1. Immigration Presentation
Welcome to the U
Immigration Presentation

2. International Student & Scholar Services
410 Olpin Union

3. 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

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

5. Immigration

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. E-Forms

12. 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.

13. Steps to Access an E-Form
Click the iStart link found on the ISSS website:

14. iStart Login Page

15. 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”)

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

17. Academics

18. 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 ( , )

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

20. Graduate Students
Minimum of 9 credits or 3 credits of thesis ( , )
Only one online class counts towards immigration credits

21. 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

22. 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)

23. Grades

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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.

27. “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

28. 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

29. 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

30. Employment

31. 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.

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

33. 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

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

35. 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.
Call to make an appointment

36. Student Health Center

37. 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

38. 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

39. 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 or
SSP Students- meet with SSP ISSS Advisor

40. 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

41. 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

42. Culture Shock

43. The W Curve

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

45. 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.

46. 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

47. 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

48. Any questions? Contact ISSS
Thank You
Any questions? Contact ISSS
410 Olpin Union