Updates for Current Students

January 13

For students arriving at UWM for the Spring 2021 term, we advise that you check your airline’s requirements about COVID-19 testing prior to arrival to comply with new guidance from the US Center for Disease Control.

December 11

Many of you have been waiting for the new guidance regarding F1 visa status maintenance requirements for spring 2021. We are still waiting for an official announcement from SEVP regarding F–1 visa status maintenance requirements for the spring 2021 term.  

Our best assumption is, as the media is widely reporting, that the fall 2020 guidance will be continued through the spring 2021 semester. We have outlined below what this would mean for you. 

Information for students with an Active F-1 record who were in their current Active F-1 status as of March 2020: 

1. Students enrolling full-time in spring 2021: 

• In-person enrollment is not required 

• Presence in the U.S. is not required 
• Maintaining full-time enrollment is required 

1. Students enrolling less than full-time in spring 2021 requiring Less Than Full-Time Authorization: 

• Less than full-time enrollment may be authorized for the following students: 

• Students graduating in spring 2021 or  
• Students with medical consent; students with medical concerns must make an appointment with an Immigration Coordinator 
• Authorization should be completed prior to January 25, 2021 
• Presence in the U.S. may not be required 

1. Students enrolling less than full time in spring 2021 without less than full-time authorization: 

• Authorized Early Withdrawal should be completed prior to January 25, 2021 through ISSS Connect (https://www.isssconnect.uwm.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Abroad.ViewLink&Parent_ID=0&Link_ID=C47FC701-E8DD-E1FD-DE11E58812B945D6 ) 
• Your SEVIS record will be terminated and your I-20 will be invalid 
• If you are currently in the U.S., you must leave the U.S. within 15 days of requesting the Authorized Early Withdrawal 
• If you plan to return to the U.S. for a future term, you will need a new I-20 

Information for students who were not in their current Active F-1 status in March 2020: 

1. Students who began their current Active F-1 record fall 2020 or will begin spring 2021: 

• In-person enrollment for spring 2021 is required 

• Presence in the U.S. is required 
• Maintaining full-time enrollment is required 

We will continue to update the ISSS Updates for Current Students website with the most updated information. You can email any questions to isss@uwm.edu or make a phone or virtual appointment with an Immigration Coordinator by calling 414-229-4846. 

Updates for Admitted Students

Visit the ISSS Connect page for more information.