International Students and Scholars
F-1 Visa Students
General Information
International Students and Scholars (ISS) is the liaison office to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) to help international students at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with immigration matters. The ISS staff assists with a variety of immigration matters (visa document questions, program extensions, work authorizations, invitation to family members to the US, etc.)
ISS produces an electronic newsletter, International Dateline, which is a primary source of information for international students. The Dateline includes information on educational workshops, activities and events, immigration regulations, scholarships and human interest articles.
This section includes the most current information about rules and regulations from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for international students and scholars holding F and J visas. Knowing and understanding this information is vital to insure that a student or scholar will maintain their status. The rules and regulations are subject to change and it is the responsibility of the student/scholar to know and follow the rules. International students and scholars must be in compliance with all of the rules and regulations the entire time that they are in the United States.
The following pages list the USCIS regulations affecting international students on F and J visas. It is vital that you read and understand all the regulations listed on these pages. It is your responsibility to follow them and to keep updated on any changes which may occur during your studies.
Know your Form I-20 Expiration Date
It is important for you to know the expiration date of your Form I-20. It must be valid the entire time a student is in the United States. The I-20 may be extended under certain special circumstances. If a student is eligible for an extension it must be approved by an International Student Advisor at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the original document. Please do not discard any Form I-20 that you receive. Keep them for record purposes.
Lawful Status In the U.S.
F-1 students must extend their stay at least 30 days before the expiration of their I-20, or depart no later than 60 days after the completion of their education program or after their I-20 expires (see item 5 on the I-20), whichever comes first.
Full-time Enrollment
Full time enrollment is required for all international students every fall and spring semester! Students who begin their academic program in the summer must be enrolled full time.
a. Undergraduates - 12 credit hours
b. Graduates - 9 credit hours
c. Assistantship - 8 credit hours
d. Doctoral Candidacy - 6 credit hours
e. Other exceptions as specified by graduate school
Students who do not maintain full time enrollment must file for reinstatement and may not be eligible for programs like Optional Practical Training. There are exceptions to these rules. If you have questions, please contact ISS at 453.5774 to clarify any questions that you may have about your situation. Please check with the Graduate School for the most current information.
http://gradschool.siuc.edu/grad_assistantship.htm
I-94 Departure Record
Keep the I-94 Departure Record card (white card) stapled in your passport. This document indicates your valid status and is used by USCIS for showing any authorized changes. This document is taken when you depart the U.S. (they are inspected, but not taken, at Canadian or Mexican borders.) You must bring your new I-94 card to ISS, after you travel, so that we can include it with your record.
Signature for Travel
Report to International Students and Scholars before traveling outside the U.S. Your passport and Form I-20 will be reviewed. A signature on page 3 of your Form I-20 is required to guarantee reentry to the U.S.
Visa Validity
The visa in your passport does not govern your length of stay in the U.S. It is only an entry permit and must be valid only when entering the U.S. Always check the validity date of your entry permit before planning a trip outside of the U.S. If it has expired, report to ISS at least two weeks in advance of departure so a duplicate Form I-20 can be prepared for you to obtain a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, in a foreign country.
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid at all times while you are in the United States. A valid passport is required to hold employment or to reenter the U.S. If renewal of your passport is necessary during your stay in the U.S., check the Web Site for your country to find the procedures required to renew your passport. We recommend you begin renewing your passport at least four months in advance of the expiration date.
Optional Practical Training
F-1 students must apply through ISS to engage in employment for training in your field for a maximum of ONE YEAR. Optional Practical Training is considered to be a part of a student's education. It is awarded only with specific conditions. OPT may be granted after completion of each progressive degree for a total of 12 months. OPT may be used part time during the academic year or full time in the summer up to a total 12 months. OPT may also be granted if a student participates in an academic internship, a practical or a cooperative, or an alternate education program if it is required or if credit is awarded for work experience.