On July 24, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a broadcast message retracting their July 6 modification. ICE will continue the March guidance allowing current nonimmigrant F-1 students to take a full online course load in the fall and still remain in the U.S.

ICE guidance on COVID-19 (including information for nonimmigrant students)

Students who continue to make normal progress in their course of study remain eligible for admission into the United States. However, because of the changing array of travel restrictions, you should refer to your local U.S. embassy’s website through the U.S. Department of State for any updates about visa issuance. Also, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Center(s) for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) websites provide information about current travel restrictions to the United States.

In addition, SEVP advises students currently outside of the United States and looking to enter the country to check on any travel restrictions their country might have regarding international travel, including restrictions applicable to countries they may travel through.

Students may engage in curricular practical training (CPT) during their time abroad, provided they are:

• Enrolled in a program of study in which CPT is integral to the program of study
• Their DSO authorized CPT in advance of the CPT start date, and
• Either the employer has an office outside the United States or the employer can assess student engagement and attainment of learning objectives electronically.

Currently, government guidance says you must be inside the U.S. to apply for Post-Optional Practical Training (OPT). At this time, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is evaluating these issues and may issue additional guidance. In the meantime, since U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicates OPT employment authorization requests, SEVP recommends reaching out to USCIS for further guidance.

F-1 students can't be outside the U.S. for more than five months. Although, if you stay enrolled full time in online coursework for the remainder of spring 2020, you will not be impacted by this rule.  The five-month leave of absence rule applies if you are no longer an AACC student due to the termination of your SEVIS record.

If you are outside the U.S. five months or more after your SEVIS record was terminated, you lose your ability to reenter as an F-1 student unless you have applied and approved for a new F1 visa status. In this case, you must have reapplied to AACC and received a new I-20 form with a new SEVIS number.  AACC DSO will keep your SEVIS record active if you are enrolled as a full-time student online and you intend to return after the COVID-19 crisis.

AACC does not support late arrivals to the U.S. Students with initial I-20’s for spring 2022 should plan to arrive in the U.S. on or before Jan. 21, 2022. If you are unable to arrive on time, AACC recommends you fill out the deferral form for your entry to the U.S. for the fall 2022 term. You can work with your academic advisor to find courses to begin your program online from outside the U.S.

This depends on your I-20 status. Students with initial attendance, transfer pending or change of level I-20s for spring 2022 must take an in-person course if they enter the United States. Review the infographic below to better understand your immigration status type.

At this time, international students must have the following documents in order to travel to the U.S. in F-1 status:

• Valid I-20 issued by the AACC is required if you are returning to the U.S. to continue studies
• Valid passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond your expected return to the U.S.
• Valid F-1 U.S. visa stamp (Canadian citizens exempt)
• Proof of funding or financial evidence (recommended)
• Current quarter class schedule showing your courses (recommended)
• SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt (recommended)

We recognize it is a highly stressful and unpredictable time, with travel options and restrictions changing daily. Reentry to the U.S. is always at the discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. For more information regarding re-entry requirements and how to prepare for possible questions, please visit the U.S. Department of State.

Only students with initial attendance, transfer pending or change of education level I-20 who come to the United States to initiate their F-1 status are required to take an in-person course.

AACC has offered in-person instruction beginning fall 2021. There will be limited remote options for students who choose to remain outside of the U.S. The community college leadership continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and impacts of the pandemic around the world, and will provide updates as needed. Review the Riverhawks Health and Safety and Student Services for details.

Yes, you will be able to get a vaccine when you come to the U.S. Just check the college's vaccine page.

If you are experiencing stress or anxiety about this situation, we encourage you to reach out to counselors, advisors or friends to talk about your feelings. AACC Personal Counseling Services and AACC Health and Wellness Center and are available to help and resources.

F-1 visa students are required to submit proof of medical or health insurance coverage while attending AACC. The college does not offer medical or health insurance to students, however, we have compiled a list of health insurance companies who offers coverage for international students. Contact the admissions office at admissions@aacc.edu for the list.

Yes, we have complied a list of many campus resources on topics such as academics, emergency, employment, financial, disability, health and student support, food and family, etc.

Students who have extreme hardship may apply for Severe Economic Hardship with USCIS. Details about applying for Severe Economic Hardship with USCIS are listed below.

• Currently enrolled students in F-1 status
• Review AACC’s instructions and information on the Severe Economic Hardship Pamphlet. Special Student Relief work authorization requires a federal register announcement from the USCIS Special Student Relief.
• If your request is approved, you may be able to work off-campus in one-year intervals up to the expected date of completion of your current course of study. Review 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii). USCIS Special Situations

Contact AACC's cashier's office about your situation before the deadline to help you determine what options may be available.

For limited short-term emergency aid including medical bills, housing/rent, food, transportation fees or other basic necessities, contact financial aid.

The I-765 form to apply for Optional Practical Training instructs you to submit the form within the United States. We recommend that you follow the instructions on the form. If you follow different instructions, we cannot provide guidance on how USCIS will respond or whether they will accept your application.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides one year of employment authorization in your field of study. Your application must be submitted and arrive at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 60 days of your program completion date (the final day of your final quarter); however, you are encouraged to apply much earlier. Due to slow processing times, we recommend applying approximately three months in advance. For more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply, send an email to ebthompson@aacc.edu.

If you have questions, refer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement broadcast message.

Admissions Requirements

To receive an I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status from AACC, you must meet the admission requirements for international students.

1.  Submit the AACC Admission Application for F-1 Student Status.

The admission application is FREE.

Use your legal name as it appears on your passport and supporting documents. When completing your application, be sure to provide a complete international permanent address – not a P.O. Box – so we can issue your I-20 form. Don't forget to sign your application. You may apply online or download the International (F-1) Student Admission Application Form.

2.  Submit the Supplementary Form for F-1 Students. 

3.  Submit your official or certified copies of transcripts or high school diploma/certificate. 

These documents should verify graduation from secondary and post-secondary schools attended. If you attended another college or university in the U.S., official transcripts from that school also must be submitted.

If you wish to transfer credits from a college or university from outside the U.S. to AACC, that transcript must be submitted for review and evaluation by a professional credential evaluating agency. AACC only accepts credential evaluations by World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators Inc. (ECE) or SPANTRAN. Students in the Financial Accounting certificate leading to the CPA examination may also use the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

These organizations will review your transcript and prepare a report providing course title(s), grade(s) and number of credit(s) in U.S. equivalents. In some cases, students may have to provide the credential agency with the course syllabi and/or course descriptions from the college or university to establish any course equivalencies.

The following checklist will help as you complete the transcript evaluation process:

• Determine which agency you would like to use from the list provided.
• Complete the required application (paper or online).
• Indicate which type of evaluation you need. If you wish to transfer college credits to AACC, request a course-by-course evaluation. If you only need a high school evaluation report, request a general or document-by-document evaluation.
• Submit required documentation and payments as instructed by the agency.
• On your application, request that a copy of your evaluation be sent directly to:

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)
Records and Registration, Student Services (SSVC) Building 140
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD  21012

Once the college receives your evaluation report from the credential agency, it will be reviewed by the college transcript evaluator for transfer credits applicable to the program of study or major you are pursuing at AACC. Allow three to four weeks for this to process.

If you have any questions, or if there are any discrepancies regarding the transfer of credits you received from AACC, contact:

Records and Registration
Tel. 410-777-1816
Fax 410-777-2489
Email: records@aacc.edu 

4.  English Proficiency (TOEFL, SAT, ACT or AACC English Placement Test)

You must provide the college with verification of your proficiency in English. You may submit copies of your test score reports with your application materials. AACC's TOEFL code is 5019.

Note: The AACC English Accuplacer Placement Test is only available for students who are in the United States at the time of their application.

5. Financial Certification

You must certify that you have sufficient funds to support your one academic year of study and living expenses. You may submit an official bank statement. If a U.S. resident sponsor will support you, you must submit their bank statement and completed affidavit of support form (Form I-134). The form is available at www.uscis.gov.  

Estimated Annual Expenses for Associate Degree Students (fall and spring terms)

Estimated Expenses for English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Students 

*Living expenses include costs for housing, food and health insurance.

$5,000 per dependent

Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice.

See additional information about tuition and fees.

6.  A copy of your unexpired passport ID page

Do not send your original passport.

Note: All documents must be submitted in English or with English translation by a certified translator. Only complete applications will be reviewed for I-20 issuance.

Mail your application form and materials to:

Anne Arundel Community College
Admissions and Enrollment Development
Student Services Center
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012-1895

Delivery of I-20 form using special courier such as DHL, UPS, Federal Express, etc.
After you have been accepted to Anne Arundel Community College, you will receive an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) form via regular mail. For faster delivery, you may use DHL, UPS or FedEx to deliver your I-20 by submitting your request to the University Express Mail Service (UEMS) eShipGlobal.

To submit your request to UEMS, you must complete the Student/Scholar Registration, enter required shipping information and pay the shipping cost.  

Once your order of the shipment has been processed, our office will receive notification and will arrange for the pick up of your package by DHL, UPS or FedEx. You can track the progress of the shipment through your UEMS eShipGlobal Account. 

If you have any questions about using this service, email studentsupport@eshipglobal.com.

Once you have received your I-20, you must pay the SEVIS fee and print the receipt at least two days before your visa interview. To pay the fee, go to www.fmjfee.com.

Admissions Requirements

To receive an I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status from AACC, you must meet the admission requirements for international students:

1.  Submit the AACC Admission Application for F-1 Student Status.

The admission application is FREE.

Use your legal name as it appears on your passport and supporting documents. When completing your application, be sure to provide a complete international permanent address — not a P. O. Box — so we can issue your I-20 form. Don't forget to sign your application. You may apply online or download the International (F-1) Student Admission Application Form.

2.  Submit the Supplementary Form for F-1 Students. 

3.  Submit your official or certified copies of transcripts or high school diploma/certificate. 

These documents should verify graduation from secondary and post-secondary schools attended. If you attended another college or university in the U.S., official transcripts from that school also must be submitted.

If you wish to transfer credits from a college or university from outside the U.S. to AACC, that transcript must be submitted for review and evaluation by a professional credential evaluating agency. AACC only accepts credential evaluations by World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators Inc. (ECE) or SPANTRAN. Students in the Financial Accounting certificate leading to the CPA examination may also use the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

These organizations will review your transcript and prepare a report providing course title(s), grade(s) and number of credit(s) in U.S. equivalents. In some cases, students may have to provide the credential agency with the course syllabi and/or course descriptions from the college or university to establish any course equivalencies.

The following checklist will help as you complete the transcript evaluation process:

• Determine which agency you would like to use from the list provided.
• Complete the required application (paper or online).
• Indicate which type of evaluation you need. If you wish to transfer college credits to AACC, request a course-by-course evaluation. If you only need a high school evaluation report, request a general or document-by-document evaluation.
• Submit required documentation and payments as instructed by the agency.
• On your application, request that a copy of your evaluation be sent directly to:

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)
Records and Registration, Student Services (SSVC) Building 140
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012

Once the college receives your evaluation report from the credential agency, it will be reviewed by the college transcript evaluator for transfer credits applicable to the program of study or major you are pursuing at AACC. Allow three to four weeks for this to process.

If you have any questions, or if there are any discrepancies regarding the transfer of credits you received from AACC, contact:

Records and Registration
Tel. 410-777-1816
Fax 410-777-2489
E-mail: records@aacc.edu 

4.  English Proficiency (TOEFL, SAT, ACT or AACC English Placement Test)

You must provide the college with verification of your proficiency in English.  You may submit copies of your test score reports with your application materials. AACC's TOEFL code is 5019.

Please note: The AACC English Accuplacer Placement Test is only available for students who are in the United States at the time of their application.

5. Financial Certification

You must certify that you have sufficient funds to support your one academic year of study and living expenses. You may submit an official bank statement. If a U.S. resident sponsor will support you, you must submit their bank statement and completed affidavit of support form (Form I-134). The form is available at www.uscis.gov.  

Estimated Annual Expenses for Associate Degree Students (fall and spring terms)

Estimated Expenses for English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Students 

*Living expenses include costs for housing, food and health insurance.

$5,000 per dependent

Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice.

See additional information about tuition and fees.

6.  A copy of your unexpired passport ID page.

Do not send original passport.

Additional requirements for transfer students:

1. A copy of your passport (biographic page).
2. A copy of your F-1 visa stamp.
3. A copy of your I-94 (card or printed from the internet www.cbp.gov).
4. A copy of all I-20 forms issued to you.
5. A copy of your Approval Notice for Change of Status to F-1 (if applicable).
6. Transfer Eligibility Form signed by your current DSO.

Note:  You must have an "ACTIVE" status in SEVIS to apply to transfer your F-1 visa. All documents must be submitted in English or with English translation by a certified translator. Only complete applications will be reviewed for I-20 issuance. 

Mail your application form and materials to:

Anne Arundel Community College
Admissions and Enrollment Development
Student Services Center
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012-1895

After your SEVIS record has been released to AACC, you must contact us 15 days before the start date of your classes. A new I-20 form will be issued to you.

Admissions Requirements

To receive an I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status from AACC, you must meet the admission requirements for international students

1.  Submit the AACC Admission Application for F-1 Student Status.

The admission application is FREE.

Use your legal name as it appears on your passport and supporting documents. When completing your application, be sure to provide a complete international permanent address — not a P. O. Box — so we can issue your I-20 form. Don't forget to sign your application. You may apply online or download the International (F-1) Student Admission Application Form.

2.  Submit the Supplementary Form for F-1 Students. 

3.  Submit your official or certified copies of transcripts or high school diploma/certificate. 

These documents should verify graduation from secondary and post-secondary schools attended. If you attended another college or university in the U.S., official transcripts from that school also must be submitted.

If you wish to transfer credits from a college or university from outside the U.S. to AACC, that transcript must be submitted for review and evaluation by a professional credential evaluating agency. AACC only accepts credential evaluations by World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators Inc. (ECE) or SPANTRAN. Students in the Financial Accounting certificate leading to the CPA examination may also use the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

These organizations will review your transcript and prepare a report providing course title(s), grade(s) and number of credit(s) in U.S. equivalents. In some cases, students may have to provide the credential agency with the course syllabi and/or course descriptions from the college or university to establish any course equivalencies.

The following checklist will help as you complete the transcript evaluation process:

• Determine which agency you would like to use from the list provided.
• Complete the required application (paper or online).
• Indicate which type of evaluation you need. If you wish to transfer college credits to AACC, request a course-by-course evaluation. If you only need a high school evaluation report, request a general or document-by-document evaluation.
• Submit required documentation and payments as instructed by the agency.
• On your application, request that a copy of your evaluation be sent directly to:

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)
Records and Registration, Student Services (SSVC) Building 140
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012

Once the college receives your evaluation report from the credential agency, it will be reviewed by the college transcript evaluator for transfer credits applicable to the program of study or major you are pursuing at AACC. Allow three to four weeks for this to process.

If you have any questions, or if there are any discrepancies regarding the transfer of credits you received from AACC, contact:

Records and Registration
Tel. 410-777-1816
Fax 410-777-2489
E-mail: records@aacc.edu 

4.  English Proficiency (TOEFL, SAT, ACT or AACC English Placement Test)

You must provide the college with verification of your proficiency in English. You may submit copies of your test score reports with your application materials. AACC's TOEFL code is 5019.

Note: The AACC English Accuplacer Placement Test is only available for students who are in the United States at the time of their application.

5. Financial Certification

You must certify that you have sufficient funds to support your one academic year of study and living expenses. You may submit an official bank statement. If a U.S. resident sponsor will support you, you must submit their bank statement and completed affidavit of support form (Form I-134). The form is available at www.uscis.gov.  

Estimated Annual Expenses for Associate Degree Students (fall and spring terms)

Estimated Expenses for English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Students 

*Living expenses include costs for housing, food and health insurance.

$5,000 per dependent

Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice.

See additional information about tuition and fees.

6.  A copy of your unexpired passport ID page

Do not send original passport.

Additional requirements for students who are changing their status:

1. A copy of your passport.
2. A copy of your visa.
3. Form I-94 (print from www.cbp.gov).
4. A copy of documents relevant to your current status e.g. DS-109, I-20 forms for F2 visa, etc.

Note: All documents must be submitted in English or with English translation by a certified translator. Only complete applications will be reviewed for I-20 issuance.

How to apply: Prepare your documents listed in the admission requirements, then schedule an appointment with the international student admission advisor for I-20 issuance. When the I-20 form is issued, you must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee at www.fmjfee.com, print the receipt, then file your I-539 Application to Change Nonimmigrant Status online (check your eligibility to file online from www.uscis.gov) or mail your entire application packet with appropriate filing fees to USCIS (follow filing instructions from www.uscis.gov). AACC does not provide assistance with filing the I-539. If you require assistance with USCIS filings, consult an immigration attorney.