Anik_91

The problem is that international students are only allowed to take up to 3-4 credits of online classes (the rest has to be in-person) to be in accordance with visa requirements. Hence, if the instruction is online they would think you don't even need to enter the US. I know this requirement was waived for Spring semester as everything happened quickly and in the middle of the semester, but I haven't heard of similar news regarding Fall semester.

Aren't student visas considered non-immigrant? I am pretty sure it won't affect student visas given that international students are a big source of revenue for US higher education institutions. Trump has been eager to close the borders for immigrants for a while and the pandemic has given him a chance, but it's likely to be challenged.

Just to add to this response. Schools are legally required to update your SEVIS profile on a regular basis and if/when any changes to your student status occur. That's why I am pretty sure you don't have to show funding beyond the first year. I imagine schools update funding info on your SEVIS profile on a year-by-year basis even if you are guaranteed funding for 5 years, mainly because funding amount might change a year later based on your assistantship/fellowship.

Hi, I am an international currently in the US under J-1 visa which practically expired (but my status is valid based on DS-2019 form) and I will need to obtain an F-1 visa for my PhD program that starts in August. US Embassy and consulates in my home country are closed until further notice. As of now, my options are as follows: 1. Wait until mid-May (beginning of June at the latest) to see if the situation improves and Embassies/consulates start operating again. If that happens, then I would fly back to get my new visa. 2. If there are no improvements by June, I would consider applying for the change of status within the U.S. through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is a long process. I also think it's not an option in my specific case, but I would need to do more research on this. 3. Defer the program start date by a semester, leave the US when my current status expires in August and come back with an F-1 visa in December-January. I was told by the University International Office that if Fall semester is moved to online instruction and I am just about to start my program, then I would not be able to enter the US anyway. It's a different story for those who are in the middle of their programs because they should be allowed to enter the US to finish their degrees. Hoping to get more info regarding the Fall semester being online/in-person by June and decide then.

Anyone went to UNC or Northwestern visit/recruitment days? Would love to hear your feedback.

Still waiting for a decision from Cornell. It's radio silence - they don't even reply to emails.

Thanks for a reply! Is that in-person on campus interview for everyone? I did email the coordinator and the reply was that very few acceptances were sent out and we gotta wait patiently for a decision.

Any updates on the UNC BME program? Someone has just posted an 'interview invite' on the results page. I wonder if that person is present on this forum and would provide more info (e.g. POI).

It's just that tuition fee is up to 3 times more for international students compared to in-state/American students, hence it's harder to find funding that would support an international student. If you didn't get any scholarship/fellowship, then Principal Investigator has to agree to take you on and pay your tuition, stipend etc.

Someone posted in the results that Northwestern BME program is inviting 10% of 350 strong applications to the interview. I wonder if all invitations have been sent out or more should be expected? Any info on this, guys?

Appears that all who got acceptance notifications from BU today are the ones with the distinguished fellowship. Perhaps, RA/TA funded applicants will be notified later?

Was told UW BioE Admissions committee will be reviewing applications tomorrow (Wednesday). Don't know how helpful that might be, but at least something.