ALCI COVID-19 FAQs

• I am a newly admitted student. When will face to face classes be available?

  • The ALCI IEP program is currently offering face to face classes.  University classes are offered in a variety of modalities.  

• What is the current status of U.S. visa services in my country?

  Visa services vary by country.   Consulates and embassies have been allowed to resume service and each location determines what services they can offer at this time.  For updated visa appointment availability, you can check your  local consulate’s visa wait times here. 

• I have an unexpired F-1 visa from my last school that I attended. Do I need to request a new visa since I will be receiving a new I-20 from CSUSM?
  Students with a valid F-1 visa from a previous school should be able to use their current visa with an ALCI I-20, so long as the visa you currently have is unexpired. However, we always recommend checking with your local U.S. consulate or embassy to verify this first. 
• I went to renew my visa, but now it is under administrative processing. What can I do?

  Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. However, it can take longer. The U.S. Department of State recommends that the applicant wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later, before making inquiries about status of administrative processing.  For more information, review the  U.S. State Department Administrative Processing information.  Please email ereed@csusm.edu if you have been selected for administrative processing. 

• I am a newly admitted student and am thinking about deferring my admission. What can I do?
  • Advisors are always available to discuss different options.  Please email alci@csusm.edu with your questions.
  • To request a deferral and a new I-20, students must contact ALCI Admissions at ereed@csusm.edu. 

  •  Immigration and Customs Enforcement has finalizeed the policy that allows DSOs to issue electronic I-20s.  This means that your updated I-20 can be emailed to you.

• What are the US rules for international student travel?
  • Foreign national air travelers to the United States are be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the United States.  PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE TO CONFIRM THEIR REQUIREMENTS.
  • Fully vaccinated air travelers will continue to be required to show documentation of a pre-departure negative viral test from a sample taken within 24 hours of travel to the United States before boarding.
  • This new global travel system replaces the existing country-by-country restrictions.
  • For additional information please see the US Department of State and CDC  websites.
  • New rules for land borders are similar to the guidance for air travel.  International students will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, as outlined on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website; and (2) verbally attest to their reason for travel and COVID-19 vaccination status during a border inspection.
• May I travel out of the U.S. and return to take classes?
  Please email ereed@csusm.edu with your details and Erin will assist you.
• My family and I are concerned about COVID-19 in the U.S. Should I travel to the U.S. during this time?

  This is a personal decision, but we recommend consulting regularly with the California Department of Public Health’s website for up-to-date information about the risks of COVID-19 in this region. 

• My visa is expired and I am unable to book a visa appointment due to U.S. embassy/consulate delays in my region. What can I do?

   If you are currently in the U.S. and your visa has expired or is expiring soon,  you are eligible to remain in the U.S. as long as you are maintaining your F-1 status. The  visa must be valid in order to enter/reenter the U.S.,  but does  not  need to be valid/unexpired to maintain F-1 status while in the U.S. For additional questions please email ereed@csusm.edu .