1. GW 101
International Student Orientation F-1 / J-1 Make-up Immigration Session

2. Alyssa Fox & Katerina Salas International Services Office
International Student Orientation F-1 / J-1 Make-up Immigration Session
Presented by
Alyssa Fox & Katerina Salas
International Student & Scholar Advisors
International Services Office
January 9, 2015
Academic Support Resources
Academic Support Resources
Academic Support Resources
Welcome on behalf of ISO.
Who are they: Came from abroad? Studied in U.S. before?
Which continents: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Middle East, North America, Central America & Caribbean, South America
# F # J (GW Js, Other Js Fulbright) # Other NIV
Immigration Complex --
Presentation incorporates Learning research
Educational Research shows:
Different Learning styles:
Auditory: Listening (lecture), Speaking (Q & A)
Visual: Reading (Overhead & written copy of PP)
Kinesthetic: Touching & moving (Writing notes & highlight)
*** Learning through repetition (layers of info; deeper understanding)
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

3. Welcome! We’re glad you’re here!
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

4. The International Services Office
You
and
your
success
are
our
mission!
Approximately 3,635 International Students
from 130 countries
¾ Graduate Students
Total enrolled Intl Stud (ex OPT): Fall ,134
Total on Post-OPT: Fall
OPEN DOORS INTL STUDENT TOTAL 3,635
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

5. Services & Programs for Students
Welcome Center & new student orientation
Immigration advising & assistance
Employment workshops and information
Advising & programs on personal, social, cultural, and educational concerns
Cultural adjustment workshops & cross-cultural communication training
Campus & community referrals
Crisis intervention
Info on drivers licenses, Social Security, etc.
Welcome Center – Check-In
Who has not checked-in with ISO yet?
ISO not able to clear immigration status and perform SEVIS registration (U.S. govt. immig. database) until you check-in with immig docs!
Coordinate / Collaborate with many GW offices / services
GW Counseling Center – developmental – life skills
Normal life problems – High stress – interfere with ability to do best
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

6. ISO Student Advising
Business Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm (closed weekends and U.S. holidays)
Advisor Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 1:30-3:30 pm, first-come, first-serve
Appointments STRONGLY recommended
If J-1 student, identify yourself as such to reception
Bring immigration documents to advising
communication policy
Plan ahead and apply early for all things in U.S. culture – especially immigration
Allow extra time for complex issues
Appointment or Advisor “Office Hours”
Advisor “Office Hours” intended for quick, 5-10 minute issues.
Appointments best for anything complex or time consuming
GW address is major means of communication
** Forward GW to favorite address viewed most often.
Plan ahead before holidays:
Day before holiday (weekend) Offices may close early
ISO structure: Advisor / School Assignments
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

7. Immigration Requests: Plan Ahead and Apply Early
ISO 10 business-day turnaround policy:
Immigration is complex and highly detail oriented. Allow ISO enough time to minimize human error
Additional time may be needed for incomplete or problem issues
ISO (most GW offices) are very busy at beginning and end of each semester, and before holidays …
August, December, January & May busiest
Last 2 weeks of December, very limited staffing across GW. Please plan ahead and apply early.
Allow extra time for complex situations.
Plan ahead for holidays and busy times
August, December, January & May busiest months.
Very limited staffing in GW offices last 2 weeks of December.
New students in January.
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

8. Department of Homeland Security
In 2003, immigration functions transferred to 3 Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) bureaus:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – Immigration inspections at the port of entry
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Immigration benefits and services
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Investigation and enforcement of federal immigration laws (SEVIS)
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security established in 2003.
DHS is a very large new agency.
Decades old Immigration and Naturalization Service was abolished.
Functions transferred to 3 Department within DHS.
U.S. Immigration is very complex with many caveats.
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

9. Immigration Basics: Plan ahead and apply early
Keep your documents safe and keep them valid
Keep your GW student records accurate
Consult with an ISO advisor anytime you think about making a significant change in your life
Plan ahead and apply early for all things in U.S. culture –
especially immigration
Allow extra time for complex issues
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

10. Your Immigration Documents
Passport
Must be valid at time of entry (at least 6 months into future) and throughout stay in U.S.
Document of home government.
Renew passport before expiration.
Contact home government embassy for renewal information. Know ahead of time and plan accordingly.
Processes and timeframes vary by country:
May be renewable at embassy, for some countries may need to be done back home.
Some countries quick, others take many months.
** Length of passport validity can affect length of U.S. visa issued (among many factors)
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

11. Your Immigration Documents
U.S. Visa
Gives permission to travel to U.S. and request admission
Must be valid at time of any (re-)entry
Okay to expire while in the U.S.
Term “visa” often misused and misunderstood
Visa is stamp in passport
Main purpose: Gives permission to travel to U.S. and request admission
Valid Visa does not guarantee admission to U.S.
Immigration Inspector at POE makes separate determination of eligibility for admission
Differs from “immigration status” in U.S. which is governed by Form I-94 (discussed shortly)
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

12. Your Immigration Documents
Entry Stamp
Passport should be stamped at port of entry
Make a copy of this stamp for your records

13. Your Immigration Documents
Paper I-94 Card
Official registration document
Evidence of legal admission to U.S.
Indicates immigration status and how long student may remain
For land entry, air entries prior to May 2013 or I-515
Card
White card issued by immigration inspector at Port of Entry
** Most important document.
(Replacement costs $330 + significant time)
Issued for each entry.
(Bring new cards to ISO for copying front & back)
When returning to U.S., check new I-94 for accuracy before leaving immigration inspection area
“Duration of Status” Vs. “Date Certain” I-94
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

14. Your Immigration Documents
D/S
Electronic I-94 Record
Print 2 copies- 1 for you and 1 for ISO
Go to ASAP after arrival in U.S.
If you don’t print off the I-94 upon arrival the record will be gone once you depart the U.S. again
Needed to obtain admission number- this will not be listed on the entry stamp in your passport
F-1 or J-1
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

15. Your Immigration Documents
Form I-20 / DS-2019
I-20 issued by school authorized to enroll international students
DS-2019 issued by designated J Sponsor
All information must be accurate and reflect your current circumstances
Must be valid at all times (See Section #5 on I-20 or Section #3 on DS-2019)
Validity of I-20/DS-2019 governed by End Date (and maintenance of status):
See section # 5 of I-20 &
section # 3 on DS-2019
Rules governing “maintenance of status” also affect validity of I-20 / DS-2019
Will discuss shortly
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

16. I-20 Section 1: Section 2: Name & date of birth
Country of birth & citizenship
Section 2:
Your School
“Certificate of Eligibility” for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student.
Ensure Accurate Info:
** Section # 1 Ensure that Name, DOB, Country of Birth and Citizenship are accurate
** Section # 2 Shows School student is authorized to attend
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

17. I-20 Section 4 Section 5: Your Education Level Your Major/Program
Your Program Dates
(I-20 Validity)
“Certificate of Eligibility” for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student.
May only engage in activity authorized by I-20 (and in SEVIS) and only at school that issued the I-20
Section # 4: Education Level authorized to attend
** Section # 5 “complete studies no later than . . .”
(I-20 Validity)
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

18. I-20
Section 8
Funding
“Certificate of Eligibility” for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student.
** Section # 8 Funding: Changes must be reported and new I-20 issued (gain or lose GTA)
Must be accurate to be eligible for travel signature
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

19. Employment Authorizations / Recommendations –
discussed in employment workshops.
SEVIS reportable Reduced Course Loads
Travel signature -- discussed further in Travel section.
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

20. DS-2019 Site of Activity Program (DS-2019) Sponsor
Section 3: Program dates
Section 4: Major
Section 5: Funding
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (J-1) Exchange Visitor.
*** Section #3 Form covers period “From . . .” To . .”
May only engage in activity authorized by DS-2019 and in SEVIS
This includes location of activity.
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

21. Safeguard Your Immigration Documents!
Do not use for routine identification
Make copies for yourself & ISO Update your ISO file with new documents (I-94, visa, passport)
If documents are lost or stolen, contact: ISO, GW police, DC police (or local police), & your embassy
Carry copies of your documents in Metro-D.C. area; originals when traveling outside local area
All non-citizens required to carry “registration documents” at all times.
I-94 is official registration document for nonimmigrants.
F/J also carry I-20/DS passport
Reiterate importance of printing I-94 and saving as PDF
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

22. Port of Entry Admission: I-515
Form I-515: 30-day admission notice; I-94 has date specific expiration
Legally authorized to remain in U.S. for ONLY 30 DAYS unless remedied thru ISO with Immigration
Must be corrected before expiration on I-94 to avoid serious consequences
Make appointment with ISO advisor immediately after admission (Bring original I-94, I-515 and passport)
Travel discouraged until I-515 is corrected
If POE inspector deems documents insufficient, has discretion to admit under I-515 (can also deny admission)
* Creates “flag” in CBP database until I-515 closed out.
Travel discouraged until corrected.
Generally new I-20/DS-2019 needed.
ISO mails docs to DHS.
Students should NOT try to go to DHS in person
If I-94 expires, serious, long-term consequences:
- visa is automatically cancelled.
- Ineligible to apply for visa in 3rd country.
- Unlawful Presence begins to accrue. 3 & 10 year bars to U.S.
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

23. SEVIS: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
Schools / J Program Sponsors must report through SEVIS to DHS, info including: biographic, enrollment, employment & address
Be sure to timely register full time
Ensure that GW / ISO (J program sponsor) has your current residential address (G-web)
Please read GW for DHS or DOS updates from ISO [GW
Before returning to home country, report to ISO when completing all activities
Must account for every person, every semester through the end of post-degree OPT / AT.
Communicate with ISO about any changes.
(e.g., less than F/T, drops / withdrawals, LOA, COS, returning home for extended period.)
Check GW for updates / communication from ISO. Forward GWmail to most often viewed account.
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

24. Maintaining Status: Student Responsibilities (1)
Formal check-in at ISO ASAP after arrival in US or SEVIS record auto terminated as “No Show”
Maintain valid passport, I-20 / DS-2019, I-94 at all times
Attend school authorized to attend (Listed on I-20 / DS-2019)
Enroll for and maintain full-time enrollment (Undergrads: 12 credits; Graduates: 9 credits)
Limited exceptions to full-time enrollment requirements (MUST BE APPROVED IN ADVANCE BY ISO ADVISOR in SEVIS)
Only engage in activity authorized by I-20 / DS-2019
But need to be aware of broad requirements
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

25. Maintaining Status: Student Responsibilities (2)
Make satisfactory progress to complete degree in normal length of full time study -- as indicated on I-20/DS-2019
Apply in a timely manner to ISO for extension (recommend days before I-20 / DS-2019 expiration date) if more time needed to complete program
Consult ISO advisor before changing programs, educational levels, or field of study
Follow procedures with ISO to transfer to another U.S. institution
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

26. Maintaining Status : Student responsibilities (3)
Limit on-campus employment to 20 hrs per week TOTAL when school is in session
J-1 students need written permission (from DS-2019 sponsor) for all on-campus employment
Cease on-campus employment immediately upon completion of studies, or violation of status (I-20 / DS-2019 expiration, drop below full time)
Refrain from ANY off-campus employment without written authorization in advance from ISO advisor or USCIS
More on employment later.
To legally engage in on campus employment, J student must be authorized in SEVIS and in writing to individual (letter of authorization) prior to starting employment.
(More on J employment later)
Completion of Studies regarding:
F/J: On campus employment – check with ISO during final term to clarify date of completion of studies.
I-20 / DS-2019 expiration has generic date.
Completion of study = last official day of exams on Academic Calendar, can’t work on campus beyond this date.
F/J: To legally engage in off-campus employment, must be authorized in SEVIS and in writing to individual prior to starting employment.
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

27. Maintaining Status : Student responsibilities (4)
Notify ISO if expected to complete program before date on I-20/DS-2019
Apply in a timely manner to ISO & CIS for post-degree Optional Practical Training (F-1) or to ISO / J program sponsor for Academic Training (J-1)
(Attend ISO employment workshop for details)
Report any change of residence to GW (via G-web) within 10 days of move [Note: Legal requirement continues to end of OPT / AT]
Must update SEVIS when completing early
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

28. Maintaining Status: J-1 Student responsibilities (5)
Maintain health insurance for self & dependents throughout J program
Automatically enrolled in GW Health Insurance
Subject to 212(e), Two-year home country physical presence requirement:
Skills list
Funding: U.S. or home country government
Receipt of graduate medical education or training; Sponsored by ECFMG
Student Health insurance plan meets DOS minimum requirements
waiver available
See Aetna Student Health website
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

29. Maintaining Status: Address Update
To fulfill legal immigration requirements, please report any change of address within 10 days of moving to…
GW Registrar’s Office
“Current” Address field in GWeb – this should be your physical residence in the U.S.
“Permanent” Address field in GWeb – this should be your permanent address in your home country
3. Leave the “To Date” field blank
Please Note: New special reporting to GWeb continues through post-degree F-1 Optional Practical Training and J-1 Academic Training
All Foreign nationals (nonimmigrants and legal permanent residents) required by law to report change of residential address to DHS within 10 days of moving.
F / J / M nonimmigrants fulfill legal requirement by reporting to school that issued I-20 or organization that issued DS-2019 (J-1 program sponsor)
Pay attention to “TO” date in address field. BEST TO LEAVE “TO” DATE BLANK
“TO” date should extend into future through end of time in the U.S.
Forward gwmail to favorite account
Be sure to format American addresses correctly: street number & name, city, state, zip code.
ISO cannot register you in SEVIS w/o a valid current AND permanent address.
This information is available on the ISO website for your review!
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

30. CURRENT Address – Don’t do this!
DO NOT put a date in the future
DO NOT put an end date. Leave this blank!
DO NOT enter your entire address in one line
DO NOT enter any information in line 3
DO NOT enter a U.S. state, enter ONLY the city
DO NOT forget to select a U.S. state
DO NOT forget to enter a 5 digit code
CURRENT Address:
- NEVER an address outside the US!
- P.O. Box, academic department address, ISO address are NOT valid current addresses.
Be sure to format American addresses correctly: street number & name, city, state, zip code.
This information is available on the ISO website for your review!
DO NOT overload lines with too much information!
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

31. PERMANENT Address – Don’t do this!
DO NOT put a date in the future
DO NOT put an end date. Leave this blank!
DO NOT enter your entire address in one line
DO NOT enter any information in line 3
DO NOT forget to enter a city
PERMANENT Address: NEVER an address in the US!
This information is available on the ISO website for your review!
DO NOT forget to select a country –
NOT the U.S.A!
DO NOT overload lines with too much information!
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

32. Reduced Course Load
In limited circumstances, may enroll for less than full time
Must be approved by ISO advisor (J sponsor) and reported to SEVIS prior to drop full time
ISO must report resumption of full time enrollment by start of next available term
Can’t back-date in SEVIS
Consequence of unauthorized drop below FT or failure to enroll = loss of visa status and visa benefits.
Students who drop below FT W/O prior approval from ISO considered to have violated their immigration status!
DHS does NOT consider financial difficulties or unavailability of courses valid reasons for enrolling less than FT.
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

33. Reduced Course Load (cont.)
Three general reasons:
Academic
Final term
Medical
RCL regulations are very restrictive.
Check with ISO advisor about details, if/when needed.
Academic RCL
May be authorized on ONE time only for
Initial English Language difficulties OR
Improper course placement
Medical RCL
Medical documentation for each semester required
(issued by a licensed medical doctor)
Not to exceed 12 months aggregate
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

34. Full Time Certification for Graduate Students
For thesis/dissertation programs only
After all coursework is completed
Full-time study effort on thesis or dissertation
Form must be submitted every semester and processed prior to start of classes
Cannot be working more than 20 hours per week to be certified as full-time
After ISO approval, form is forwarded to Registrar to update student’s record to reflect full-time status
Relevant to thesis / dissertation programs only
* For use at thesis/dissertation stage of program –
after all courses completed, except thesis/dissertation
* Focusing effort full time on thesis/dissertation
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

35. Traveling Outside of U.S.
Re-entry requirements:
Valid I-20 / DS-2019 with recent travel signature (Request at ISO at least 2 weeks prior to departure)
Passport valid (6 months min) with valid F-1/J-1 visa
Original, current financial documents
(Less than 6 months old, with sufficient funds for program consistent with source(s) listed on I-20 / DS-2019)
Official transcript (issued by Registrar’s Office)
GWorld card
For visa renewal, please see ISO advisor and visit U.S. Embassy website at travel.state.gov
Request travel signature at least 2 weeks prior to allow for any problems. TS requests not processed “on the spot” during advising
Must check records. NOT just a signature!
It’s a certification that student has been maintaining status.
Sometimes a new I-20/DS-2019 is required.
Updated docs may be needed to issue.
Don’t come to ISO on way to airport. May not be able to accommodate.
Do best to work with true emergencies.
To arrange for friend to pick-up I-20/DS we need permission in writing (Confidentiality)
Auto Revalidation – special rules, caveats (E.g., Can’t apply for new visa. Must be in valid status. Other exceptions)
Will need to print electronic I-94 after each re-entry. Can’t access old record after departure.
Info is on our website as well.
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

36. F-1 / J-1 On-Campus Employment
Must be in valid F-1 / J-1 status.
Limited to maximum of 20 hours per week TOTAL during academic term (No flexibility)
(Graduate Assistantships considered 20 hrs/week. No other employment allowed with assistantship)
Full time during official school breaks (December holidays, Spring Break) & summer vacation if eligible and intending to continue enrollment in very next term.
Cease on-campus employment immediately upon completion of studies, or violation of status
(I-20/DS-2019 expiration, drop below full time)
J-Students need written permission in advance from J sponsor. Must maintain good academic standing
Rules complex. Best to attend ISO workshops.
Government very strict & unforgiving about unauthorized employment
No flexibility on 20/hr week total. Not an average. 21 hours = violation of status
Can lose CPT, OPT, AT
Check with ISO during final term to clarify date of completion of studies.
I-20/DS-2019 expiration has generic date.
Completion of study = last official day of exams on Academic Calendar (most pgms)
Date may differ for doctoral students.
No work on campus beyond completion of study date.
J students need written permission (letter of authorization) and in advance
from J sponsor for each specific job (both on & off campus).
Must be authorized in SEVIS prior to beginning each job (Can’t back-date)
J On-campus employment - generally authorized for up to 1 year at a time, not beyond end of DS-2019 or program completion. May be limited by Health insurance.
Other Js: (If in group) Each J program has specific rules.
May or may not be eligible for employment
Check with J program sponsor (IIE, USAID)
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

37. F-1/J-1 Off-Campus Employment
Government very strict & unforgiving about unauthorized employment – on or off campus
Never work off-campus without written permission in advance from ISO/USCIS (on I-20 /DS-2019 or EAD)
All off-campus work must be authorized in SEVIS and in writing to individual prior to beginning employment
See advisor for eligibility requirements
Follow restrictions and limitations for type of work authorization, including dates, hours per week and employer/location
Attend ISO employment workshops for details
Best to attend ISO workshops 2-4 months prior to term of desired employment.
F-1: Generally can’t work off campus until after 1st academic year, GW J-1s after 1st semester
F & J: To legally engage in off-campus employment, must be authorized in SEVIS and in writing to individual prior to starting employment. (Can’t back-date)
J students need written permission (letter of authorization) and in advance
from J sponsor for each specific job (both on & off campus).
Must be authorized in SEVIS prior to beginning each job (Can’t back-date)
Other Js: (If in group) Each J program has specific rules.
May or may not be eligible for employment
Check with J program sponsor (IIE, USAID)
Unauthorized employment on or off campus = Serious consequences:
- Out of status
- Loss of benefits, including CPT, OPT eligibility
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

38. Final Thoughts!
Please remember, it is your responsibility to maintain your status
Keep your documents safe and keep them valid
Keep your GW student records and address accurate
Immigration laws may change:
Please review your GW for ISO updates
Contact ISO advisor for updates
Serious penalties for violating status:
Loss of status, employment benefits, visa cancellation
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

39. Final Thoughts (continued)
Please bring immigration documents to ISO appointments / advising assistance
ISO 10 business-day turnaround policy:
Allows ISO enough time to minimize human error
May require additional time to process request if there is a problem
ISO gets very busy at beginning and end of each semester, and before holidays …
So please plan accordingly
Allow extra time for complex situations.
Plan ahead for holidays and busy times
August, December, January & May busiest months.
Very limited staffing in GW offices last 2 weeks of December.
New students in January.
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

40. Final Thoughts (continued)
Best advice: Ask an ISO Advisor
Plan ahead & Apply early
Before departing the U.S. after your studies end please report to ISO that you are moving abroad.
Enjoy your time at GWU!!
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

41. Questions?
ISO Orientation: F-1/J-1 Make-up Immigration Session - Spring 2013

42. International Services Office
Follow us!
International Services Office
@GW_ISO
International Services Office (ISO)
1922 F Street, NW - Suite 205
Phone: (202)
Fax: (202)
ISO Orientation: Law School Immigration Session - Fall 2012