COVID-19 updates for student-athletes
last updated: 24th July 2020
Updated: 24th July
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
*New Updates*
ONLY new international college students — incoming first-year undergraduates and graduate students won’t be allowed to come to the U.S. this fall if their courses are only online
Full story here.
Updated: 20th July
F-1 Visa / Interview
The US Embassy London is now ready to re-open on the 27th July.
I don’t have an appointment.
You can now contact the Embassy to schedule an appointment.
Click here to schedule an appointment.
I-20 Form
Hopefully your US college has been able to still issue you with an I-20.
If not, we encourage you to obtain this ASAP or you won’t be able to get a F-1 visa appointment.
Updated: 16th July
F-1 visa holders now able to fly to the USA.
The United States Department of State today has confirmed students from the UK are now allowed to travel to US under current travel ban. Those with F-1 visas won’t need to get an exception.
More information can be found here
Be aware of NCAA ByLaws to remain eligible.
Practices: We advise you discuss practicing options with teams while in the UK with your US college coaches.
Games: Competing in Basketball England competitions is not permitted by the NCAA.
ByLaw 17.3.8.1 states: Noncollegiate, Amateur Competition. A student-athlete shall be ruled ineligible for intercollegiate basketball competition if the student participates in any organized basketball competition except while representing the member institution or except as permitted in accordance with Bylaw 17.31.3.
Please click the links in red to view the ByLaws.
News updates
US Embassy in London re-opening
20th July: The US Embassy London is now ready to re-open on the 27th July. You can call to book an appointment.
Contact the Embassy here
F-1 visas permitted to fly to US with no exceptions
16th July: The United States Department of State today has confirmed students from the UK are now allowed to travel to US under current travel ban. Those with F-1 visas won’t need to get an exception.
More information can be found here
Great News for F-1 Visa holders!
14th July: The US Department of Homeland Security has announced that it has withdrawn visa guidelines that barred international students from the US if all of their classes were to be conducted online this fall.
More information can be found here
Junior College Basketball to start in January.
13th July: The NJCAA confirmed today that all winter sports competition will begin in January with the majority of championship season moved from March to April.
This includes both Men & Women’s basketball.
BIG Ten Conference may cancel sports until the Fall.
10th July: The BIG Ten Commissioner stated today that he may well consider to cancel all sports for the Fall Semester (August to End of December/Early Jan)
Ivy League cancels Fall Sports
8th July: The conference will not entertain any sports being played until January 1st 2021.
Airlines lobby government over transatlantic restart
5th July: Airlines are calling for a testing system to be introduced to allow arrivals in the UK to be exempt from quarantine if they test negative. Those arriving in the UK from the US are currently required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.
Virgin Atlantic is currently battling to secure a rescue package, with The Times saying a deal was expected in around 10 days’ time. However, sources said a deal was being complicated by a lack of clarity over the status of the airline’s Heathrow landing slots.
If you have any up to date information please add in the comments below or contact us.
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Thank you so much for this Steve. Really helpful
Thanks Steve.
Anyone considering travelling elsewhere for 15 days to then enter US? Possible suggestions?
We are looking at how to get into the US via another country. Not successful so far.