Advisory for Indian Students studying in the US from the Indian Consulate

The following is an advisory published by the Consulate General of India New York for all Indian students who are studying in the United States of America.

Following the occurrence of cases of COVID-19 in various parts of the US, universities in the country have taken measures to shut down on-campus operations and/or move classes online. The Consulate General of India New York has the following advice for Indian students who may be impacted by these decisions. Please note that this advisory is based on information available as of 12 March 2020, and these instructions may not be applicable to future developments.

Please read this travel advisory carefully before contacting the Consulate General of India New York with further questions.

1) If you are staying in on-campus housing and you are asked to leave, check with your university if you can apply to stay in your assigned housing.

2) If your university is not accepting applications or has not approved your application for continued housing, ask your friends if they will be able to host you for the period for which the university has shut down.

3) If your university is shutting down on-campus services, check with your university how to avail the university’s health services, international student services, and any other essential service(s) will be impacted.

4) Please avoid all non-essential travel internationally and domestically. If you do plan on international travel, please contact your DSO to find out how any possible future international travel restrictions may challenge your F-1 or J-1 status.

5) As of 12 March 2020, if you are planning on travelling to India, then you will be subject to medical screening upon arrival and you may be put in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.

6) Travel between India and the US via certain countries may impact your eligibility for entry into the US and/or India. Please check the websites of the US Department of State (https://travel.state.gov/…/tra…/en/international-travel.html) and the Consulate General of India New York (https://www.indiainnewyork.gov.in/) for more information.

7) If you are graduating in Spring 2020 and traveling internationally, please contact your DSO for advice on how this may impact your graduation and application for OPT.

Please consult the WHO (https://www.who.int/emergen…/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019) and CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) guidelines for further information about the disease, preventative measures, and what to do if you experience any symptoms.

This is an unprecedented situation, but we can successfully manage it, by taking decisions with a calm mind. Please take prudent health precautions and carefully review information and travel advisories.

Please note that the travel restrictions have been imposed keeping in mind your health and safety.

Students having travel-related inquiries, Write to us on PRAMIT https://pramit.indiainnewyork.gov.in/…/VTMyZDNpc3c1N3pZajRo… or contact the Consulate by email- education.newyork@mea.gov.in or by phone +1-212-774-0649.

Consulate General of India Working hours- 9:00 am EST to 5:30 pm EST.

(The press release has been reproduced as published on the official website)