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Monthly Updates

UMass Lowell's Alerts webpage and statement on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

International Students COVID-19 Frequently asked questions (FAQ) 

Monthly Updates / Upcoming Deadlines

DEADLINES

Timeline

ReminderDetails
November 12 (undergraduates) OR December 3 (graduates)Withdrawal Deadline

The last day to withdraw from courses with a grade of "W" is November 12 for undergraduates, and December 3 for graduates. If you wish to withdraw from a course, please complete our Request to Withdraw from a Class e-form no later than 3 days prior to the above-mentioned deadlines to allow for adequate processing time.

PLEASE NOTE: F-1 and J-1 students must be enrolled full-time to maintain their status (12 credits for undergraduates, 9 credits for graduates). Dropping below full-time enrollment requires prior authorization from ISSO through an approved Reduced Course Load. If you think you are eligible for RCL, please visit or call us during Advising Hours to discuss this with an ISSO advisor.

30 days prior to program end date as listed on your I-20/DS-2019Program Extension Deadline 

Is your I-20 or DS-2019 expiring? If you have not yet completed your degree requirements, you MUST apply for a Program Extension at least 30 days prior to the program end date on your current I-20 or DS-2019. 

For more information on the required process and documentation for requesting a Program Extension, please view our Visa Document Extension Webpage.


OPT Filing TimelineOptional Practical Training Applications Accepted NowStudents can apply for Post-OPT up to 90 days prior to the program completion date and no later than 60 days after the completion date.
Please note that while we will accept OPT applications prior to the 90-day filing timeline, we cannot process your OPT I-20 request any earlier than 90 days from your anticipated completion date.
Completion date does not necessarily mean degree conferral.
Please review the Completion Date information on our Maintaining Status webpage to find out more about how USCIS defines completion date.
The ISSO requires 5-7 business days for processing OPT applications.
If applying for Post-OPT, please check the International Student section of the Career & Co-Op Center's website.
EVENTS
DateEventLocation & Information
Fall 2021Office of Multicultural Affairs Fall ProgrammingPlease see OMA Programs & Events website for more information.
NOTICES
TimelineReminderAdditional Details
As of November 8, 2021Presidential Proclamation and CDC Order Impacting International Air Travel to the USPer Presidential Proclamation 10294 and a separate CDC order, all "noncitizens who are nonimmigrants" travelling to the US by air MUST establish that they are fully vaccinated (with very few exceptions)AND show results of a negative coronavirus test performed on a specimen taken three days (if fully vaccinated) or one day (if not fully vaccinated and entering under an exception) preceding their flight's departure from anywhere outside the US.
Thursday, November 11, 2021Veteran's Day

The University and ISSO will be closed on November 11 in observance of Veteran's Day.

November 24 - 28Dining Hall Thanksgiving Hours of OperationsPlease be aware of UML Dining's updated hours of operation over the Thanksgiving Holiday. A complete schedule can be found on the University Dining website 
November 25 - 26Thanksgiving BreakThe University and ISSO will be closed on November 25 and November 26 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Address Change TimelineYou must update your U.S. address within 10 days of changing your address.For more information on how to update your address, visit our Maintaining Status page.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
TimelineReminderDetails
Reminder as of November 2021Beware of Phone and Email ScamsUnfortunately, phone and email scams are common. Learn how to protect yourself from scammers.
Reminder as of November 2021Avoid Shipping Errors and Processing Delays

After submitting an OPT petition to USCIS, do not reach out to USCIS to inquire on the status of your application prior to the listed processing time. This may further delay the processing of your EAD card.

Ensure that your name is clearly marked on the mailbox that you requested your EAD be sent to on your I-765 - your EAD will not be delivered if your name is not on the mailbox.

Reminder as of November 2021Driving in Massachusetts on a Foreign Driver's LicenseForeign licensed drivers from any country, that meet certain requirements, may be eligible to operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts.
Reminder as of November 2021Possession of Marijuana is a Federal OffenseImmigration law treats all marijuana or other illegal substance activity as a crime. Possession, use, and/or admission of marijuana use (legal or illegal) or any other illegal substance by persons who are not U.S. Citizens can result in harsh immigration consequences. Illegal substances, including marijuana, are also prohibited on the UMass Lowell campus. Customs routinely checks for marijuana and other illegal substances at the Port of Entry or during any air travel within the U.S.
Reminder as of November 2021U.S. Customs and Border Protection also checks electronic devices (pdf)Please check the ISSO Travel Page for more detailed travel information.