Dear International Gauchos,
We hope that you are staying safe and healthy!
We just received news that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has expanded its negative COVID-19 test requirement.
Starting on January 26, 2021, all air passengers entering the U.S. are required to get a viral test within 3 days before their travel date. Please note that airlines are responsible for confirming the negative COVID-19 test results of their passengers before boarding any flights. If you plan to travel to the U.S. from abroad, please prepare to get a virtal test, and then provide the necessary documentation required by your airline. If you have any questions regarding this CDC order, including requirements, please contact your airline.
Note: OISS is requiring any new Winter 2021 arrivals to submit their I-94 by January 22, 2021. Thus, this CDC order will mainly affect students who are planning mid-quarter travel, or students planning to enter the U.S. for Spring 2021. Please keep in mind that international travel is largely discouraged for public health and safety reasons.
If You Entered Or Plan To Enter The U.S. With A New Initial I-20 or DS-2019:
*You can ignore this part if you recently submitted your I-94 to OISS, do not plan to enter the U.S. for Winter 2021, or are a continuing student who is already in Active status.
If you entered or plan to enter the U.S. for the Winter 2021 quarter, then you must submit your I-94 record to OISS in order to complete your check-in process.
This process is required for any student who has a new initial I-20 or DS-2019, and requires registration in order to switch their status from initial to active. Submitting your I-94 is how you report your arrival to OISS so that you can get registered.
The deadline to submit your I-94 is by 11:59PM on Friday, January 22nd. If you do not submit your I-94 by this deadline, OISS will assume that your are outside of the U.S.
Note: In order to be eligible to enter the U.S. for Winter 2021, you must have a course with an in-person component. If you are in the U.S., please make sure that you have an in-person or hybrid course in your class schedule!
Once an OISS advisor verifies that you have entered the U.S., then we can register your record, which will switch you from Pending to Active status. Please follow the instructions below.
Kindly,
The OISS Team
