Important Immigration Updates

International Services strives to keep all Clemson international students, faculty, and scholars updated on topics that could affect your immigration status. The information below is divided into three sections, updates from International Services, updates from the U.S. government, and any updates on COVID-19.

Updates from International Services

Enrollment Guidance for F/J Visa Holders

Clemson University is operating in-person with students on-campus, with the understanding that it will continue to prioritize COVID-19 safety and adapt as needed. Below is the current enrollment guidance for international students:

  • Clemson is offering a full complement of in-person classes each semester.
  • International students are required to enroll full-time each required academic term.
    • Full-time is defined as 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours for graduate students.
  • Only three credit hours of online instruction can count toward full-time enrollment.
    • After a student has met the full-time requirement, any additional hours can be fully online.
  • Hybrid courses that require in-person components are not considered online courses and should be coded hybrid in iRoar.
  • Synchronous and asynchronous courses are considered online courses.
  • Students eligible for a reduced course load (RCL) must enroll in a minimum of one traditional or hybrid course in their final term. The RCL e-form must be submitted to the iStart Portal before the start of the most current semester.

Updates from U.S. Government (DHS, DOS, SEVP, etc.)

  • On October 21, 2022, the U.S. Department of State released an Update on Worldwide Visa Operations. According to DOS, 

    For Those Navigating Long Interview Wait Times

    Our goal is to provide a visa interview for every applicant who requires one, worldwide, in a reasonable timeframe.  Although our processing capacity is rebounding faster than projected, we know that visa applicants still face lengthy wait times at some embassies and consulates.  We urge any visa applicant who can travel to another embassy or consulate with shorter wait times to consider doing so.  There is no penalty for applying anywhere appointments are available, even outside your home country.  For the latest information about wait times, see https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html.

  • On December 23,2021 the U.S. Department of State published the Expanded Interview Waiver for Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants.
    • The U.S. Dept. of State and Dept. of Homeland Security, has extended the policy to waive the visa interview for certain students, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, or specialists (F and J visa applicants) through the end of 2022.
    • The authorization to waive the in-person interview for applicants renewing a visa in the same visa class within 48 months of the prior visa's expiration has been extended indefinitely.
    • This in-person interview waiver has also been extended for certain temporary employment nonimmigrant visa applicants (H1, H3, H4, L, O, P, and Q) with a petition approved by USCIS. 
    • International Services highly recommends applicants check the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate to confirm the level of services currently offered and to find guidelines for applying for a visa without an interview.

COVID-19 Update

Clemson students, faculty, and staff can monitor Clemson's COVID-19 website. Important information on isolation, quaratine, etc. can be found on the CDC's website.

    • On January 4, 2022, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) updated the travel requirements for non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. immigrants, who are traveling to the U.S. by plane, to be fully vaccinated.  
    • As of April 18, 2022, the CDC is no longer requiring but is recommending that masks be worn in indoor areas of public transportation settings in the U.S. 

Important Links:

International Student Arrival Guide

Additional University Resources:

Clemson University COVID-19 Updates
Clemson University Graduate School
Clemson University Undergraduate Studies
Clemson University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Clemson University Student Health Services (Redfern)

Other Important Links:

U.S. Embassies/Consulates
U.S. State Department COVID-19 Traveler Information
Study in the States – COVID-19 Resources
Center for Disease Control (CDC) – COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Country