Federal Regulations Governing F-1 International Student Visa
This compiled information provides insights into federal regulations governing the F-1 International Student Visa in the United States. It covers key agencies like DHS, USCIS, CBP, ICE, SEVP, and SEVIS, explaining terms related to immigration and the SEVIS system. Additionally, it delves into important regulations under 8 CFR 214.2(F), outlining aspects such as student admission, duration of status, program extensions, course load requirements, and preparation for departure. The content emphasizes procedures for student arrivals, reporting to designated school officials, and maintaining compliance with immigration requirements.
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FEDERAL REGULATIONS GOVERNING The F-1 International Student VISA Compiled by: Dr. Frances J. Santiago Torres, PDSO / ARO/ UPR Mayaguez Revised by: Luis Irizarry PDSO/RO UPR Rio Piedras October 2021
Regulating Agencies DHS 7/18/2024 2
USCIS 7/18/2024 3
CBP 7/18/2024 4
ICE 7/18/2024 5
SEVP 7/18/2024 6
SEVIS 7/18/2024 7
Important Terms Immigration Terms DHS Department of Homeland Security USCIS United States Citizenship and Immigration Services SEVP Student and Exchange Visitor Program SEVIS Student and Exchange Visitor Information System that keeps your immigration information (SEVIS Number) ICE U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement CBP Customs and Border Protection Study in the States Information hub for international students 7/18/2024 8
8 CFR 214.2 (F) 8 Code of Federal Regulations 214.2 (f) Students in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, elementary schools, other academic institutions, and in language training programs. 7/18/2024 9
What is Stated in 8 CFR 214.2(F)? Student Admission D/S: Duration of status Extension of D/S You may extend program of studies Reduced course load Specific justifications in SERVIS Change of Educational Level / School Transfers / Reinstatement OPT / STEM-OPT; requirements Preparation for departure 60 days grace period 7/18/2024 10
Arrival Enter US territory no more than 30 days before program of study start date. Immediately contact P / DSO When on campus contact your P / DSO to report address, phone number and any relevant information to include in your SERVIS record upon activation. 7/18/2024 11
On-Campus Services ext. 86562, 86563 email Personal Record; documents and evidence Health Certificate TRIPLE SSS medical plan required or private plan evidence serviciosal.estudiantes@upr.edu Financial Aid Office: ext.86125 Information Officer Students with disabilities: ext.86360,86493 DCODE: Counseling Department: ext.86500,86548 Student Organizations: ext. 86383 / orgs.ests@upr.edu $10 pay at Bursar s Office; ext. 86301 Obtain card at Office of the Dean of Students: ext. 86000 Student ID# is necessary to request all services at School. 7/18/2024 12
On-Campus Services Divisi n de Tecnolog as Acad micas y Administrativas wifi conection for smart devices and laptop Helpdesk / to request technical services Certification #95 (2019-2020) Requirements to maintain good standing/ minimum credits per program Time to degree ext. 85690, 85699 Transcripts: on line- miupi platform / in person at Plaza Univ. Degrees Certificates / Diploma: ext. 85639 (Procuradur a Estudiantil): ext. 86603,86600 / procuraduria.rp@upr.edu 7/18/2024 13
Other Services BPPR- Banco Popular de Puerto Rico; campus branch Universicoop On campus: Plaza Universitaria Off campus: Authorized by federal government Apostille diploma or Degree Certificate CESCO: Centro de Servicios al Conductor 7/18/2024 14
Maintaining Status Enroll in classes. Send P/DSO copy of your class schedule. Attend and pass classes, avoid suspension. If you are unable to complete your program of studies, speak to your P/DSO. Send and update your physical address in PR. P/DSO will Register you in SEVIS each semester in order to maintain status: summer and holiday breaks don t count. Do not drop any class without speaking to your P/DSO. 7/18/2024 15
Reduced Course Load Inadequate placement in a course (only the first semester). Disease or medical condition. Initial difficulties with English requirements (mainland USA). Initial difficulties with language or readings (only first semester). 7/18/2024 16
Program EndDate Extensions Your program of study can be extended. Your advisor must write a letter justifying the extension. You must provide financials for the period you would like to extend your program: 2 months, 5 months, 10 months. You may also shorten your program of studies if you end before the intended end date and wish to apply for OPT. 7/18/2024 17
ExtensionJustification Academic probation and /or suspension are not justification to extend a program of studies. Unexpected problems with research within your project. Change in program of studies or concentration. Documented illness or medical condition. 7/18/2024 18
On-campus employment F1 status allows for part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than or up to 20 hours per week). Students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). Students may combine assistantships and jornal at CAMPUS, for up to 20 hours total. During semester breaks on-campus employment can be more that 20 hours. A valid visa is not necessary for on-campus, CPT or OPT employment. Yet, your I-20 must be active in SEVIS, and for OPT, a valid EAD card must be presented: OPT- Optional Practical Training: Pre completion or Post Completion CPT- Curricular Practical Training 7/18/2024 19
Work and Practical Training for F1 Students F1 students can only work with DHS/USCIS and /or P/DSO authorization (OPT or CPT). If you work without authorization, you violate your F1 student status and are forced to leave the US; you may not re-enter at a later date. CPT is available for students with approval of P/DSO usually summer internships. (Requires course registration) OPT is only available when authorized by USCIS. Social Security Number: Requires letter with work description from your program P/DSO will prepare another letter/Certification Student request an appointment on line Wait for in-person interview 7/18/2024 20
Traveland Entry Expired visa: your entry visa may expire while you are within US territory, as long as you continue to study full-time. If you exit the US territory, you must have a new visa to re-enter. If you travel to Canada, Mexico or other US terrirories, a valid visa is not necessary. Your I-20 must always be in Active status in SEVIS. 7/18/2024 21
TravelTips Always travel with your I-20, Passport with entry visa, university registration. Inform P/DSO of all travel. Request signature on page 2 of your I-20. I-901 SEVIS Fee payment and financials presented to get your visa in digital format. Be aware of Form I-515: a CBP officer may issue you this form if you are asked to provide a document and fail to do so. This form is given to you to bring to your P/DSO. You then have 30 days to get and provide the CBP officer the required documentation. Your D/S is shortened until you present the documents. 7/18/2024 22
COVID-19 Guidelines2021-2022 https://www.ice.gov/doclib/coronavirus/covid19f aq.pdf These are the COVID-19 flexibility guidelines, based on frequently asked questions. Presented by ICE/SEVP for SEVIS certified schools and international students with F-1 and M-1 visas. Published on April 26, 2021, valid for 2021-2022 academic year. 7/18/2024 23
Useful Links https://www.nafsa.org/_/file/_/amresource/8cfr214 2f.htm https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/maintaini ng-status https://www.ice.gov/sevis/schools/reg https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united- states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students- and-employment https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/internati onal-travel.html 7/18/2024 24
Contact Info Luis Irizarry, PSDO/RO Office: 787-764-0000, ext. 86249 Cell: 787-379-6379 emergencies only Decanato Auxiliar de Relaciones Internacionales Plaza Universitaria Torre Norte Segundo Piso Ms. Lindsey Vazquez, DSO/ARO 787-764-0000, ext. 86201
