It’s back-to-school time, and that means stocking up on supplies and purchasing the semester’s required books. If you’re an international student, you must also ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
If you’re entering the U.S. for the first time, the information below can help you make sure you know how to maintain your legal status as an international student.
[ Prepare to arrive in the U.S. as a new international student.]
Arriving in the U.S.
International students can only enter the U.S. within 30 days of their program start date. This is important to keep in mind when planning to travel to America. You can find your program start date on your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
Once you arrive in the U.S., make sure to immediately contact your designated school official to let them know you’ve arrived.
Before your first day of school, contact your designated school official again to confirm your information is up to date in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The federal government uses SEVIS data to monitor international student compliance with U.S. laws and regulations.
[Here are five things students should do after arriving in the U.S.]
During the School Year
Make sure to remain enrolled in your classes. This is crucial to maintaining your legal immigration status. Also, take a full course of study each term.
International students enrolled at a community college, four-year college or university, or postsecondary vocational or business school, must take at least 12 credit hours per term. Postgraduate and seminary international students should check with their designated school official on what qualifies as a full course of study, since it varies by school.
International students attending English as a Second Language programs or vocational or nonacademic institutions should clock 18 hours per week if the school consists of mainly classroom instruction, or 22 hours per week if the school consists of primarily hands-on learning.
Don’t drop a class without first speaking with your designated school official. If you have difficulties with your classes, speak to your designated school official immediately, as he or she may be able to assist with accommodations.
For instance, if you don’t think you can complete your program by the end date on your Form I-20, there are cases where your designated school official may be able to help you obtain a program extension.
[Get familiar with a typical day as a U.S. college student.]
End of Your Program
You have 60 days to leave the U.S. after you complete your educational program. The 60 days is determined by the program end date on your Form I-20. Not following these rules can result in the loss of legal immigration status.
If your designated school official is unable to answer your questions, you can contact the Student and Exchange Visitor Program at sevp@ice.dhs.gov or call 703-603-3400 weekdays, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST.
Make sure to clearly outline your situation and ask questions. SEVP responds to email inquiries on a first-come, first-served basis.
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How to Maintain Your Immigration Status as an International Student originally appeared on usnews.com