WELCOME to LMU

Our office promotes the general interest of international education, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange through the administration of international services, programs and opportunities for greater collaboration between the international and local communities.

Important Reminders On Your Status As An International Student In the United States Immigration regulations have changed significantly since September 11, Now more than ever, international students must take the time to understand their status in the USA.

Maintaining Your Status What Does “Status” Mean for Students on an F-1 Visa? The time period that an F student: Is pursuing a full course of study and making normal progress toward completing a degree. -OR- Engaging in authorized practical training following completion of studies. ================================================= PLUS 60 days to prepare for departure from the United States.

Maintaining Your Status Keep your PASSPORT valid at all times. Maintain FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT during the academic year. (6 Units/semester - Graduate Students 12 Units/semester – Undergraduate Students) File any necessary application for EXTENSIONS OF STAY before your present stay expires. Current Health Insurance Do not accept ANY EMPLOYMENT without official permission.

Maintaining Your Status Minimum 2.0 GPA Report your new physical ADDRESS within 10 days after any change occurs. All changes must be reported to : OISS, Registrar’s Office (Prowl), & DMV Please Note: Your local address cannot be a P.O. Box

Maintaining Your Status Report graduation date to an OISS advisor if you will graduate prior to the date listed in section #5 on your I-20 Do not withdraw from LMU without contacting an OISS advisor

Maintaining Your Status Give TRUTHFUL answers to any questions a DHS officer might ask you about your student status. If you plan to re-enter the US after an absence of five months or more, you MUST request a new I-20/DS-2019 from the OISS at least 2-3 months before your re-entry. For any change of major or educational level you must contact an OISS advisor.

Maintaining Your Status Carry with you proper immigration registration documents: - I-94 arrival/departure record card (photocopy) - Photocopies of your I-20 and passport If you plan to travel within the US, we also suggest that you travel with your current passport and I-20 or DS-2019.

Maintaining Your Status Do not TRAVEL outside the United States, even to Canada or Mexico without obtaining a Travel Signature with OISS staff.

SEVIS: STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR INFORMATION SYSTEM Information schools are required to report to Department of Homeland Security: Enrollment Status within 30 days of each semester Changes of major/educational level/length of study Changes of Name and Address Dependent information

Social Security Numbers Social Security numbers are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States. Social Security numbers are used to report your wages to the government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. As an F-1 student, you MUST have a job in order to apply for a Social Security Number. To apply, you must present the following documents 10 days after your entry to the U.S.: - Letter from the employer; - Letter from OISS; - Form SS-5 (SSN Application available online – - Valid passport; - Valid I-20; - Valid I-94 Arrival/Departure Card; Contact OISS for your nearest Social Security Office

Driver’s License An international student DOES NOT need a Social Security number to obtain a Driver’s License. To apply, you must do the following: Visit a DMV office (make an appointment online for faster service). Complete application form DL 44. Give a thumb print. Have your picture taken. Present your passport, I-20 and I-94. Pay the application fee ($26). Pass a vision exam. Pass a traffic laws and sign test. Make a driving test appointment. (Driving tests are not given without an appointment.) You may also call between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday- Friday, to make a driving test appointment. Provide proof of financial responsibility (California Insurance Requirements)

Work Authorization Contact OISS before accepting any employment! TYPES OF EMPLOYMENT: On-Campus Employment Curricular Practical Training (Internships) Optional Practical Training (Post-Completion)

Travel Signatures In order to re-enter the country successfully, F-1 students need the following:  A valid passport  A valid F-1 Student Visa  I-20 with a current travel signature * To request a travel signature students must complete a Travel Signature Request Form which is available online.

Taxes All F-1 and J-1 students must file for federal income tax forms every year regardless of employment. All international students who work on campus must be registered in the Glacier system via OISS. Students working on campus can complete tax forms using Glacier. Tax Deadline: 4/15/06 (income including employment, scholarships & assistantships) 6/15/06 (no income)

GLACIER Tax System It’s an online tax compliance system You’re given a password to access GLACIER via Collects your immigration information, i.e. information on your passport, I-20, I-94 and visa Determines your status for tax purposes, and provides appropriate tax forms including tax summary

Pan·gae·a (All Lands) – A club for International Students & American Friends Pangaea is the coming together of LMU’s international and domestic communities to socialize, and share our cultures and experiences.

International House of People (IHOP) The mission of IHOP is to promote and celebrate cultural diversity and awareness within the LMU community. Throughout the year, the house hosts various events and activities geared towards celebrating different cultures and regions of the world. *First Event – Tuesday, September 5 th at 4:30 PM 7 TH Annual Super Sushi Social

OISS Information on the Web Maintaining Student Status Travel While In Status Employment Information Tax Information Information for Renewing Visas and Passports Further information about SEVIS and other federal regulations Commonly Used Forms Resources International House Upcoming Activities & Events OISS Contact Information

OISS OISS is located in Suite 201 of the Malone Student Center. The office is open Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM. OISS has an open door policy, but recommends appointments to deal with time-sensitive matters. Office for International Students & Scholars Malone LMU Drive, MS 8430 Los Angeles, CA Tel Fax MSN Instant Messenger ID: LMUOISS - Our student volunteers are ready to answer your questions about LMU and Los Angeles, in general. Please use this service during our office hours: Monday - Friday, 8AM -

THANK YOU & WELCOME TO LMU!