1. Information for F-1 Students
Oberlin College
International Student Resource Center
Wilder 105

2. The SEVIS Database
SEVIS is a web-based system where DSOs enter and exchange information on F-1 students with the US government.
DSOs are required to report the following each semester for each F-1 student:
Enrollment and registration status
Whether a student drops beneath a full course of study
Completion of a program of study
Extension of a program of study
Changes in legal names or address
Some academic or disciplinary actions
Program changes, transfers, majors, employment authorization & more!
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3. “Immigration Documents”
Passport
Form I-20
F-1 Visa
Form I-94
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4. Form I-20
Certifies that a F-1 visa applicant has been admitted to a full time program of study and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to meet their costs.
Program start and end dates are the estimated dates of the student’s F-1 status.
Must be re-signed every year for travel outside of the U.S.
Dates cannot be extended without a compelling academic or medical reason.
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5. F-1 Visa
Authorizes the holder to request entry to the U.S. for the purpose of full-time study as an F-1 student.
Does not need to be kept current while in the US.
Cannot be renewed from within the US.
Must be current to re-enter after departing the US.
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6. Form I-94
Arrival and Departure Record maintained electronically by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).
Retrieved electronically at
The number on this record is also referred to as your Admission or “A” number.
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7. Other Important Documents
F-1 students are advised to keep the following as part of their permanent records:
Receipts for tuition and books
Student IDs
Course syllabi

8. Protect your Documents!
Keep all original documents (including all previous I-20s) together in a safe place.
Make copies of everything and keep them in a different safe place.
Store pictures of your originals electronically.
You are responsible for your own records!
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9. F-1 Visa Requirements
Enroll in a full-course of study every semester according to the terms of your degree program.
Obtain employment authorization before working off-campus.
Report address or name changes to international student advisor (DSO).
Keep a valid Passport.
Request extensions (for legitimate academic or medical reasons) before your I-20 expires.
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10. Overview of Employment Regulations
On-campus
Part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the semester or Full time (more than 20 hours per week) during vacations.
Prior authorization is not required.
First year students are eligible.
Off-campus
Prior authorization (CPT or OPT) is required.
Must have completed 2 semesters of full-time study and have declared a major.
Employment must be directly connected to major.
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11. More about CPT Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is an employment benefit that can be authorized for employment which is an “integral part of an established curriculum” and which is directly connected to the student’s declared major. Students must have completed one full year of study, have declared a major, and have a faculty recommendation and written job offer in their field of studying order to apply. CPT may only be authorized prior to completion of degree program.
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12. More about OPT Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a 12 month employment benefit in the student’s major field of study. Use of OPT prior to graduation reduces eligibility for OPT after graduation. Faculty recommendation and an application fee of $410 are required to apply. A job offer is not necessary at the time of application but students must employed within 90 days of their OPT start date in order to remain in status. Authorization takes 2-3 months.
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13. If you Travel Outside the US:
Your I-20 must be signed on the 2rd page by a DSO within 12 months of your return travel date.
Your F-1 visa sticker must be current to re-enter the US; if it has (or will) expire before re-entry, renew it while you are out of the country. (The F-1 visa sticker cannot be renewed from within the US.)
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity from the date that you will re-enter the US.
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14. Check your Understanding
What document tells you do how long you can remain in the US on F-1 status?
If your F-1 visa sticker expires while you are in the US what should you do?
If you are offered an internship in a firm this Winter Term, can you accept it?
You are going home for summer vacation, do you need to do anything before you leave?

15. Ask Questions!
Oberlin College’s DSOs are your best source of advice regarding regulatory matters; make an appointment to meet with one of us if you have questions or concerns!
Wilder Hall, 105
8462
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