Spring 2021 Information for Continuing and Returning Students
Please fill out the Continuing/Returning Student Survey as soon as possible. Please fill it out NOW and then ANY TIME YOU HAVE AN UPDATE TO YOUR PLANS. Fill out this form even if you do not plan to return to Orono this semester.
Online and In-person Class Requirements
Continuing/Returning students may take 100% online if they choose as long as they had an active SEVIS record on March 9, 2020. Students in the US who began their studies after March 9 must enroll in at least 3 in-person credits. Full time enrollment is required for students in the US and outside the US to retain an active SEVIS record. More detailed information about the latest ICE guidance and what it means for you can be found at our FAQ. (You must be logged in to your UMaine account to access)
Travel & Entry from Outside the US
If entering the US you should check your travel signature on your I-20 or DS2019 to make sure it is current (signed within the last 12 months). If not please request an updated signature from OIP at our website. OIP can email you an updated I-20 with a signature. Scanned copies of I-20s will be accepted at the port of entry. Students returning from the UK, Ireland and Schengen countries are exempt from the COVID 19 travel ban. These students are automatically eligible for a National Interest Exemption (NIE) from the ban. Students do NOT need to make a special application for NIE. More information about the NIE can be found here. We recommend that students print all necessary documents for travel- I-20, OIP letters, financial documents, Dept. of State NIE policy website, etc. for presentation at the port of entry. DO NOT expect to show documents on a phone or tablet.
Late Arrival to Campus
If you are outside the US and unable to get to campus by January 25 (first day of classes) you may arrive late as long as you can keep up with your classes remotely. Graduate students should get faculty adviser approval especially if they are on a Graduate Assistantship. For immigration purposes, OIP will provide you with a letter stating that we are aware of your late entry. You can request a late arrival letter after January 25 at our website.
Mandatory COVID 19 Testing
All students who plan to live on campus and off campus residents who have been living outside Maine who intend to attend classes or attend events on campus must receive a free COVID 19 test. On campus residents will be tested before they can move-in to their rooms. Off campus residents who have not been living in Maine will be assigned a date and time. More information will be provided soon.
Living On-Campus
On campus residents will be assigned a move-in date and must move in on the assigned date if possible. Some exceptions will be made but exceptions will disrupt the plan so try to stick to your assigned date. You can find your assigned date and additional move in information at https://umaine.edu/reslife/. Upon move in you will be asked to remain in your room until you receive a negative test result (24-48 hours). You will be allowed brief visits to the dining hall to pick up pre-packed meals.
Health Insurance
The University of Maine is offering a comprehensive plan administered by Gallagher Insurance Brokers. The plan is being offered at a lower rate than last year. You can find out more about the UMaine Health Plan for International Students here. New students arriving for their first semester in Spring 2021 must make a choice about health insurance. If you wish to enroll you can use the link above. If you don’t want the insurance plan you need to WAIVE the plan. You can waive the plan here. You may see the charge on your bill, but it will be removed after the waiver has been processed (approximately 5 business days).
Insurance questions should be directed to umaineimmigration@maine.edu.
Fee Waiver
If enrolling only in remote (synchronous) or online (asynchronous) classes, you are away from the Orono area, and have no in person or hybrid classes for this fall, students can request a waiver of the Recreation Center fee of $154 for the fall semester at https://umaine.edu/campusrecreation/memberships/full/students/fee-waivers/
UMaine Return to Campus Resources
Please do not hesitate to contact us at umaineimmigration@maine.edu if you have any questions.