Immigration Presentation Welcome to the U Immigration Presentation

International Student & Scholar Services 410 Olpin Union 801-581-8876 International@utah.edu

F-1 & J-1 Immigration Regulations You are responsible to know and comply with all federal, state, local laws/ regulations, as well as university policies

Immigration Regulations YOU must be aware of rules pertaining to: Arrival & Departure Academics Employment

Immigration

Mandatory Orientation with ISSS All international students are required to attend a full-day of orientation with ISSS. Orientation is a mandatory, federal regulation and will result in a hold on your account if you do not attend the entire day.

Address Changes Report a new address to ISSS within 10 days of moving ISSS needs to know an address where you are actually living ISSS updates your address with USCIS and the University

Changes to the I-20/DS-2019 Program Extension: Submit your extension request to ISSS within the first 15 days of your final semester. If your I-20 expires, you are considered out-of-status Last Semester: Submit your Last Semester Notification request within the first 15 days of the final semester. Change of Major Change of Degree Level OPT/CPT

Travel DS-2019/I-20 must be signed within the last 6 months to travel A new signature takes 24 hours to process Passport must be valid 6 months beyond your re-entry date to the U.S. Visa in your passport must be valid for re-entry or you must request a new visa in your home country I-94 must be printed upon arrival in the U.S.

Travel You do not need I-20/DS-2019 signed for travel when traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean if you return to the U.S. within 30 days You may need a visa to enter these countries, but you won’t need a visa to return

E-Forms

What is an E-Form? An E-Form is a paperless, electronic application accessed through iStart to request a benefit, such as a vacation semester, work authorization letter, OPT, etc.

Steps to Access an E-Form Click the iStart link found on the ISSS website: www.ic.utah.edu

iStart Login Page

Login Input Information Login using your user ID and password Input your: CIS User name and Password (CIS user name begins with “u0” or “u1”)

F-1 Student Services Menu Select the F-1 Student Services tab on the left

Academics

Registration Register for a full-time course load before the first 15 days of the semester Undergraduate Students must have at least 12 credits Graduate Students must have at least 9 credits or 3 thesis or grad level courses (6970-6989, 7970-7989)

Undergraduate Students Minimum of 12 credits per semester Only one online class counts towards immigration credits

Graduate Students Minimum of 9 credits or 3 credits of thesis (6970-6989, 7970-7989) Only one online class counts towards immigration credits

Less Than Full-Time Approval You must receive approval from the ISSS before dropping a class which takes you below full-time (Undergraduate: 0 – 11 credits/ Graduate: 0-8 credits) Examples: Academic reduced course load Medical reduced course load Last semester

Vacation Semester Summer semester is your vacation semester Fall and Spring semesters are not eligible for vacation semesters Full-time enrollment is not required in the summer semester (You may be enrolled full-time, part-time, or not at all)

Grades

Grades Undergraduate students need to maintain a C (2.0) grade point average Graduate students need to maintain a B (3.00) grade point average Falling below may have consequences on your immigration status if grades result in: Holds which prevent registration Academic suspension

Please Note: Some academic programs require a higher grade point average (GPA) Consult with your academic advisor If you are unable to register for classes due to any circumstances, your immigration status may be terminated

In Status Grades A – Excellent performance, superior achievement. B – Good performance, substantial achievement C – standard performance and achievement D – Substandard performance and marginal achievement E – Unsatisfactory performance and achievement I – Incomplete. Counts towards your immigration status. Converts to an E grade if un-fulfilled. C/NC – Credit/Non-Credit. The Non-Credit grade is the equivalent of an E grade. T – Thesis or independent work in process.

“Out of Status” Grades These grades damage your immigration status: V – Audit W – Withdrawal EU – Unofficial Withdrawal These grades do not count towards your status and may result in a termination of your immigration status

Online Classes Only 1 online class, or up to 3 credits, will count toward immigration credits Additional online classes are allowed, however they will not count toward the required 12 or 9 full time credits If unsure, please talk to ISSS advisor

Talk to ISSS Staff if: You want to take additional classes at another school You want to transfer to another school You need to return home for extended period of time

Employment

Student Employment On-campus and off-campus employment are only allowed with permission from ISSS F1 and J1 visa status allow for limited employment opportunities that are secondary to coursework.

On-Campus Employment On-campus employment includes: Library or other student services Student housing Computer labs Teaching or research assistants

Off-Campus Employment Two ways to work off-campus Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Optional Practical Training (OPT) You need to attend school for two semesters before you are eligible Job duties must be related to your major *See the ISSS website for rules, workshops throughout the semester, and how to apply for authorization

Insurance Driving in Utah Be aware of Scams Health & Safety Insurance Driving in Utah Be aware of Scams

Health Requirements Health Care at the University of Utah is provided by the Student Health Center. This center is a primary care clinic for students, their spouses, and dependents. www.studenthealth.utah.edu Call 801-581-6431 to make an appointment

Student Health Center

Proof of Immunity at the U You must show proof of vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella (MMA) Proof must be translated into English If you don’t know, Student Health Center can take a blood sample You must submit proof of Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test If none is available, you can make a TB Skin Test appointment with Student Health Center

Insurance at the U All new international students will be enrolled in the University of Utah Student Health Insurance Plan Cost is included as a separate item in your tuition bill You must pay for this insurance by the tuition deadline or you will not be able to register for classes

Insurance at the U: Waiver If you have an existing insurance plan, you may be eligible to waive your insurance requirement. Be cautious if you purchase non-University insurance. It may not provide protection and coverage if you become sick. Contact Kerry Hill for more information 801-581-5804 or kerry.hill@shs.utah.edu SSP Students- meet with SSP ISSS Advisor

Driving in Utah Driver’s License You must have a Utah driver’s license to operate a vehicle Utah IDs are available but do not permit driving Make sure you have ID with you at all times! Texting while driving is ILLEGAL

Be Aware of Scams Beware of e-mails or phone call that: Ask for personal information or Mention your visa, passport, or legal status in the United States Do not send money anywhere before speaking with someone at the ISSS office Report any Scams to the ISSS office and to Campus Police

Culture Shock

The W Curve

Common Culture Shock Behaviors Fear Not Sleeping Sleeping too much Stomachache or Headaches Sadness or Depression Anger or Withdrawal

Things to Avoid Withdrawing completely from the new culture Completely isolating yourself from your home culture or language Assuming you will not experience culture shock or feeling bad because you are experiencing culture shock Ethnocentrism: try not to judge by the standards/expectations of home culture: instead try to figure out what the standards of the new culture are.

Coping with Culture Shock It’s NORMAL Remember the W curve! Put some reminders of home where you can see them: photos, keepsakes, etc. Withdraw a little (not completely) from the new culture: give yourself time and space to adjust Share feelings: Write letters home, talk to others who have experience with culture shock

Resources on Campus International Student and Scholar Services Health: Center for Student Wellness, University Counseling Center Academics: Student Success Advocates, Learning Success Center, Career Services, Writing Center Other: Women’s Resource Center, LGBT Resource Center, Bennion Center

Any questions? Contact ISSS Thank You Any questions? Contact ISSS 410 Olpin Union 801-581-8876 International@utah.edu