The OISS will be closed today between 3:00 and 5:00 PM. We will be open regular hours tomorrow Friday, March 29. If you have any questions or concerns please e-mail oiss@tulane.edu. Thank you for your understanding.

COVID-19 Update for New International Students

 

OISS Travel Guidance for New International Students During COVID-19

 

Required International Student Enrollment During COVID

The OISS wants to share the information below to help F-1 and J-1 students understand the requirements for attending Tulane in the summer and fall 2021 semesters. This is based on the current US government regulations in place during COVID-19. If these regulations change, we will inform you as soon as possible.

 

New International Students

You are a new international student if:

  • You have been admitted to a Tulane program and you will start studying at Tulane in the summer or fall 2021 semester.
  • You have been already been studying with Tulane outside of the United States, but you have not been able to enter the US.

You will not have F-1 or J-1 student status until you can arrive in the US. As soon as you arrive in the US with your F-1 or J-1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • In-person requirement: Any new international student who is present in the US must take at least one in-person course at Tulane University in New Orleans. This requires you to be present in New Orleans, and you must report a New Orleans-area address in your iGlobal online check-in to activate your immigration record.
  • Full-time enrollment: You must be enrolled full-time in your first semester in the US. During summer 2021 full-time enrollment is determined by your school or department. During fall 2021 the standard minimum is 12 credit hours for undergraduates and 9 credit hours for graduates. It is your responsibility to enroll full-time to keep your immigration status.
    • Exceptions for graduate students: Graduate students taking their full-time 0-credit dissertation research course are considered fully enrolled. Graduate students who are teaching or research assistants can be enrolled for fewer than the minimum 9 credits, but your TA/RA status must be reflected in their Banner records and they must have some course enrollment. Ask your department if these exceptions apply to you.

Until you are able to come to the US in person, you do not have F-1 or J-1 immigration status, and the requirements above do not apply to you. If you study with Tulane outside the US, you only need to meet the requirements of your academic program. Contact your academic or department advisor for more information about your program requirements if you have questions.

 

F-1 Optional Practical Training Eligibility

If you are planning to come to the US as an F-1 student, you need to complete two full semesters totaling a minimum of 30 weeks to qualify for OPT. For example, if you are graduating in fall 2021 you will need to begin study at the start of Tulane’s summer semester and continue through the end of the fall semester to accrue enough weeks of study to be eligible for OPT.

 

All OISS Announcements