Live in America

This is online community of international students studying in the USA.
The site where students help students to survive and thrive during their stay in America.

Neo
Major: International Business
Status: Light Keeper

A person with strange ideas in my head and strange feelings in my heart...

Live in America
Andy Neo

How about off-campus employment?
Your visa status is: Non-US Residents, meaning you can only work on campus. The Social Security number you are having is used to track your resident status, calculate your tax money, and whatsoever. But still, you can not use that number to find off-campus jobs.
However, if that's something not involving serious employment, such as: working for another school temporarily, work as an intern, etc. you can ask for permission to work off-campus, without much trouble. Ask your international student advisor about this.
Law & Order
Many international students are facing legal problems simply because they did not maintain their F-1 status. The following overview is of vital interest for you, F-1 international students. The rules are clear and simple, and you international student advisor office is there to assist you. It is strongly advised that you will make yourself familiar with your obligations to the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS). Once you fall out of status, reinstating yourself with the INS may be extraordinary difficult, if possible.
1. F-1 Status – your visa and status are maintained as long as you: are enrolled as a full-time student; have a valid I-20 form; have sufficient funds to finance your tuition and living expenses without resorting to employment. Remember! Your school usually notifies the INS when you terminate your studies or enroll for less than a full-time program.
2. Passport – your passport must be valid always, and should be valid for at least six months into the future.
3. Employment – do not accept employment of any kind, either on or off campus, without written permission from your international student advisor.
4. Form I-20 – This form is issued by your school in order to be presented to the U.S. embassy abroad to obtain an F-1 student visa. It is also presented to the U.S. Immigration Service upon your entrance to the U.S.A. Remember to validate the form and take it with you whenever you travel out of the U.S. and intend to return. Remember to do so even if you travel to Canada or Mexico. Although you may cross the border by foot or by car, the INS will request form I-20 upon your return.
5. Form I-94 – This form is the record of your permission to stay in the United States. The form is stapled to your passport when you entered the U.S. It shows your visa classification (F-1), your immigration ID number, and the length of your permission to remain in the U.S. (it usually marked D/S, Duration of Status). This is a very important form. In case it is lost or misplaced, considerable effort, time, and money will be required to replace it.
6. Transfer to another school – Before you transfer to another school you must receive a new I-20 form from your new school. You advisor may assist in authorizing the new form with the INS.
7. Full time and Normal progress requirements – during your course of study you are required to maintain full-time enrollment and normal full-time progress toward your degree or diploma. Usually you are required to take at least 12 credits during Fall and Spring semester. If you are unable to do so, you should receive your advisor's permission or apply for a leave-of-absence. The advisor's office will also provide you with the terms of normal progress according to your field of study and degree or diploma.
8. Keep records – Your advisor usually keeps copies of your passport and forms. Make sure you inform him of any change in you status, forms and address. It is strongly advised you keep copies of all forms in a safe place.

Pages : 1 2 3 4

Return to the topics list

Highlights

Christine tells how to save money on international phone calls while calling home.
More...

Announcements

Get Internship in PR, Marketing, Management, Writing and Editing!
More...


Our student network includes: US College Prorgams and Degrees College Student Fun, Online Education, International Students