Remote Learning for Spring 2021

CalArts recently announced that we will only have online instruction for Spring 2021 including the winter session.

Newly Admitted Students Enrolled Online for Fall 2020 from Outside the U.S. 

  • You can enroll online from outside the U.S. for Spring 2021.
  • We are canceling Spring 2021 I-20s.  You cannot enter the U.S. for the Spring 2021 semester.
  • Please postpone your visa appointment to after May 2, 2021. If you already obtained an F-1 visa you can use it to enter the U.S. for the future semester.
  • If the visa fee is already paid it is usually valid for one year.
  • We will start issuing Fall 2021 I-20s with the same SEVIS number in April 2021. We will email you more information on the required documentation for an I-20.
  • The SEVIS fee stays with the same SEVIS number. You can also transfer the SEVIS fee to another SEVIS number if you haven't used the I-20 yet
  • Please do not plan on entering the U.S. until we have more information for Fall 2021.
  • No campus jobs are allowed in Fall 2020 or Spring 2021


Continuing F-1 Students In and Out of the U.S.

  • You could enroll online-only in a full-time course load for Spring 2021 to maintain F-1 status.  (There are some exceptions.)  
  • This includes transfer students who remained in the U.S. in summer 2020.
  • You could travel in and out of the U.S. if you have a valid visa. If needed, you could renew your visa if you are in "Active" status.
  • The online semesters count towards the CPT/OPT eligibility if you maintained good F-1 status in or out of the U.S.
  • Students in "Active" F-1 status can have remote student assistant or teaching assistant jobs.
  • If needed, the Social Security number for campus jobs can be obtained only when you are physically in the U.S. 

Students Who Are on Leave of Absence (LOA) only for Fall 2020

  • It will not be possible to reactivate your SEVIS record for Spring 2021. Your new I-20 will have a new SEVIS number for Fall 2021.
  • You can continue enrolling online for Spring 2021 from outside the U.S.
  • You cannot enter the U.S. for Spring 2021.
  • We will email you about Fall 2021 I-20 in early February.
  • You will need to complete 2 more semesters as an F-1 student with your new SEVIS ID number before you can apply for OPT/CPT.
  • No campus jobs
  • If you are considering extending your LOA, please speak with Academic Advisors (BFAs) and/or your mentor/program director (BFAs and graduate students)

Students Who Were On Leave of Absence (LOA) during Spring 2020

  • Same as Newly Admitted Students Enrolled Online for Fall 2020 from Outside the U.S.

J-1 Fulbright Students

  • Please consult with the Fulbright Office. 
  • If you are considering extending your LOA please speak with your mentor/program director.
  • No campus jobs
  • If you need to change your visa to F-1 for Fall 2021, please contact our office.
  • We will start issuing Fall 2021 I-20s in April 2021. We will email you more information on the required documentation for an I-20.

CalArts J-1 Students

  • You could enroll online-only in a full-time course load to maintain J-1 status.
  • You could travel in and out of the U.S. if you have a valid visa. If needed, you could renew your visa if you are in "Active" status, but it may be difficult.

Students on Other Visas 

  • If you have updates on your visa status please let our office know.

Please email us or visit us during our expanded walk-in hours if you have questions.