2. Essential Immigration Information for F-1 students
Spring 2016 International Student Orientation
Office of International Programs (OIP)
IMPORTANT: This session is intended for F-1 students.
If you are a J-1 student, please join the group in Room 138.

3. 1. Questions about your legal/immigration status?
Information is always available at:
Office of International Programs (OIP) 331 Martindale
International Student Advisor, Nicolaas Jooste
Forms carousel in OIP
OIP is not a U.S. government office
Keeps up with changing immigration regulations and interpretations
Student Adviser
Only Ole Miss office with PDSO/DSO and SEVIS access

4. 3. “F-1 Status”-Documents
A) Passport
B) Form I-20
C) Visa
D) I-94
Change I-20 form and I-94

5. Passport
Your passport should always be valid for 6 months into the future.
Can I renew my passport in the U.S.? Yes!
If your passport will expire in less than 6 months, please contact your consulate/embassy here in the USA for information on how to renew or extend the validity of your passport.

6. I-20 Make sure to know your expiration date and do no let it expire!
How long does it take to extend my I-20?
If you have all the required documents, 3-5 business days.
New version

7. Visa Sticker in passport issued by a US consulate abroad.
Required of all non-U.S. citizens for the purpose of entering the USA (except for citizens of Canada).
Permission to seek ENTRY to the US in a specific status.
Does not indicate how long you can STAY.
Permission to enter ONLY between date of issue and date of expiration for specified # of entries.
Can I renew my visa inside the U.S.? No.
You can only renew your U.S. visa outside of the USA, and by applying for it at a U.S. consulate/embassy.

8. Number of times visa can be used.
M (multiple) means that there is no limit to how many times you can enter the USA as long as the visa remains valid
Type of Visa: F-1
Visa expiration date

9. I-94 Arrival Information Page
Arrival information sheet downloaded from Customs and Border Patrol website.( )
Shows current non-immigrant status
Shows the end date of that status (D/S for students – means no fixed date)
Keep a copy in your important records!

10. I-94 Arrival Page www.cbp.gov/I94
I-94 number
Should say F1 D/S

11. Maintaining your F-1 Status
It is each student’s responsibility to comply with regulations to maintain F-1 status.
Always be enrolled full-time!
12 credit hours for undergraduates
9 credit hours for graduate students
Take no more than 3 credit hours of on-line/distance education courses per semester.
If you are expecting to be less than full-time, consult with OIP before dropping below full time enrollment.

12. Keep your I-20 valid at all times.
A change of major/program
Extension if more time is needed to complete studies
Make progress towards the completion of your academic program.
Report changes in address - within 10 days of moving - to OIP and MyOleMiss.
Permanent address
Local address
Mailing address
Billing address
Report changes in name within 10 days of the change to your passport.

13. Keep all your documents safe and know where they are at all times.
REMEMBER:
Keep all your documents safe and know where they are at all times.
Work only as allowable by F-1 regulations
You may work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session
F-2 dependents may not work
Check your legal documents and get your I-20 signed by a DSO at OIP two weeks prior to travelling outside of the USA.
Consult with OIP prior to withdrawing from the university.
Following required regulations may enable you a 15-day grace period in such cases. Not doing so may adversely impact a future return to the USA.

14. You may remain in the USA for up to:
You may remain in the USA for up to: 60 days following graduation/completion of your academic program 15 days following total withdrawal from university (if all was OIP/SEVIS authorized) days (no grace period) if you withdraw from UM without OIP/SEVIS authorization or fall out of status. * Employment during a “grace period” is not allowed.*

15. My F-1 visa is expiring in 3 months. What should I do?
Answer:
Not worry. As long as you remain in the USA maintaining your F-1 status, it does not matter that your visa expires. But if you leave the USA, and your visa is expired, remember to apply for a new visa so you can come back. Make sure the dates on your Form I-20 are still valid.

16. For more information, Check the following resources: - www
For more information, Check the following resources: Attend workshops hosted by OIP your specific question to OIP at - Meet with an International Advisor at OIP (Martindale 331)

18. International F-1 Students and On-Campus Employment

19. Immigration rules allow F-1 students to work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session.

20. Example: Christmas break
During official school breaks that last a full week, work may increase to 25 hour per week limit on campus.
Example: Christmas break
University Policy 25/week max

21. During the summer, work may not exceed 25 hours if the student is not enrolled in summer classes, but is expected to resume enrollment in the fall.

22. What is on-campus employment?
3 Types of on-campus employment
Work that is performed on the campus listed on your I-20 and for which you are paid by the university
Work that is required for an assistantship
Student worker hourly wage jobs
Work performed for on-location commercial firms which provide services for students on campus
Food services (Aramark)

23. What is on-campus employment?
Work performed at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with the school. The educational affiliation must be associated with the school’s established curriculum or related to contractually funded research projects at the post-graduate level. The employment must be an integral part of the student’s educational program.
*Speak to the International Student Advisor before accepting this type of employment!*

24. Where do I find a job?
Current student job opportunities are listed at
You may also contact departments directly (i.e. J.D. Library, your academic department, Turner Center, Aramark, etc.)

25. Can I work for more than one department?
Yes, as long as your combined hours do not exceed the 20 hour per week limit.

26. How are hours counted?
Hours are counted from Sunday to Saturday in each week. You are responsible for ensuring that you do not exceed the 20 hour per week limit.
Student workers/ supervisors record time worked on a daily basis. The records are collected and entered into the payroll system approximately every two weeks.

27. What do I need in order to work on campus?
F-1 students need a valid I-20
Complete paperwork in the Student Employment office related to work eligibility and taxes

28. How will I be paid?
All payments are made using Direct Deposit to your bank account.

29. When will I be paid?
Payments are issued by the university on the 15th and the last day of each month
Students may begin work before obtaining a Social Security number, but must have the Social Security number before the first paycheck will be issued.

30. Getting a Social Security Number
The nearest SSA office is in Tupelo (45 minute drive from university). Others are located in/around Memphis. In-person application is required!
See OIP front desk for shuttle information
Social Security will be at the OIP office on February 10.
SSA is coming to campus on the 9th of September 9:00 – 2:00.

31. Taxes
The Student Employment office will assist you in completing forms to determine whether taxes must be withheld from your paycheck.
The applicability of taxes depends on visa type, length of stay in the U.S. and country of citizenship.
Federal income tax forms must be filed yearly by all F students. They are due April 15th each year. Information will come out in the OIP newsletter during the tax filing period.

32. Future Work Options
F-1 degree seeking students will have other work options (CPT and OPT) after having been enrolled for one academic year.
Read the OIP newsletter. Sessions to explain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are offered throughout the year.

34. We’re so glad you’re here!