Published on Jan 7, 2022
Dear students,
We hope this message finds you well and having a good start to the New Year. As was communicated on December 23, 2021, UChicago is delaying the start of Winter Quarter for most schools and divisions by one week—to January 10—and moving to remote only instruction for the first two weeks of the quarter. In person instruction will resume on January 24, 2022. As a result of this change, some of you may have questions about what this means for your planned travel to the U.S. to continue your studies, and we have created the below list of frequently asked questions to help.
- Since UChicago is delaying the start of winter quarter for most schools/divisions by one week to January 10 and moving to remote-only instruction for the first two weeks of the quarter, will I have trouble entering the U.S. after January 10, 2022? No. You should plan on entering the U.S. using your current I-20 or DS-2019, even if you are arriving after the start of the academic quarter. If you have concerns or have experienced secondary inspection at a U.S. airport in the past, you may want to consider carrying a copy of the University’s message outlining this calendar change. Link Here!
- What if my travel plans are delayed and I am not able to arrive by January 24th? Similar to the above, you will need your I-20 or DS-2019, valid passport, and valid F-1 or J-1 visa sticker (unless you are a Canadian citizen) to enter the U.S., even if that is after January 24, 2022. We know some of you may be delayed in your planned arrival for a variety of reasons, and it is a good idea to be in touch with your academic program administrators and professors if you will be delayed. For more information about required documents for international travel, please visit the OIA website.
- I am a continuing student planning to arrive in the U.S. by January 24th – can I continue my program remotely while inside the U.S.?ICE guidance from 2020/2021 remains in effect – it indicates that a continuing student who started the quarter fully remotely may arrive and either join in-person/hybrid courses or continue remotely. Note that the University intends to resume in-person instruction as of Jan. 24, and online accommodations can vary by academic program/department. Continuing students with questions regarding their online enrollment options should consult with their programs directly. The ICE guidance only applies to students who began their program prior to Winter 2022.
- I’m a Winter 2022 graduate who already applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT) using an I-20 with the March 12th end-date. Do I need to take any action with USCIS? No. This change will not impact your OPT application.
If you have further questions or concerns, please email your designated OIA adviser. We hope each of you had a restful and relaxing winter break.
Sincerely,
The Office of International Affairs