UPDATE: This preliminary guidance was rescinded on 7/14/20. More details >>>

7/7/2020: Versions of the following message were sent to new international students and returning international students as a follow up to the US Department of Homeland Security's preliminary guidance affecting higher education institutions and international students for the fall 2020 semester.

Dear international students,

We hope that this message finds you well and healthy.

Yesterday, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued preliminary guidance for the fall semester. This news impacts international students based on the format of the classes offered at their university. Understandably, it has caused confusion and anxiety for many international students.

The guidance has implications for international students based on whether a university offers classes in-person, online, or both in the fall semester. It is important to remember that this DHS guidance is preliminary pending the publication of a Temporary Final Rule. As a result, we encourage you to use our website as a resource for the latest information as it is subject to change. In this rapidly changing environment, please visit the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) FAQ page for international students which is frequently updated with the latest analysis and the potential impact for Emory University’s international students. Through advocacy and support, we hope that the Temporary Final Rule may be different from the current version.

Summary analysis: Emory University has announced that it plans to offer both in-person and online classes in the fall semester. Currently, this means that F-1 students will be allowed to take more than one class (at three credit hours) online as long as 1) the student is not taking an entirely online course load in the fall semester; and 2) the student is taking the minimum number of online classes required to make normal progress towards their program completion.

For further discussion, we invite you to join us for an online information session which will explain what this preliminary guidance means to you and what to expect next from the US government.

Immigration Information Sessions: analysis of recent guidance from DHS

New international students: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 (Register by July 14*)

Returning international students: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 (Register by July 13*)

These information sessions will be held on Zoom, and the details will be sent to registrants prior to the meeting. 

If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, ISSS is always a resource to answer your immigration questions.
 
Best regards,
The ISSS Team 

*Information sessions are only open to international students who have received an F-1 I-20 from Emory University. Due to the sensitive nature of immigration issues, it is important to maintain the confidentiality of our international students.