News

On July 6, 2020, the U.S. government issued advance notice of new regulations regarding online courses and the fall semester for students in F-1 status. In short, our international students enrolled in programs operating entirely online are not eligible to stay in the U.S. Read More.

July 14, 2020 Update: The government rescinded the SEVP July 6th policy directive discussed below for fall 2020, effectively reverting back to March 2020 COVID-19 emergency guidance.
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There is no one-size-fits-all response to the effect the new regulations will have on Columbia students. Review some of the current variables and scenarios for fall 2020. Read more.

Dear International Students, 

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to share warm regards during this difficult summer and to share opportunities to connect with ISSO in the coming days. As I wrote on July 6, the U.S. government provided notice of distressing rules for the Fall 2020 semester regarding COVID-19 and students in F-1 visa status. Read more.

On July 12, 2020, Columbia University, along with 58 other institutions of higher education, filed an amicus brief (“friend of the court”) in support of the Harvard and MIT lawsuit in opposition of ICE announcement requiring international students to have an in-person component in the fall or leave the United States. Read more about it on University Life’s website where you will find a link to the 22-page brief.

Columbia joins the higher education community in applauding the result of today's hearing in court in a lawsuit brought by MIT and Harvard and joined by many other institutions, including Columbia. In fewer than five minutes the Government "agreed to rescind the July 6, 2020 Policy Directive and the July 7, 2020 FAQ, and has also agreed to rescind their implementation. Read more.

The Department of State posted the following information at the U.S. Visas News section of their website on phasing in routine visa services on a post-by-post basis. 

Phased Resumption of Routine Visa Services

• The Department of State suspended routine visa services worldwide...Read more.

July 16, 2020: The Department of State posted the following update at U.S. Visa News on their website. Certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, academics, and students ... Read more.

When ICE/SEVP rescinded their fall policy directive on July 14th, the guidance for international students reverted back to the March COVID-19 emergency modifications for students who were currently enrolled in the spring term. The March guidance did not address new students because it was in middle of the semester. Read more. 

For the coming academic year, the Global Centers will harness their expertise, location, and network to provide learning and engagement opportunities for Columbia’s 12,000 international students, who hail from over 150 countries. To accommodate the anticipated demand, the nine Global Centers will upgrade their facilities and ...Read more

Learn more.