Archives
- Important Immigration and Programming Updates
2004
 Message
from ISO: End of semester reminders (11/23/04)
Important
Updates from ISO(09/28/04)
Message
from ISO: Fall 2004 Welcome/Updates (08/26/2004)
Programming
Update June 2004 (06/24/2004)
Spring
2004 end of semester Immigration Update (04/26/2004)
Tax
Information/Important Reminders (02/06/2004)
SPRING
2004 Welcome/Immigration Update (01/28/2004)
Message from ISO:
End of semester reminders (11/23/2004)
Greetings from the ISO!
As we approach the end of the Fall semester, the staff of the
International Student Office wishes you success in your finals
and other academic endeavors. We appreciate your attendance
at Arizona State University and consider it a privilege to have
worked with you. If you are completing your studies and moving
on from ASU, we congratulate you on your achievements. To the
continuing students, congratulations for the successful completion
of this semester- we look forward to your return! To ensure
you receive updated immigration information from the ISO throughout
the year please check your ASU account periodically. Below are
important reminders - PRINT A COPY for your reference.
IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION INFORMATION UPDATE FOR F-1 & J-1
Fall 2004
A. Information for Graduating students
1. Students completing their program this Fall
semester who want to apply for the Optional Practical Training
(OPT) benefit must apply before COMPLETION of degree program.
Failure to meet the deadline will result in the loss of OPT
benefit. For Undergraduates, completion date is December 16th.
For Graduates, it could be thesis/dissertation defense date,
comprehensive exam date or project defense date.
2. After completion of studies, F-1 students must be in one
of the
following situations: must have already applied for OPT, admitted
to a new program at ASU or other institution or applied for
change to another status. If not in any of the above situation,
students must depart the USA within 60 days.
3. J-1 students have 30 days to enter a new program, start Academic
Training or depart the US.
4. After completion of studies, you are not allowed to continue
to work on
campus as a student. Any employment after degree completion
is considered unauthorized and will jeopardize your immigration
status.
5. If you intend to enter another degree program here at ASU,
you must
come to the ISO to request for an I-20 reflecting the new program.
6. If you transfer to some other institution, you must present
your new I-
20 or DS-2019 to the foreign student adviser at the new school
within 15 days after the start of the next school term. Failure
to do so will cause loss of student status.
7. Graduating students are advised to keep their immigration
documents
indefinitely. After you leave the University, the ISO keeps
your file for a
limited period only and will not be able to assist with requests
for documents or verification of student status after files
have been discarded.
B. Information for Continuing students
1. Students who have made any change to their
academic programs, i.e. switched degree options must report
to the ISO for immigration advisement as soon as possible. The
impact of the change may cause you to lose your F-1 status.
2. OPT students who did not complete as reported on the completion
of coursework form or any other reason must report to the ISO
prior to the completion date for appropriate immigration advisement.
Failure to do so will cause loss of F-1 status and consequently,
lose the OPT benefit.
3. F-1 or J-1 students who are getting close to the expiration
date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019 must file a request for
an extension at the ISO before your immigration document expires.
Failure to do so will cause loss of F-1 status.
4. J-1 students must update the ISO with their dependent J-2
insurance information. Failure to do so will cause loss of J-1
status.
5. Anytime you move, update address information with ASU Interactive
OnlineServices within 10 days. Use your home in Tempe/Phoenix
area as your LOCAL address and your home country residence as
PERMANENT address. Failure to do so will cause loss of student
status.
6. The processing time at the ISO for any document/form signature
request is 7 full working days. Other requests may take more
time so please plan accordingly.
C. Travel Advisory
1. If you are traveling this winter break PLEASE BRING your
I-20 to the ISO assoon as possible for SEVIS travel authorization.
This process may take up to 2 weeks. Failure to submit it in
a timely manner may cause delay and the cost of mailing it to
your country of destination will be your responsibility.
2. If you travel outside the U.S., you need the following documents
to return to the U.S. in student or exchange visitor status:
ASU I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature endorsed within 1
year, Passport, valid 6 months into the future, valid F-1 or
J-1 visa, financial guarantee, ASU unofficial transcript showing
registration for current and, if applicable, the coming semester;
Transcripts and I-20's from all former schools to document your
history as a full-time student.
3. 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.
4. Automatic visa revalidation: Citizens of some countries who
are in the US with expired F-1/J-1 visa will be able to return
to the US after travel to Mexico, Canada and the neighboring
islands US territories under the following conditions: visit
is not more than 30 days and the purpose is pleasure or vacation
only, maintained full-time status at all times, has I-20/ DS-2019
endorsed for travel within a year. Check with an ISO adviser
if your country is on the list of non-eligibility to receive
the automatic visa revalidation benefit.
5. If you are planning to renew your expired student visa in
your home
countries you must apply early and expect delays.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.
6. When traveling within the U.S outside the local area, you
may be asked
by an officer of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
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.
Important! The ISO will be closed on the following days during
the winter break: December 24, 27, 31.
Please be cautious in your travels and have a safe and enjoyable
holidays!
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Important Updates from
ISO (09/28/04)
I. Changes in Social Security Application Procedure for F-1
only
Effective October 5, 2004 F-1 students who request a letter
from the ISO intending to apply for a Social Security Number
(SSN) will have to present proof that he/she is engaging in,
or has secured employment. After this date no F-1 student will
be issued a Social Security letter unless they have obtained
on-campus employment or obtained employment authorization for
OPT and/or CPT. If you want to save yourself the trouble of
providing additional documentation for the SSN application process
please report to the ISO before Oct 5th 2004.
Note: J-1 students are not affected by this rule.
II. International Student Office/Student Life & Athletic
Department
2004 Fall Calendar of Events
1. Football Game, October 23rd, Saturday, Time: To be announced
ASU vs. UCLA @Sun Devil Stadium
To enter the free ticket raffle, watch for an e-mail from ISO
soon!
2. Women’s Soccer Game, October 10th, Sunday, 1 pm
ASU vs Washington State @Sun Devil Soccer Stadium (East of Rural
Road at 6th Street.)
Admission is FREE with ASU Student ID
3. Women's Basketball Game, November 20th, Saturday, 6:30 pm
ASU vs.San Diego @ Wells Fargo Arena
Admission is FREE with ASU Student ID
Come cheer for the home team and be a part of the Sun Devil
experience!International Student Office
iso@asu.edu
480-965-7451
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Message from ISO: Fall
2004 Welcome/Updates (08/26/2004)
The entire staff of the International Student Office (ISO) would
like to welcome new and continuing students as you begin the
Fall 2004 semester. Please take a moment to read through the
entire message. It is of utmost importance to review deadlines
and plan ahead according to your individual circumstances to
avoid immigration/visa problems. We highly recommend that you
print a copy of the email for future reference.
A. Fall 2004 NEW International Students Welcome
Party
The International Student Coalition (ISC)invites you to the
Fall 2004 Welcome Party for new international students.
Come join us for an evening of fun, conversation and refreshments.
A great opportunity to welcome the new students and make new
friends from around the world!!
Date: Saturday, August 28th 2004
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00pm
Place: Fountains Area, between the MU and the Business School.
(Near the Wells Fargo Bank at the MU)
Visit http://www.asu.edu/clubs/isc
for more information.
IMPORTANT: if you are planning to attend this
event, please send an email to the ISC president Beshan Kulapala,
Beshan@asu.edu by Friday,
August 27th. We need this information to make sure we have enough
refreshments for everyone.
B. SEVIS
- ALL NEW & TRANSFER students must report
to the ISO for SEVIS initial registration processing. To facilitate
this, student must bring to the ISO copies of the endorsed I-20/DS-2019,
I-94, passport pages with photo, visa and print-out of local
address information done through ASU Interactive website http://www.asu.edu/sos/. As
proof that you have been registered in SEVIS, you will receive
a NEW I-20 from the ISO signed by either Joy White or Carol
Takao showing continued attendance at ASU.
IMPORTANT: J-1 students must report to the
Alternate Responsible Officer/Responsible Officer who signed
their respective DS-2019 for SEVIS program validation.
- TRANSFER students must report to the ISO
no later than August 27th for SEVIS registration.
- Initial SEVIS registration deadline for NEW
and CURRENT students using a new I-20 issued for initial attendance
is 30 days after you entered the Port of Entry as indicated
on the I-94. Please allow at least 5 business days for processing
to ensure you maintain your status.
- All continuing students will be automatically
registered in SEVIS by September 17th. The is NO NEED to report
to the ISO for this transaction.
- SEVIS registration verifies maintenance of
student status. Failure to maintain student status at the time
of SEVIS registration will cause you to be terminated in SEVIS.
For complete information about maintaining your visa status,
please refer to p. 2 of your I-20/DS-2019.
- Periodic reporting to SEVIS occurs for the
following events: dropping below full-time without ISO authorization,
personal biographical information, address change, degree level
and program change.
-An international student visa administration
fee of $25 will be billed to the account of students admitted
from Fall semester 2003 onwards. The fee is applied to student
accounts EACH semester approximately in the second week of classes
to cover administrative costs associated with SEVIS compliance
and reporting. You may pay at the Cashier's Office or by using
On-line services: http://www.asu.edu/sos/
- Continuing students admitted prior to Fall
semester 2003 will NOT be billed the $25 UNLESS you are readmitted
or changing to a new degree program.
C. ENROLLMENT ADVISORY
- Students must be registered full-time at
all times. Full-time is 12 credit hrs for undergraduate/ 9 credit
hrs, graduate or 6 credit hrs with an assistantship (unless
the department or college requires more).
- Exception to the full-course of study is
given to students for the following reasons: last semester,
dissertation/research or thesis hours, concurrent enrollment
at a local community college, USCIS recognized case of academic
difficulties, serious medical problems and personal issues that
prevent academic success. Doing poorly in a course is not an
approved reason to be less than full time. Please take advantage
of academic support services such as the Learning Resource Center
at: http://www.asu.edu/vpsa/lrc/
and the Writing Center at: http://www.asu.edu/duas/wcenter/
to ensure your success.
- Student must submit the COMPLETION OF COURSEWORK
FORM or other appropriate form to receive ISO approval for exception
to the full-course-of-study requirement BEFORE the start of
each semester and PRIOR to dropping below full-time for any
reason.
-Students not enrolled in a full course of
study will be reported in SEVIS as "out of status".
- Only 3 credit hrs from any online/distance
learning course may be applied towards the full-time requirement
each semester.
D. 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: ASU I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature
endorsed within 1 year, Passport, valid 6 months into the future,
valid F-1 or J-1 visa, financial guarantee, ASU unofficial transcript
showing registration for current and, if applicable, the upcoming
semester.
- If you plan to travel to a country other
than your own, please contact the Consulate of that country
to find out if you need a visa. You may also access the information
through the Department of State Government website http://www.state.gov and follow
the link to Foreign Consulates in the U.S.
- Automatic visa revalidation: Citizens of
some countries who are in the US with expired F-1/J-1 visa but
maintained full-time status at all times can travel to Mexico,
Canada and the neighboring islands/US territories with your
signed I-20/ DS-2019 under the following conditions: visit is
not more than 30 days and the purpose is pleasure or vacation
only. Check with an ISO adviser to determine if your country
is on the list of non-eligibility to receive the automatic visa
revalidation benefit.
- If you are planning to renew your expired
student visa you must apply early and expect delays. 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 US Customs
Border Protection 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.
-For students subject to special registration,
please remember the entry and exit requirements when planning
your travel. Further information may be found at: http://www.ice.gov/graphics/enforce/imm/imm_sr.htm
E. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING INFORMATION
- Students completing their program this Fall semester who want
to apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit must
apply before COMPLETION of degree program. Failure to meet the
deadline will result in the loss of OPT benefit.
- To know more details about your own OPT &
CPT eligibility, please refer to this link http://www.asu.edu/studentlife/Prog&Services/ISO/Visa_OPT.html
- OPT/CPT Information Sessions
The International Student Office will hold
information sessions for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and
Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
The schedule is listed below for your guidance. Seating is limited.
Call 480-965-7451 to make a reservation.
I. OPT Basics (Optional Practical Training)
1) 09/03/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
2) 09/10/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
3) 09/24/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
4) 10/01/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
5) 10/29/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
6) 11/05/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
7) 11/26/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
8) 12/10/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
9) 01/28/05 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
II. CPT Basics (Curricular Practical Training)
1) 09/17/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
2) 10/15/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
3) 11/19/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
4) 12/03/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
5) 12/17/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
6) 01/07/05 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
F. OTHER MATTERS
- Students who have insurance coverage through
their government or official sponsor may qualify for a waiver
and must request it every semester and no later than the second
week of classes.
- Anytime you move, update address information
with ASU Interactive Online Services within 10 days at http://www.asu.edu/sos/ . Use
your home in Tempe/Phoenix area as your LOCAL address and your
home country residence as PERMANENT address. Students on OPT
must also remember to keep their contact information current.
- The processing time at the ISO for an I-20
signature, letter of certification or other routine document
is 5 full working days. Other documents may require more time.
Please plan accordingly.
Please watch for future immigration updates
and programming announcements from the ISO. We look forward
to a successful semester and wish a happy Fall to all.
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Programming Update
June 2004 (06/24/2004)
OPT/CPT Information Sessions
The International Student Office will hold information sessions
for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical
Training (CPT). OPT & CPT are employment benefits for F-1
students. To know more details about your own OPT & CPT
eligibility, please refer to this link http://www.asu.edu/studentlife/Prog&Services/ISO/Visa_OPT.html
The schedule is listed below for your guidance. Seating is limited.
Call 480-965-7451 to make a reservation.
I. OPT Basics (Optional Practical Training)
1) 06/25/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
2) 07/16/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
3) 07/30/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
4) 08/13/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
5) 09/03/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
6) 09/10/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
7) 09/24/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
8) 10/01/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
9) 10/29/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
10) 11/05/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
11) 11/26/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
12) 12/10/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
13) 01/28/05 11:00 am - 12:00 pmII.
CPT Basics (Curricular Practical Training)
1) 07/02/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
2) 07/23/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
3) 08/03/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
4) 09/17/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
5) 10/15/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
6) 11/19/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
7) 12/03/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
8) 12/17/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
9) 01/07/04 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Greetings From the
ISO!
As we approach the end of the Spring Semester, the staff of
the International Student Office wishes you success in your
finals and other academic endeavors. We appreciate your attendance
at Arizona State University and consider it a privilege to have
worked with you. If you are completing your studies and moving
on from ASU, we congratulate you on your achievements. To the
continuing students, congratulations for the successful completion
of this semester- we look forward to your return!
To ensure you receive updated immigration information from the
ISO throughout the summer please check your ASU account periodically.
Below are important reminders - PRINT A COPY for your reference.
IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION INFORMATION UPDATE FOR F-1 & J-1
SPRING 2004
A. Information for Graduating students
1. Students completing their program this Spring semester who
want to apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit
must apply before COMPLETION of degree program. Failure to meet
the deadline will result in the loss of OPT benefit. For Undergraduates,
completion date is May 13th. For Graduates, it could be thesis/dissertation
defense date, comprehensive exam date or project defense date.
2. After completion of studies, F-1 students must be in one
of the following situations: must have already applied for OPT,
admitted to a new program at ASU or other institution or applied
for change to another status. If not in any of the above situation,
students must depart the USA within 60 days.
3. J-1 students have 30 days to enter a new program, start Academic
Training or depart the US.
4. After completion of studies, you are not allowed to continue
to work on campus as a student. Any employment after degree
completion is considered unauthorized and will jeopardize your
immigration status.
5. If you intend to enter another degree program here at ASU,
you must come to the ISO to request for an I-20 reflecting the
new program.
6. If you transfer to some other institution, you must present
your new I-20 or DS-2019 to the foreign student adviser at the
new school within 15 days after the start of the next school
term. Failure to do so will cause loss of student status.
7. Graduating students are advised to keep their immigration
documents indefinitely. After you leave the University, the
ISO keeps your file for a limited period only and will not be
able to assist with requests for documents or verification of
student status after files have been discarded.
B. Information for Continuing students
1. Students who have made any change to their academic programs,
i.e. switched degree options, did not complete as reported on
the completion of coursework form or any other reason, must
report to the ISO for immigration advisement as soon as possible.
The impact of the change may cause you to lose your status and
consequently, lose OPT benefits.
2. F-1 or J-1 students who are getting close to the expiration
date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019 must file a request for
an extension at the ISO before your immigration document expires.
Failure to do so will cause loss of student status.
3. J-1 students must update the ISO with their dependent J-2
insurance information. Failure to do so will cause loss of student
status.
4. Anytime you move, update address information with ASU Interactive
Online Services within 10 days. Use your home in Tempe/Phoenix
area as your LOCAL address and your home country residence as
PERMANENT address. Failure to do so will cause loss of student
status.
5. Students taking summer classes should be aware that out-of-state
tuition now applies to international students. For more information,
visit this website http://www.asu.edu/ssc/bulletin/fees/
6. Students not taking summer classes but will hold campus employment
throughout the summer must pre-register for Fall 2004 semester.
7. The processing time at the ISO for any document/form signature
request is 7 full working days. Other requests may take more
time so please plan accordingly.
C. Travel Advisory
1. If you are traveling this summer PLEASE BRING your I-20 to
the ISO as soon as possible for SEVIS travel authorization.
This process may take up to 2 weeks. Failure to submit it in
a timely manner may cause delay and the cost of mailing it to
your country of destination will be your responsibility.
2. If you travel outside the U.S., you need the following documents
to return to the U.S. in student or exchange visitor status:
ASU I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature endorsed within 1
year, Passport, valid 6 months into the future, valid F-1 or
J-1 visa, financial guarantee, ASU unofficial transcript showing
registration for current and, if applicable, the coming semester;
Transcripts and I-20's from all former schools to document your
history as a full-time student.
3. 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.
4. Automatic visa revalidation: Citizens of some countries
who are in the US with expired F-1/J-1 visa but maintained full-time
status at all times can travel to Mexico, Canada and the neighboring
islands US territories with your signed I-20/ DS-2019 under
the following conditions: visit is not more than 30 days and
the purpose is pleasure or vacation only. Check with an ISO
adviser if your country is on the list of non-eligibility to
receive the automatic visa revalidation benefit.
5. If you are planning to renew your expired student visa you
must apply early and expect delays.
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.
6. 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. Please be cautious in your travels
and have a safe and enjoyable summer!
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Tax Information/Important
Reminders
I. ACADEMIC PROGRAM CHANGE
Students who have made changes to their academic programs, i.e.
switched degree options, must report to the ISO for immigration
advisement as soon as possible. The impact of the change may
cause you to lose your status and consequently, lose OPT benefits.
Call 480-965-7451 and make an appointment to see an adviser.
II. OPT Optional Practical Training
Students completing this semester and planning to apply for
the OPT benefit must take note of the following reminders:
-To get the maximum benefit of your OPT time, apply 90 days
before your completion date. USCIS processing may take more
than 3 months and you may not be granted 12 full months of OPT
if you delay your application.
- OPT application deadline for ISO processing is 2 weeks before
completion date.
- Once your OPT application has been processed by the ISO, the
OPT application must be RECEIVED by the appropriate immigration
Service Center BEFORE your completion date. Postmark is not
acceptable.
- SEVIS regulations only allow submission of the OPT application
BEFORE completion date – there is absolutely NO grace
period. You may not apply after graduation.
- For further OPT/CPT information, the ISO is currently offering
several OPT/CPT Basics sessions this Spring semester. If you
are interested in attending one of the sessions, please call
the ISO for dates and reservation, 480-965-7451.
III. TAX INFORMATION
Everyone in F/J status, students and dependents must complete
and submit tax forms if you were in the USA for any part of
2003
- If you had no income from U.S. sources, then you need only
file the IRS form 8843 by June 15, 2004
- If you earned U.S. income, you need to file the IRS forms
8843 and 1040 NR or 1040 NR-EZ by April 15, 2004. You will also
need to file a tax return for every state that you earned income
in. In Arizona it is Arizona Department of Revenue form 140
NR.
- Those who will not claim dependents and whose only US income
is from wages, tips or grants may use the 1040 NR-EZ form. Read
the cover of the form instructions for a detailed list of who
can use those forms. All other F/J status students with US income
must use the 1040 NR
- Besides being a legal requirement, it is often to your advantage
to file a tax return, as some of your wages were withheld and
may be refunded to you.
- The forms 1040 NR or 1040 NR-EZ, Form 8843 are available at
the IRS office at 40 W. Baseline in Tempe and can be downloaded
from the IRS Web Site: http://www.irs.gov/index.html
- The form 140 NR is available at the Arizona Department of
Revenue office at 1600 W. Monroe in Phoenix or can be downloaded
from the ADR
Web Site: http://www.revenue.state.az.us/
- The ASU Law School in cooperation with the VITA program has
arranged for volunteers to help international students with
questions and filing tax forms. This year VITA volunteers will
be available on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm February
17th through April 13th, (except during Spring Break week) and
Saturday sessions on April 3rd and April 10th from 9:00 am to
1:00 pm. All sessions will be held in the Law School. Please
make sure to arrive 1 hour before the end of the session to
ensure that they can assist you.
- If you want to use VITA assistance, be sure to bring your
immigration documents (I-20/DS-2019, passport, I-94) and the
tax documents you received regarding scholarship, employment,
or interest income.
- If you earned money outside of Arizona, please bring the tax
forms from each state you earned money in, as they will not
have those forms on hand.
The ISO cannot address further taxation issues. Please attend
a VITA session to get that information. Thank you.
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SPRING 2004 Welcome/Immigration
Update
A. SEVIS
- ALL NEW & TRANSFER students must report
to the ISO for SEVIS initial registration process. To facilitate
this, student must bring to the ISO copies of I-20/DS-2019,
I-94, passport pages with photo, visa and print-out of local
address information done through ASU Interactive website <http://www.asu.edu/sos/>.
- Initial SEVIS registration deadline for TRANSFER
students is February 3rd.
- Initial SEVIS registration deadline for NEW
and CURRENT students using a new I-20 issued for initial attendance
is 30 days after you entered the Port of Entry as indicated
on the I-94.
- The deadline for SEVIS semester registration
for ALL continuing students is February 9th. There is no need
for continuing students to report to the ISO for this process.
- SEVIS registration verifies maintenance of
student status. Failure to maintain student status at the time
of SEVIS registration will cause you to be terminated in SEVIS.
For complete information about maintaining your visa status,
please refer to p. 2 of your I-20/DS-2019.
- Periodic reporting to SEVIS occurs for the
following events: dropping below full-time without ISO authorization,
address change, degree level and program change.
-An international student visa administration
fee of $25 will be billed to the account of students admitted
from Fall semester 2003 onwards. The fee is applied to student
accounts EACH semester approximately in the second week of classes
to cover administrative costs associated with SEVIS compliance
and reporting. You may pay at the Cashier's Office or by using
On-line services: <http://www.asu.edu/sos/>
.
- Continuing students admitted prior to Fall
semester 2003 will NOT be billed the $25 UNLESS you are readmitted
or changing to a new degree program starting from Spring 2004
onwards.
B. ENROLLMENT ADVISORY
- Students must be registered full-time at
all times. Full-time is 12 credit hrs for undergraduate/ 9 credit
hrs, graduate or 6 credit hrs with an assistantship (unless
the department or college requires more).
- Exception to the full-course of study is
given to students for the following reasons: last semester,
dissertation/research or thesis hours, concurrent enrollment
at a local community college, USCIS recognized case of academic
difficulties, serious medical problems and personal issues that
prevent academic success. Doing poorly in a course is not an
approved reason to be less than full time. Please take advantage
of academic support services such as the Learning Resource Center
at: <http://www.asu.edu/vpsa/lrc/>
and the Writing Center at: <http://www.asu.edu/duas/wcenter/>
to ensure your success.
- Student must submit appropriate forms/documents
to receive ISO approval for exception to the full-course-of-study
requirement BEFORE the start of each semester and/or prior to
dropping below full-time.
-Students not enrolled in a full course of
study will be reported in SEVIS as out of status.
- Only 3 credit hrs from any online/distance
learning course may be applied towards the full-time requirement
each semester.
C. 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: ASU I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature
endorsed within 1 year, Passport, valid 6 months into the future,
valid F-1 or J-1 visa, financial guarantee, ASU unofficial transcript
showing registration for current and, if applicable, the upcoming
semester.
- If you plan to travel to a country other
than your own, please contact the Consulate of that country
to find out if you need a visa. You may also access the information
through the State Government website <http://www.state.gov>
and follow the link to Foreign Consulates in the U.S.
- Automatic visa revalidation: Citizens of
some countries who are in the US with expired F-1/J-1 visa but
maintained full-time status at all times can travel to Mexico,
Canada and the neighboring islands/US territories with your
signed I-20/ DS-2019 under the following conditions: visit is
not more than 30 days and the purpose is pleasure or vacation
only. Check with an ISO adviser to determine if your country
is on the list of non-eligibility to receive the automatic visa
revalidation benefit.
- If you are planning to renew your expired
student visa you must apply early and expect delays. 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.
-For students subject to special registration,
please remember the entry and exit requirements when planning
your travel. Further information may be found at: <http://www.ice.gov/graphics/enforce/imm/imm_sr.htm>
D. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING INFORMATION
- Students completing their program this Spring semester who
want to apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit
must apply before COMPLETION of degree program. Failure to meet
the deadline will result in the loss of OPT benefit.
-For OPT details and information, you are invited
to attend one of the workshops offered by ISO this Spring semester
on the following dates. Seating is limited. Call 480-965-7451
to make a reservation.
I. OPT/CPT Basics
02/06/04 SSV 274 11:00 - 12:00 am
02/13/04 SSV 274 11:00 - 12:00 am
02/20/04 SSV 274 11:00 - 12:00 am
02/27/04 SSV 274 11:00 - 12:00 am
03/05/04 SSV 274 11:00 - 12:00 am
03/12/04 SSV 274 11:00 - 12:00 am
03/26/04 SSV 274 11:00 - 12:00 am
04/02/04 SSV 274 09:00 - 10:00 am
04/09/04 SSV 274 11:00 - 12:00 am
04/16/04 SSV 274 11:00 - 12:00 am
04/23/04 SSV 274 02:00 - 03:00 pm
04/30/04 SSV 274 11:00 - 12:00 am
05/07/04 SSV 274 11:00 - 12:00 am
II. OPT and Beyond Workshop
04/08/04 MU 218 04:00- 5:30 pm
E. OTHER MATTERS
- Students who have insurance coverage through
their government or official sponsor may qualify for a waiver
and must request it every semester and no later than the second
week of classes.
- Anytime you move, update address information
with ASU Interactive Online Services within 10 days at <http://www.asu.edu/sos/>
. Use your home in Tempe/Phoenix area as your LOCAL address
and your home country residence as PERMANENT address. Students
on OPT must also remember to keep their contact information
current.
- The processing time at the ISO for an I-20
signature, letter of certification or other routine document
is 5 full working days. Other documents may require more time.
Please plan accordingly.
Please watch for future immigration updates
and programming announcements from the ISO. We look forward
to a successful semester and wish a happy spring to all.
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