130 likes | 244 Views
Maintaining Legal Status. Maintaining Legal Status. Why is it important? Non-compliance can result in: ineligibility for employment, ineligibility to transfer to a new school, and the termination of the visa, etc. Major things to consider: Full course of study requirement
E N D
Maintaining Legal Status • Why is it important? • Non-compliance can result in: ineligibility for employment, ineligibility to transfer to a new school, and the termination of the visa, etc. • Major things to consider: • Full course of study requirement • Maintaining proper immigration documents and traveling with them! • Avoiding criminal and disciplinary charges • Following the regulations regarding employment • Notifying the Office of International Affairs of a change of address
Full Course of Study Requirement • Full course of study requirement: 12 credit hours • Exception: Distance learning (online classes)
Travel Considerations • Travel outside of the United States • Students must ensure that their travel documents are up to date and valid. • Travel signature • Travel in the United States • The US CBP has the authority to set up checkpoints and detain individuals within 100 miles of a US border or seacoast. • Students should carry their original DS-2019 or I-20, passport and I-94 when they travel outside of Farmville.
Health Insurance • International students must hold a valid health insurance policy while they are at Longwood. The Office of International Affairs must have a valid copy of the insurance card. • A policy can be purchased from International Student Insuranceor you can purchase your own policy
On-Campus Employment • Cannot be a “Federal Work Study” position • Employment must be authorized • Eligibility • Must be in good academic standing • Total employment is no more than 20 hours per week • Cannot begin under 30 days start date on DS-2019
Off-Campus Employment (CPT) • For F-1 visa students only • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) • Internship or practicum • must authorize • Must be an “integral part of an established curriculum” in the student’s field of study • Can be paid by an employer
Off-Campus Employment (OPT) • For F-1 visa students only • Optional Practical Training (OPT) • Office of International Affairs must authorize • Allows students to work full-time for part-time for up to 12 months after completing their degree
Taxes • Form 8843- All international students must complete, even if they have not received any income. • I can help find tax resources
212(e) Home Country Residency Requirement • If it applies to you, it will be specified on your visa. • Requires you to live in your home country for two years before you can apply for an immigrant and certain categories of nonimmigrant visas. • Makes you ineligible for a work visa but not for another student visa.
More Information • Detailed information regarding all topics addressed in this handout and more can be found at: • http://www.longwood.edu/internationalaffairs/internationalstudents.htm