COVID-19 Related International Student FAQs

The effective/termination dates and waiver/enrollment steps differ according to Student type: 

1) TAs/GAs, Post Doctorate, Graduate Fellows and RBHS should visit https://riskmanagement.rutgers.edu/student-information/rutgers-university-student-health-insurance for specific details.

2) The Fall 2022 policy for ALL OTHER Graduate and Undergraduate students begins 8/15/2022, even if you register for classes after the effective date.

Students are required to waive or enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) each semester before the deadline. Visit www.universityhealthplans.com

If you arrive in the United States and need medical care prior to the effective policies dates with the SHIP, please consider purchasing temporary and alternate coverage. 

For more information about health insurance plans, the waiver process, and additional details, please visit the Rutgers Global Health Insurance webpage.

Travelers to the U.S. are required to show proof of full vaccination checked by the airline pre-departure. Limited exceptions apply. The requirement to show a negative COVID-19 test was removed on June 12, 2022. Complete the Vaccine Travel Assessment to confirm you have what you need.

All nonimmigrant international travelers arriving to the U.S. by air must establish that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please review the latest travel requirements as you plan travel. Unless you qualify for an exception to this policy, you will need to be fully vaccinated with an WHO-approved COVID vaccine prior to entering the U.S. 

If you do qualify for an exception, you may get vaccinated upon arrival in the U.S. Rutgers has received approval from the State of New Jersey to administer authorized COVID-19 vaccines at our three campus locations. If you need a COVID vaccine upon arrival, please make an appointment as soon as possible (at a vaccination site near you, or a  local vaccination location if in NJ, or at a Rutgers site) and get your dose as soon as possible after you arrive. Please note that you will be considered vaccine compliant only after you have uploaded documentation of your complete vaccination series to the Rutgers Student Immunization Portal and the documentation has been verified.

Appointments are offered at https://rtr.ipo.rutgers.edu/vaccines/

No. The US federal government is providing the COVID-19 vaccination free of charge, regardless of immigration or health insurance status.

We understand that some students may have vaccination records/reports in a different language than English. If your vaccination report is not in English, please upload a physician’s translation or official translation of the report, along with a copy of the original version. The health services staff will evaluate these reports and work with students should there be any difficulties in securing appropriate translations.

Please review the updated protocols on the Rutgers University wide COVID-19 website:

https://coronavirus.rutgers.edu/covid-19-protocols-updated-june-2022/ 

Rutgers University health policy requires that, with limited exceptions, all students must be fully vaccinated, receive a booster shot when eligible, and upload record of these vaccinations to the Rutgers Student Immunization Portal. Please read the Policy 10.3.14 COVID-19 Immunization Record Requirement for Students

Read more on the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement.

Students, faculty, and staff must follow policies, protocols, and guidance designed to protect everyone’s health. 

All newly admitted students for Fall 2022 must submit all required immunization documentation (including COVID-19 vaccination and booster) to the Rutgers Student Immunization Portal. A valid NetID and password are required. Medical or religious exemption requests may be submitted by enrolled students via a form on the Rutgers Student Immunization Portal. Exemption requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis; they are NOT automatically granted. More information on scheduling a booster at the university can be found here. Students with approved medical or religious exemptions are excused from the booster requirement.  

Please complete all other immunization requirements and submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination once you have received the vaccine. If you have received or when you receive even one dose of the COVID vaccine, please upload that information at the earliest - UPLOAD WHAT YOU HAVE, FINISH THE REST LATER!

Students who do not upload their vaccination information will be blocked from registration or their registration may be dropped. Please contact us at ISSS-students@global.rutgers.edu inform us if you are enrolling from overseas for the Fall 2022 term. We will use this information to request a temporary vaccination waiver for you.

Rutgers University has resumed in-person instruction and activities. The University expects all students to take in-person courses unless approved for an online schedule or some online/hybrid classes by their schools/departments. 

International students should consult with the School's academic advising office or their graduate programs/departments for help with their academic course needs.

Continuing students with an F-1 or J-1 visa who are outside the U.S. and who plan to come to the U.S. for the fall semester, should plan to enter the U.S. before September 6 in order to attend in-person classes beginning September 6.

Students who cannot enter before September 6 should consult their school/program. Students are expected to be on-campus in time for the start of classes. If they cannot make it due to extenuating circumstances, they may consider taking a leave of absence, or deferring their admission to a future semester, if possible. Please discuss these options with your academic program/school.

New international students with an F-1 or J-1 visa may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the program start date indicated on their I-20 or DS-2019 forms. Students with initial SEVIS records should plan to arrive in time for attending International Student Orientation, which starts on Monday, August 29. Students with initial SEVIS records are also required to complete check-in upon entry to the U.S. We are required to report each student in SEVIS no later than 30 days after the initial session start date (September 6, 2022) which means that students must be inside the U.S. and complete all necessary processes in order to be in compliance with federal regulations no later than October 6, 2022. While this is the deadline for SEVIS reporting, students are expected to be on-campus for in-person classes starting September 6, 2022, unless approved by their academic unit for remote instruction, participating in an official Rutgers program abroad, or specifically approved for delayed arrival.

New International graduate students are advised to contact their academic program for information on school-specific orientation activities for international graduate students.

Students who enrolled from outside the U.S. for the Spring 2022 semester were granted a COVID vaccine waiver for the semester. This waiver will expire on September 6, 2022. If you are planning to come to the U.S. for the Fall 2022 semester, please make sure you submit your vaccination report through the Rutgers Immunization Portal as soon as possible. Students who are not compliant with the vaccine requirement will be blocked from accessing campus systems including registration. 

If you have a fully online schedule for the Fall 2022 semester, and will remain abroad for the full semester, you will be granted a temporary waiver from uploading your immunization information (including the COVID vaccine information). Please notify us at ISSS-students@global.rutgers.edu of where you will be enrolling from abroad and this information will be used to process your temporary waiver.

Each student will be required to be vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For students outside of the U.S. who cannot receive a USFDA-authorized vaccine, Rutgers will accept proof of vaccination by a World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccine. The list of currently approved vaccines includes:

• Pfizer–BioNTech
• Moderna
• Johnson & Johnson/Jansenn
• Oxford–AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria, Covishield)
• Sinopharm–BIBP
• Sinovac
• Covaxin

The university is now requiring that all vaccinated students obtain a booster vaccination as soon as eligible. Eligibility for a booster is defined as six months after the last mRNA vaccine or two months after a J&J vaccine. All newly admitted students for Fall 2022 must submit all required immunization documentation (including COVID-19 vaccination and booster) to the Rutgers Student Immunization Portal. More information on scheduling a booster at the university can be found here. Students with approved medical or religious exemptions are excused from the booster requirement.  

Rutgers University requires that all vaccinated students obtain a booster vaccination as soon as eligible. Eligibility for a booster is defined as six months after the last mRNA vaccine or two months after a J&J vaccine. We understand that many international students may not be able to get a booster until their arrival in the U.S. You should plan on getting your booster at the earliest possible upon arrival. If you fail to comply with this requirement, you will not be allowed to remain in on-campus residence halls.

More information on scheduling a booster at the university can be found here.

All new international first-year and transfer students are required to attend our International Student Orientation (ISO). This mandatory program will be offered in in-person for all incoming students for the Fall 2022 semester. More information about the ISO is available on the ISO webpage https://go.rutgers.edu/springiso.

New International graduate students are advised to contact their academic program for information on school-specific orientation activities for international graduate students.

Review guidelines to maintaining F/J status including registration requirements. 

Students who are inside the U.S. in active SEVIS status (possibly at another institution, e.g. a community college) can transfer their SEVIS records to Rutgers and enroll at Rutgers in any format from anywhere in the U.S. to maintain their F-1 status. 

Please review the information on the Returning to Rutgers section of our website for more details.

Students who are outside the U.S. will need a new I-20 when they are able to return. Per current guidance, students with I-20s marked “initial attendance” will not be able to enter the U.S. if their academic schedule is 100% online. Students who have been readmitted to resume their studies at Rutgers for the fall are expected to return to campus for in-person classes. If the current crisis prevents you from entering the U.S. as planned for the fall, please contact your academic program and an ISSS advisor for further guidance. 

Per the current guidance, you are able to stay in the US and take classes in any format from anywhere in the US to maintain your F-1 status. After receiving your transfer I-20, please review the transfer instructions on our website and make sure you complete the check-in process with ISSS so we can activate your transfer record.

We understand that some students may choose to defer their enrollment at Rutgers to a later semester. 

Undergraduate Students – please follow the instructions here.

Graduate Students – please discuss your enrollment options with your graduate program and the graduate admissions office.

RBHS Students- Please contact the RBHS Admissions office of the school you have been accepted into.

If you withdraw or cancel your admission to Rutgers, we will need to cancel your I-20/DS-2019. Please contact the appropriate admissions office to inform them of your decision so your SEVIS record can be properly closed.

Undergraduate Students: ruinternational@admissions.rutgers.edu
Graduate Students: grad_help@gradadm.rutgers.edu
RBHS Students: isss-rbhs@global.rutgers.edu

As a transfer student and under current SEVP guidance, you may return to the U.S. and take classes in any format from anywhere in the U.S. to maintain your F-1 status. However, given the current uncertainties regarding travel restrictions, be sure to check the Universitywide COVID-19 Information and all relevant travel advisories.

Students who are inside the U.S. in active SEVIS status (possibly at another institution, e.g. a community college) can transfer their SEVIS records to Rutgers and enroll at Rutgers in any format from anywhere in the U.S. to maintain their F-1 status. 

Please review the information on the Returning to Rutgers section of our website for more details.

Students who are outside the U.S. will need a new I-20 when they are able to return. Per current guidance, students with I-20s marked “initial attendance” will not be able to enter the U.S. if their academic schedule is 100% online. Students who have been readmitted to resume their studies at Rutgers for the fall are expected to return to campus for in-person classes. If the current crisis prevents you from entering the U.S. as planned for the fall, please contact your academic program and an ISSS advisor for further guidance. 

We highly advise consulting an immigration attorney to review this option. Please review information on our website for more information.

As of June 12, 2022, the CDC is no longer requiring air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.  Before making any travel plans, check the CDC’s website for current updates.

Additional Resources

• COVID-19 Restrictions on US Visas and Entry
• National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers
• COVID-19 Country Specific Information from the US Department of State 
• CDC (Centers for Disease Control) for International and US Travel 
• Current COVID-19 entry requirements and restrictions: COVID Vaccine and Test Requirements for U.S. Entry [External link - NAFSA]
• Historical information on revoked geographic COVID-19 proclamations: Archive: Geographic COVID-19 Proclamations Affecting Entry from Certain Countries [External link - NAFSA]

An updated travel support letter explains the current campus operating status and conveys our support of international students on F-1 or J-1 status who may arrive to the U.S. after 01/18/2022. Please click here to download the travel support letter.

You may present this letter with your I-20 or DS-2019 when applying for a visa and/or when you are traveling to the US and are being screened by a Customs and Border Patrol Officer either at the point of departure or entry into the US. 

Please note that this letter is not required and does not guarantee visa approval or entry into the US. Students are advised to follow SEVP/ICE guidance and monitor travel and visa restrictions to make informed decisions about travel to the US. 

As a transfer student and under current SEVP guidance, you may return to the U.S. and take classes in any format from anywhere in the U.S. to maintain your F-1 status. However, given the current uncertainties regarding travel restrictions, be sure to check the Universitywide COVID-19 Information and all relevant travel advisories.

Students who are inside the U.S. in active SEVIS status (possibly at another institution, e.g. a community college) can transfer their SEVIS records to Rutgers and enroll at Rutgers in any format from anywhere in the U.S. to maintain their F-1 status. 

Please review the information on the Returning to Rutgers section of our website for more details.

Students who are outside the U.S. will need a new I-20 when they are able to return. Per current guidance, students with I-20s marked “initial attendance” will not be able to enter the U.S. if their academic schedule is 100% online. Students who have been readmitted to resume their studies at Rutgers for the fall are expected to return to campus for in-person classes. If the current crisis prevents you from entering the U.S. as planned for the fall, please contact your academic program and an ISSS advisor for further guidance. 

We highly advise consulting an immigration attorney to review this option. Please review information on our website for more information.

Continuing fully supported PhD students who have active SEVIS records may receive tuition remission, stipends/pay, and Fellowship funds while overseas as long as they have been issued a Social Security Number (SSN), have a US bank account, and are able to be onboarded in the Rutgers HR/Payroll systems. The graduate program will ultimately determine if the student can carry out the duties associated with the academic appointment while overseas. There may be other factors influencing this decision which will be considered by the specific graduate program.

New students who were promised financial support as part of their acceptance to Rutgers (TAs/GAs/Fellows) can be provided with tuition waivers and a commitment can be made to them that other fellowships or scholarships they have been promised will be paid when they are able to meet the legal and payroll requirements. Final decisions on providing tuition remission or fellowship/scholarship/stipend funds rest with the department/programs/hiring units.

New students who are outside the country and do not have active SEVIS records, cannot be paid for on-campus work at Rutgers. There is no further formal guidance on other forms of funding/employment for continuing students (PTLs, hourly work, etc.) while they are overseas. There may be international tax and labor laws as well as US labor implications to these decisions. If you have questions about on-campus employment while in F-1 and J-1 status from outside the US, discuss your specific case with your employing unit and ISSS.   

Newly admitted students who were not previously enrolled in another academic program in the United States and who enroll in their first semester remotely outside of the United States, must complete two consecutive semesters in F-1 status in the United States to be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Under these circumstances, students would NOT be eligible to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during the summer following their first academic year, unless their program requires an internship or practicum during that summer. If it is permissible for students to complete their internship or practicum at a later time in their academic program, then CPT would not be possible for students who have not fulfilled their one academic year in F-1 status requirement.

Newly admitted students who previously enrolled in another academic program in the United States and transferred their SEVIS record to Rutgers are eligible to apply for either CPT or OPT during the summer following their first academic year at Rutgers even if they enroll in their first semester at Rutgers from outside of the United States (as long as their current SEVIS record remains active).

The New Brunswick SSA center, as well as all other SSA offices, has reopened for walk-in appointments, though applicants may choose to schedule appointments ahead of time if they so choose. ISSS has coordinated with the SSA office in New Brunswick and the following procedure is now offered for international students who are eligible to apply for a SSN.

Step 1. Students prepare their SSN application packet

Complete packet must include:

* Hard copy of completed SSN application

* Original valid passport with F-1 visa

* Printed I-94 record

* Original I-20 documents (both current and previous)

* Rutgers Global Social Security Letters, signed by the student’s Designated School Official (DSO) (you will need the SS letter even if you are applying based on OPT or CPT)

* Job offer letter (e.g. TA/GA offer letter, OPT/CPT offer letter) or On-Campus Employment Verification Letter (completed by your on-campus employer) with an original, wet signature from your hiring manager

Step 2. Visit the New Brunswick SSA (Social Security Administration) office. Appointments are optional and may be scheduled by calling 877-803-6313 or 888-221-9983. Be prepared to wear a mask before entering the building.

Social Security Administration
550 Jersey Ave, Suite 200
New Brunswick NJ 08901

Step 3. An SSA staff will review the SSN application packet and, if everything is in order, will provide a receipt notice for the application. The student should receive their SSN card in the mail within 7-14 days. 

Please note:

* It is not possible to apply online.

* Applications for replacement cards are not being accepted at this time.

Yes, please complete the SSN application and mail it to the SSA. There is no need to submit any additional documentation like the I-20 or I-94 if applying for the denial letter.

Social Security Administration
ATTN: Mrs. Diouf
550 Jersey Ave, Suite 200
New Brunswick NJ 08901

You will receive the denial letter in the mail.

Newly admitted students who were not previously enrolled in another academic program in the U.S. and who enroll in their first semester remotely outside of the U.S., must complete two consecutive semesters in F-1 status in the U.S. to be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Under these circumstances, students would NOT be eligible to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during the summer following their first academic year, unless their program requires an internship or practicum during that summer. If it is permissible for students to complete their internship or practicum at a later time in their academic program, then CPT would not be possible for students who have not fulfilled their one academic year in F-1 status requirement.

Newly admitted students who previously enrolled in another academic program in the U.S. and transferred their SEVIS record to Rutgers are eligible to apply for either CPT or OPT during the summer following their first academic year at Rutgers even if they enroll in their first semester at Rutgers from outside of the U.S. (as long as their current SEVIS record remains active).

OPT/STEM OPT and CPT work authorizations, that have been authorized, remain valid for the dates of authorization. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has provided guidance and accommodation recognizing that changes to workplace requirements may impact students pursuing practical training. Students should consult with their employers and seek alternative ways (e.g. teleworking or other arrangement) to maintain employment as appropriate. Remote work is permitted as part of the temporary accommodations. DHS has indicated that you DO NOT need to update the employer address information in SEVIS nor on the Form I-983 for students working remotely. Students on OPT should be sure that the work continues to meet OPT requirements or STEM requirements for eligible employment.

If there are any substantial changes to OPT employment, living address, or unemployment, make sure you follow OPT reporting guidelines to report the change to ISSS so we can update your SEVIS record.

Students on authorized CPT should check with their employer about the viability of the employment/experience. If there is any change to employment dates, contact ISSS to have the authorization updated on your I-20.

SEVP has provided guidance that allows students to engage in CPT while abroad, as long as they meet all the standard eligibility criteria for the CPT and, either the employer has an office outside the United States, or the employer can assess student engagement and attainment of learning objectives electronically. You should discuss the possibility of remote work arrangements with your employer.

Furlough, leave of absence, laid-off, and termination have different meanings. You should confirm in writing with your employer exactly what your employment status is. 

A furlough or paid or unpaid approved leave of absence may still be considered employment for OPT/STEM OPT purposes. F-1 regulations allow for “time off taken consistent with leave-related policies applicable to the employer's similarly situated US workers in the area of employment.” If this is your situation, request documentation from your employer (usually your supervisor or human resources department) confirming your period of furlough or official leave of absence.

A termination or lay-off would be an ending of the employment and would result in the beginning of days of OPT or STEM OPT unemployment. You would need to follow the OPT reporting guidelines to report this change to ISSS so we can update your SEVIS record.

Please contact ISSS as soon as possible so we can discuss available options with you.

At this time there have been no changes to the application process for OPT. There is also no revised guidance on the unemployment rule while on OPT. Please remember that you can also participate in volunteer/unpaid employment of more than 20 hours/week, directly related to your field of study and appropriate for your level of education. Make sure you follow the OPT reporting guidelines and report your employment in a timely manner. Failure to do so can result in the termination of your record as a result of SEVP action.

Please continue to check the USCIS website for updates or visit the USCIS COVID-19 response page regarding any changes to USCIS processing of requests.

Currently, regulations require you to be physically in the US at the time you submit your OPT application to the USCIS.

Students are allowed to leave the US while their OPT application is pending at USCIS, but they have to make sure they get the receipt notice for the OPT application prior to traveling out. There is always an element of risk involved with international travel and return to the US (particularly when you have completed the primary purpose of your visa status – that is your degree program), and given these unprecedented times, the risks are further heightened.

If you do choose to travel, please make sure you have your receipt notice with you. If your application is approved while you are overseas, make sure it is delivered and received at a valid US address, and someone checking your mail sends you an electronic copy/image of the EAD card, which you can print and keep with you at the time of re-entry into the US Students are advised to follow the travel tips and OPT guidance on the ISSS website.

No, international students who work without wages, taxable compensation or other remuneration are considered volunteers and are not required to obtain an employment authorization document. Check with an advisor at ISSS if you are not sure if the opportunity you are considering qualifies as volunteer work. It is important to be careful that the work does not violate any labor laws or your legal status. Visit the ISSS website for more detail.

You do not have to be physically present in the US to file your taxes. As long as you have the required documents, you may complete your tax return in your home country and mail it to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Please refer to this page for more information about the tax filing process and required documents.

* SEVP COVID-19 FAQs - last updated November 1, 2021 (for students in F Status)

* EVP COVID-19 Information (Exchange Visitor Program, for students in J-1 Status)

* NAFSA: Association of International Educators COVID-19 Guidance Sources

* CDC Flow Chart: Traveling to the United States from a Foreign Country by Air

Students on the New Brunswick/Piscataway Campuses - visit the Rutgers - Residence life office website for information about on-campus housing: http://ruoncampus.rutgers.edu/  

Please note that you need to comply with the vaccine mandate to be permitted to live on campus. Students with on-campus housing assignments will not receive keys to their residence halls or apartments until they are in compliance with the vaccine mandate. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccination requirements and upload your documentation.

RBHS students in the Newark campus, please contact the Housing Office at the Health Sciences Campus - Newark. 

Newly admitted students who were not previously enrolled in another academic program in the U.S. and who enroll in their first semester remotely outside of the U.S., must complete two consecutive semesters in F-1 status in the U.S. to be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Under these circumstances, students would NOT be eligible to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during the summer following their first academic year, unless their program requires an internship or practicum during that summer. If it is permissible for students to complete their internship or practicum at a later time in their academic program, then CPT would not be possible for students who have not fulfilled their one academic year in F-1 status requirement.

Newly admitted students who previously enrolled in another academic program in the U.S. and transferred their SEVIS record to Rutgers are eligible to apply for either CPT or OPT during the summer following their first academic year at Rutgers even if they enroll in their first semester at Rutgers from outside of the U.S. (as long as their current SEVIS record remains active).

OPT/STEM OPT and CPT work authorizations, that have been authorized, remain valid for the dates of authorization. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has provided guidance and accommodation recognizing that changes to workplace requirements may impact students pursuing practical training. Students should consult with their employers and seek alternative ways (e.g. teleworking or other arrangement) to maintain employment as appropriate. Remote work is permitted as part of the temporary accommodations. DHS has indicated that you DO NOT need to update the employer address information in SEVIS nor on the Form I-983 for students working remotely. Students on OPT should be sure that the work continues to meet OPT requirements or STEM requirements for eligible employment.

If there are any substantial changes to OPT employment, living address, or unemployment, make sure you follow OPT reporting guidelines to report the change to ISSS so we can update your SEVIS record.

Students on authorized CPT should check with their employer about the viability of the employment/experience. If there is any change to employment dates, contact ISSS to have the authorization updated on your I-20.

SEVP has provided guidance that allows students to engage in CPT while abroad, as long as they meet all the standard eligibility criteria for the CPT and, either the employer has an office outside the United States, or the employer can assess student engagement and attainment of learning objectives electronically. You should discuss the possibility of remote work arrangements with your employer.

Furlough, leave of absence, laid-off, and termination have different meanings. You should confirm in writing with your employer exactly what your employment status is. 

A furlough or paid or unpaid approved leave of absence may still be considered employment for OPT/STEM OPT purposes. F-1 regulations allow for “time off taken consistent with leave-related policies applicable to the employer's similarly situated US workers in the area of employment.” If this is your situation, request documentation from your employer (usually your supervisor or human resources department) confirming your period of furlough or official leave of absence.

A termination or lay-off would be an ending of the employment and would result in the beginning of days of OPT or STEM OPT unemployment. You would need to follow the OPT reporting guidelines to report this change to ISSS so we can update your SEVIS record.

Please contact ISSS as soon as possible so we can discuss available options with you.

At this time there have been no changes to the application process for OPT. There is also no revised guidance on the unemployment rule while on OPT. Please remember that you can also participate in volunteer/unpaid employment of more than 20 hours/week, directly related to your field of study and appropriate for your level of education. Make sure you follow the OPT reporting guidelines and report your employment in a timely manner. Failure to do so can result in the termination of your record as a result of SEVP action.

Please continue to check the USCIS website for updates or visit the USCIS COVID-19 response page regarding any changes to USCIS processing of requests.

Currently, regulations require you to be physically in the US at the time you submit your OPT application to the USCIS.

Students are allowed to leave the US while their OPT application is pending at USCIS, but they have to make sure they get the receipt notice for the OPT application prior to traveling out. There is always an element of risk involved with international travel and return to the US (particularly when you have completed the primary purpose of your visa status – that is your degree program), and given these unprecedented times, the risks are further heightened.

If you do choose to travel, please make sure you have your receipt notice with you. If your application is approved while you are overseas, make sure it is delivered and received at a valid US address, and someone checking your mail sends you an electronic copy/image of the EAD card, which you can print and keep with you at the time of re-entry into the US Students are advised to follow the travel tips and OPT guidance on the ISSS website.

No, international students who work without wages, taxable compensation or other remuneration are considered volunteers and are not required to obtain an employment authorization document. Check with an advisor at ISSS if you are not sure if the opportunity you are considering qualifies as volunteer work. It is important to be careful that the work does not violate any labor laws or your legal status. Visit the ISSS website for more detail.

You do not have to be physically present in the US to file your taxes. As long as you have the required documents, you may complete your tax return in your home country and mail it to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Please refer to this page for more information about the tax filing process and required documents.