University of South Carolina International Student Services Revised Fall 2009

SEVIS is a federal government database of the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) containing student information on F, J, and M visa holders. This is an electronic immigration record while you are in F, J, or M visa status.

International Student Services uses SEVIS to:  Produce I-20 & DS-2019 documents  Request benefits on behalf of F & J students (i.e., work authorization)  Report your enrollment each term  Report any changes in your personal or academic information  Report any violations of your F or J visa status

International Student Services is responsible for maintaining your SEVIS record. Help us keep it current and accurate!

If you…  Leave the country for a semester,  Change to another visa status,  Apply for permanent residency, or  Complete studies and leave the U.S. Please tell us! Help us maintain your SEVIS record.

 Do not let your passport expire.  Do not let your I-20/DS-2019 expire. If you need an extension, apply for it before the document expires.  Update your I-20 with major or degree changes. J-1’s should consult their sponsor before making academic changes.

The amount of time given on your immigration document is an estimate, which may be extended or shortened based on the time you need to complete the degree. Your F-1 or J-1 stay comes to an end when you complete studies.

 Students with coursework requirements only: F-1 or J-1 stay ends the last day of term in which you complete coursework requirements.  Students writing a thesis or dissertation: F-1 or J-1 stay ends the last day of term in which you defend your thesis or dissertation.

F-1: 60 days to leave U.S. or transfer to a new degree upon completion or termination of studies J-1: 30 days to leave U.S. or transfer to a new degree upon completion or termination of studies F-2 or J-2 dependents may not remain after the F-1 or J-1 has permanently left the U.S.

USCIS requires that you report your address to USC within 10 days of moving. Update your address in VIP. International Student Services will forward your information to SEVIS.

If your entry visa has expired (the visa in your passport) and if you are inside the U.S., that’s ok! If your entry visa has expired and you are outside of the U.S., you will need to renew it before re- entering. Entry Visas You cannot renew a visa inside the U.S.

Before traveling outside the U.S., be sure your I-20 or DS-2019 has been signed for travel at International Student Services. (See page 3 of your I-20 or page 1 of your DS-2019)

All international students on F-1 or J-1 visas must enroll in a full course of study each fall and spring term. Full-time enrollment =  12 credit hours minimum, Undergraduates  9 credit hours minimum, Graduates  6 credit hours minimum, Grad. Assistants

 Only ONE (1) online course (per semester) counts towards full time enrollment  Summer enrollment is optional, unless required for a GA position.  If you withdraw from a course, and you fall below the minimum number of credits, you will be under-enrolled and out of status.  If you audit a course (take a course without earning a grade), the course will not count toward your full-time enrollment.

 Illness or injury;  Difficulties with English language or reading requirements; difficulty with American teaching methods;  Improper course-level placement;  All coursework completed except thesis/dissertation;  You are in your final semester of study.

For an exemption, contact International Student Services BEFORE you under-enroll. See an international student advisor.

A 5-month absence from the U.S. terminates your F-1 status (some exceptions exist). Students who have interrupted their F-1 status are not eligible for off- campus work benefits until they have completed 9 months in F-1 status after re-entry.

NEVER... Any unauthorized employment is a violation of your F-1 status. work without employment authorization!

 Student is in good academic standing;  Student continues to engage in a full course of study each semester;  Employment totals no more than 20 hours per week, except during official school breaks/vacations;  The employment must be considered ON- CAMPUS;  Work authorization ends when the program of study ends or when the student’s program is terminated.

 Student is in good academic standing;  Student continues to engage in a full course of study each semester;  Employment totals no more than 20 hours per week, except during official school breaks/ vacations;  The employment must be considered ON- CAMPUS;  Work authorization ends when the program of study ends or when the student’s program is terminated.  Your program sponsor must approve the work in advance, in writing.

 Includes graduate assistantships, jobs in the school library, cafeteria, and administrative offices, etc.  Companies that are located on campus, but are NOT providing school services are not considered on-campus employment.

 Very serious violation of your visa status  Obligation to report unauthorized employment to SEVIS  Not a “fixable” problem inside the U.S.

 Economic Hardship (F-1 & J-1)  Curricular Practical Training (CPT) (F-1 only)  Optional Practical Training (OPT) (F-1 only)  International Organization (F-1)  Academic Training (J-1 only)

Economic Hardship: work authorization for unexpected and severe financial difficulties Always see an international student advisor regarding off-campus employment questions. Do not work off-campus without receiving authorization from International Student Services.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): work authorization for employment situations that are required to complete your degree Always see an international student advisor regarding off-campus employment questions. Do not work off-campus without receiving authorization from International Student Services.

Optional Practical Training (OPT): work authorization permitting up to 12 months of work experience in your field of study Always see an international student advisor regarding off-campus employment questions. Do not work off-campus without receiving authorization from International Student Services.

Off-campus Employment Authorization (F-1 only) International Organization: work authorization permitting work with certain international organizations Always see an international student advisor regarding off-campus employment questions. Do not work off-campus without receiving authorization from International Student Services.

Academic Training: work authorization for off-campus work in your field of study for up to 18 months (or longer for post-doc work) Do not work off-campus without receiving written authorization from your program sponsor.

 Internships that are required to fulfill coursework and degree requirements  USC Co-operative Education Program  Other work opportunities Require OPT (F-1) or Academic Training (J- 1) work authorization; or Economic Hardship, if eligible Require CPT (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1)

F-2: No work benefits; cannot be pursuing a degree, but can take courses for recreational purposes only J-2: Can apply to USCIS for work benefits; can pursue study

 International students working on-campus should complete a tax information form. Submit to Byrnes Building, Rm. 212  Tax reporting (February – April) to the IRS – Internal Revenue Service  Students who have not worked may still need to establish residency with the IRS.  CINTAX software available

USC requires all graduate students and international students to carry health insurance coverage. All J-1 students are required by immigration regulations to carry health insurance for themselves and their dependents.

The university health insurance provider is Pearce and Pearce, Inc. Enrollment information is also available at the Thomson Student Health Center.

You will be billed for the student health insurance policy, unless you request a waiver online through Pearce & Pearce’s website. To request a waiver you must demonstrate you have comparable health insurance coverage.

 Walk-in advising is offered Tuesday- Friday, from 1:00-4:30  Other hours available by appointment  Call International Student Services, , to schedule an appointment.

Got an immigration question? An international student advisor will respond. Helpful websites: