[Update] A flight schedule has been circulating online. Please note: it is only a rumor. Source: 航空物语.
Previously, China provided charter flights back home for younger international students in the US; see this 101 Newsflash. This time, the charter-flight service has been extended to Chinese students in the US who have completed their studies, visiting scholars, Confucius Institute teachers, and volunteers. At present, it is available to people whose status is about to expire. If you want to return to China and meet the requirements, fill out the form as soon as possible.
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Full Notice
From April 11 to May 2, the first round of temporary flights specifically for primary and secondary school students in the US was operated. The first round included 4 batches and a total of 8 flights, bringing back more than 1,500 primary and secondary school students from the US.
Considering that some students in the US are indeed facing difficulties and urgently need to return to China, and in accordance with arrangements by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese embassies and consulates in the US will continue assisting some students in difficult circumstances in returning to China. A survey is now being conducted regarding interest in taking a new round of temporary flights. The relevant details are as follows:
1. Principles for arrangements
Based on the principles of fairness and impartiality, the Chinese Embassy in the US is now conducting online registration for students and will determine the passenger list based on registration information, flight arrangements, and other factors. Minor students who already registered on April 6 will continue to be arranged in an orderly manner.
2. Eligibility for registration
According to domestic requirements, those who simultaneously meet the following conditions may register:
(1) Chinese students in the US who have completed their studies (holding F1, J1, or M visas), as well as Confucius Institute teachers and volunteers whose terms have ended.
(2) Their I-20 form or DS-2019 form has expired or is about to expire.
3. Important notes (please read carefully)
(1) Reducing travel is the safest form of self-protection during the pandemic. There is a relatively high risk of cross-infection during travel. On the first round of temporary flights, there were confirmed COVID-19 cases after passengers returned to China, as well as many situations involving passengers being unable to board due to elevated body temperature or onward flights being canceled. In addition, the US currently still has entry restrictions for travelers from certain countries and regions, so it may not be possible to return to the US in the short term. Please assess carefully and decide prudently.
(2) You must voluntarily assume all possible risks and costs involved in returning to China, and consciously accept all quarantine, epidemic-control, and prevention arrangements during the flight process and after arriving at your destination.
(3) Please fill out the registration form carefully, ensure that all information provided is truthful and accurate, and bear full responsibility for any disqualification, inability to board, or other consequences resulting from false information.
(4) Please carefully read the reminder published under the “Important Notices” section of the embassy website’s “Consular Services” area regarding completing the international version of the epidemic-prevention health code, and strictly follow the requirements.
(5) Airlines will call passengers to purchase tickets based on the list provided by Chinese embassies and consulates in the US. Please keep your phone available. If repeated calls are not answered, or if you fail to complete ticket purchase within the specified time, it will be deemed that you have given up this flight opportunity, and no replacement opportunity will be provided.
(6) Strict quarantine screening and inspections will be conducted at the port of entry. Any passenger found to have concealed illness or contact history, or found during testing to have taken fever-reducing or other suppressive medications, will be held legally responsible.
(7) Domestic guardians of minor students must cooperate with the relevant local government requirements in arranging quarantine medical observation for their children.
(8) Any diplomats and their family members at Chinese embassies and consulates in the US, as well as personnel from the diplomatic system studying abroad, are not included within the scope of these temporary flights.
4. Registration process
(1) Eligible individuals should log in through the WeChat link as soon as possible and complete the registration form for interest in taking a temporary flight back to China. The deadline is 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on May 11, 2020 (9:00 p.m. Beijing Time on May 11). No late submissions will be accepted.
(2) Prepare a photo file of the first page of your I-20 or DS-2019 form in advance, and upload it through the document submission link. The deadline is 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on May 11, 2020 (9:00 p.m. Beijing Time on May 11). No late submissions will be accepted.