SEVP Guidance for Academic Year 2021-2022

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) would continue to apply its flexible guidance through the 2021-2022 academic year. As a result, international students will be able to engage in distance learning that exceeds existing regulatory limits in light of the pandemic’s ongoing public health risks and safety concerns. 

ISS’ Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates website now includes information about the SEVP Guidance.  Please take your time when reading this information and pay particular attention to how the status of your SEVIS record in Spring 2020, when the COVID-10 guidance was released, determines your options for maintaining status now.

We understand that this information is complicated and can affect students’ academic plans.  We also acknowledge that students may need assistance in evaluating their individual circumstances for maintaining status.  ISS is here to help.  Email your questions to international@case.edu and we will do our best to support you.

Registration & Your Visa Status

ISS just wants to remind you that, as international students, you are required to be properly registered for a full-time course load while you're studying in the United States as an F-1 or a J-1 student. This is mandatory by US Federal Regulations.

There are very few exceptions to full-time registration requirements and only ISS can determine whether you qualify for one of them.  Always register for full-time and never drop below a full-time courseload without first speaking with an advisor in ISS.   Improper registration could have serious consequences, including termination, for your visa status.

If you have already completed coursework abroad through online learning during previous semesters, you must still be registered full-time unless ISS determines that you qualify for an exception. 

We will be verifying each student's registration over the next several weeks. If we detect a problem with your registration or have questions, we will be contacting you by email. It's extremely important that you follow up with us promptly and work to quickly resolve the matter so that your visa status is not negatively impacted.

If you have questions, never hesitate to contact our office at international@case.edu or get in touch during advising hours!

Chat with ISS Staff Online During Advising Hours
We Are Here All Summer

Virtual Advising is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., EST.

If you have a question or concern that you need to address during that time frame, reach out to an advisor through the chat box. The chat box (it looks just like the picture) will be available on our website.

We Hear Your Questions

ISS has been receiving many emails over the past few weeks and the most popular topics on your minds right now are:

• vaccine policy
• quarantining
• testing

We hear you!  

The best resources we can share right now are:

• the CDC's website related to testing and travel
• CWRU's COVID-19 website, particularly the Vaccinations and Travel Policy sections
• CWRU's COVID-19 Communications page
• Quarantine Needs form to report your quarantine plans for when you arrive on campus

Please continue to keep in touch with ISS throughout the summer.  We will continue to do our best to answer your questions and support you. 

As we learn more, ISS will continue to share information with you.  We will send messages directly to your @case.edu email accounts, we will include information in ISSNews, and we will update our website.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding!

Check In with ISS

Students New to CWRU or Beginning a New Program at CWRU:

To Check In:

If you will be on campus this semester to begin your program, please access the Instructions on How to Check In with ISS and complete the process. Please note that you:

• check in online AFTER you arrive in the US with your valid I-20 or DS-2019

• can check in up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019

• must check in by the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. If there is a delay, please notify us immediately

We cannot process any on-campus employment or Social Security Number paperwork until you have been checked in.

If you will not be coming to the United States this fall, do not check in using the instructions above. It is critical that you complete the survey instead.  If you have not done so yet, please do so immediately. 
 

Returning Students

Please complete this very brief survey telling us where you will spend the semester and how your courses will be delivered.  We'll use this information to ensure that we are accurately completing our required reporting to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
 

Thank you for your attention and cooperation!

Beware of Scams

ISS wants to make sure that international students are aware of these scams and know how to protect themselves.  Visit our website for more information.

Manage Tuition Payments & More

Register Now for the Sprintax Nonresident Tax Overview for OPT/CPT 

August 10, 2021, 12:00pm EDT

Free Access Program

Annual Furniture Giveaway for ALL, NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 

International student Fellowship is excited to invite ALL, NEW international students to attend its Annual Furniture and Household items Giveaway. This is a FREE event, but space is limited! This is ISF's way of saying WELCOME to you!

Date: Saturday - August 14, 2021

Location: 2537 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 (Gymnasium of Church of the Saviour)

Time: 9 a.m. sharp. (arrive between 8:30 - 8:45 a.m. to sign in in order to receive a number). Items are given away on a random lottery draw. NO NEED to arrive early. This is not a first come first serve basis.

For more information - visit their Facebook page: International Student Fellowship -CWRU or email at isfcleveland@gmail.com

Scan the QR code and register NOW! 

Learn about a nine-month leadership and professional program for international newcomers In Northeast Ohio.

County Fairs in nearby Cleveland area

Nearby county fairs to Cleveland are highlighted.

• Medina County Fair: Aug. 2 to Aug. 8, Medina
• Columbiana County Fair: Aug. 2 to Aug. 8, Lisbon
• Richland County Fair: Aug. 8 to Aug. 14, Mansfield
• Holmes County Fair: Aug. 9 to Aug. 14, Millersburg
• Cuyahoga County Fair: Aug. 10 to Aug. 15, Berea
• Ashtabula County Fair: Aug. 10 to Aug. 15, Jefferson
• Erie County Fair: Aug. 10 to Aug. 15, Sandusky
• Huron County Fair: Aug. 16 to Aug. 21, Norwalk
• Lorain County Fair: Aug. 22 to Aug. 29, Wellington
• Portage County Randolph Fair: Aug. 24 to Aug. 29, Atwater
• Stark County Fair: Aug. 31 to Sept. 6, Canton
• Canfield Fair: Sept 1 to Sept. 6, Canfield
• Great Geauga County Fair: Sept. 2 to Sept. 6, Burton
• Wayne County Fair: Sept. 11 to Sept. 16, Wooster
• Ashland County Fair: Sept. 19 to Sept. 25, Ashland
• Tuscarawas County Fair: Sept. 20 to Sept. 26, Dover

Feast of Assumption 8/12-8/15

The Feast of Assumption will be celebrated in Little Italy! Hosted by the Holy Rosary Church, there will be a series of masses, entertainment, and food. The schedule for the weekend can be found here.

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