Immigration in the U.S.

Immigration in the U.S. F-1 Student Orientation 2013-2014

what you need to know about being an F-1: • 1. Key Immigration Terms • 2. Your Visa • 3. How to Stay in Status • 4. What to Do • 5. What NOT to Do • 6. Who Can Help You • 7. Useful Resources

immigration Terms You should Know

passport A passport is an official document issued by the country of which you are a citizen It includes important identification information such as your name, picture, and birthdate Make sure to always use your name as it is on your passport, U.S. visa, and I-20 (Social Security, driver’s license, banking, school records, etc.)

SEVIS SEVIS is the national database of information on students Keeps information on your I-20, finances, address, work authorization, course of study, times you left and entered the USA Anytime you apply for a benefit the agency will look at your SEVIS record Stay in status

Form I-20 Official U.S. government document issued by the school you are attending You need this to get an F-1 (student) visa Proof from Messiah College to the U.S. government that you are eligible to be an F-1 student according to law An important document to keep with you when-ever you travel ALWAYS keep ALL I-20s (where you have been in school ) What is the I-20 For? The I-20 allows you to gain F-1 status • Get F-1 visa • Change status to F-1 Allows you to apply for other benefits (practical training)

I-94 • A white card stapled in your passport when you arrive in the U.S. • The I-94 records your arrival & departure to and from the U.S. • Shows you entered the country legally and at a legitimate Port of Entry (POE) • The I-94 has your admission number on it • One part of it is retained by USCIS/DHS when you arrive • When you leave the U.S. the I-94 will (should) be taken from you. You will be issued a new one when you return • Required for certain applications (driver’s license, OPT, etc.) • Be sure to keep it in your passport

The Designated School official (DSO) The Designated School Official is there to help you with basic immigration situations, i.e. signing your I-20 before you go home The PDSO is the Primary Designated School Official and is the official liaison with the U.S. government and Messiah (the current PDSO at Messiah College is John Chopka, Vice President for Enrollment Management) For more complicated immigration issues, several DSOs may be involved in your case Seek help from a DSO when you need it or have questions

What is a “visa”? A visa gives you permission to enter a country and has to be valid at the time of each entry to the U.S. A visa is a document (stamp/notification) usually issued in the home country at an embassy or consulate of the country one is planning to visit Generally, visas must be renewed in your home country The USA issues more than 20 types of visas • Example: a student in Peru might get an F-1 stamp from a U.S. consular officer in Lima.

Your visa Your f-1 Student visa is very important

What is an f-1 STUDENT visa? • A visa issued by the U.S. government for people who study in the USA • Persons with F-1 visas must be a full-time students (at least 12 credits per semester) • Obtaining an education must be the main reason for being in the USA • Not everyone can get an F-1 visa • The student is responsible to maintain status

Staying in Status What you must know

Duration of Status (D/s) • This is most often found on your I-94 form or in your passport • If you are an F-1 (student visa holder) “duration of status” means you can stay in the U.S. until you have finished your education • You have a 60-day grace period after your educational goals are complete before you must leave the U.S. (date listed on your I-20- line 5) • Or you can enroll in a graduate or doctoral program, or begin Optional Practical Training (OPT) • You must enroll within 60 days after the end date • Need a firm plan prior to graduation

Maintaining your visa status • Report to the DSO for SEVIS registration when you arrive at the school • Attend the authorized school listed on the visa and I-20 • Pursue a “full course of study” (12 credits; few exceptions) • Transfer or extend program in a timely manner; keep status • Keep continuity in the program of study; do not leave the country for more than five (5) months (unless on approved study-abroad)

Maintaining Status (cont.) • Make normal progress towards your degree (no academic probation or suspension) • Refrain from unauthorized work Work ONLY on campus (no more than 20 hours a week while school is in session) or in authorized work off campus (Curricular Practical Training or economic hardship work permit) • When travelling abroad, always return in proper F-1 status (do not enter on a B-type visitor/tourist visa or other kind)

Maintaining Status (cont.) • Keep your passport valid for six (6) months into the future • Report any address changes to the DSO within 10 days of the change • File timely requests for extension of stay; change of status; transfer; practical training, and other benefits • Do not work, except when specifically authorized under immigration regulations • Obey all state and federal laws; do not engage in criminal activity • Do not get suspended from Messiah (academic or social)

What’s the difference? VISA Status Status gives you permission to STAYin a country • A visa gives you permission to ENTER a country

What you should do

You should … Pass your classes (avoid academic probation) Make normal progress Pay your bills Keep your documents Notify immigration advisors of changes Get your documents signed (next slide) Always be able to prove that you have maintained status

You should Get your I-20 signed • The I-20 needs to be signed by a DSO at the following times: • When you leave the country • If you want to do Optional Practical Training or Curricular Practical Training • For extension of status (i.e. changed major and need an additional semester) • If you want to transfer • See the DSO for any other changes/questions

When you leave the USA, you should… • Get your I-20 signed by the DSO • Get a “verification letter” from the Registrar’s Office (you can request it online) • Get a travel letter from a DSO • Travel with ALL of your documents • Keep contact/emergency telephone numbers with you

What not to do

Do not: • Drop below 12 credits without special authorization • Work off campus unless authorized • Let your passport expire • Lose any of your documents • Engage in criminal activity

Who can help you Designated School Officials

Messiah College’s DSOs • Kevin Villegas, Director of International Student Programs • Sarah Wade, Director of International & Transfer Student Recruitment • Gina Hale, Administrative Assistant for the Intercultural Office • Faith Minnich, Director of International Programs • James Sotherden, Registrar • Alisa Wacker, International Admissions Assistant • John Chopka, Vice President for Enrollment(PDSO) • Laurie Brantner, Administrative Assistant for Enrollment Management • Ryan Gladwin, Program Director of MCPC Kevin Villegas Director of ISP, DSO

Useful Resources

REsources • USCIS: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis - Forms, 8CFR (regulations) • Department of Homeland Security: http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm - OPT, E-verify, etc. • US State Department: http://www.usembassy.gov/ • - Visa info, wait times, location of U.S. embassies or consulates • Your home country consulate or embassy • - renewing your passport

Immigration in the U.S.