Published: July 14, 2020

The University of Colorado Boulder and ISSS are extremely pleased to share that the federal government today, July 14, has rescinded (withdrawn) the guidance for fall 2020 that was released last week. Our understanding at this time is that the federal government’s guidance released in March of 2020 will apply for the fall 2020 semester. ISSS will post confirmation and details on our website, including any updated FAQs for fall 2020, when additional information is released by the federal government. 

Please know that since the release of the guidance last week, ISSS has been diligently working with campus leadership to ensure that for the fall 2020 semester, international students on F-1 visas would have the opportunity to continue their studies at CU Boulder while maintaining their visa status. The university has also collaborated with other higher education leaders, our congressional delegation, and the Colorado attorney general to address the now rescinded directives, as explained in this afternoon’s updated CU Boulder Today’s article.

Due to today’s ruling, we are canceling the town hall for international students, planned for July 16. CU Boulder and ISSS are dedicated to supporting international students and scholars. We value the contributions you make to the campus and community and are committed to working together to assist you. We stand united in support of our international students. 

More good news is that we learned yesterday that the U.S. Department of State on Twitter has indicated that some embassies and consulates may begin the phased resumption of routine visa services on July 15, 2020. Each specific embassy/consulate will announce the status of their services on their websites.

As you are making your plans for fall 2020, please keep in mind the following factors if you are returning from outside of the United States:

  • The current entry restrictions to the United States, if you are arriving from certain countries;
  • The university’s recommendation to voluntarily self-quarantine for 14 days before you arrive on campus; and
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s voluntary 14 day self-quarantine recommendation.

Please continue to check the ISSS website regularly for updates as the situation may change between now and the start of the fall semester.

Returning international students unable to arrive in the United States before classes begin on Aug. 24, 2020, must communicate with their professors and academic advisors in advance. Unfortunately, undergraduate international students who arrive later than the census date, Sept. 11, 2020, will not be able to begin classes until spring. Returning graduate students must work with their sponsoring departments to determine the latest date that they may arrive on campus for the fall 2020 semester.  

ISSS is looking forward to welcoming you back, either in person or virtually, for the fall 2020 semester! We are grateful that you are a part of the CU community.

Please reach out to us at isss@colorado.edu with any questions and/or feedback.