New F1 Students

In March 2020, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued guidance regarding immigration regulations and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) management during a pandemic. That guidance still applies for fall 2022. The MCPHS Office of Immigration and International Support Services has prepared the following list of frequently asked questions on that guidance for students in new or initial status.

Can I apply for the F-1 visa and study as an F-1 student with a mix of in-person and online courses at MCPHS?

For the F-1 visa appointment, the decision on whether an individual is eligible to apply for an F or M visa is made by the U.S. Department of State (not SEVP). In regard to online classes, F-1 students are required to be enrolled full-time, and are allowed to take one online class towards their full-time enrollment. For example, at MCPHS undergraduates are required to enroll full-time for a minimum of 12 credits of which one course (3 credits) can be online. Graduate students are required to enroll for a minimum of 9 credits of which one course at 3 credits can be online.

If my I-20 has already been issued, but I don’t come to the United States for the fall 2022 term, what will happen?

If you no longer plan to come to MCPHS for fall 2022, please contact the Admission Office as soon as possible.