Q: Are courses at UCLA Extension going to be online or in-person in Spring 2022?
Courses will be offered in both in-person and online formats. New international F-1 students in Certificate and Study Abroad programs who arrive in the U.S. for Spring 2022 will be required to enroll in at least one “In-Person” or “Hybrid (In-Person)” course.
Q: Do I need an I-20 to enroll and study online from my home country?
No, an I-20 and F-1 visa is not required if studying from your home country. However, if you are a continuing student with an active SEVIS* record and F-1 status, you may maintain status by studying online from your home country.
Q: Do I need an I-20 form or F-1 visa to be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Yes, you must have an F-1 visa to be eligible for OPT and CPT. Please visit the OPT, CPT, and Internships webpage for more information on eligibility and requirements.
Q: If my classes are fully online, will that affect my F-1 visa status?
It depends. Current U.S. immigration guidelines permit a fully online schedule of classes during the COVID-19 pandemic if:
· You are already in the U.S. on an F-1 visa and studying in a UCLA Extension program.
or
· You are transferring from another U.S. educational institution with a current F-1 visa
*Please note: Guidance from U.S. immigration authorities is subject to change.
If you are a student newly arriving in the U.S. in Spring 2022 with a newly issued F1 visa, you are required to enroll in at least one “In-Person” or “Hybrid (In-Person)” course during your first quarter of study. If, during your course of study at UCLA Extension, COVID-19 conditions require the school to switch to a fully online format, you can remain in the U.S. and maintain your F-1 status as you continue to study online.
Q: How many academic units am I required to enroll in as an international student?
International students attending a certificate program or study abroad program at UCLA Extension must enroll in at least 12 units to maintain F-1 status.
Q: Can I use an electronic form I-20 to apply for a visa and travel to the U.S., or do I need a hard copy?
A digitally signed I-20 is accepted for travel and visa interviews due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When you receive the digitally signed I-20, you are responsible for printing it out and signing it with a blue pen. You cannot sign the I-20 digitally; only your International Student Services advisor can digitally sign. The U.S. Department of State and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are currently allowing digitally signed I-20s.
Q: Are there any travel restrictions when coming to the US?
Please check the following websites for information about any travel restrictions to the U.S.:
Q: Do I need to get a COVID-19 test before traveling to the US?
Starting January 26, 2021, all air passengers arriving to the U.S. from a foreign country are required to get tested for COVID-19 no more than 1 day before their flight departs and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. They are also required to provide proof of the negative test result or documentation from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. Please see the CDC website for more information.
Q: Do I need to self-quarantine after arriving in the US?
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health does not currently have any requirements to self-quarantine upon arrival. Please visit their website for additional information.
Q: What happens if I get COVID-19 while studying at UCLA Extension?
Students who are covered by UCLA Extension’s Anthem health insurance policies have access to COVID-19 testing and treatment.
Q: Can I get testing or the vaccine for COVID-19 in Los Angeles?
Students who are covered by UCLA Extension’s Anthem Health Insurance can receive the COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 testing at no additional cost during this national public health emergency.
Q: Does UCLA Extension offer COVID-19 tests?
No, but there are specific locations in Los Angeles to get a free COVID-19 test. Please visit LA County’s COVID-19 website for more information.
Q: What safety measures UCLA Extension is taking to ensure in-person class meetings are safe to attend?
UCLA Extension will follow policies set by UCLA and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for all in-person classes. Currently students are required to complete a daily symptom check survey, wear masks on campus, and take COVID-19 tests regularly. These requirements are subject to change.
Q. How do I complete the COVID-19 Online Symptom Check Survey?
Please watch this short video to walk through the online survey process.
Q: Which documents will I need with me when I travel to Los Angeles?
If you are a new student, you will need:
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1 visa
- Valid I-20
- Form I-901 (Receipt for the SEVIS fee)
- Welcome Letter
- Copies of your financial certification
- Proof of vaccination and recent COVID test
If you are a continuing student or transfer student, you will need:
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1 visa
- Valid I-20 with a valid travel signature
- Proof of vaccination and recent COVID test
If you are an OPT student, you will need:
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1 visa
- I-20 with a recent valid travel signature
- EAD Card and employment verification (i.e., work paystub, job acceptance letter, etc.).
- Proof of vaccination and recent COVID test
Q: What if COVID-19 numbers rise and it becomes unsafe in Los Angeles? Can I travel back to my home country and continue my studies from there?
Yes. International students who are in the U.S. with F-1 status will be permitted to leave the U.S. and maintain their F-1 status by enrolling in a fully online course load.
