U.S. Consulate On Student Visa Services
On July 15th, the U.S. Consulate General will resume visa services for students attending schools in the United States.
A spokesperson said, “Students who have a valid I-20 Form, paid the SEVIS fee, and wish to apply for a F, M, or J visa should visit our website and follow the instructions to complete the electronic application.
“On the day of the appointment, student visa applicants will be required to present their original, signed I-20 Form at the entrance.
“Bermuda passport holders who possess Bermuda status do not require a visa to study in the United States as long as they have a valid I-20 Form, paid the SEVIS Fee, and applied for the I-20 using their Bermuda passport. Students with a valid I-20 Form must travel to the United States using their Bermuda passport.
“Please note that on July 6, the Student Exchange Visitor Program [SEVP] announced temporary changes for the fall 2020 semester that will allow students who enroll in a mixture of online and in-person coursework to meet Department of Homeland Security [DHS] requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant status.
“For all students attending schools in the United States this fall, the school must issue a new I-20 Form to each student certifying that the school is not operating entirely online, that the student is not taking an entirely online course load for the fall 2020 semester, and that the student is taking the minimum number of online classes required to make normal progress in their degree program. Students should contact their school to receive a new I-20 Form, even if they already have one that expires at a later date.
“We recognize the serious challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has posed to universities and students alike, and we hope that many international students who had planned to study this fall in the United States will be still able to do so under these temporary exemptions.
“In keeping with the Government of Bermuda guidelines, all visitors to the U.S. Consulate must wear a mask or face covering and will be required to sanitize their hands before entering the building. If you are feeling unwell, please stay at home.
“At this time, the Consulate is only providing visa services for student visa applicants and other requiring emergency travel. All other visa applicants should visit our website or follow us on social media for announcements on expansion of visa services.
“For your more information, please visit our website bm.usconsulate.gov or email us at hamiltonconsulate@state.gov.”
