ISS strongly urges you NOT to travel back home at this time, especially if you are from a country where COVID-19 is highly prevalent and/or you are from a country where there has been a travel restriction implemented because of COVID-19. International students who have been to a country with a travel ban during the previous 14 days are not permitted to enter the U.S. and we do not know when this travel ban will be lifted. If you return to affected countries and the travel ban remains in effect in August, you would not be permitted to reenter the U.S. for the fall semester until you are outside of the affected country for at least 14 days. At this point we cannot anticipate when/if other countries will be added to existing travel bans. If you travel to another country and it is added to the travel ban list when you are there, you will not be permitted to return to the U.S. until the ban is lifted or until you spend 14 days outside the U.S. in a third unrestricted country.
We understand, however, that some students will need to travel back to their home countries at this time. If travel is essential, please inform ISS right away of your travel plans. Make sure you have a valid travel signature on your I-20. Also, be prepared to complete your courses online from your home country, keeping in mind time differences and internet access. You must remain enrolled in 12 credits throughout the entire semester.