Important COVID-19 Updates from the ISSO

March 14, 2020

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.

Since the situation changes rapidly and information may need to be updated, check your Columbia email for messages from President Bollinger, the Office of University Life, Columbia Health, and the ISSO.

This is uncharted territory for us all, and we will get through it together. It is vital that you follow all health guidelines such as frequently washing your hands and surfaces and being aware of social distancing. Not only is your own safety at stake but also for whom you come in contact. We have to watch out for each other. 

We send our best wishes to you and your families. 

Best,

From all of us at the ISSO

Updates

President Bollinger sent a message last night that starting Monday, March 16th university personnel will work remotely. The ISSO will continue to be operational and will continue to process online applications, respond to emails and mail applications. Instead of picking up documents we will be FedExing them to you so be sure to verify your correct address when you submit an online application.

Visit our new FAQ page for the most frequently asked questions. This page will be updated as needed when information changes.

We know you are concerned about your immigration status as well as your academic life and your health. SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) recognizes that this is a temporary emergency situation. If you maintain full-time enrollment through online courses from anywhere in the world and meet your academic obligations, your F-1 and J-1* student status will not change.

If you are leaving the U.S. or are already abroad make sure you have the up-to-date travel documents with you needed to reenter the U.S. You can request a new I-20 or DS-2019 with updated travel signature to be mailed to you.

*Students in J-1 status with a program sponsor other than Columbia (such as Fulbright) should get guidance from their J exchange visitor sponsor. 

New information from OUL was sent to Columbia students last night relevant to those staying on or close to campus, regarding housing, gatherings on campus, libraries, dining, etc. Please read it if it applies to you.

The best resource for comprehensive and up-to-date information relevant to travel, consulates, and visas is from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the leading professional organization dedicated to international education and exchange.

Although the upcoming in-person tax workshops are canceled, we are working with Sprintax to provide webinars instead. More information on this will be forth-coming. You don’t have to wait for a workshop to get started. Here's a brief overview and here is the Tax Workshop youtube playlist. We provide free access to Sprintax for your federal tax forms by logging in through the portal on our website with your uni and password.

The best source of comprehensive and up-to-date information university-wide is the COVID-19 hub that Columbia created to centralize information, resources and latest guidance for the university community. For inquiries regarding COVID-19, students, faculty, and staff should email [email protected]

Columbia Preparedness is another great source. Check their page for latest alerts and announcements.