• United States Test Optional Universities (2021)

• The Netherlands COVID19 University Updates (2021)

• The UK COVID19 University Updates (2021)

• United States/Common Ap

If an institution is offering a hybrid teaching model (on campus - mix of physical & online classes, being done by many top colleges), ICE demands that students should be on campus - however, we know many freshmen and continuing students now prefer to take virtual lessons this fall...and there is a way to study virtually despite the new ICE rules

Specifically...

For incoming freshmen who prefer to take virtual Fall classes until the situation is better, then start on campus in Spring - they should work closely with their college's DSO or Int'l Student Office to manage I-20 details, and refrain from applying for their student visa until December.

But for returning or continuing students who wish to take virtual lessons from Thailand this fall, SEVIS compliance is a bit complicated as it involves modifying the I-20 & SEVIS record, which each college needs to explain to their students.

If an institution is only offering fully online classes (by some top colleges, and some state colleges, e.g. Cal State University camp;uses), current students can be anywhere outside the US (but can't remain in the US that semester) and it won't affect their student visa status.

Sources: ACE! Education USA

• UCAS

University offers and decisions

The UK Government asked universities and colleges to temporarily stop making unconditional offers or amending existing offers following the coronavirus outbreak – this is because they were worried you would feel pressured to accept these offers over others you might be better suited to. This has now been lifted, and your offer status will be listed in Track.

It is important you take you time to assess your options and make the decision that is right for you. We’ve given students more time to make decisions on their offers:

If you receive your last decision on or before 4 June 2020, your reply date is 18 June 2020 (except if you're using Extra to find a place).

If you receive your last decision on or before 13 July 2020, your reply date is 20 July 2020 (including Extra choices).

If you’ve been given an extension, we’ve emailed your new decision deadline to you.

Source: https://www.ucas.com/coronavirus

• Thailand

Universities in Thailand have begun to move their classes online to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) in the country. The move is in line with an instruction by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, which recommends all universities provide appropriate methods of instruction that can help limit risks associated with the disease.

Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1876594/covid-19-fear-pushes-classes-online

• Canada

For international students specifically

• International students who remain in Canada can apply to renew their study permit, and can continue to study and work while their application renewal is being processed.

• At this time, international students who held a valid study permit granted before or on March 18, 2020, will be able to travel to Canada.

• If a study permit was issued to an international student after March 18, 2020, they are currently not allowed to travel to Canada.

Immigration status and related travel

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published detailed information on how the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting immigration, refugees, citizenship and passport services.

• This includes specific information, questions and answers related to, among others:

  • Workers, students and visitors

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibilities

  • International students providing essential services

  • Guidance in situations where an international student’s status has expired, or is about to expire

  • Travel restrictions and exemptions, as well as details on exemptions for certain international students

  • IRCC offices and visa application centres

  • Applying for a study permit from outside Canada

  • Biometrics collection

Source: https://www.educanada.ca/study-plan-etudes/covid-19/update-covid-19-mise-a-jour.aspx?lang=eng

• The Netherlands

Higher education institutions (universities and HBOs) are providing remote forms of teaching, and ensuring that research activities can continue where possible. From 15 June institutions are allowed to offer limited teaching on site.

Any educational and research activities can only take place if everyone stays 1.5 metres apart and follows the other rules introduced on the advice of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the municipal health service (GGZ). Institutions have drawn up plans for this. Staff and students may not come to the institution if they have symptoms that could point to the coronavirus.

Source: https://www.studyinholland.nl/documentation/covid-19-and-studying-in-the-netherlands.pdf

Source: https://www.studyinholland.nl/measures-coronavirus

Source: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/questions-about-coronavirus-and-the-education-sector/higher-education