International Student (F-1 Visa) Information Session MAINTAINING F-1 STATUS September 2012.

International Student (F-1 Visa) Information Session

MAINTAINING F-1 STATUS

September 2012

Colorado Heights University

New F-1 Students…

Welcome to CHU andthe USA!


Always Remember…

Living in a foreign country is

difficult work!


Success Strategies Culture Shock Can Be Managed

Fun activities make stress easier!•Join a CHU club

•Find your new favorite restaurant

•Travel around Colorado

Technology is great! …but remember too much and it can make you more sad and homesick!


Success Strategies Culture Shock Can Be Managed

Good things to remember…

•Success here means success with any challenge!

•Because CHU is a diverse community, everyone understands!

•Do not give up! We are here to help you!


Always Remember…

Understanding your visa means

less stress!


The U.S. Government…is Alphabet Soup

U.S. Department of Homeland Security •All the following organizations are part of DHS

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services•Formerly INS

Customs and Border Protection •Law enforcement when you enter the USA

Immigration and Customs Enforcement / Homeland Security Investigations•Law enforcement when you are in the USA

Student and Exchange Visitor Program •ICE Office responsible for managing SEVIS

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System •Online database for F, M, and J visa holder information

DHS –

USCIS –

CBP –

ICE/HSI –

SEVP –

SEVIS –


What is F-1 “Status”?

Status = Nonimmigrant category granted by the immigration officer when you entered the US

In Status = You are in the U.S. legally

Out of Status = You did not follow all requirementsExamples: 1. Working without authorization2. Not going to the school3. Conviction of a serious crime

Does your visa give you status?


Important Documents4 Most Important Documents for F-1 Visa Holders

Passport•Minimum 6 month validity to enter the USA•May not expire while you are in the USA

Visa •Allows you to travel to the USA•Renewal not required unless you plan to depart USA and return

Form I-20•Used to apply for an F-1 visa and enter the USA•Lists current school, level, and major

Form I-94•Card completed when you enter the USA and stapled into your passport•D/S (duration of status) means you may stay in the USA if maintain status•$320 fee is required to replace a lost, stolen or damaged I-94


Important Documents

US law requires visa holders always carry registration documents

CHU suggests you carry copies of the documents.

Originals should always be kept in a safe location.

Also keep photocopies in another safe location.

**If you are traveling outside Denver, you should carry the original documents with you. If you are traveling by air, train, bus or ship, you may be required to produce these documents before boarding.


Maintaining your immigration status is your responsibility

You agree to maintain status your Form I-20 and entering the US

Help us assist you!

Always Remember…


Tip # 1

How to Maintain Status

Check your CHU email daily!


Tip # 2


Maintain a Full-Time course load!BA: Minimum 12 credit hours per active semester MBA: Minimum 9 credit hours per active semesterESL: Full-time attendance during the entire 12 months of study

**Less than a full course load requires PRIOR authorization from International Student Services (ISS)


Tip # 3


Do not start employmentwithout authorization!

**Information sheets, information sessions, and individual advising appointments are offered by Student Affairs

to help you understand what is authorized employment**


Tip # 4


Keep your passport valid!**F-1 visas can expire while you are in the U.S. - but not passports!**


Tip # 5


Keep your Form I-20 valid!**Make certain the expiration date (item 5 on page 1)

matches your intended graduation date!**


Tip # 6


Attend the school that issued your Form I-20!

**Normal progress toward completing your program of study is required for F-1 visa holders!**


Tip # 7


Report address changes within 10 days!**Mailing and location addresses**


Tip # 8


Report travel or extended interruptions to your

program of study!**Examples include: Medical problems, vacations,

and transfers to a different school **


Tip # 9


Report degree and/or financial sponsorship changes!

**Your Form I-20 must be updated if you change programs or financial sponsors**


Tip # 10


Only use the Student Affairs Office to answer F-1 visa questions!

** Do not rely on advice from a friend or student; they are not qualified to give you an appropriate answer**


Pop Quiz!


Questions??


Thank You!

Don’t wait if you have questions!

Student ServicesAdministration Building, Room 214

[email protected]

International Student ServicesAdministration Building, Room 214C

[email protected]

International Student (F-1 Visa) Information Session MAINTAINING F-1 STATUS September 2012.

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Transcript of International Student (F-1 Visa) Information Session MAINTAINING F-1 STATUS September 2012.