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July 14, 2020 Update: The government rescinded the SEVP July 6th policy directive discussed below for fall 2020, effectively reverting back to March 2020 COVID-19 emergency guidance.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.
President Trump, citing the pandemic and the need to protect U.S. workers during the economic downturn, signed a Proclamation to extend the 60-day suspension of new immigrants to the U.S. ordered on April 22, 2020 and suspend and limit the entry of certain temporary worker visas through the end of 2020.
Read more here.
Link to the recording of the Sprintax Webinar to learn about:
- US income tax basics for international students and scholars
- The COVID CARES stimulus payment eligibility and returning the $1200 payment if ineligible (nonresidents are not eligible).
- Read more.
Federal and State Tax Deadlines Extended until July 15
If you were physically in the U.S. in F or J status anytime between January 1 - December 31, 2019 you will be required to send at least one form to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), even if you had no income. Although US. income tax law is complex, we provide resources and tax workshops to demystify the process and help you comply with your federal (and possibly) state tax obligations.
On May 29, 2020, the President issued a Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Students and Researchers from the People’s Republic of China. The proclamation is effective at 12:00 pm EDT on June 1, 2020, and is to remain in effect until terminated by the President. Read more here.
This proclamation, predicated on the risk of transmitting novel coronavirus, suspends the entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of all aliens who were physically present within the Federative Republic of Brazil during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry. Read more.
On April 22, 2020, a Presidential Proclamation was issued to suspend the entry into the United States of foreign nationals as immigrants who do not have a valid immigrant visa (green card) for 60 days, effective April 23, 2020.
Taxes: COVID-19 CARES Act Stimulus Payments. “Nonresident alien” tax filers are not eligible for the $1200 payment. Individuals who filed a resident tax return in 2018 or 2019 are eligible if they continue to qualify as a resident alien in 2020. Some international students and scholars, however, may have erroneously filed a resident tax return, through TurboTax or similar software for residents. Learn more.
Information regarding a pending Executive Order tweeted by President Trump last night is being monitored carefully by ISSO staff. According to the tweet, the new Executive Order will temporarily suspend immigration to the United States. No confirmation of the tweet or further details have emerged from the US Department of State or the US Department of Homeland Security. Information will be shared with Columbia's international community as soon as it becomes available.
- CPS on the Morningside campus is offering virtual support spaces on a variety of topics to help address concerns around COVID-19. One of the 15 groups is designed specifically for international students on Thursdays at 11:00 am but check out the entire list.
- MHS on the CU Medical Center campus is offering virtual workshops, therapy groups and gathering spaces.
Life has changed dramatically since the last in-person class was held at Columbia just over 3 weeks ago on Friday, March 6th. The disruption to our academic, professional, and personal lives cannot be overstated. Some of you packed in a hurry and traveled home or elsewhere; others are self-isolating in your homes along with fellow New Yorkers.
During this global health crisis, Columbia University and the ISSO are committed to supporting our international students and scholars. The guidance on COVID-19 and how to best mitigate its impact is dynamic and fast-moving. The university’s top priority during this challenging time is the health, safety and well-being of the university community.
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I am writing to you regarding the maintenance of your student visa status and OPT in light of COVID-19 and the University’s decision to move to online classes. ISSO has received guidance from the government that they intend to be flexible with temporary adaptations to classes.
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