International Students | COVID-19 and Reactivation Planning

The Office of Global Learning has created an FAQ to help address many questions that international students and scholars may have. Advising staff is also available remotely to support Cornell's international community and campus partners. Email international@cornell.edu for most questions and services, including CPT, OPT, tax questions and extensions, or call 607-255-5243 during regular business hours for urgent advising questions. Cornell Tech students should continue to work with Cornell Tech Student Services during office hours or by email at studentservices@tech.cornell.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am an international student, and I am unable to return to campus for the fall semester. Can I continue my studies?

Yes. When the revised course roster is published, it will indicate the “modality” of a course. Online courses are courses in which all students and instructors will interact virtually. In-person courses will meet in person on campus but will provide remote access into the classroom for students who are off-campus (with the possible exception of a small subset of hands-on courses for which a full remote option is not available).

Additionally, to accommodate international students who will not be able to return to Ithaca this fall, Cornell has worked with academic partners at more than a dozen locations worldwide to create an on-site, in-residence Study Away option. These international students will live and study at a local campus in their country or region while taking a mix of online and in-person classes. They will share co-curricular activities with their Cornell peers and have access to local facilities and services.

I'm graduating this summer and I plan to apply for post-completion practical training (OPT). What should I do to maintain my eligibility for OPT?

If you are graduating this summer and plan to apply for OPT, we do not recommend that you depart the U.S. for the full remainder of the semester. In order to be eligible, you must be in the U.S. in F-1 status, with a valid I-94 document. Please contact an advisor in International Services if you have questions about your OPT application process and travel.