Welcome Home Activities and Calendar International Student Interlist International Student Organization Accessing Health Services at ULV ULV Links for International Students Frequently Asked Questions Immigration Information ULV International Student Profile New Students Student Comments International Student Handbook

"How Do I Stay in Status?"

Immigration Guidelines for International Students

Please read the following information carefully. Each international student should understand and follow these guidelines. Students should also read page 2 of their I-20. For a copy of that document, please ask at the international center. If you have questions about any of the following, ask at the International Student Center.

  1. KEEP YOUR I-20 CURRENT. This is an important document so keep it in your passport and in a safe place. You need this document when you:
    • travel outside of the U.S.
    • apply for campus employment or employment through practical training options
    • transfer to another school,
    • apply for a social security card and a drivers license or identification

    DO NOT ALLOW YOUR I-20 TO EXPIRE!

  2. KEEP YOUR PASSPORT VALID AT ALL TIMES. If your passport expires, you might not be able to travel to your home country. This is very important in cases of emergency. Your passport can be renewed at the nearest consulate of your country and addresses and phone numbers of many consulates are available in the International Center.
  3. KNOW WHEN YOUR VISA EXPIRES. (YOUR VISA IS THE STAMP IN YOUR PASSPORT) Visas are for entry into the U.S. If it expires while you are studying, you will need to renew it the next time you return home. To avoid difficulties in re-entering the U.S. DISCUSS ALL TRAVEL PLANS WITH AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISOR
    IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO RENEW YOUR VISA WHILE YOU ARE IN THE U.S. THE RENEWAL OF YOUR VISA MUST BE DONE AT A U.S. CONSULATE OUTSIDE THE U.S. THE BEST CHOICE IS THE CONSULATE IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY.
  4. ALWAYS ENROLL IN A FULL PROGRAM OF STUDY. Undergraduate students must carry a minimum of 12 units per 14-16 week terms (called semesters). Graduate Students must carry 8-9 units each of two 14-16 week semesters or at least 6 units for three 10-12 week terms.
  5. WHEN YOU LEAVE THE U.S., HAVE YOUR I-20 SIGNED AND UPDATED BY THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OFFICE. This is done on page 4 of the I-20 Student Copy. You also need an endorsed I-20 to cross the border into Canada or Mexico, even if you are going for a few hours. BRING YOUR I-20 TO THE OFFICE AT LEAST 5 DAYS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL.
    I-20's are not needed for travel in the 50 states of the U.S. However, if you travel to the San Diego area you should carry your I-20 as there are immigration checkpoints in the region.
  6. NOTIFY THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER IF YOU:
    1. Do not register for any reason, including health and financial problems
    2. Change your major and/or your graduation date changes
    3. Plan to transfer to another school
    4. Graduate
    5. Move
    6. Have an I-20 that is going to expire
    IF YOUR I-20 IS GOING TO EXPIRE COME TO THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER 30 DAYS BEFORE IT EXPIRES!
  7. NOTIFY THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OFFICE WHEN YOU CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS. A box number is not sufficient.
  8. OTHER USEFUL INS INFORMATION
    1. I-94 ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE RECORD
      This white card is stapled in your passport when you arrive in the U.S. Together with your I-20, it is your permit to reside and will be given to officials at the border when you depart the U.S., except when visiting Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days. Like the I-20, the I-94 will have D/S, or "duration of status" stamped. When it is stamped with D/S, the I-94 is good -as long as you are pursuing a "full course of study." It remains valid for 60 days after graduation.
    2. CHANGE OF VISA
      Except under special circumstances, it is not possible to change from a B-2 (tourist) visa to an F-1 (student) visa.
    3. WORK OPPORTUNITIES
      1. On-Campus Employment
        International students in good academic standing who are pursuing a full course of study may work on campus up to 20 hours per week, or 40 hours per week during vacations. Students must receive permission from the International Center and have the back of their I-20 signed appropriately. Students must have a social security number and all on campus work must terminate at graduation.
      2. Optional Practical Training
        Practical training is a benefit given to international students on an F-1 visa, who are in good standing, and who have been in status for at least 9 months. An F-1 student may apply to do OPT before and/or after completion of study. OPT must relate directly to the studentŐs field of study and it is limited to 12 months. A student may apply for post-completion optional practical training 120 days before completion of the program of study and the application must reach the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services before the completion of the program of studies. Details are available at the International and Study Abroad Center
      3. Curricular Practical Training
        An F-1 student may also participate in academic internships, cooperative education and similar programs, when those programs are an integral part of their curriculum. Undergraduate students may apply for CPT after having been in F-1 status for 9 months (two terms). Graduate students may apply for CPT during their first term of study if their program requires the internship.