Federal Regulations Governing 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
 
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
GOVERNING
The F-1 International
Student VISA
 
Regulating Agencies DHS
 
USCIS
 
CBP
 
ICE
 
SEVP
 
SEVIS
 
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
 
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.
 
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
 
Arrival
 
What to do upon 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.
 
On-Campus Services
 
Medical Services: 
ext. 86562, 86563 email
Personal Record; documents and evidence
Health Certificate
TRIPLE SSS medical plan required or private plan evidence
Student Services: 
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
Student ID
$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.
 
On-Campus Services
 
DTAA: 
División de Tecnologías Académicas y Administrativas
wifi conection for smart devices and laptop
Helpdesk / to request technical services
DEGI (Graduate Studies and Research):
Certification #95 (2019-2020)
Requirements to maintain good standing/ minimum credits per program
Time to degree
Registrar’s Office: 
ext. 85690, 85699
Transcripts: on line- miupi platform / in person at Plaza Univ.
Degrees Certificates / Diploma: ext. 85639
Student Ombudsperson 
(Procuraduría Estudiantil):
ext. 86603,86600 / procuraduria.rp@upr.edu
 
 
Other Services
 
Bank Accounts
 
BPPR- Banco Popular de
Puerto Rico; campus
branch
Universicoop
 
Driver License
 
CESCO: Centro de
Servicios al Conductor
 
Housing
 
On campus: Plaza Universitaria
Off campus: Authorized by federal
government
 
Department of State of
Puerto Rico
 
Apostille diploma or Degree
Certificate
 
School For Dependents
(Children
)
 
Maintaining Status
 
Fulfilling the purpose for which DOS issued you a visa:
 
Enroll in classes. Send
P/DSO copy of your class
schedule.
 
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.
 
Attend and pass classes,
avoid suspension.
 
If you are unable to
complete your program of
studies, speak to your P/DSO.
 
Do not drop any class
without speaking to your
P/DSO.
 
Reduced Course Load
 
Initial difficulties with
language or readings
(only first semester).
 
Disease or medical
condition.
 
Initial difficulties with
English requirements
(mainland USA).
 
Inadequate placement
in a course (only the first
semester).
 
Program End Date – 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.
 
Extension Justification
 
Students must have maintained status in order to be granted extension
for the following reasons:
 
 
Change in program of
studies or concentration
.
 
Unexpected problems with
research within your
project.
 
Documented illness or
medical condition.
 
Academic probation and /or
suspension are not justification
to extend a program of
studies.
 
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
 
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
 
Travel and 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
.
 
Travel Tips
 
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.
 
 
COVID-19 Guidelines 2021-2022
 
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.
 
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
 
 
Contact Info
 
Decanato Auxiliar de Relaciones Internacionales
Plaza Universitaria
Torre Norte – Segundo Piso
 
Luis Irizarry, 
PSDO/RO
Office: 
787-764-0000, ext. 86249
Cell: 
787-379-6379 emergencies only
 
Ms. Lindsey Vazquez, 
DSO/ARO
787-764-0000, ext. 86201
Slide Note
Embed
Share

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.


Uploaded on Jul 18, 2024 | 0 Views


Download Presentation

Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.

The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. 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

  2. Regulating Agencies DHS 7/18/2024 2

  3. USCIS 7/18/2024 3

  4. CBP 7/18/2024 4

  5. ICE 7/18/2024 5

  6. SEVP 7/18/2024 6

  7. SEVIS 7/18/2024 7

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. 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

  21. 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

  22. 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

  23. 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

  24. 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

  25. 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

More Related Content

giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#