Regulatory & Legal Matters

1. Regulatory & Legal Matters Oberlin College Office of International Students Ann Deppman, Associate Dean of Studies International Student Advisor

2. Your Immigration Documents • Passport • F-1 Visa • Form I-94 • Form I-20 • Keep all documents in a safe place. • Make copies of all important documents and keep them separately.

3. Passport • Your identification and travel document. • Must be kept valid at all times. • In your passport is your F-1 student visa.

4. F-1 Visa • The F-1 visa a stamp on a page of your passport that shows that you have permission to approach the port of entry for entrance to the US for the purpose of full-time study as a student. • It is okay if it expires while you are in the US; the visa just for entrance to the US. • The visa stipulates how many entries you are entitled to up to the expiration date. If you leavethe US after your visa has expired, you will need a new visa in order to re-enter the country. • Multiple (M): unlimited entries • Limited (2,3,4): limit of entries permitted.

5. Form I-94 • The Form I-94 Departure Record (a small white card usually kept inside your passport) was given to you when you entered the U.S. • It contains the date you entered the country. • It was marked D/S (duration of status), which means you have permission to stay in the US as long as you maintain F-1 status. • The number on this card is your “A” number- it will be noted whenever you enter the US.

6. Form I-20 • This form was sent to you by Oberlin College and contains the specifics about your F-1 status. • It records: • Your college • Your degree program • The length of your degree program

7. Safekeeping of Immigration Documents • Keep all original documents together in a safe place. • Make copies of everything and keep them in a different safe place. • Keep all of your old I-20s, you may be asked for them someday. • You are responsible for keeping copies of all your immigration documents, Oberlin College is only required to retain copies for one year after graduation.

8. Your F-1 Student Status • The F-1 status has many privileges and responsibilities. • It is your responsibility to follow the regulations to maintain F-1 status. • Oberlin College DSOs (designated school officials) are your source of information regarding what the regulations will permit. • Oberlin College DSOs have a reporting obligation to the US government.

9. Maintaining F-1 Status • Engage in full-time study • Work only as authorized • Report address or name changes to international student advisor • Keep a valid Passport • Request extensions (for legitimate academic reasons) before your I-20 expires

10. Travel Outside the United States • If you are planning to travel outside the US you must have your I-20 signed by the DSO before you leave the US if it has not been signed within the last 12 months. • If your visa has (or will) expire before you re-enter the US, you will need to have it renewed while you are out of the country. • You cannot renew your visa from within the US.

11. The SEVIS Database • SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a web-based system where DSOs enter and exchange information on international students with the US government. • DSOs are required to report the following each semester for each F-1 student: • Enrollment and registration status • Whether a student drops beneath a full course of study • Completion of a program of study • Extension of a program of study • Changes in legal names or address • Some academic or disciplinary actions • Program changes, transfers, majors, employment authorization & more!

12. Employment Regulations for F-1 Students • On-campus • Part time (up to 20 hours per week) during the semester or Full time (more than 20 hours per week) during vacations. • No approval is required. • First year students are eligible. • Off-campus • Must have receive prior authorization. • Must be connected to your studies. • First year students are not eligible until then have completed one academic year of study (they can apply for the benefit the summer after their freshman year.)

13. On-Campus Employment • Where to Find a Job • Campus Dining Services (CDS) • Regular Employment: 1-2 shifts per week • Catering Services: 1-2 times per semester • Oberlin Classified Ads • Employer must be Oberlin College- visa does not permit you to accept employment from private individuals. • Other Campus Offices • Student Assistance Services- tutoring

14. Off Campus Employment • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) • Up to 12 months full time employment experience in field of study • Job offer required • Faculty recommendation required. • Optional Practical Training (OPT) • Post graduation benefit. • 12 month F/T employment experience in field of study • No employment offer required at time of application • $380 application fee • Apply 90 days before want to begin work • Faculty recommendation required

15. US Laws & Legal Rights • You are protected by the US Constitution and have legal rights as an F-1 student studying in the US including: • Freedom of Speech • Freedom of Assembly • Freedom of Religion • You may find some laws very different from those in your own society, remember you are subject to US laws whether or not you are familiar with them. • If you come into conflict with the law contact the International Student Advisor.

16. US Tax System • Taxes are paid at the federal, state and local level. You may be required to pay taxes on any salary, compensation, or scholarship you have received. • Some countries have tax treaties with the US that reduce or eliminate the amount of taxes owed. • You will need to complete several tax forms upon your arrival in Oberlin. • You will also need to file a total of four (1) federal, (1)state and (2) local tax returns prior to the April 15 deadline in the spring semester. • The international students office will send you an email with more information early in the spring semester.

17. Social Security Numbers Social Security Numbers are used as personal identification numbers for a wide variety of purposes. You will be asked over and over again to supply this number, it will make your life easier if you have one. • You will need a Social Security Number in order to sign a contract for a cell phone. • You will need a Social Security Number in order to have access to some banking functions. • You will need a Social Security Number in order to be paid for employment. • A Social Security Number will make completing your taxes easier.

18. How to Apply for SSN • Complete a Form SS-5 (you do this during the Pre-Orientation Program- if you miss that program you contact the International Student Advisor.) • Find a job on campus. • Have your employer complete the Employment Verification Form(provided to you during the pre-orientation program, after that contact the international student advisor) and then have it signed by the International Student Advisor. • Apply in person with all of your original document at the Lorain Social Security office. Transportation will be arranged for new students in the fall semester, after that students will need to make their own arrangements to travel to the Lorain office.

19. Original Documents Required to Apply for A Social Security Number • Passport – with the F-1 visa stamp in it • Oberlin I-20 • I-94 Card • Employment Verification Form (signed by work supervisor and international student advisor.) • Form SS-5

20. Where to Apply Lorain Social Security Office 300 Broadway Ave. Lorain, OH 4405 Phone: 866-415-0172 Hours: M-F 9:00-3:30 **There are no evening or weekend hours!**

21. REMEMBER Oberlin College’s DSOs are your best source of advice regarding visa or regulatory matters, please make an appointment to meet with one of them if you have questions or concerns. To make an appointment, call 775-8540 or stop by Peters 205 during normal business hours.