We understand that with the current situation surrounding COVID-19, things are changing frequently. As such, we’ve created this space to provide the latest updates, answers to common questions we’ve been receiving from other international students like yourself, as well as any other information and resources we think would be helpful.
We remain fully available, Monday through Friday from 9 am PST to 4 pm PST, and can be reached directly at dso@sofia.edu or 888.820.1484 ext. 10361 should you have any additional questions. During this temporary transition, ISS will be offering remote services only.
Letter from the DSO
General requirements for entry in the United States during COVID
If you travel from a country or region placed on the United States Restricted Travel List (below), additional guidance is provided elsewhere on this page.
Travel documents required for entry into the United States
If you need assistance with your travel documents, please email dso@sofia.edu
General travel guidelines
If in doubt about any information, contact the relevant immigration or government authority of the countries of the travel.
NOTICE FOR FIRST-TIME UNITED STATES VISA APPLICANTS
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide are operating on a reduced schedule, which may create some challenges for those needing interviews to complete the visa application process.
Certain U.S. diplomatic missions are currently processing non-emergency visa applications. Please check the U.S. non-immigrant visa appointment wait times to see which embassies and consulates are currently processing visas and the wait time for each location. Please note, the site is updated regularly, and information may change.
Students requiring visas should check in with the closest U.S. embassy or consulate before looking at other locations. U.S. diplomatic missions might be unable to process non-emergency visas in your country of residence.
If you attempt to travel to a third country for visa processing, please be mindful of the following:
GUIDELINES FOR TRAVELING TO our Palo alto and Costa Mesa campus
General requirements for entry in the United States during COVID
ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES FOR FALL 2021 ACADEMIC TERM
This guidance takes effect on August 1, 2021.
Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, Schengen Area, the Republic of South Africa, and the United Kingdom
Per the national interest determination by the Secretary of State of April 26, 2021, regarding eligibility for travel exceptions, students and certain academics covered by exchange visitor programs from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Ireland qualify for a National Interest Exception (NIE), which makes possible direct travel to the U.S. without needing to quarantine in a third country. No previously issued visas or NIEs will be revoked due to the new policy.
Be advised that the direct travel authorized by the national interest determination will only be possible after August 1, 2021. Keep in mind, travelers may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to beginning of their classes as listed on the I-20 Form.
Students with valid F-1 visa who begin or continue an academic program that starts on or after August 1, 2021 do not need to contact US Embassy to seek NIE to travel.
Travel from India
In keeping with the Department of State’s commitment to facilitate legitimate travel to the United States, on April 30, 2021 Secretary Blinken announced that the same set of National Interest Exceptions applies to India.
F-1 visa holders or applicants
Please review the guidance on the website of your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for information on how to request a national interest exception (Example of NIE guidance: https://es.usembassy.gov/covid-19-related-faq/).
Please make sure the email includes the following information:
Please be advised that requirements to enter any country, including the U.S., are subject to change without notice. The university cannot confirm that you will be admitted into any specific country as entry into any country is at the sole discretion of the immigration/government authorities of that country, and the requirements may vary from country to country.
We understand this is a lot of information, please do not hesitate to email us directly at dso@sofia.edu or give a call to 888.820.1484 should you have any additional questions.
Thank you,
Letter from the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dear Sofia Community Member:
Letter from the Office of the DSO
Dear Sofia students,
As you are likely aware, yesterday SEVP issued additional guidance on Covid-19 exemptions for the Fall 2020 term. SEVP Guidance
At this time the Sofia university administration is working diligently to review our current SEVP approved operational plan which allowed for substituting Zoom meetings for face-to-face class time to see what adjustments need to be made to meet the updated guidance provided on July 6, 2020. Please note that we are doing everything in our power to ensure that the impact on our student body is minimal while remaining safe for all. This is an extremely fluid situation and we will continue to update you all as we have more information.
For specific questions please do not hesitate to reach out to me via email or phone.
Stay well.
Letter from the Office of the DSO
Sofia University does not recommend travel due to the changing nature of U.S. immigration policy, the rapidly evolving COVID-19 outbreak and its impacts to global travel. For important information regarding current U.S. immigration policy, Executive Orders, and travel advisories, please revise CDC travel advisory website for answers to common questions about travel and support resources.
Sofia University is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and Presidential Proclamations suspending entry into the United States for those deemed to pose a risk of transmitting COVID-19, specifically travelers entering from Iran and China within the last 14 days. Restrictions to travel to and from China, Iran, and other regions are rapidly evolving, as well as impacting Chinese Embassies and Consulates working with U.S. visa applications. Be aware that travelers returning from CDC Level 3 countries may encounter serious difficulties returning to the United States.
Should you have urgent, emergency travel needs to or from this region, please contact your DSO: Raisa Velazquez at dso@sofia.edu and Rosalie Cook at student_services@sofia.edu so that the university is able to comprehensively advise and support you with your travel plans.
At this time, the CDC has issued no advisories or restrictions related to travel within any area of the United States.
We encourage you to read to read the CDC’s frequently asked questions and answers .
Please continue to review the CDC Website for updates as new information is available on a daily basis.
Up to date information on COVID-19 and the effects on F-1 Students