FAQs for International Students

What is the projected move-in date international for students for Fall 2022?:

For fall 2022, the projected moving-in date for International students is Aug 15th, 2022. Please make sure you check your emails for the final moving date and moving-day instructions. 

I'm a continuing student who is currently abroad. Can I return to the U.S.?

Based on the current SEVP guidance, Agnes Scott College returned to a fully in-person instructional mode in Fall 2021. All students currently abroad and did not resume classes in Fall 2021 must apply for a new I-20 if they have been out of the country for more than five months. Please reach out to the Agnes Scott College immigration advisor for more information. 

I am a continuing student traveling to the U.S. soon. Am I allowed to enter the U.S.? What documents do I need?

Continuing students who have decided to return to the U.S. should carefully review the information below. Please understand that, while your immigration advisor at ASC can provide general guidance on travel, admission into the U.S. and travel restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 are at the discretion of the U.S. government. As such, ASC is unable to guarantee any student's ability to re-enter the U.S.
 

1. It is important to know if any U.S. travel restrictions apply to you. If you are unsure if any restrictions apply to you, please contact the U.S. Embassy in your home country.
2. Check all COVID testing requirements for your country, the US, and return to campus. 

I am planning to return from a Leave of Absence (LOA). Do I need a new visa before I return? 

You only need a new visa if your previous visa has expired. If you are returning from an LOA, you should have requested and received a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID to return to the US. If you need to apply for a new visa, please see the US Department of State website for more information on when the US Consulate and Embassies will resume visa appointments. You will also need to contact your Summit advisor to get approval to return. 

Five-Month Rule

The five-month rule refers to the termination of a student’s record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) based on the student being away from classes or not in status for five months. This rule applies to the following students: 

Students who have had their student record terminated (i.e., been out of status) for more than five months; and 

Students who have spent more than five months outside of the United States during an absence from school, excluding those participating in authorized study abroad programs. 


If your student record is terminated, you fall under the five-month rule and you wish to return to the United States as a student, you will need to obtain a new/initial Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," with a new SEVIS ID and pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee again. Only if your current student visa is no longer valid, do you possibly also need to apply for and receive a new student visa.

COVID-19 Guidelines & Precautions on Foreign Travel

On December 6th, 2021, the CDC issued an Order requiring all air passengers arriving in the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than one day before their flight departs and to provide proof of the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. This Order went into effect immediately.

Students arriving on campus will need to upload their negative test results to medicat

I-20 and Travel signature:

Do I need a travel signature to return to the US if my I-20 is valid and my U.S visa is valid?

All international students must have a valid travel signature (also known as travel endorsement) on their I-20 from the Agnes Scott Immigration Advisor.

This travel signature is valid 12 months from the date of the signature and expires after your entry into the US. If your travel signature is expired and you plan to travel to the US you will need to email the ASC immigration advisor immediately. 

IMPORTANT: All requested I-20 signatures are currently being sent via email, per the current guidance from the U.S. government which states that digitally issued I-20s are acceptable documents. Students do not need to obtain a hard copy or travel signature in person..

Campus Public Safety:

Public Safety: Agnes Scott College has its own Public Safety police department and officers. 

The mission of the Department of Public Safety is to provide and maintain a safe learning environment by delivering continuous protection of persons and property in the Agnes Scott Community.

About the Department of Public Safety:

The Department of Public Safety serves Agnes Scott College with jurisdiction on campus and 500 yards beyond. The department is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate emergency response, the performance of security patrols, monitoring of campus, and providing other police services to the campus community. Members of the department maintain a close working relationship with local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities and other emergency service agencies on matters related to campus security. 

The Department of Public Safety is staffed by professionally trained officers who attained state certification through the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. After the initial basic-mandate certification, the officers are required to maintain certification through in-service training, consisting of 20 hours of annual service curriculum. Our officers are first responders on campus and have arrest authority. This allows Agnes Scott to maintain a staff of highly trained, skilled, and competent officers. 

Agnes Scott officers patrol the campus by vehicle, bike, and walking patrols on a 24-hour basis. They are present to prevent illegal activity, enforce college rules, check suspicious persons and provide assistance and information to the campus community.