Immigration Document Delivery Update

[Updated April 7, 2020]

Due to the changing conditions connected to the COVID-19 pandemic in the US and other countries, the delivery of immigration documents to and from the International Center are subject to a number of restrictions and limitations. In response, the International Center will be taking the following steps regarding delivery of documents and visa-related information to our students and scholars.

As always, our priority to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our students, scholars, employees, as well as the International Center's staff. To this end, we will prioritize urgent requests while using alternative means to deliver information where these means are sufficient. Please read below for these service updates.

International Center Mail Service

The International Center's physical locations are still closed and routine mail delivery to the International Center is temporarily unavailable. The International Center will coordinate delivery of mail received for students and scholars once University mail service to Center offices resumes and staff are able to access mail. Please contact us at internationalcenter@tufts.edu if there are extremely urgent, time-sensitive documents that you believe were delivered to the International Center.

Reprints of I-20 / DS-2019 Visa Certificates

The International Center is able in most cases to send electronic copies of I-20 / DS-2019 visa certificates and related documents via e-mail. Electronic copies may now be used for many purposes such as applying for practical training benefits or documenting immigration status. However, please see the note below regarding delivery of documents for visa applications at US consulates.

Visa Document Shipment and Visa Appointments

At this time, original copies of visa documents such as Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 are still required for F-1, J-1 and H-1B visa appointments at US consulates; however routine US visa services are currently temporarily suspended at all US consulates worldwide. Accordingly, the International Center will arrange (1) to send by email information required to schedule a visa appointment, followed by (2) shipment of original I-20 / DS-2019 forms by express mail. Shipment of documents will be restricted to a limited schedule (1 or 2 times per week) to promote the safety of International Center staff.

Please note: due to COVID-19 country restrictions, express delivery providers such as as Federal Express, UPS and DHL may temporarily suspend delivery of documents to certain countries. In the event that shipment to a designated international address is temporarily interrupted due to COVID-19 related restrictions, the International Center will notify you. We will not ship documents until express mail service resumes for the affected destination country.