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Immigration Orientation

Immigration Orientation. Summer 2007. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Florida International University. Division of Student Affairs Miami, FL. Office of International Student & Scholar Services. Mission.

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Immigration Orientation

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  1. Immigration Orientation Summer 2007 International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Florida International University Division of Student Affairs Miami, FL

  2. Office of International Student & Scholar Services Mission The Office of International Student & Scholar Services providesadvising services to international students and scholars on immigration, legal, personal, cultural, social and financial issues. The Office seeks to promote ethical, professional, and academic excellence and serves as a resource to the University and the community. Vision The Office of International Student & Scholar Services will be the premier resource on international education, immigration and cross-cultural issues for the University and the community.

  3. ISSS at University Park Campus Graham Center, GC 355 Miami, FL 33199 Director: Ana M. Sippin, Ed.D. Associate Director: Ted Randall Coordinator: Rajesh Ahuja SEVIS Coordinator: Evelyn Rodriguez Program Assistant: Laura Duberti Cronin Hours: Mondays – Friday Office Assistant: Alicia Camblor 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Secretary: Margarita Zapata Closed on weekends & holidays Graduate Assistant: Jennifer Camacho Phone: (305) 348-2421 Student Assistant: Lissan, Yordana, Gabby, Carolina, Lakera Fax: (305) 348-1521 http://isss.fiu.edu

  4. ISSS at Biscayne Bay Campus Wolfe University Center (WUC) 363 Miami, FL Director: Nancy Hernandez Assistant Director: Anoush McNamee Coordinator: TBA Senior Secretary: Georgia Zavalis Graduate Assistants: Franklin Soares Hours: Mondays – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closed on weekends & holidays Student Assistants: Andre Dawson Phone: (305) 919-5813 Fax: (305) 919-4824 http://isss.fiu.edu

  5. ISSS New International Student Immigration Orientation • ISSS Services • SEVIS and DHS • Immigration Documents/Terminology • SEVIS Regulations • Medical Insurance Requirement • Hurricane Preparedness • Rights and Responsibilities

  6. ISSS SERVICES I. Immigration Information/Procedures • Immigration Regulations & Updates • School Transfer / Level Transfer • Change of Status (COS) • Reinstatement • Program Extension • Employment (on – campus & Practical Training)

  7. ISSS SERVICES II. Issuance of I-20 & DS-2019 • Change of Major (undergraduate student only) • Change of Program / Level (Graduate students only) • Extension • Reinstatement OR Restart F-1 by Travel • Visa Renewal • For use of Dependent(s): “Dependent” status is limited to spouses and children below 21 years of age. • Any other “Reportable Action”

  8. ISSS SERVICES III. Letters and Certification • Full-time Enrollment Letter • Social Security Letter – (A letter from on-campus employer must be submitted with request) • Dollar Exchange (Estimate of Expenses) • Approval for Concurrent Enrollment (Concurrent enrollment with schools such a MDC, BCC, etc.) • On-campus Employment • Change of Address • Foreign Government Forms – (Only if form is in English)

  9. ISSS SERVICES IV. Cultural Adjustment V. Personal Concerns

  10. ISSS SERVICES VI. Programs • Orientations • Welcome Dinners • Peer Mentors • Options After Graduation * • Immigration Attorney Sessions* • Non-Resident Tax Workshops* (Spring only) • International Education Week / International Week • International Students Club (www.fiu.edu/~isc) • International Honor Society (Phi Beta Delta) • Cultural & various Heritage events *ISSS sponsors these programs in collaboration with other University departments, private firms or government organizations

  11. Appointment Policy

  12. ISSS works on an appointment schedule so advisors can give full attention to students’ questions and concerns • Please call ahead to schedule an appointment. Walk in and on-the-spot appointments should be avoided except in case of emergency situations • “Walk- in Wednesday” are available on specific Wednesdays each term in order to answer your immigration questions • You must bring your immigration documents or other documents pertinent to your appointment

  13. Walk-in Wednesdays* • WALK-IN WEDNESDAYS is a new ISSS service. • An ISSS advisor will be available to answer general questions every Wednesdays* at UP from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon and at BBC from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. • For complicated advising cases, the ISSS Advisor will schedule student for the next available appointment for further detailed advising. • Immigration benefit applications (Employment/Practical Training, Reinstatement, etc.) require an appointment. Benefit applications will NOT BE accepted during Walk-in Wednesdays. *Check ISSS Office for the Walk-in Wednesdays schedule each term*

  14. FIU International Student Statistics Top 5 Countries of Origin (Overall) 1. Jamaica 277 2. China 268 3. Venezuela 265 4. Colombia 212 5. India 171 Degree-seeking: 2720 Total countries represented: 125 Top 5 Countries (Undergraduate)(BA/BS/BBA) Top 5 Countries (Graduate) (MS/PhD/EdD) 1. Venezuela 219 2. Colombia 141 3. Trinidad/Tobago 102 4. Jamaica 87 5. Argentina 68 1. China 180 2. Jamaica 166 3. India 140 4. Colombia 66 5. Venezuela 39 Source: Office of Institutional Research. Statistics as of March 2007 as reported in “Open Doors Data 2006-2007”.

  15. SEVIS and DHS Student and Exchange Visitor Information System • Electronic information system (tracking entries/exits, presence in the U.S. non-immigrants in F, M & J visa categories. • DHShas the following units that deal with non-immigrants in the U.S. under its organization structure: • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE) - regulatory and enforcement body • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) – customs and border functions including all Ports of Entry (POE). • U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS) – immigration & naturalization processing

  16. Immigration Documents Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student • Form issued to fully admitted, degree seeking students • Must be presented at POE to be admitted into the U.S.

  17. Immigration Documents DUCK DONALD F- 1 Visa Stamp issued by a U.S. Department of State Consular post abroad allowing entry into U.S. Issued to student on F-1 status for the purpose of pursuing a full course of academic study.

  18. Immigration Documents Form I-94 Arrival and Departure Record • Card issued at POE to foreign visitors (all non-U.S. citizens) into the U.S. It is important to keep this card safe because it shows the length of time permitted and authorized to stay in the U.S.

  19. Immigration Terminology • A notation specified on a student’s Form 1-94 • Bearer of I-94 authorized to remain in U.S.: • Until completion of program • For periods of authorized optional practical training • For 60 days after completion of the above, to depart the U.S. • For only 15 days if he/she is authorized by DSO to withdrawfrom classes • Must request SEVIS record transfer from FIU to another institution or when changing from one degree level to another at FIU • Procedure must be completed within 15days of class start date or before the end of 60 day grace period (if not, student will be out-of-status) Designated School Official (DSO) • Person (s) who administer the F-1 visa program in a University Duration of Status (D/S) School Transfer

  20. Remain in the U.S. longer than the authorized period of time • Fail to meet requirements or violate the terms of visa classification Immigration Terminology F- 1 status • Authorization by DHS to be in the U.S. for the principal purpose of pursuing a full course of study Out-of-Status Important Reminder: There are rules and regulations that define what F-1 students can and cannot do (students must abide by them in order to remain in status and in the U.S.

  21. Immigration application procedure to change non-immigrant status • Applicant must be in valid status prior to submission of application • ISSS will assist with applications for COS to F-1, F-2 or J-1 • Application is made with USCIS Vermont Service Center • Immigration procedure an F-1 student may apply for when falling out-of-status (i.e. violates law/regulations) • Application is made with USCIS Vermont Service Center • Available only for students who have been out-of-status for less that 5 months at the time of application Immigration Terminology Change of Status (COS) Reinstatement

  22. SEVIS Regulations PERIODIC REPORTINGrequired NO LATER THAN 30 days after session start date each semester • Enrollment status • Current address of each enrolled student • End date of student’s current semester • Start date of student’s next semester

  23. SEVIS Regulations Reporting Requirements EVENT-BASED REPORTINGrequired WITHIN 21 days from occurrence of the event as follows: • Failure to maintain status or complete program • Change of student’s or dependent’s legal name • Change of student’s or dependent’s address • Graduation prior to program end date indicated on I-20 • Disciplinary action taken by school against student as a result of student being convicted of a crime • Any other notification request made by SEVIS with respect to status of student.

  24. SEVIS Regulations Full-time Enrollment Requirement • Undergraduate Students: (B.A., B.S.) • 12 undergraduate–level credit hours (Fall & Spring) • Exception (student’s last semester of registration prior to graduation or completion of degree. • Summer, optional except for the following cases: • Students admitted in Summer are required to enroll for 12 undergraduate-level credit hoursOR • Students completing degree during or by end of summer term. • Exception (student’s admitted for Summer B are required to enroll for at least 6 credits)

  25. SEVIS Regulations Full-time Enrollment Requirement • Graduate Students: (MA, MS, MBA, PhD, EdD) • 9 graduate–level credit hours (Fall & Spring) • Exception (student’s last semester of registration prior to graduation or completion of degree. • Completion of all coursework with only thesisordissertationcredits left to be done.(ISSS Approval Required) • Summer, optional except for the following cases: • Students admitted in Summer are required to enroll for at least 6 graduate-level credit hoursOR • Students completing degree during or by end of summer term.

  26. SEVIS RegulationsFull-time Enrollment Requirement • Graduate Students: (MA, MS, PhD, EdD) • Thesis and Dissertation full-time enrollment (after course work is done)*** Per University Graduate School (UGS) Rules and immigration regulations • Student is subject to 9 credit hours course load until Master’s Thesis proposal is approved (“Form M2” approved by UGS) or Candidacy is reached for doctoral students (“Form D3” approved by UGS)

  27. SEVIS RegulationsFull-time Enrollment Requirement Graduate Students: (MA, MS, PhD, EdD) con’t • Thereafter, student must register for3 credit hours of “Master’s Thesis” or “Dissertation” to be considered as enrolled full-time. (Requires an ISSS- approved “Advancement to Thesis or Dissertation” form.) • On final term, when thesis or dissertation defense is set and must be completed, student may enroll for 1 credit hour of “Master’s Thesis” or “Dissertation”. Enrollment will meet immigration requirements but will not meet UGS full-time enrollment requirement* * NOTE: Students receiving assistantships must register for at least 9 credit hours each Fall and Spring semesters to meet the terms of their contracts.

  28. SEVIS Regulations On-line or Distance Education • Only one on-line course (3 credits) will be counted toward the full –time course load requirement • On – line or Distance Education as defined by SEVIS: • "a course that is offered principally through the use of television, audio or computer transmission including open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, or satellite, audio conferencing, or computer conferencing.” i.e.: GRADUATE 6 credits on campus + 3 on-line = 9 credits i.e.: UNDERGRADUATE 9 credits on campus + 3 on-line = 12 credits

  29. SEVIS Regulations On-line or Distance Education IMPORTANT REMINDER: • A student who violates the on-line course load regulation must apply for reinstatement, if eligible, or restart his/her F – 1 status by travel and reentry with a new I – 20 and obtain a new I - 94. s

  30. SEVIS Regulations Reduction of Course Load (RCL) • Students MUST obtain DSO approval for RCL before dropping any courses. • RCL may be possible only under the following: • Academic Difficulties • Medical Conditions • Completion of Course of Study A DSO may allow an F – 1 student to engage in a reduced course load. RCL is restricted to: • at least 6 credit hours for undergraduate students • at least 5 credit hours for graduate students

  31. SEVIS Regulations RCL – Academic Difficulties • RCL for academic difficulties is limited to one term only (usually the initial term or enrollment) for each program level. • Limited to the following situations: • Difficulty with the English language or reading requirements • Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods* • Improper course level placement* (*students who have never attended a school in the U.S.) Requires completion of ISSS “Request for RCL due to Academic Difficulties” and submission of supporting documentation

  32. SEVIS Regulations RCL – Medical Conditions • Allowed only for grave and compelling medical conditions that require a student to reduce or interrupt his/her course of study • Requires DSO authorization for each semester not to exceed atotal of 12 months for each program level • Requires completion of ISSS “Request for RCL due to MedicalConditions” and supporting documentation from a U.S. - basedand U. S. – licensedmedical doctor or clinical psychologist recommending RCL or no course load

  33. SEVIS RegulationsRCL – Completion of Course of Study • Limited to the following: • Graduate students: • Pure course work option and Project option: only on last semester • Thesis option: only after Thesis proposal is approved and thereafter, enrollment for 3 credits of “Master’s Thesis” is required. • Dissertation option: only after Candidacy is reached and thereafter, enrollment for 3 credits of “Dissertation” is required.

  34. SEVIS Regulations RCL – Completion of Course of Study IMPORTANT REMINDERS for Graduate students: • Graduate students receiving Teaching or Research assistantshipsmust register for at least 9 credit hours each Fall and Spring semesters • Summer registration of at least 6 graduate – level credit hours also required if assistantship is provided for that term • After reaching the Thesis or Dissertation stage of your program, you are subject tocontinuous enrollment until degree completion

  35. SEVIS RegulationsGrace Periods 60 - day grace period An F – 1 student who has remained in valid status and completed his/her degree and any authorized Optional Practical Training is given an additional 60 – day period to prepare for departure from the U.S. or transfer to another school. 15 – day grace period An F – 1 student authorized by a DSO to withdraw from classes will be allowed a 15 – day period for departure from the U.S. (excludes school transfer eligibility). NOTE: Students not registered by end of Late Registration for the term are NOT eligible for this benefit. *** Students who are out-of-status are not eligible for any grace period. Students dismissed due to academic or disciplinary reasons are not be eligible for any grace period.

  36. SEVIS RegulationsTravel and Reentry • A valid passport • A valid F – 1 or J – 1 visa stamp in your passport • Your FIU SEVIS I – 20 or DS-2019 with valid signature of an ISSS advisor.Signature is valid for one year only. To re-enter the U.S., you need:

  37. SEVIS RegulationsTravel and Reentry REMINDERS: • You must request an ISSS advisor’s signature on your I – 20 at least 2 weeks before your intended travel abroad • If you need to renew your F1 visa, you MUST reverify funding. A new I-20 must be issued to reflect any change in costs and/or funding source(s) • If you are out - of - status, you will need a new SEVIS I – 20 issued for initial attendance. Upon reentry and full-time enrollment for classes, your F-1 status restarts • For complete TRAVEL ADVISORY, please check:http://www.fiu.edu/~isss/traveladvice.html

  38. SEVIS RegulationsOn-Campus Employment Basic Guidelines: • Student MUST maintain valid F - 1 status (i.e., meet full – time course load requirement, valid I - 20, etc.) • Work LIMITED to 20 hours/week (part - time) in Fall/Spring semestersand 21 hours or more per week (full - time) in Summer term or school breaks.

  39. SEVIS RegulationsOn-Campus Employment Examples of valid on-campus employment I. Administrative/Academic/Support Service units a. Graduate Assistant (Teaching or Research) b. Computer Lab Assistant c. Learning Center Tutor II. Outside contractor/firm at FIU(Work MUST be on school premises AND services rendered directly to students) a. Cashier in the cafeteria b. Sales Associate at the Bookstore

  40. SEVIS REGULATIONSPractical Training Practical Training is employment related to student’s major or field of study. Authorization through USCIS or by an ISSS Advisor is required (whether work is paid or not). Eligibility Requirements • Student must be maintaining valid F-1 status at time of application. • Student must have “lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis” for at least “one full academic year” (two consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment). • Student must have viewed the ISSS Online Practical Training Workshop for detailed information and application instructions.

  41. Curricular Practical Training(CPT) • Optional Practical Training(OPT) SEVIS RegulationsPractical Training 2 Types of Practical Training Detailed information and application procedures are covered in the ISSS Online F1 Employment Training Workshop. It is required that all students view the online workshop and follow the application instructions before any CPT authorization or OPT recommendation can be given.

  42. Responsibility Who is RESPONSIBLE for making sure you follow immigration laws and remain in valid status? YOU ARE!!!!

  43. Insurance Requirement • All International Students or Scholars (F-1, J-1, and visa holders) are required to be insured under the policy or an alternate insurance plan which meets requirements from August to August. • Students and Scholars in J-1 status are required to purchase coverage for their dependents. • The Office of International Student and Scholars Services will check for compliance. • Those out of compliance will not be eligible to enroll for classes.

  44. Graduate Assistants with at least a .5 appointment automatically are enrolled in the plan with UNICARE Enroll on-line at www.hillchesson.com or complete application – include family members to be insured. Money orders/cashier’s checks are made payable to Unicare Life & Health. You may also pay by Credit Card (VISA or Mastercard) on line @www.hillchesson.com. Payments accepted at ISSS Monday-Friday 9:00-4:30 pm How Do I Enroll?

  45. Coverage began on May 1, 2007 if you paid before that date or the day after you pay if after May 1st. Coverage will end on August 19. You will receive an Identification Card about 3-4 weeks after you enroll. ID cards are mailed once per year after the initial enrollment. Please keep your Identification Card with you at all times. When will Coverage Begin?

  46. Go to FIU University Health Center(UHC) (if you are in the Miami area and eligible to use Student Health). If you need treatment not available at UHC, they will refer you to an appropriate provider (PPO). If UHC is not available to you, go to a provider that is in the participating network(PPO). You may go to the UHC for follow-up treatment as applicable. What do I do if I am Sick or Hurt?

  47. Insurance Benefits • Policy Year Deductible : $100 • Co-Payment Office Visits: $20 in network • Co-Insurance: Pays 80% in network, 60% out of network • Prescription Drugs: 20% co-payment • Outpatient Hospital: 80% after deductible • X-Ray & Lab: 80% after deductible • Paid services provided at University Health Services reimbursed at 100%

  48. Insurance Companies

  49. Hurricane Preparedness What is a Hurricane? A hurricane is a type of tropical storm with winds exceeding 74 miles per hour Hurricane Watch:Indicates that a hurricane condition is a strong possibility and may threaten the area within 36 hours Hurricane Warning:Indicates that a hurricane is expected in 24 hours or less

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