2. WELCOME TO MIDWEST UNIVERSITY!

3. Maintaining F-1 Status

4. Keep Your Documents Current  Passport  Form I-20  Form I-94  Visa

5. Valid Passport  Your passport must be valid for at least six months into the future.

6. Certificate of Eligibility (I-20)  Complete a pre-travel checklist before leaving the U.S., and…  Have your I- 20 signed.

7. I-94 Marked D/S IMM. & NATZ SERVICE 380 HOU 341 JAN 17 2000 CLASS: TO: F - 1 D / S D/S = Duration of Status = The length of your program.

8. Your Visa (an entry document) The Visa stamp in your passport is like a KEY... it is for entry only. It is OK for your visa to expire while you are in the U.S. This will only effect your ability to travel outside the U.S. and re-enter. Only a Key

9. Full-time enrollment  Undergraduate: 15 Credit hours  Graduate: 12 Credit hours  Doctoral: 9 Credit hours You must maintain full-time status during Spring and Fall semesters

10. Illness or Medical Conditions  A physician’s statement is required for reduction of course load  Contact your academic advisor and international student advisor for help

11. Notify the USCIS when your Address Changes You are legally required to inform the USCIS of a change of address within 10 days. This is done through the SEVIS system by a Designated School Official. Please notify the Student Affairs Office if you change your address.

12. Travel If you plan to travel outside of the U.S. during your stay here you will need: If you plan to travel outside of the U.S. during your stay here you will need: –Valid passport –Valid F-1 Visa –Valid Form I-20 –Form I-94 Visit the Student Affairs Office at least one month before you travel outside the U.S. Visit the Student Affairs Office at least one month before you travel outside the U.S.

13. Carry Health Insurance! F-1 students and their dependents are required to carry Health Insurance that meets minimum requirements. Included in these minimum requirements is Repatriation/Medical Evacuation coverage (7,500/10,000). Please do not buy or change your insurance before you know whether it meets the minimum requirements or not!

14. Auto Insurance Driving without insurance is illegal Driving without insurance is illegal Traffic violation tickets are expensive Traffic violation tickets are expensive Display license plates on front and back Display license plates on front and back If you buy a car with dark shaded windows on driver’s side or front passenger side, change them immediately If you buy a car with dark shaded windows on driver’s side or front passenger side, change them immediately You must have auto insurance. At least Liability coverage.

15. Authorized Employment Only! Authorized Employment Only! Do not risk your future! Unauthorized employment is illegal! ALL work must have government approval.

16. Engage Only in Authorized Activities BY SPECIAL INVITATION, students may teach or conduct research on campus as a teacher’s assistant or research assistant, with a maximum of 20 hours per week. An Authorization Request must be submitted by the faculty and filed with the Student Affairs Office.

17. Pastoral Assignments F-1 students are not permitted by USCIS to establish new churches in the USA. After one year of academic study, Internships are possible. A Religious Worker Visa (R-1) is required for authorized ministry in the U.S. An immigration lawyer can provide you with details.

18. Practical Training Paid and volunteer internships are possible for F-1 students:  Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - after one academic year of study - must meet academic course requirements  Optional Practical Training (OPT) - after graduation. Must apply six months in advance. Social Security Numbers acquired in some internships do not authorize, guarantee, or facilitate permanent residence or citizenship.

19. Social Security Number (SSN) You do not need an SSN to:  Open a bank account  Get a driver’s license  Conduct other business The Student Affairs Office will provide documentation to help you apply for a driver’s license.

20. The Emergency Room Know where to go and who to call in case of an emergency. Insurance does not cover trips to an emergency room unless it is a true emergency that could not have been handled by a doctors appointment or an urgent care facility. Choose a doctor and visit them once before you get sick. Dial 911 in an emergency

21. F-1 Dependents (F-2) Cannot remain in the U.S. after the F-1 completes their program. F-2 can not study full-time or part-time. This will reduce their chances of acquiring an F-1 visa in the future. Must carry adequate health insurance equivalent to the requirements standard for the F-1. May travel freely as long as the F-1 is studying in the U.S.

22. Resources and Information Talk to Student Services! Talk to Student Services! 851 Parr Rd. Administrative Building Appointment Hours: Monday-Thursday: 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (636) 327-4645 dsa@midwest.com

23. School Policies

24. Other Important School Policies Students must live within 50 miles of the University Complete one year of academic study to consider transfer requests. Dress and personal conduct should exemplify Christian character.

25. Important Things to Know  Do not leave children under 10 at home alone  Do not physically discipline your children in public  The title “Mister” for a man or “Miss” for a woman in the U.S. is a title of respect

26. PLEASE WAIT! There are forms for you to sign. Thank You.