Coronavirus Update - Maintaining F-1 Student Visa Status

Published: 3/13/2020

Maintaining F-1 Student Visa Status During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Change to Academic Course Delivery

In an effort to protect all students from the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Wilmington University officials have made the decision to temporarily change all class formats to an on-line environment.  During this time, the International Affairs Department will be working with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to make sure all current, active F1 visa holders remain in status. This means that you may continue to participate in your educational studies during this temporary change. Please note that you may not drop your face to face and hybrid courses and then register for 100% online courses-doing so will jeopardize your status. We will determine whether to resume in-person and hybrid classes no later than April 17.

You will be contacted by e-mail as to the programming shift and when your on-line course work will be available. It is your responsibility to continue to maintain good academic progress by attending class via Zoom, staying up to date on course work, and completing all assignments and tests on time. If you do not hear from your instructor regarding this shift, it is your responsibility to make contact with him/her.

Additionally, we recommend that you do not travel out of the country because it is highly likely you will not be allowed to return.  Authorities are taking all precautions against the possible spread of the virus, which may impact business operations and disruptions to travel. Please see Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel on the CDC's web site for more information. Any student, faculty or staff member returning from a Level 2 or Level 3 country, as designated by the CDC, must self-isolate at home for 14 days. The University must receive notification of the self-isolation and verification of the travel.  (To learn more about CDC designations, visit cdc.gov).

We extend our compassion and concern for this situation and the impact this may be having on your loved ones back home.  At this time, the International Affairs staff will remain at work and will be available to address any of your concerns.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office:

Phone 302-356-6741:

Option 1- Admissions and Current Students (international@wilmu.edu)

Option 2 – Final Semester and OPT (opt@wilmu.edu)