International Students

While US Department of Homeland Security guidance around international students has focused on schools where learning would be exclusively online, recent changes to I-20 issuance and visa policies mean that students can learn in the US, online or on campus. While Wayland has consistently planned an on-campus program, the July 14 decision from Homeland Security removes any confusion or anxiety around students’ ability to travel and study in the US.

Your Wayland Academy issued I-20 remains valid. If you have any questions regarding your I-20, please email Ms. Sell H`92 at rsell@wayland.org. Current policies allow us to email I-20s to students, but you must still print your I-20, ensure it is signed by student and parent, and keep it with you as you travel to campus.

Information Regarding Online Classes and I-20s

On July 6, the US State Department and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)issued announcements in preparation for the resumption of the F-1 visa program in Fall 2020. We understand that the new guidance may be creating confusion around your ability to study in the United States and at Wayland Academy. The information that follows is offered to help our students and families from across the world prepare for the upcoming fall. We will continue to update this page and the Big Red Return site as new information becomes available.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified the policy related to online programs. DHS re-affirmed the existing regulation that students may not travel to the US to participate in a program that is 100 percent online, but it still provides a great deal of flexibility for students and schools. Students must engage in an in-person component to be eligible to stay in or re-enter the USA on an F-1 visa.

Despite uncertainty when travel may resume, however Wayland is preparing for the 2020-2021 academic year beginning in August and intends to offer in person and online classes.

DHS is requiring all F-1 schools – including Wayland – to re-issue I-20s to confirm that at least a portion of classes will be in-person and that the student is taking the minimum number of online classes required to make normal progress in their degree program.

Wayland is presently updating and reissuing all I-20 Forms to reflect these changes. In keeping with current guidance, new I-20s will be delivered electronically via email addresses on record. Please ensure that Wayland has your most up-to-date contact information if you will not be using your @wayland.org address. Per SEVIS directions, students who require new visas and are outside of the U.S. will be prioritized.

We anticipate that the US State Department is planning to open up for processing new visas for students starting in Fall 2020, indicating that they are visas in time for the Fall Semester.

Visas and Travel Restrictions

International students arrive in the United States on a F-1 "Student visa”. This visa belongs to the “non-immigrant visa” category. Because of this, any possible US immigration restrictions do not apply to our students.Additionally, the US State Department has confirmed that student visas will be among those prioritized, when visa offices are fully opened.