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.