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 Terms2. Your Visa3. How to Stay in Status4. What to Do5. What NOT to Do6. Who Can Help You7. Useful Resources

2immigration TermsYou should Know

passportA passport is an official document issued by the country of which you are a citizenIt includes important identification information such as your name, picture, and birthdateMake sure to always use your name as it is on your passport, U.S. visa, and I-20 (Social Security, drivers license, banking, school records, etc.)

Dont lose your passport; passport always needs to be valid for six months; to have an expired passport is a really, really bad thing and will cause you a lot of problems; think ahead and plan accordingly for you passport renewal when you travel home; this is especially important if you plan on studying abroad

4SEVISSEVIS is the national database of information on studentsKeeps information on your I-20, finances, address, work authorization, course of study, times you left and entered the USAAnytime you apply for a benefit the agency will look at your SEVIS recordStay in status

Form I-20Official U.S. government document issued by the school you are attendingYou need this to get an F-1 (student) visaProof from Messiah College to the U.S. government that you are eligible to be an F-1 student according to lawAn important document to keep with you when-ever you travelALWAYS keep ALL I-20s (where you have been in school )

The I-20 allows you to gain F-1 statusGet F-1 visaChange status to F-1 Allows you to apply for other benefits (practical training)

What is the I-20 For?

I-94A 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 itOne part of it is retained by USCIS/DHS when you arriveWhen 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 (drivers license, OPT, etc.) Be sure to keep it in your passport

They should always write in your visa status. It should read F/1 D/S Its vital that if you have any other type of U.S. Visa that you always come in on the F-1 and not on any other. DO NOT LOSE!

7The 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

Meet as a team to serve you and help to keep you in status; two main people: me and (Cindy, Gina, Faith, etc.) There will always be someone to help you find out what you need to do.

8What 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 visitGenerally, visas must be renewed in your home countryThe USA issues more than 20 types of visasExample: a student in Peru might get an F-1 stamp from a U.S. consular officer in Lima.

Your visaYour 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 USAPersons 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 USANot everyone can get an F-1 visaThe student is responsible to maintain status

Its a privilege to be here on an F-1 Visa and it needs to be taken seriously.

11Staying in StatusWhat you must know

Duration of Status (D/s)This is most often found on your I-94 form or in your passportIf you are an F-1 (student visa holder) duration of status means you can stay in the U.S. until you have finished your educationYou 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 dateNeed a firm plan prior to graduation

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

Every single semester; you did that yesterday. When you come back in January for J-Term, you will need to do this again. You must complete a SEVIS registration form and sign it; this shows us and any one else that you are physically here.Dont switch majors back and forth; try not to transfer back and forth between schools.

14Maintaining 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 whileschool is in session) orin 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 futureReport any address changes to the DSO within 10 days of the changeFile timely requests for extension of stay; change of status; transfer; practical training, and other benefitsDo not work, except when specifically authorized under immigration regulationsObey all state and federal laws; do not engage in criminal activityDo not get suspended from Messiah (academic or social)

If you move dorm rooms and/or if your parents move; even after you graduate. Examples underage drinking, etc. Visitation, plagarism, chapel probabation, etc.

16Whats the difference?VISAA visa gives you permission to ENTER a countryStatusStatus gives you permission to STAYin a country

What you should do

You should Pass your classes (avoid academic probation)Make normal progress Pay your bills Keep your documentsNotify immigration advisors of changesGet 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 countryIf you want to do Optional Practical Training or Curricular Practical TrainingFor extension of status (i.e. changed major and need an additional semester)If you want to transferSee the DSO for any other changes/questions

When you leave the USA, you shouldGet your I-20 signed by the DSOGet a verification letter from the Registrars Office (you can request it online)Get a travel letter from a DSOTravel with ALL of your documentsKeep contact/emergency telephone numbers with you

What not to do

Do not:Drop below 12 credits without special authorizationWork off campus unless authorizedLet your passport expireLose any of your documentsEngage in criminal activity

Who can help youDesignated School Officials

Messiah Colleges DSOsKevin Villegas, Director of International Student ProgramsSarah Wade, Director of International & Transfer Student RecruitmentGina Hale, Administrative Assistant for the Intercultural OfficeFaith Minnich, Director of International ProgramsJames Sotherden, RegistrarAlisa Wacker, International Admissions AssistantJohn Chopka, Vice President for Enrollment(PDSO)Laurie Brantner, Administrative Assistant for Enrollment ManagementRyan Gladwin, Program Director of MCPC

Kevin VillegasDirector of ISP, DSO

Useful Resources

REsourcesUSCIS: 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