SEVP Guidance for Academic Year 2021-2022

Did DHS/SEVP (Department of Homeland Security/Student and Exchange Visitor Program) make any changes to their guidance for F-1 students?

• DHS/SEVP updated their to extend certain flexibilities for remote learning for F-1 students studying at U.S. academic institutions due to the continuing public health concerns created by COVID-19 through the end of academic year 2021-22.

Who does this recent guidance apply to?

• The March 2020 guidance applies to F-1 students who were actively enrolled at a U.S. school on March 9, 2020, and are otherwise complying with the terms of their F-1 status, whether from inside the U.S. or abroad.

What is academic year 2021-22?

• The academic year comprises the following academic terms: Fall 2021, Winter 2022, and Spring 2022. See the university’s published academic year calendar here.

I am currently on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or I plan to start CPT in academic year 2021-22. Can I participate remotely in my practical training, and do I need to report remote practical training due to COVID-19?

• Yes, you can participate remotely in practical training and should work with your employer to review available options where student engagement in practical training can be assessed using electronic means. Please report if you will be working remotely when you submit the CPT Authorization Request Form. You will be required to upload a Remote Work Letter, which you will need to request from your co-op advisor. This form is a required procedure for you and OGS to document your F-1 accommodations.
• Important!  Make sure you are able to explain/document how you are providing services associated with the practical training while not at the location of the employer/organization.

What if I already have a pending or approved CPT Authorization for Summer-Fall 2021 and I will be working remotely? Do I need to submit the Remote Work Letter?

• Please submit the CPT Update Form to submit the Remote Work Letter once you obtain the letter from your co-op advisor.

Do I need a wet signature on my CPT Authorization I-20?

• Depending on your campus, you may require a wet signature on your CPT I-20 when applying for a Social Security Number (SSN)
• Students located at the Boston campus do not require a wet signature and will be emailed their CPT I-20 as the Social Security Administration (SSA) offices in the Boston area are accepting electronically signed I-20s.
• Students studying at all other campuses will require a wet signature on their CPT I-20 to apply for an SSN. The CPT Authorization Request e-form will ask if you already have a SSN. Please follow the instructions in the e-form to indicate if you will pick up your I-20 or if you would like the I-20 shipped to you if you do not have a SSN.
• If you have a SSN, your I-20 will be sent electronically.

If I already started my program from my home country and studied remotely, when will I be eligible for CPT?

• An F-1 student must have completed at least one academic year of full-time enrollment, which is defined as two full-time semesters or three full-time quarters on-ground or in person. When you arrive in the U.S. and OGS completes your SEVIS Registration, your SEVIS record changes from “Initial” To “Active.” Students with Active SEVIS records then begin accruing benefits of the F-1 visa status.
• For example, if a student started their program from overseas in Spring 2021, they will not have completed the SEVIS Registration requirements and their enrollment in Spring 2021 will not count towards the one academic year of full-time enrollment.
• More information about CPT eligibility can be found here.

Do students enrolled in global co-op require authorization to work remotely in the U.S.?

• Yes, students who remain in the U.S. and plan to engage remotely for an international employer are required to apply for CPT Authorization. The CPT Authorization e-form can be found here. Students should not begin engaging remotely within the U.S. for any employer until they have obtained  authorization from OGS.  Be sure to understand and follow maintenance of status requirements.

I am a continuing student with an “Active” SEVIS record. I departed the U.S. due to the pandemic and I want to participate in a global coop. Do I need to apply for CPT?

• No, if you are outside the U.S., you do not need to apply for CPT.

I am currently on Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). Are there any accommodations if I am not able to work and exceed my 90-day limit on unemployment?

• The Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has recognized that the spread of COVID-19 may impact students engaging in OPT. Changes to workplace requirements may impact international students engaging in practical training. SEVP encourages such students to consult with their employer/practical training organization to seek alternative remote arrangements for engaging in employment/practical training where student engagement can be assessed using electronic means. Please fill out the accommodations for students on practical training e-form. This form is a required procedure for you and the university to document your F1 accommodations.
• In addition, for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, SEVP considers students who are working in their OPT opportunities fewer than 20 hours a week as engaged in OPT.
• Important!  Make sure you are able to explain/document how you are providing services associated with the practical training while not at the location of the employer/organization.

Will there be an extension or suspension of the 90-day/150-day allowed period of unemployment for OPT and STEM OPT during the COVID-19 emergency?

• The Department of Homeland Security is evaluating this issue but has not yet determined whether to implement a specific exemption for exceeding the regulatory limits for unemployment of 90 days for OPT and 150 days for STEM OPT.

Can I apply for OPT from overseas?

The Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is evaluating this and may issue additional guidance but currently this is not an option. The I-765 form still requires a mailing address in the U.S. USCIS will mail your EAD to this address, as well as any additional correspondence (such as a Request for Evidence). Please read the following 3 scenarios carefully:

1. If you have already applied for post-completion OPT, you are permitted to depart the U.S. while your application is pending, but there are some risks associated with this option.
   • Any OPT-related mail will be sent to the mailing address in the U.S. that you listed on the I-765 form. If no one will be available at that address to receive your mail, you will need to choose another mailing address in the U.S. and report it to USCIS following their instructions here: https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange. Mail may include your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card or an RFE (Request for Evidence). RFEs are time-sensitive and if you do not respond in a timely manner your OPT application may be denied.
   • You may be scheduled to attend a biometrics appointment in the U.S. after filing your application for EAD.
   • If your OPT is approved while you are outside of the U.S., you will need to have your OPT EAD in hand before returning to the U.S.
2. If you are planning to apply for post-completion OPT but have not yet done so, apply while you are still in the U.S. Then refer to #1 above.
3. If this is your final academic term and you have already departed the U.S. without applying for OPT, you will have to return to the U.S. before your program end date. Given the current travel restrictions, please note this may be difficult, and you might forfeit your OPT benefit.

BOSTON CAMPUS ONLY

The Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer requires appointments in order to visit an office, and has reverted to the pre-pandemic process of accepting applicants on a walk-in basis.  This means you should no longer mail or fax in documents.

Additionally, the SSA has launched a new online portal: OSSNAP – Online Social Security Number Application Portal allows you to enter your personal information prior to your visit to the SSA, so that when you go to the office, the SSA representative will only need to verify your information and check your documents.

OGS strongly encourages students to complete the online application prior to visiting the SSA office in person.  It will save time and speed up the process for you.

Please note that the SSA is only able to process your SSN application up to 30 days prior to your employment start date.

How do I apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)?

1. First, you will need to gain proper documentation from OGS, either an on-campus employment letter or Stipended Graduate Assistantship (SGA) letter (if you have an on-campus job or SGA) or an I-20 with CPT authorization on the second page (if you have a co-op/internship/etc.). You will need to submit the Letter Request or the CPT request to OGS and receive approval before visiting the SSA.
   F-1 On-Campus Employment Authorization Letter Request
   J-1 On-Campus Employment Authorization Letter Request
   SGA Social Security Number Letter Request
   CPT Authorization RequestPlease note that the SSA office will not be able to process your SSN application if you do not have the proper documentation from OGS.
2. Visit OSSNAP – Online Social Security Number Application Portal and start your SSN application by answering the questions online.
3. After completing the online application, note down the confirmation number. You must take the confirmation number and visit one of the SSA offices (ideally one closest to your residential address) within 45 days, but not more than 30 days before your employment start date.

Please keep in mind that masks are still required inside all SSA offices.

For all other campuses, please continue to contact your local SSA office to understand their process. We will continue to update our website as more information becomes available.

Previous Guidance for Spring 2021