Spring 2021 Guidance for New F-1 Students

The Department of Homeland Security (SEVP) announced that they will extend the guidance issued on March 9, 2020 into the Spring 2021 semester. Montclair State University will operate on a hybrid model for the Spring 2021 semester which will include in-person, hybrid, and online instruction.

You will be required to maintain a full course of study to retain your F-1 status and to be in active SEVIS status. Full course of study is a minimum of 12 credits for undergraduate students, 9 credits for graduate students, and 6 credits for Artist Diploma and Performer’s Certificate students.

Based on the March 2020 guidance we have prepared the following FAQs.

New International Students

• I am a new student who is not in the U.S. and I plan to enter the U.S. for the Spring 2021 semester. How does the Spring 2021 enrollment model affect me?

If you entered or will enter the U.S. in F-1 status after March 9, 2020, you will be required to take at least one in-person or hybrid class towards your full time enrollment requirement (12 credits for undergraduate, 9 credits for graduate students, and 6 credits for Performer’s Certificate or Artist Diploma).

• I am a new student and plan to enroll in online classes only from abroad. I will not enter the U.S. How does the Spring 2021 enrollment model affect me?

New students may enroll in fully online classes for the spring 2021 semester from abroad, and do not need a valid I-20 or F-1 visa to begin studies online.

• I am a new student who started my studies in Fall 2020 from abroad, and I now plan to enter the U.S. for the Spring 2021 semester on F-1 status. Can I enroll in all online classes while in the U.S. for the Spring 2021 semester?

New students entering the U.S. for Spring 2021 are not permitted to enroll in fully online classes. You will need to be registered for a minimum of one in-person or hybrid class towards your full-time enrollment requirement.

• I am a new student who will transfer from another U.S. institution to Montclair State University for the Spring 2021 semester. I have a ‘Transfer Pending’ I-20 from Montclair State University and I am in the U.S. .  How does the Spring 2021 enrollment model affect my visa status?

If you were in the U.S. on F-1 status enrolled in full time coursework on March 9, 2020, then you can enroll in classes that are online, all in-person, hybrid, or a combination of in-person and online.

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If you have any additional questions, please email us at oge@montclair.edu