Information for Students (F-1)

Issuing forms I-20 and DS-2019

SEVIS changes the way the Office of International Services issues forms I-20 and DS-2019 and reports on international students.

Under SEVIS there will be new forms I-20 and DS-2019. They will look much like the old forms, but will have bar codes to facilitate processing at the port of entry. Also, our office will no longer issue forms I-20 and DS-2019. We must request these documents from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (formerly known as the INS), through SEVIS.

Since our office must request these forms and is not producing them, we can no longer print forms "while you wait". You must allow sufficient time for obtaining new I-20 or DS-2019 forms.
 

Reporting Requirements

SEVIS also requires the Office of International Services to report electronically on international students. Although our office always has maintained information on international students, we had not been required to report that information, except as requested by the INS. The new requirements are that we report the following:

1. Failure to enroll.
2. Dropping below full time without prior authorization
3. Failure to complete a program.
4. Change in name or address.
5. Graduation prior to completion date.
6. Start date of next session.
7. Transfers
8. Program extensions.
9. Off campus employment authorization.
10. Changes to a students program.
11. Disciplinary action related to a criminal conviction.
 

Modifications to Our Office Procedures

1. Full-Time Enrollment: International students are still required to be enrolled full time, which means 12 semester hours for undergraduates or 9 semester hours for graduate students. As before SEVIS, international students are required to obtain authorization from the Office of International Services prior to dropping below full time enrollment. Under SEVIS, this may only be authorized ONCE during your studies and ONLY for the following reasons:

• Difficulties with the English Language

• Difficulties with American teaching method

• Enrollment in an improper level course.

• Last semester before completing a degree program.

International students may be permitted to drop below full time for medical reasons, but you are required to have documentation from a doctor.

2. Withdrawal from the University: In the case of withdrawing completely from the University, you are required to depart the US within 15 days.

3. Change of Name or Address: you are required to report your local address to the government within 10 days.

4. Change of Program: Please come to our office prior to requesting a change of major or program.

5. Transfer: Please contact us to discuss your plans to transfer. Students must initiate the process through the Office of International Services.

6. On-line/Distance Education: International students are permitted to count only one on-line course (three credits) per semester towards the required number of credits to be enrolled as a full time student. A student may be enrolled in more than one on-line course as long as only one course counts towards the full-time course load requirement.

7. Reinstatement: The consequences for violating status have become much more severe. In the past, students were allowed to file for reinstatement, which was granted in most cases. Now, an F-1 student is permitted to file for reinstatement for violations of status that were due to "circumstances beyond the student's control". It is your responsibility to be familiar with F-1 and J-1 visa regulations. If you have any questions, the Office of International Services is always available to explain these rules and to provide additional copies of these requirements. (These rules were given to you during the New International Student Orientation. If you would like an additional copy, please stop by our office.)

8. Dependents: Under the new rules, F-2 dependents are not able to pursue full or part time studies. They are only permitted study which is a vocational or recreational. F-2 and J-2 dependents must also have a separate I-20 or DS-2019 form.