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Your Roles & Responsibilities
Maintaining Status and the role and responsibility of International students in compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
You are now part of the SEVIS tracking system implemented by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). It is important that you understand what this means. Being a student or scholar with F-1 status, you are responsible for learning, understanding, and complying with the U.S. laws and regulations that apply to you. If you fail to do so, you could be deported from the United States and barred from returning for an extended period of time, thereby jeopardizing your academic career.
We want you to successfully complete your studies at Hocking College. Your failure to be aware of and comply with these requirements could jeopardize your academic plans. It is extremely important that you read and fully understand this information.
The responsibility for maintaining your immigration status lies with you. There are several requirements you must follow to maintain status:
Requirement to keep your passport valid
Your passport must be valid at all times. Renewal applications must be made with the Embassy or Consulate of the country issuing the passport. You will need a certificate of student status from International Student Services. Addresses of embassies are available from the US Department of State at their web site (http://www.state.gov/).
Requirement to Report Address Changes to International Student Services
If you are a student, you are required to report any address change to International Student Services within 10 days of the address change (form). This includes address changes of any of your dependents as well. If you are subject to the U.S. Government's Special Registration Procedures, you must also report address changes within 10 days to the government (form).
Requirement to Obtain Prior Authorization from International Student Services to Drop Below a Full Course of Study
If you are a student you are required to pursue a full course of study (12-18 credit hours) during normal enrollment periods (Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters). We understand, however, that sometimes serious events occur that prevent you from being able to enroll full-time. The Reduced Course load Certification form must be completed prior to dropping below a full-time status. Full-time at Hocking College is 12 credit hours for International student. You are allowed to deviate from this full course of study only with PRIOR authorization from an International Student Services advisor, and only under very limited circumstances. You can drop below full-time ONLY ONE QUARTER of your entire degree. You will need to complete a Reduced Course Load Certification Form (form).
Requirement to Report Departure Date and Reason to International Student Services
Sometimes, and for a variety of reasons, students and scholars leave the College early or unexpectedly. Some of these reasons include early graduation, leave of absence, suspension, expulsion, or family emergencies. You are required to inform International Student Services if you plan to leave the College before the date on your immigration document (I-20), and the reason for doing so.
Requirement to Abide by Employment Regulations
Students may work no more than 19 hours per week on-campus while school is in session. You are not permitted to work off-campus without receiving PRIOR authorization from the U.S. Federal Government and/or the International Student Services, depending upon your visa status type. Employment possibilities are very limited.
Requirement To Attend Another School
You are currently authorized to attend Hocking College. If you decide to attend another school in the U.S. you must notify International Student Services of your intent to transfer and which school you plan on transferring to. International Student Services will then enter a “Release” date in SEVIS (usually the day the current quarter ends). After this date is reached the new school can issue you a SEVIS I-20. You will then have to report to the Designated School Official/Responsible Officer at the new school within 15 days of the program start date.
Requirement to Apply for an Extension of Program
You must apply for an extension of your program prior to the expiration date on your Form I-20, if you cannot complete your program by that date. Requests for extensions should be submitted prior to the expiration date of the Form I-20 so the extension process can be completed prior to the expiration date on your F-1.
Requirement for Changing Your Academic Program
You must obtain a new Form I-20 before changing your academic program from one technology study to another (e.g. from Accounting to Business Management). You must receive a new I-20 from International Student Services advisor within 15 days of beginning the new program (form).
Requirement for Receiving Authorization to Travel
You must notify International Student Services prior to traveling outside the U.S. so that the Form I-20 can be endorsed for travel or a new form can be issued, if required. Students must complete and submit an International Student Services “Travel Request Form” (form) at least 5 working days prior to the anticipated travel date, although you are strongly encouraged to submit the form even earlier.
Requirement to Provide documentation of Dependents
You must notify International Student Services of any accompanying dependents in F-2 status and provide biographical information (e.g., full name, address, country of birth, etc.) and immigration information (e.g., passport information, visa information, etc.) regarding those dependents using International Student Services “Request for Spouse and Children Form”. The International Student Services is required to report information to BCIS and/or DOS regarding your dependents.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is not exhaustive and is subject to change without notice. International students should contact the International Student Services at 740-753-3591 (ext:7044) with questions on any of the information presented above.
All relevant forms can be obtained from the International Student Services located on the JL Concourse, or download the needed forms from our web site.
I-94 Entry Permit
You must be in possession of your I-94 card at all times. If you lose it, you must complete an application form (I-102) which can be obtained from the International Student Services or the BCIS. A fee of $100.00 must be submitted with the application. After details of your entry are verified, a new I-94 will be mailed to you.
Visa Expiration/Renewal
This procedure is only necessary when you intend to travel outside the U.S. and your visa is expired. To get your visa renewed you will need a valid passport, a properly executed I-20, proof of financial support and/or letter of certification. You must visit the American Consulate/Embassy Office in your home country in order to get the visa stamp issued. A student visa cannot be renewed in the U.S. If you are traveling in Canada, Mexico or other contiguous U.S. territories for less than 30 days, you do not need to get your visa renewed.
Traveling Outside the U.S.
F-1 visa holders need the following documents to re-enter the U.S. after a temporary absence:
- Form I-20 endorsed by International Student Services for travel.
- A valid passport and U.S. F-1 visa.
- Verification of adequate financial support.
- Verification of enrollment.
NOTE: a new I-20 is required only if there has been a change in your field of study, degree level, in the source or amount of funding or if all the endorsement lines on your I-20 are complete. Requests for a new I-20 or for a signature must be made at least five days before your planned departure.
Visits for Spouse and Children
F-1 Students must obtain an I-20 to send to family members (spouse or children) who wish to visit the U.S. The family member(s) will use the I-20 to support their application for an F-2 visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Embassy/Consulate will require evidence that you have adequate financial resources for family member(s) support without recourse to employment. As such, you must furnish proof of financial support to International Student Services in the amount of $4,000 per year for a spouse and $2,000 per year for each child in addition to the amount needed for your own studies and living expenses. You must realize that under no circumstances will your spouse be permitted to take any employment after he/she reaches the U.S. F-2 children may attend elementary or high school. F-2 spouses or children are not permitted to study at the college level full-time without changing status to F-1.In addition, bringing family members to the U.S. is not considered a valid reason for needing employment authorization.
A Few Words of Advice
- I-20 requests submitted to International Student Services require 3 business days to process. Plan accordingly!
- Bring your passport and all relevant immigration documents (I-20, passport, I-94) and financial documents when you come to International Student Services with requests.
Always see an International Student Services staff member before you consider contacting the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service. The BCIS is a very busy agency and the officer answering your call may not have the time required to fully understand your problem. If necessary, International Student Services will contact the BCIS for you.
If at anytime you are uncertain about your status, require assistance or have any questions, do not hesitate to call International Student Services at 740-753-3591 extension 2243 immediately.
The International Student Services is here to help you.
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