The information below is subject to change pending updated guidance from SEVP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Undergraduate I-20 Requests
There is no formal deadline to request your I-20. However, please allow at least 5 business days for your document to be issued and additional time for visa processing.
Some U.S. Embassies and Consulates have temporarily suspended visa services and you will need a student visa (citizens of Canada and Bermuda are exempt) to enter the U.S. Please check the Department of State website for updates.
Normal processing time is 5 business days. We will send the electronically signed I-20 to your University of Arizona e-mail.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced that Designated School Officials (DSOs) may digitally sign and electronically send Form I-20s to students at the e-mail address listed in SEVIS. If you are a minor, this email address may belong to your parent or legal guardian.
If you received an I-20 for Spring 2021, you must submit the Document Review e-form in MyGlobal (under Orientation & Check-In) to confirm your location for the semester, even if you are not entering the U.S.
If you will be enrolling from outside the U.S., your I-20 will be cancelled. If you would like to come to the U.S. for a future term, you must submit a new request for an I-20 in MyGlobal.
If you transferred your F-1 I-20 record from another U.S. school, your record will be automatically terminated for the reason: No Show 60 days after the program start date. To avoid termination, ask the international student advisor at your previous school to request a data fix in SEVIS to cancel the transfer.
Travel
Updated 7/17/20As global conditions evolve, U.S. Embassies and Consulates are beginning a phased resumption of routine visa services. Please continue to check the Department of State website for updates.
There are several COVID-19-related notices and proclamations that limit travel to the United States:
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China Travel Proclamation (effective February 2, 2020) - Proclamation 9984 of January 31, 2020 suspends entry into the United States of all aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants, and other non U.S. citizens) who were physically present within the People's Republic of China, excluding the Special Autonomous Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States.
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Iran Travel Proclamation (effective March 2, 2020) - Proclamation 9992 of February 29, 2020 suspends entry into the United States of all aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants, and other non U.S. citizens) who were physically present within the Islamic Republic of Iran during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States.
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European Schengen Area Proclamation (effective March 13, 2020) - Proclamation 9993 of March 11, 2020 suspends entry into the United States of all aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants, and other non U.S. citizens) who were physically present within the Schengen Area during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
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Updated 8/9/20 National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland (effective July 16, 2020) – “Students traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK, and Ireland with valid F-1 […] visas, do not need to seek a national interest exception to travel. Students from those areas who are traveling on a J-1 may contact the nearest embassy or consulate to initiate a National Interest Exception.” We recommend printing and carrying the July 24, 2020 Information Sheet from CBP's Carrier Liaison Program when traveling. Entry to the U.S. is always at the discretion of the Port of Entry officials.
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Ireland and United Kingdom Proclamation (effective March 16, 2020) - Presidential Proclamation of March 14, 2020 suspends entry into the United States of all aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants, and other non U.S. citizens) who were physically present within the United Kingdom, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe, or the Republic of Ireland during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States.
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Updated 8/9/20 National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland (effective July 16, 2020) – “Students traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK, and Ireland with valid F-1 […] visas, do not need to seek a national interest exception to travel. Students from those areas who are traveling on a J-1 may contact the nearest embassy or consulate to initiate a National Interest Exception.” We recommend printing and carrying the July 24, 2020 Information Sheet from CBP's Carrier Liaison Program when traveling. Entry to the U.S. is always at the discretion of the Port of Entry officials.
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Canada and Mexico Federal Notices on “Essential Travel” (effective March 24, 2020) have temporarily restricted entry to the United States through land ports of entry from Canada and Mexico to "essential travel" only. The notices include "traveling to attend educational institutions" as essential, but it is unclear how this will be applied to students entering during school breaks or who are enrolled in all online classes. The restrictions have been extended three times, and are currently in effect through November 21, 2020:
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Canada: U.S.-Canada Border Federal Register Notice, 30-Day Extension Notice 1,30-Day Extension Notice 2, 30-Day Extension Notice 3, 30-Day Extension Notice 4, 30-Day Extension Notice 5, 30-Day Extension Notice 6, 30-Day Extension Notice 7
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Mexico: U.S.-Mexico Border Federal Register Notice, 30-Day Extension Notice 1, 30-Day Extension Notice 2, 30-Day Extension Notice 3, 30-Day Extension Notice 4, 30-Day Extension Notice 5, 30-Day Extension Notice 6, 30-Day Extension Notice 7
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- Brazil Proclamation (effective May 26, 2020) - Proclamation of May 24, 2020 suspends entry into the United States of all aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants, and other non-U.S. citizens) who were physically present within the Federative Republic of Brazil during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The effective date was changed from May 28, 2020 to May 26, 2020 by the May 25, 2020 amendment to the proclamation.
Updated 12/8/20If you are not able to enter the US, you have several options available:
- Enroll online through Main Campus (I-20 and visa not required)
- Change to Global Direct (I-20 and visa not required)
- Defer admission
For more information, undergraduates should contact an enrollment counselor and graduate students should contact their program coordinator. The deadline for undergraduates to change campus or defer admission in Future Wildcat is December 15, 2020.
If you received a Spring 2021 I-20 that you will not use, submit the Document Review e-form in MyGlobal to cancel your I-20.
Updated 12/7/20 You should print the following items to carry with your passport when you reenter the U.S.:
- Form I-20 (don't forget to sign!)
- Spring Hybrid Model Letter
- UAccess class schedule showing full-time enrollment, including at least one in-person or flex in-person class
Updated 12/8/20 If the Spring 2021 Hybrid Model Letter is not sufficient for your needs, submit the Spring 2021 Letter e-form.
We are only able to include information that we can confirm from the university or your SEVIS immigration record, such as the start date of the spring semester, your admission term or SEVIS number.
Updated 12/7/20 The deadline to arrive in the U.S. and complete all orientation and check-in requirements is January 11. If you are not arriving until after January 11, then you should submit the Late Arrival Request e-form in MyGlobal to request approval to arrive late. The late arrival deadline is January 20.
ISS is required to report your timely arrival to the US by registering your record in SEVIS. We cannot change your program start date so you can arrive in the middle of the semester.
Additional Considerations for Students Arriving Late:
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Even if your Late Arrival Request is approved, you must still complete the remaining orientation & check-in requirements by January 11.
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Graduate & Professional Students: Submit the Immigration and Cultural Adjustment tutorials.
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Undergraduate Students: Attend Global Orientation and submit the Immigration tutorial.
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Exchange Students: Attend Global Orientation and submit the Immigration tutorial.
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It is your responsibility to check the stage of any in-person or flex in-person classes you register for, and to check with your professors if you will miss any required in-person class meetings because you am outside the U.S.
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You cannot apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) or complete the E-Verify process for hiring until at least 10 days after entering the U.S. and 2 days you SEVIS record has been registered. If you have an on-campus employment offer, it is your responsibility to tell your hiring department about these delays.
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It is your responsibility to email Housing & Residential Life about your late arrival if you have reserved on-campus housing for the spring semester.
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The refund deadline for Spring 2021 regular classes is January 26. If you decide not to attend the university after the deadline, the tuition charges for any classes you have registered for before that will not be reversed.
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You must check-in with International Student Services immediately upon arrival to the U.S. by submitting the Document Review & New Student Information e-forms. If you do not check-in upon arrival, your SEVIS record will be terminated for the reason: No Show, and you will be required to leave the U.S.
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The International Student Check-In hold on your account will not be removed until you have completed all orientation and check-in requirements.
Updated 7/23/20 At this time, there is no requirement to quarantine after entering the U.S.
All students who will be living in dorms will receive an antigen test at McKale Memorial Center prior to moving into your dorm. If you test positive, you will be required to isolate for a 10-day period at a designated isolation facility or space. This safety precaution is a critical step to mitigate spread of the virus.
Enrollment
Updated 12/7/20For the Spring 2021 semester, the University of Arizona will offer four course formats, in-person, flex in-person, live online and iCourse. For courses with in-person components, we anticipate starting the semester in Stage 2.
Adjusted reentry stage classifications and ramp-up plan for Spring 2021 are as follows.
- Stage 1: In-person instruction limited to classes designated as Essential In-Person.
- Stage 2: In-person instruction expanded to include In-Person and Flex In-Person classes with projected classroom capacities of no more than 50 people. The attendance schedule will be designed so that no more than 50 people (including instructors and course assistants) will be present in person at each meeting time.
- Stage 3: In-person instruction expanded to include In-person and Flex In-person classes with projected classroom capacities of up to 100 people. The attendance schedule will be designed so that no more than 100 people (including instructors and course assistants) will be present in person at each meeting time.
- Classes with attendance of more than 100 people will be delivered remotely in either the Live Online or iCourse format for the entire semester.
You can find more information about course formats and class capacity at the Office of the Registrar Spring 2021 information page.
Updated 12/7/20 For the spring semester, the University of Arizona will offer four types of courses.
Flex In Person refers to a hybrid format. Live Online is considered an online class.
These types of units are considered in-person: thesis, dissertation, independent study, directed research (most 900s), recitals, internship, and most practica.
To check the course modality, view Class Detail or Class Notes for your course in your UAccess Student Center.
Freshmen and Transfers: If you register for orientation by the deadline and attend all mandatory session on both days, you will be able to register for classes at the end of the second day.
Updated 12/8/20The Student and Exchange Visitor Program has not yet provided guidance on full course of study requirements under COVID-19 for Spring 2021. We will post additional information here once we receive guidance.
New students in Initial status in SEVIS who intend to enroll in 100 percent online coursework will likely not be able to obtain an F-1 visa or enter the U.S. Be prepared to explain that you do not intend to enroll in 100 percent online coursework.
If you are not planning to enter the US, you have several options available:
- Enroll online through Main Campus (I-20 and visa not required)
- Change to Global Direct (I-20 and visa not required)
- Defer admission
For more information, undergraduates should contact an enrollment counselor and graduate students should contact their program coordinator. The deadline for undergraduates to change campus or defer admission in Future Wildcat is December 15, 2020.
If you received a Spring 2021 I-20 that you will not use, submit the Document Review e-form in MyGlobal to cancel your I-20.
If you will not enter the U.S. , you do not need a visa or I-20 to study online.
We have not received any guidance to suggest that students who start their programs online and decide to come to Tucson for in-person classes in a later semester will have issues applying for a visa or entering the U.S. Be prepared to explain that you began your program remotely due to COVID-19 and intend to come to the U.S. for in-person classes.
Updated12/8/20 Undergraduates should submit the Deferment Form in Future Wildcat by December 15. Graduate students should contact your academic department.
If you received an I-20 for Spring 2021, you should also submit the Document Review e-form in MyGlobal (under Orientation & Check-In) by January 11 to cancel your I-20.
Once your application has been updated to your desired term, you should request a new I-20 in MyGlobal.
Undergraduate Global Orientation
Updated 12/7/2020 All new freshmen, transfers and exchange students admitted to the Tucson Main Campus for Spring 2021 must attend the Global Orientation program before registering for classes.
There is no global orientation program for readmitted students or graduate students.
12/7/2020 Orientation sessions can fill up quickly so we recommend signing up for orientation as soon as possible to reserve a spot in your desired session. You will not be able to register for classes until you have signed up for and attended orientation.
Updated 12/7/20 Global Direct Students Admitted Spring 2021: You can complete the online orientation in Next Steps Center. Once you do this you will receive an email from your Student Success Coordinator or academic advisor about enrolling in classes.
Main Campus Students Admitted Spring 2021: You should sign up for and attend a virtual 2-day program through the Next Steps Center. Your orientation will be a combination of online modules and live virtual sessions. Go to New Students: Undergraduate Students for details.
Other
If you do not complete your orientation & check-in requirements by January 11, a hold will be placed on your account.
- All Students:
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Document Review e-form (submit after you have entered the United States)
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Students in the U.S.:
If you still have a hold after completing your orientation or check-in requirements, you may still need to submit required documents to a university office. If you have a Campus Health hold, submit your immunization records in Patient Link. If you have an ISS hold, call 520-621-4627 or email intl-new@email.arizona.edu.
Updated 1/11/2021 Submit the Document Review e-form to indicate you will enroll remotely. Once we review and approve your form (3-5 business days), we will update your visa type to a Distance Learner in UAccess and you will be exempted from these requirements.
You are not required to submit the Outside the US for COVID-19 e-form unless you are a continuing student in active F-1 status.
The deadline for tuition and fees depends on the date you register for classes (which happens during orientation). The earliest possible deadline is the first day of class, but may be later. You can find the exact deadline on the Bursar’s website here.
Tuition and fees will be posted to your account after you register for classes. You can use UAccess to pay for tuition, fees and related expenses. The Bursar’s Office will also mail you an account summary, but your UAccess account will provide the most updated information.
If you pay by credit or debit card, you will be charged a 2.5% service fee in addition to the University of Arizona payment amount. If you pay by eCheck by entering your U.S. bank information, you will not be charged an additional service fee. You can pay with check by mail or in person. Cash payments must be made in person. For a detailed explanation, read about payment options on the Bursar’s website. If you are not sure how to write a check, watch this video for instructions.
Updated 7/23/20Newly admitted graduate students who are outside the country, have not yet obtained required visa documentation, and do not have an SSN, cannot be hired remotely.
Updated 12/14/20 For your tuition award to post, you must follow these steps:
Step 1: Submit the Document Review e-form in MyGlobal (under Orientation) to confirm that you will be outside the US for the semester. Upon review of the e-form, we will change your visa type in UAccess to show that you will be a distance learner (internal code: DL)
Step 2: Complete the International VLP process by uploading the following documents in UAccess:
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A document in English that shows your lawful status in your country of residence (such as a passport, national ID or birth certificate)
You can find instructions and a guide for uploading your documents on the Verification of Lawful Presence for International Students page on the Registrar’s website.
Your department is the best resource for options and questions but may not know about funding at this time. The Graduate College has provided this guidance for departments hiring GA for the coming year. You can find additional resources for funding in the Global Wildcat Guide.