This section was updated on May 14, 2021.  We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available. We will communicate any changes directly with our student population and key campus partners.

General Questions

Is the OIE open? Our office is open, but our services are offered in a hybrid model. All advising is held via Microsoft Teams. Our front office will be open in summer 2021 from 8:30-12 and 1-4:30 Monday through Friday. Appointments, including same-day virtual “walk-ins” can be scheduled through Calendly here. 

Is the OIE offering any programming? The OIE is offering limited in-person programming as well as some virtual workshops. These will be announced in our newsletters and some events are also hosted on our web calendar. 

What will the Fall 2021 requirements be for enrollment? UVM is going back to an in-person semester, so all regular full-time enrollment rules will be in place, including regular limits on online coursework. 

Questions about Travel and Entry during COVID-19

I want to travel outside the US but my visa is expired. Can I still go? Visa renewals are more challenging currently due to significant backlogs with the US department of state. Many consular offices have only limited appointment availability. Do your research ahead of time to ensure that you will have a valid visa prior to reentry. We do not recommend leaving the US with an expired visa unless you have a renewal appointment arranged. 

What if I need a new travel signature? Submit a Replacement I-20/DS-2019 request in iStart. We will print a new document for you, sign it, and mail it to you if you are overseas (make sure to request a shipping label, too). If you are in Burlington, the document can be picked up in our front office.

Can I have a soft copy I-20 instead? There is currently flexibility to issue soft copies of form I-20s. However, we recommend carrying a hard copy whenever possible. We cannot send soft copies of DS-2019s. 

Can I enter the US if I have been in China, Brazil, Iran, India or South Africa? There are currently restrictions on these countries due to increased COVID-19 rates and presence of variants. Because of this, there are restrictions on entry for individuals who have been in these countries in the 14 days prior to entry into the US. Students planning to enter the US from one of these countries will be considered for a National Interest Exception if they are entering the country on or After August 1. We strongly discourage attempting to return to the US prior to August 1 if you travel from China, Iran, Brazil, or S. Africa this summer, as there is a real risk that you could be denied the National Interest Exception benefit either when boarding the plan or at entry into the US.

Can I enter the US if I have been in the UK, Shengen Area, or Ireland? There are currently restrictions on these countries due to increased COVID-19 rates and presence of variants. Because of this, there are restrictions on entry for individuals who have been in these countries in the 14 days prior to entry into the US. F-1 students are automatically considered for a National Interest Exceptions at the point of entry into the US. J-1 visitors should seek a National Interest Exception through the US consulate nearest them. 

When I arrive in Vermont, do I have to quarantine? Quarantine requirements depend on whether or not you are vaccinated. Please review the Vermont Department of Health website for more information. 

This section was updated on May 14, 2021.  We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.

International Scholars, Visitors, and Employees:

How can I stay informed? Campus-wide updates regarding COVID-19 are available here. UVM updates this information based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local agencies. We recommend you also review Centers for Disease Control information on coronavirus, flu season and prevention.

I need to travel outside of the United States. Is that OK? Prior to any travel, monitor conditions in the location where you intend to travel, including following any guidelines listed here. Please check in with International Scholar Services prior to your departure. There are restrictions on entry to the US for individuals who have been in India, China, Iran, Brazil, S. Africa, the Shengen Area, UK, and Ireland which require special attention and consultation prior to travel. 

Is the OIE Open? Our office is open, but our services are offered in a hybrid model. All advising is held via Microsoft Teams. Our front office will be open in summer 2021 from 8:30-12 and 1-4:30 Monday through Friday. 

New Visitors: I no longer plan to visit UVM or need to delay my travel. What should I do? Consult with your UVM host if you will no longer visit UVM or need to delay your visit due to travel and immigration delays.

New Visitors: My program at UVM begins soon. What should I know before travel?  Review Centers for Disease Control information on coronavirus, flu season and prevention. Do not travel if you are sick; travelers who are sick face the risk of being quarantined and tested. Instead, wait until you are well – consult with your UVM host. Allow extra time when passing through airports for connecting flights. Additional health screenings have been put in place in many international airports due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Carry contact information for your UVM hosts and the Office of International Education with you as you travel. If you become sick from your travel, alert your UVM host and seek medical care. Tell the health care provider of your symptoms and recent travel history.

Campus Hosts of International Scholars,Visitors, and Employees

Can I still bring a foreign national to UVM? UVM continues to support the visit of foreign nationals to the University – immigration requests should be submitted via iStart per normal protocol. If there are travel restrictions in place at the time of the planned arrival for the foreign national, the Office of International Education will work with you to evaluate options. Unpaid visitors must be approved by the Office of the Provost before OIE can issue immigration documents. 

I am hosting an international scholar currently. How can I support them? Remind any current visitors of the University of Vermont guidance regarding international travel due to COVID-19. Many of our visitors may be experiencing anxiety related to COVID-19 and how it is affecting their home countries and/or issues related to immigration due to travel restrictions. You can direct those visitors to our office.

How can I speak with an OIE staff member while you are working remotely? Please email us and we can set up an appointment to connect via Microsoft Teams. 

What things do I need to notify the OIE about? Notify the Office of International Education if: a new scholar or visitor no longer will be coming to UVM or is delayed in their arrival; a new or current scholar is experiencing anxiety related to immigration consequences of travel restrictions due to COVID-19.

I have a new visitor coming to campus. What should I know? Ensure any new visitors carry your contact information and that of the Office of International Education with them as they travel to the US for the first time. When booking flights, encourage visitors to allow for extra time in airports to avoid missing flights due to additional screening. All visitors must arrange travel plans to allow for quarantining prior to the first day of employment.