Coronavirus FAQs

Coronavirus FAQs for F-1 Visa Students

Please continue to check your email and the websites below for the most up-to-date information.

Please note that this is a dynamic situation and information is subject to change following any updates to federal regulations or guidance issued by SEVP.  We will do our best to update this FAQ as frequently as possible but please check your email and the websites listed below for the most up-to-date information.  

General Information for All International Students

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We encourage students who are currently outside of the U.S. to think realistically regarding travel risks and their ability to enter the U.S. for study in Winter 2021, as ongoing travel bans and consular closures may make it impossible for some students to arrive before fall courses begin. 

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• Where can I get the most up to date information about COVID-19, campus closures, virtual learning, and my status as an F-1 international student?

  Please check your email regularly as we will continue to send you important updates and instructions. You can also monitor the following websites:

  De Anza College Coronavirus Information

  De Anza College ISP Coronavirus FAQs

  Fall 2020 Updates and Resources for New International Students

• Is the campus closed?

  Yes. The De Anza College campus is currently closed per the Santa Clara County Shelter in Place order. Courses and services will continue to be offered remotely.

• Is the Winter 2021 quarter going to be online?

  Yes, most of our winter 2021 quarter courses will be delivered virtually with a limited exception for a select number of lab courses as circumstances allow.

• Is the International Student Programs (ISP) office open?

  Yes. The ISP office is currently offering virtual services. Our staff will continue to respond to your inquiries via email: 

  Current/Continuing De Anza students: dainternational@deanza.edu

  Applicants/Incoming De Anza students: daintladmissions@fhda.edu

  Before you email a staff member, we urge you to review this document for a description of who to contact specifically for your questions. This may improve the time and accuracy of a response. 

  Please be patient with our response due to a high volume of email inquiries.

• How do I contact my professors if I have a question?

  Contact information for instructors is found in your course syllabus.

• How will I know how my online classes will be structured?

  We highly recommend that all students, especially if you are studying outside of the U.S., review course descriptions and footnotes for details on how the class will be taught, including whether online classes will have regularly scheduled meeting times, some scheduled meetings, or no regularly scheduled meetings (with students completing weekly assignments on their own time). 

   Once you register and begin your course, you should review the syllabus to get more information about course requirements, assignments, and expectations.  If you have further questions, please contact your professor directly.

• Will the required course books be electronic too? What if I need a physical book(s)?

  Most required books have e-book versions available for purchase online from various sources. Information about required textbooks can be found in the syllabus of each course. If you have a question about course materials or requirements, please contact your professor directly.

• If classes are online, why do I still have to pay the same cost for tuition?

   Many factors are taken into consideration when calculating tuition and fees, including our ability to offer access to leading faculty and educational resources. Tuition and fees also help us offer student support services such as tutoring, counseling, and International Student Programs, all while ensuring that your courses are transferable no matter how they’re delivered. There will be no changes or reduction of our tuition or fees based on instructional method. International students will continue to receive a high quality, affordable education from one of the top community college Districts in California.

• Are online courses still transferrable to 4-year universities?

  Academic online courses are reviewed the same as in-person courses for transfer to the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and many other 4-year institutions. If you have further questions, please discuss your education and transfer plan with an international counselor.

• I’ve never taken a fully online course. Are there any resources if I have questions?

  Yes. You might find the information on the Online Learning Resource Hub for Students helpful. On this page, you will find live tech support, tips for using Canvas and Zoom, and more.  

  Our Student Success Center provides great resources on how to adjust to online learning, online study skills, and how to study for online exams, in addition to providing online tutoring!  

• Are online courses accessible for students with learning differences? Can I still get support services?

  Yes. De Anza’s Disability Support Program and Services Division is still offering accommodations and support services for students online. To learn more and to request services, please visit the Disability Support Program and Services Division website.

• Does my international health insurance cover the cost of COVID-19 testing? What about treatment if I get sick?

  Yes. Health insurance through De Anza College covers the cost of COVID-19 testing as well as treatment for F-1 students if you have symptoms. If you have any further questions about health insurance coverage, please contact Ines Cordoba Robyn cordobarobynines@deanza.edu

  If you have a health emergency, please dial 911.

• If I am not in the U.S., do I still need to pay for health insurance?

   No. If you are taking classes online, outside the U.S. the whole quarter, you can request a health insurance waiver. The health insurance is only mandatory for students who are physically in the U.S. If you have questions about health insurance and/or need to waive it, please contact Ines Cordoba Robyn at cordobarobynines@fhda.edu

New/Incoming Winter 2021 International Students

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We encourage students who are currently outside of the U.S. to think realistically regarding travel risks and their ability to enter the U.S. for study in Winter 2021, as ongoing travel bans and consular closures may make it impossible for some students to arrive before fall courses begin. 

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• I’m admitted, but the consulate in my country is closed, and I can’t get a visa. Can I study online from my home country?

  Yes. We understand that many consulates around the world remain closed. Since we are offering courses and services remotely, you can begin your studies outside the U.S. Once the consulates and campuses reopen, you can choose to join us in-person for a future quarter. Please read the Winter 2021 Updates and Resources for New International Students for important information on taking online courses.

• If I begin my studies outside the U.S., what does that mean for my I-20 and F-1 status?  

   While you will still be a De Anza student, if you are unable to obtain a visa and enter the U.S. to activate your record with ISP, you will not be in F-1 status. If you have already been issued an I-20 for the Winter 2021quarter, please contact ISP daintladmissions@fhda.edu.

• The consulate in my city will reopen after the Winter quarter begins late January/February/March). Can I start the quarter online and then come in person later during the winter quarter?

   No, you must enter the U.S. by the program start date listed on your I-20. If you cannot get your visa and enter the U.S. before your program start date, you will need to wait until the next available quarter. You MUST obtain an updated I-20 Spring 2021); however, you can complete your entire Winter quarter courses virtually from outside the U.S.

• Do I need to attend orientation?

  Yes, it is highly recommended that you attend orientation. During orientation, we share important information that will help you to be successful at De Anza. You will learn about campus services, counseling, ISP services, etc. More information will be sent to you via email.

• What’s the next available quarter after Winter 2021?

   The next available quarter is Spring 2021. Spring 2021 courses start in April 2021. For more information on quarter start times and deadlines, please check our academic calendar.

•  How many times can I defer my admission or defer the issuance of my I-20?

  You can defer your admission or the issuance of your I-20 once to Spring 2021 quarter. If we issue an I-20 for the Spring 2021 and you would like to defer again to Fall 2021, then a new application fee will be required.

• How will I complete my math and/or English placement test?  

   At this time, math, English, and ESL assessments are offered online. To schedule an assessment appointment, please email the Assessment office at: daassessment@deanza.edu. 

• Once I register for my classes, how do I know how to access them?  

  You may receive an email from your professor with some information before the course begins, including possible meeting times, the text book, and when to log-in to Canvas. If you do not, you should still log-in to Canvas on the first day of class, through MyPortal to find all the information you need for the course.

• What is Canvas?

  Canvas is the program used for our online classroom. Depending on your instructor, it can be used for lectures, assignments, quizzes, discussions with your classmates, and more. You should learn more about Canvas in our Online Learning Resource Hub: https://www.deanza.edu/online-ed/students/remotelearning.html

• Winter 2021 is my first quarter at De Anza College, and I want to defer my admission to Spring 2021 or a future quarter. What do I have to do?  

  Please contact Angelica Strongone, in the Admission Office, at: daintladmissions@deanza.edu if you wish to defer your admission to a future quarter. Please include your full name and CWID in your email.

• I do not want to study virtually. What can I do?

  We understand your concern. This is an unusual situation, and our staff and faculty are here to support you. We have moved to virtual classes to ensure the health and safety of everyone. You can choose to defer your admission to a future term.

Current / Continuing International Students

SEVP has not yet issued any guidance for 2021. We will provide updated information and update our FAQs once that guidance has been issued.

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• I am a continuing F-1 international student. If all of my fall classes are held virtually, what does that mean for me?  

   For the summer and fall 2020 quarters, most courses will be held using virtual methods. Following the current guidance from SEVP, you will remain in F-1 status as long as you register in and complete a minimum of 12 units during the fall quarter.  You can take your classes in the U.S. or from overseas while maintaining your F-1 visa status per federal regulations. You may choose to take courses during the summer 2020 session if you’d like; however, taking classes during the summer is optional.  

• I am still in the U.S. Can I travel outside the United States over the summer and come back to the U.S. to start the fall quarter?

   Yes, you may travel outside the United States. Please ensure that your I-20 has a valid travel signature or be prepared to request an I-515A at the airport if needed.  Please be aware that even with a valid F-1 visa, international travel back to the U.S. may continue to be restricted. Immigration, travel, and health screening policies may change without notice. Please visit the CDC website for the most up to date information regarding COVID-19 and travel restrictions.

• I need a travel signature on my I-20 signature. What do I do?

  A valid travel signature on your I-20 is needed in order to re-enter the U.S., but it is NOT needed to depart the U.S.  If you have a signature on Page 2 of your I-20 that is dated within the last 12 months, you can travel back to the U.S. with the current signature and contact an International Student Advisor to confirm that your record has no problems: 

  Immigration Advising: 

  Andrea Santacruz      Last names starting with A-L - santacruzandrea@deanza.edu 

  Allison Largent           Last names starting with M-Z - largentallison@deanza.edu 

  If you do not have an up-to-date signature on your I-20, you can email an International Student Advisor (see above) to request an electronic signature on your I-20 up to one month before you are scheduled to return to the U.S.  To request a travel signature, please email your International Student Advisor the following information: 

  1. Passport name 
  2. CWID or student ID number 
  3. Birthdate and/or SEVIS ID number 
  4. Subject: I-20 travel signature 
  5. The date you plan to return to the U.S. 

  During the COVID-19 pandemic only, international students are permitted to travel using electronic signatures on their I-20s, which can be scanned or digitally produced signatures. 

• Can I complete the fall quarter virtually from outside the United States?

  Yes, according to the current guidance issued by SEVP, you can choose to complete the fall quarter online from outside the United States. Please keep the following in mind: 

  • You will remain in F-1 status only if you register for and complete a minimum of 12 units for the fall You can choose to register for as many online ‘Z’ courses as you’d like, but when selecting courses, we recommend that you select classes that do not have a meeting day/time in the course description. 
  • Please ensure that you will have regular access to a computing device and a reliable internet connection. 

• If I am outside the U.S. for 5+ months, will I need a new I-20 to return to the U.S.?  

   According to the current guidance issued by SEVP, students who are outside the U.S. can keep their SEVIS records (and I-20s) in Active status as long as they are maintaining their F-1 visa status (e.g. completing a minimum of 12 units each quarter).  During the COVID-19 pandemic only, the five-month temporary absence rule will not apply to students who remain in Active status.  Therefore, a new I-20 will not be required to return to the U.S. if students are outside the U.S. for 5+ months, as long as the students are maintaining legal F-1 student status.  However, this information is subject to change following any updated fall guidance from SEVP. 

• Can I take off the fall quarter and continue my studies in the winter or spring 2021 quarter?  

   If you wish to skip the fall quarter completely (not take any classes), please contact an International Student Immigration Advisor.

   Immigration Advising:

  Andrea Santacruz      Last names starting with A-L - santacruzandrea@deanza.edu

  Allison Largent           Last names starting with M-Z - largentallison@deanza.edu

• How do I access services such as counseling, immigration advising etc.?  

  Student Services will be available virtually, including counseling and immigration advising. Please see below for more information about who to contact with questions or to schedule a virtual appointment.  Please review this document for a description of who to contact specifically for your questions. This may improve the time and accuracy of a response.  Also check out our virtual workshop schedule to see workshops that may help you with some of your questions!  

   Immigration Advising:

  Andrea Santacruz      Last names starting with A-L - santacruzandrea@deanza.edu

  Allison Largent           Last names starting with M-Z - largentallison@deanza.edu

   International Counseling:

  Denica Kelly           Last names starting with A-L        - kellydenica@deanza.edu

  Noemi Teppang     Last names starting with M-Z - teppangnoemi@deanza.edu

• It is possible for me to apply for transfer to a four-year university next year (Fall 2021 transfer) while I am in my home country during Fall 2020?  

   Yes, the application process for four-year universities is mainly online, so you should be able to complete your application this upcoming Fall from abroad. Application workshops will also be provided online for students to learn about the application process. Check our ISP Workshop Schedule and the Transfer Center Workshop Schedule in the Fall.