Important Immigration Info for International Students

This message comes specially from ISO to inform all the students about the traveling requirements and updates. If you have any questions please call at 480 965 7451. Indian Students Association is not responsible for any of the statements made or documents asked for.

A. TRAVEL ADVISORY

- If you travel outside the U.S., you need the following documents to return to the U.S. in student or exchange visitor status: SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 with travel endorsement within a year, Passport, valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp, Financial guarantee, ASU unofficial transcript Note: Immigration inspectors at the port of entry may not ask to see the last two documents but we recommend that you carry them with you when you travel abroad.

- If you plan to travel to a country other than your own, you should contact the Consulate of that country to find out if you need a visa. The ISO has a web address of foreign consulates in the U.S. You can also access it through the State Government website http://www.state.gov and follow the link Foreign Consulates in the U.S.

- If you are planning to renew your expired student visa you must apply early and expect delays due to security clearance being implemented by the Department of Homeland Security.Consult individual embassy websites for periodic updates on country-specific visa processing. Lists of US Embassies abroad can be accessed through this website <http://usembassy.state.gov>.

- When traveling within the U.S outside the local area, you may be asked by an officer of the Border Patrol to show your immigration documents. Be sure you have your documents with you; keep them in a safe place so as not to misplace them or have them stolen from your car.
Automatic revalidation - After traveling to Mexico or Canada, students may re-enter the US with an expired vias if you meet the following conditions: visit is no more than 30 days, purpose of visit is for pleasure only, you are NOT a citizen of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Norht Korea and Cuba. Note that if your purpose in visiting Mexico and Canada is to renew visa and it is denied, you will not be allowed to re-enter the US


IMPORTANT REMINDERS

- The processing time at the ISO for an I-20/DS-2019 signature, letter of certification or other routine document is 3-5 full working days. Other documents may require more time. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

- Most University offices, including the ISO, are closed for a 10-day break during the winter vacation. No immigration documents will be processed during that time, and students are advised to make travel or work permit arrangements before the end of the Fall semester.

- Maintaining F-1/J-1 Status

a. All Returning Students who used NEW I-20/DS2019 to re-enter the US before the start of the semester must report to the ISO for SEVIS Registration. Must bring photocopies of immigration documents.

b. Students who have completed one-degree program and intend to enter another degree program at ASU must report to the ISO for I-20 processing within the first two weeks of the next school term.

c. Carry a full-time program of study each fall and spring semester: 12 credit hrs for undergraduate, 9 credit hrs for graduate or 6 credit hrs, if you have an assistantship (unless your department or college requires more)
Notes:
i. Only 3-credit hrs online/distance learning class may be applied towards full-time requirement per semester.
ii. Exemptions to the full-course of study are given on the following academic and medical grounds with Academic Advisor and/or ISO approval only: last semester, dissertation/research or thesis hours, concurrent enrollment at a local community college, BCIS recognized case of academic difficulties, serious medical problems and personal issues that prevent academic success.
iii. Important: Student must submit appropriate forms/documents to receive ISO approval for exception to the full-course-of-study requirement BEFORE the start of the semester and/or prior to dropping below full-time.

d. Work no more than 20 hours per week during the academic semesters and up to 40 hours per week during vacation period in Winter and Spring. Full-time employment in Summer is allowed only for students who intend to register for the consequent academic term. Do not work beyond your completion date!

e. F-1 students who wish to apply for employment authorization under the Optional Practical Training program must do so up to 90 days before completion to get the full 12-month OPT benefit. No OPT application will be processed 2 weeks before completion date. Please plan accordingly.

f. J-1 students who want employment authorization should contact their program sponsor before graduation and follow the sponsoring institution's procedures for academic training. J-1 students have 30 days after completion of studies to find a job and get permission to pursue academic training.

g. Pay close attention to program limit on your I-20 or DS-2019; ask for extension before your immigration document expires. Keep all copies of the I-20/DS-2019 indefinitely.

h. Keep your passport valid for at least six months into the future (unless you are a Canadian and exempt from passport requirements)

i. Provide updated LOCAL and/or FOREIGN address information through the ASU Interactive website within 10 days after the move. PO Boxes are not acceptable. Students who have requested a service from USCIS or students from certain countries requiring special registration may have additional address reporting requirements. Please check the USCIS website for more information at www.immigration.gov

Disclaimer: ISA is not responsible for any statements made or documents asked in this page. We would not entertain any calls or emails related to this page. This page is intended only for student information and we appreciate your understanding.