1. Immigration Matters

2. Williston Hall 406 Office Hours Walk-In Hours Monday -Friday 8am-12pm
Closed for Lunch
1pm – 4:30pm
Walk-In Hours
Monday -Friday
1pm-3pm
Other times by appointment only
*Change of Status and Reinstatements require an appointment

3. Who do you get your immigration advice from?
ISFO!!!!!!!

4. Enrollment F-1 & J-1 Students
MUST BE ENROLLED FULL TIME!!!!
Undergrads
12 credit hours Fall and Spring Semesters
Grads
9 credit hours Fall and Spring Semesters
Summer Term not required by Regulation
May have other reasons that you must take classes
Underloads
Talk to ISFO

5. Maintain Good Academic Standing
Undergrads
2.0 GPA
Grads
3.0 GPA
If you are not in good academic standing, you are NOT eligible for:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Travel Signatures (until we know you are retained)
On-campus employment (must get special permission to continue working)

6. Documents DO NOT LOSE YOUR DOCUMENTS Keep in a safe place
If you do lose of damage your documents, come talk to ISFO immediately about replacement
Passport
Must remain valid entire time abroad
If you renew, make sure ISFO gets a copy
Visa
Can expire while in the U.S.; must renew if you leave the country

7. F-1 I-20 Old version (1st page)
SEVIS #
School Code
Program start date
F-1 I-20 Old version (1st page)
Program end date

8. F-1 I-20 Old version (3rd page)
Endorse for Travel

9. F-1 I-20 New version (1st page)
SEVIS #
School Code
F-1 I-20 New version (1st page)
Program start & end dates
Student signature

10. F-1 I-20 New version (2nd page)
CPT employment information
F-1 I-20 New version (2nd page)
Endorse for Travel

11. SEVIS #
Program Code
Program Dates
J-1
DS-2019
Endorse for Travel

12. Travel Travel Signatures Academic Probation Mid-Semester Travel
Need a recent signature (6 months highly recommended)
Page 2 of I-20
Page 1 of DS-2019
Academic Probation
Your status must be confirmed before a travel signature can be issued.
Mid-Semester Travel
Not recommended, but if there is an emergency come talk to ISFO

13. On-campus Employment Allowed for everyone right away
20 hours/week limit during Fall and Spring Semesters
Possible full-time during Summer
F-1 No Authorization Needed
J-1 Authorization Required

14. Global Friends Network
Global Friends Network is a new program that will connect American and International students at NIU in a structured way that promotes cultural understanding, improves the assimilation of International Students into the NIU community, and enhances professional preparation of the students in a Globalizing world.
The program will be run on a semester-by-semester basis and will be organized by the International Student and Faculty Office with partnership from the Study Abroad Office, College of Business and Honors Program.
As a starting point for Fall 2015, this program aims to recruit about 20 American and 20 International Students. Through an online application system, students will apply to be a part of the program at the beginning of each semester. ISFO will review applications and match students in pairs. Each pair of students will be required to meet twice a month for an activity (getting coffee, studying together at the library, going for a bike ride, getting lunch together, etc…). ISFO will also host 3 group events for all participants throughout the semester (matching ceremony, outdoor activity and end-of semester banquet).