there is a limit to how many credits of online courses can count toward your full-time registration each semester. All F-1 students must enroll for a full course of study every fall and spring semester until they complete their program. Summer enrollment for continuing students is optional and is not subject to this requirement.

While the SEVP’s COVID-19 guidance is terminated as of May 11, 2023, students in active F-1 status will be able to complete the 2022-2023 academic year under the COVID-19 flexibilities through the 2023 summer semester. However, F-1 students will not be permitted to count more than one online class or 3 credits toward a full course of study requirement for the 2023- 2024 academic year.

This means that undergraduate students may count no more than 3 credits of online coursework toward the 12-credit full-time coursework requirement, and graduate students may count no more than 3 credits of online coursework toward the 9-credit full-time coursework requirement. Hybrid courses may count as in-person classes.

In other words, if you enroll in more than your minimum credit requirement, you MAY enroll in more than 3 online credits, but please note the following:

Undergraduate F-1 students

Every fall and spring semester, at least 9 of your credits must be for in-person or blended courses. Once you have enrolled in 9 credits of in-person or blended courses, the remainder of your credits can be online or remote.

Graduate F-1 students

At least 6 of your credits must be for in-person or blended courses. Your remaining credits may be online or remote.

J-1 students

Enrollment policies for J-1 students are not changing.

SEVP originally published its COVID-19 flexibilities to accommodate the national emergencies as they pertained to SEVP-certified schools and students, including restrictions and disruptions to travel and changes in teaching methods at the time. The flexibility was always intended as a temporary measure to allow students to continue their studies with the least disruptions as possible and did not signify or result in a permanent change to the regulations.

Additional Resources:

SEVP COVID-19 Flexibilities Terminated: Here’s What You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions for SEVP Stakeholders About COVID-19

Full Course of Study Requirement

DHS Announces Special Student Relief for Ethiopia and Extends Special Student Relief for Yemen, Haiti, and Hong Kong, UPDATED: 5/12/23 +

Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of certain regulatory requirements by the secretary of The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for F‑1 students from parts of the world that are experiencing emergent circumstances. Regulatory requirements that may be suspended or altered for an F-1 student include duration of status, full course of study and off-campus employment eligibility. 

DHS has announced SSR or the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for F-1 students from Ethiopia who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of the emergent circumstances in their country of citizenship.  DHS has also extended SSR benefits for F-1 students from Yemen (until September 3, 2024), Haiti (until August 3, 2024), and Hong Kong (until February 5, 2025). According to the SSR notices, F-1 students may be able to apply for employment authorization based on economic need. Please review the notices carefully to understand if and how they may apply to you.

For F-1 Students from Ethiopia: 
Please note that the notice covers students who were lawfully present in the United States in F-1 status as of December 12, 2022 and need accommodations as a direct result of the current situation in Ethiopia. The suspension of the regulatory requirements under the SSR notice will remain in effect until June 12, 2024.

For F-1 Students from Yemen:
Please note that the notice covers students who were lawfully present in the United States in F-1 status as of January 3, 2023 and need accommodations as a direct result of the current situation in Yemen.  The suspension of the regulatory requirements under the SSR notice will remain in effect until September 3, 2024.

For F-1 Students from Haiti:
Please note that the notice covers students who were lawfully present in the United States in F-1 status as of January 26, 2023 and need accommodations as a direct result of the current situation in Haiti.  The suspension of the regulatory requirements under the SSR notice will remain in effect until August 3, 2024.

For F-1 Students from Hong Kong:
Please note that the notice covers F-1 students who are Hong Kong residents (regardless of country of birth); who were lawfully present in the United States in F-1 status as of January 26, 2023; and need accommodations as a direct result of the current situation in Hong Kong.  The suspension of the regulatory requirements under the SSR notice will remain in effect until February 5, 2025.

For more information about SSR and to apply for employment authorization based on this notice, please review the information on the ISSS Economic Hardship Employment webpage and contact an International Student Adviser.

Please note: This special student relief is NOT automatic. You must first speak with an ISSS Adviser BEFORE you are able to receive any special student relief benefits. Do not drop course registration below full time until you have been approved by USCIS for this special work authorization.

Temporary Protected Status and Special Student Relief for Ukraine and Afghanistan, UPDATED: 4/13/2023 +

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated both Afghanistan and Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).  Individuals from Afghanistan are now eligible for TPS through Nov. 20, 2023 and individuals from Ukraine are eligible for TPS through Oct. 19, 2023.  

During the designated period, individuals who have been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are not removable from the United States; can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD); and, in some cases, may be granted travel authorization.  

To be eligible for TPS, individuals from Afghanistan must have continuously resided in the United States since March 15, 2022 and individuals from Ukraine must have continuously resided in the United States since April 11, 2022.

More information on the TPS eligibility requirements and application process can be found on USCIS’ website.  Additional information can also be found on NAFSA’s website.  

Those interested in applying for TPS are encouraged to carefully review the requirements and consult with a qualified immigration attorney. Before applying for TPS, we also recommend that international students (in F-1 or J-1 status) or international scholars contact the ISSS office:

ISSS - Faculty/Scholar Advising Services

ISSS - Student Advising Services

Special Student Relief (SSR)

Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for F‑1 and J-1 students from parts of the world that are experiencing emergent circumstances. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may suspend or alter the following regulatory requirements for F-1 students: duration of status, full course of study and off-campus employment eligibility.  For J-1 students, the Department of State (DOS) can temporarily modify on and off-campus employment employment requirements and/or full course of study requirements. 

The DHS has announced SSR or the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for F-1 students from Ukraine and Afghanistan who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of the emergent circumstances in their country of citizenship. On April 5, 2023, the DOS similarly announced the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for J-1 students from Ukraine. According to the SSR notices, international students may be able to apply for employment authorization based on economic need. Please review the notices carefully to understand if and how they may apply to you.

For F-1 Students from Afghanistan: 

Please note that the notice covers students who were lawfully present in the United States as of May 20, 2022 and need accommodations as a direct result of the current situation in Afghanistan. The suspension of the regulatory requirements under the SSR notice will remain in effect until November 20, 2023.

For F-1 Students from Ukraine:

Please note that the notice covers students who were lawfully present in the United States as of April 19, 2022 and need accommodations as a result of the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine. The suspension of the regulatory requirements under the SSR notice will remain in effect until October 19, 2023. 

For J-1 Students from Ukraine:

With permission from their program sponsor, J-1 students from Ukraine may be able to work on or off-campus for more than 20 hours per week and for longer than twelve months (or until October 23, 2023, whichever is sooner).  J-1 students from Ukraine may also be eligible for part-time enrollment.  

To qualify, a J-1 student: (1) Must be from Ukraine; (2) Must "have continuously resided in the United States since April 11, 2022; (3) Must be maintaining valid immigration and program status in the J-1 College and University Student category; and (4) Must remain in good academic standing at the post-secondary accredited academic institutions at which they are registered.

For more information about SSR and to apply for employment authorization based on this notice, please review the information on the ISSS Economic Hardship Employment webpage and contact an International Student Adviser.
 

Please note: This special student relief is NOT automatic. You must first speak with an ISSS Adviser BEFORE you are able to receive any special student relief benefits. Do not drop course registration below full time until you have been approved by USCIS for this special work authorization.

Please also note that special student relief is separate from Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Other Resources

Those who are presently located outside of the U.S. (and are, therefore, not eligible for TPS or SSR) can find more information about consular operations, humanitarian assistance, and other visa information at:

For more information about other types of relief (including Asylum, Refugee Status, and Humanitarian Parole), please refer to the following links:

Those interested in applying for these other forms of relief are encouraged to consult with a qualified immigration attorney.

Support Resources for the Crises in Turkey and Syria, 2/13/23 +

Rutgers Global would like to express our deepest sympathies and concern for our international students, scholars, and faculty and staff from Turkey and Syria as the scale of the disaster and humanitarian crisis due to the recent earthquakes continues to mount. We know that members of the Rutgers community may want to support efforts to help those affected. Here are some ways to do so: 

Rutgers Global International Student and Scholar Emergency Support Fund

This fund through the Rutgers University Foundation is for the support our international students and scholars when emergencies, wars, natural disasters, or other global crises have unforeseen impacts on their financial circumstances and threaten their education and research activities. Visit this page to donate.

Donation Sites for Turkey 

Turkish Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD

Turkish Search and Rescue Association 

Turkish Red Crescent 

Ahbap

IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation 

Turkish Philanthropy Fund

Donation Sites for Syria 

National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA)

Molham Volunteering Team

Syrian American Medical Society- SAMS 

Syrien Hilfe 

The White Helmets 

Resources for International Students

Rutgers-New Brunswick

  • Contact an ISSS student advisor through our Advising Services 
  • Office of the Dean of Students: Email (deanofstudents@echo.rutgers.edu) or call (848)-932-2300 
  • Counseling Services: CAPS (Counseling, ADAP, and Psychological Services) 848-932-7884; Crisis Text Line (Text 741-741 anytime 24/7). A community-based counselor from CAPS is available to meet with students via phone or in-person appointments at the International Student Services office (180 College Avenue).  

RBHS

Rutgers-Newark

Rutgers-Camden

Resources for International Faculty/Scholars 

Contact the ISSS faculty and scholars service office at isss-facultyscholars@global.rutgers.edu or at (848) 932-7800.

We will keep you posted as we learn more. Pease contact Rutgers Global – International Student and Scholar Services with specific requests/needs.  

Rutgers Statement Regarding Ebola Virus in Uganda, 10/28/22 +

Rutgers University is in close contact with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJ DOH) and is monitoring and assessing up-to-date information and recommendations from the NJ DOH and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the current Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Uganda.

This guidance addresses travel to and visits from Ebola-affected regions with respect to students, faculty, staff, and other employees of Rutgers.

Travel to Ebola-Affected Regions
The CDC has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice due to Ebola virus disease in Uganda, currently present in the following districts: Mubende, Kassanda, Kyegegwa, Kagadi, and Bunyangabu. The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to these regions at this time. This outbreak has been linked to the Sudan ebolavirus. No vaccines or therapeutics have been approved for prevention or treatment of the Sudan ebolavirus. 

Travelers to Uganda and neighboring areas should avoid contact with sick people and avoid contact with blood or body fluids from all people. Travelers should avoid contact with dead bodies, including participating in funeral or burial rituals. 

Travel for personal reasons to the above-listed districts is strongly discouraged. Personal travel is at your own risk. Be aware that evacuation may not be feasible.

Travel from Ebola-Affected Regions
All travelers entering the U.S. who have visited Uganda within the last 21 days are being screened at the airports. Travelers should isolate immediately if they develop signs and symptoms like fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising during or for up to 21 days after travel. They should also call their personal physician and inform them of their symptoms and that they recently returned from a region with an Ebola outbreak. Travelers who develop symptoms after arriving in the United States should also not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares, and they should not travel while sick. They can also contact their local health department to ask where to go for medical care. 

All students, faculty, staff, and other employees who have visited Uganda within the last 21 days should consult the CDC Guidance here and monitor themselves for the above symptoms after their return.

Students with additional questions or concerns may contact Student Health, and faculty and staff may contact Occupational Health at the numbers below: 

Employees:
•    Rutgers - New Brunswick, Rutgers - Newark, and Rutgers - Camden:  848-932-8254  
•    RBHS - Newark:  973-972-2900
•    RBHS - New Brunswick/Piscataway and University Correctional Health Care:  848-445-6200
•    RWJMS Faculty and Staff:  732-235-6559

Students:
•    Rutgers New Brunswick Student Health:  848-932-7402
•    Rutgers - Camden Student Health:  856-225-6005
•    Rutgers - Newark Student Health:  973-353-5232
•    RBHS - Newark Student Health:  973-972-8219
•    RBHS - New Brunswick/Piscataway Student Health:  732-235-5160


Milind Shah, MD, MPH
Director, Rutgers Occupational Health Department

Noa'a Shimoni MD, MPH 
Associate Vice President for Student Health and Wellness, Rutgers University

Brian L. Strom, MD, MPH  
Chancellor, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences  
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Rutgers University 

DHS Announces Updated STEM Designated Degree Program List and CIP Code Nomination Process, 1/21/2022 +

On January 21, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Federal Register notice announcing the addition of 22 Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes to the DHS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Designated Degree Program List.

The DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List is a complete list of fields of study that DHS considers to be STEM for the purpose of the 24-month STEM optional practical training (OPT) extension. After reviewing nominations submitted by interested parties, including members of the public, DHS is adding 22 fields of study, as identified by a unique CIP code, to the list. No CIP codes or fields of study have been removed from the list as part of this update.

For additional information about the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and fields of study that qualify for the STEM OPT extension, please refer to:

For more information visit this website.