email : Webview : Five Month Rule & Other Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Student,

We have been receiving a lot of questions related to Miami's transition to remote instruction and how it impacts international students. Here is some information related to the common questions we are seeing:

Concerns about keeping up with coursework

Your coursework will continue through remote instruction for the remainder of the semester. It is important to consistently participate in coursework, submit assignments in a timely manner, and communicate with faculty. This is crucial for your legal status. If you have chosen to travel outside the U.S., be mindful of challenges related to time zones and internet access, and ensure you will have access to all Miami systems. Communicate regularly with your instructors if you have any concerns about your participation. Be sure to check your Miami email daily.

Instructions for withdrawing

If you do not believe you can continue your coursework, you may apply for a total withdrawal from the semester. Be mindful of university deadlines for withdrawal as well as refund deadlines. To withdraw:

Schedule a remote advising appointment with an ISSS advisor
Submit all required forms

Login to InterLink and submit the “Leave of Absence or Withdrawal” eform
Submit the University Withdrawal Form

Please note that if you withdraw from all coursework, ISSS must report your withdrawal and end your F-1 status by terminating your I-20 for authorized early withdrawal. Review more details on Leave or Absence or Withdrawal. ISSS will assisting you the process to return to Miami University in the fall.

Concerns about visas and 5-month rule

ISSS is aware that students are concerned that if they are outside the U.S. more than five months, their visas may be cancelled. However, this rule only applies if a student is not enrolled full-time and maintaining F-1 status. Because of the unique situation caused by the coronavirus, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program has stated students may continue coursework through remote instruction from inside or outside the U.S. for the remainder of the semester. Therefore, your visa will remain valid as long as you continue to maintain status and as long as it does not expire prior to your re-entry into the U.S.

If you have decided to remain in the U.S., keep in mind that it is fine for your visa to expire as long as your I-20 is valid and you are maintaining legal status. You do not need to depart the U.S. simply to renew your visa. You will need to renew it the next time you choose to travel.

Concerns about graduation and diplomas

At this time, it is unclear if Miami will be able to hold its May graduation ceremony. If you have traveled to your home country and you are a May candidate for graduation, you may earn your degree remotely; it is not a requirement that you attend the graduation ceremony if it is held. Just make sure the address you indicated for your degree conferral/diploma (where you want it mailed) is correct in the university system! Review more information about Diplomas.

NOTE: If you are graduating in May and planning to apply for OPT, you must submit your OPT application to USCIS prior to departing the U.S. ISSS advisors will be able to assist you remotely with your OPT application. Email international@miamioh.edu if you have questions.

Concerns about re-entering the US in August

Students who continue their full-time enrollment for spring semester and maintain legal status will be eligible to return to the U.S. in August and resume full-time in person study for fall semester. However, current travel restrictions bar entry into the U.S. for foreign nationals who have been present in numerous countries. Our hope is that these restrictions will be lifted by summer, but this is unclear at this time. Please continue to monitor our website or the Department of State website for information about travel restrictions.

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