Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS): SEVIS is the internet-based database and information system designed to keep track of certain types of visitors in the United States. School officials are responsible for updating program information about international students whose visas are sponsored by the school.
Visa: A visa is a stamp put in the passport by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that allows entry to the United States. Once a student is in the U.S. the visa may expire. The student can remain in the U.S. as long as he/she “maintains status,” which means following the regulations for the visa. If the student wants to travel abroad and return to the U.S. after the visa has expired, he/she will need to apply for a new visa. The best place to renew a visa is in the student’s home country. The procedure for visa renewal is basically identical to the procedure for obtaining a visa for the first time. Students should ensure the ISS Office has a copy of the current visa.
F Visa: Most international students at St. Mary’s have an F-1 visa sponsored by the school. It is the most common visa type for students receiving degree in the U.S. F-1 students may apply to bring spouses and dependent children with them to the U.S. as F-2 visa holders. F visas are controlled by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Designated School Official (DSO): A DSO is a staff person who has authority to update information about F-1 students in SEVIS and produce/sign F-1 immigration documents, such as the Form I-20.
Form I-20: The I-20 is the document that proves an F-1 student is sponsored by the school. It lists the student’s personal details, as well as academic information specific to the student’s program. This information must be correct and up-to-date. A DSO will print the initial I-20 for new students and sign the bottom of the first page. The student is also required to sign the bottom of the first page. A DSO can also sign the third page to endorse travel. The second page provides information about basic F-1 regulations. The student must be prepared to show a current, original I-20 to immigration or law enforcement authorities while staying in the U.S. The student should keep all old I-20s as part of their permanent immigration record. It is the student's responsibility report changes to the information on the I-20 to the ISS Office. When making photocopies, copy all three pages and ensure that any arrival stamps are visible.
J Visa: Exchange students, non-tenure-track professors, and some international visitors may have a J-1 visa sponsored by the school. J-1 visa holders may apply for J-2 visas for their spouses and dependent children. Under certain conditions J-1 professors and visitors may work for St. Mary’s while being sponsored by another school. J visas are controlled by the US Department of State.
Form DS-2019: The DS-2019 is the documents that proves a J-1 visitor is sponsored by the school. The first page is signed by a DSO and the visitor. The second page provides information about basic J-1 regulations. When making photocopies, copy both pages.
Travel Signature: A DSO may sign the third page of the I-20 (for F-1 students) or the first page of the DS-2019 (for J-1 visitors) to allow the student/visitor to travel in and out of the U.S. Technically, each F-1 signature is valid for one year; however, it is a good idea to have your I-20 signed if the signature is more than 6 months old. J-1 signatures are only valid for 6 months. A valid signature is required to re-enter the U.S., as well as a valid visa. It is the student's responsibility to request a travel signature well in advance of travelling. Travel signatures will not be given at the last minute and outside of normal office hours.
Form I-94: The I-94 card is an arrival/departure record. It is stamped by a border official to note the date and port of entry, visa type, and legal period of stay. It must be surrendered upon leaving the U.S. It is important to keep the I-94 with other immigration documents. It may be stapled in the passport to avoid losing it. A copy of the current I-94 should be kept in the student’s ISS file. Students should ensure the ISS Office has a copy of the current I-94. When photocopying, copy the front AND back.
F = FULL-TIME STUDENT
1. Be a full-time student each Fall and Spring semester. You must complete (not just register) for a full course load each main semester. Undergraduate students must complete 12 hours, graduate students 9 hours, and law students 10 hours each Spring and Fall semester. Note: Some degree programs may require more hours for academic reasons. Check with your department. You are not required by USCIS (United States Citizen and Immigration Services) to enroll in classes during the summer session, unless summer is your first semester in the U.S. If you need to drop below full-time, make an appointment to see an International Student Advisor BEFORE taking any action, even if you are failing a class.
A = AUTHORIZATION FOR EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
1. Never work off-campus unless you have current authorization from an International Student Advisor or the USCIS. The Director of International Student Services must have activated your employment authorization in SEVIS or you must have an employment authorization card (EAD) from USCIS. All off-campus employment has a beginning and ending date. Renewals must be done before resuming work. Even 1 day of work without authorization is a serious violation of U.S. law. On-campus work does not require authorization, but you must maintain your full-time student status to be authorized. On-campus work is limited to 20 hours or less per week during the fall and spring and may be full-time during the summer and winter breaks.
C = CURRENT DOCUMENTS
1.Keep your passport valid at all times. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months into the future.
2. You are required to carry your immigration documents (passport, I-94 card, I-20) with you. You can be fined and/or sent to jail for up to 30 days if you do not have your documents with you. Local law enforcement officials have unofficially stated they are not strictly enforcing this law. They unofficially recommend that you carry photocopies of your immigration documents in the greater San Antonio area. You should definitely carry the original documents with you outside of San Antonio, even if you are remaining in the U.S.
3. Inside the U.S. you must maintain your visa status, not your visa sticker in your passport. The visa sticker in your passport can expire while you are in the U.S. because its ONLY function is to serve as a key to enter or reenter the U.S. Your visa status is defined with the F-1 and D/S (Duration of Status) on your I-20 and I-94 card. You must maintain your status (not the sticker) in order to remain in the U.S. You maintain your visa status by obeying all F-1 regulations (highlighted in this handout). You only need to renew your visa sticker if you leave the U.S. and want to reenter. Be sure to enter only with an F-1 visa each time you enter to study. The type of visa sticker you use determines your status. Only students are granted D/S on their I-94 card. Other visa holders receive specific dates for departure. If you are an F-1 student and have a specific departure date on your I-94 card (there is no D/S), make an appointment with our office immediately.
4. Only attend the school listed in your current and stamped I-20. To attend another school, you must transfer your immigration status to that school or receive a concurrent enrollment letter from our office. Make an appointment with our office if you plan to attend another school.
5. Apply for an extension of your I-20 at least 30 days before the expiration date. The extension can be requested at our office no later than 30 days before the expiration date listed on section 5 of your I-20.
6. Report your change of address to International Student Services within 10 days of the change. You may be fined and/or placed in jail for up to 30 days if USCIS does not have your current US and home country addresses. You are responsible for reporting any change of address to our office in person or by emailing iss@stmarytx.edu. While we can update your information in SEVIS, our office cannot change your St. Mary’s student record. Therefore, you should also report changes of address, phone number, or email to the Registrar’s Office in St. Louis Hall, Room 105.
T = TRANSITIONS
1. Complete an I-20 transfer whenever you change schools. An I-20 transfer (not the same as transferring academic credit) must be completed within 15 days of the beginning of classes of the first semester at the new school. An I-20 transfer is not complete until the Director of International Student Services has activated your file in SEVIS.
2. Obtain a new I-20 whenever you make a change in degree levels or major. This includes changing levels at the same school or a new one (e.g., bachelor's to master's degree) or beginning a new degree at the same level (e.g., master's degree to a 2nd master's).
3. Obtain a travel endorsement on your I-20 before leaving the U.S. if you plan to re-enter. This will be needed if you want to re-enter the U.S. It is not necessary if you are returning home permanently. An I-20 is no longer valid for re-entry once you complete the degree listed on your I-20, even if the I-20 has not expired.
4. Make a transition within 60 days of completing your degree or optional practical training (OPT). When you finish your degree or your OPT, you have a 60-day grace period to transition to a new I-20 for a new degree program, change your status, or depart the U.S.
S = SEVIS: STAY IN STATUS & STAY IN TOUCH
1. S.E.V.I.S. (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) is the government database where International Student Services reports required international student information. Due to this close tracking, it is vital that you stay in status by following all the items on this sheet. Remain in contact with our office so that you can avoid unintentional violations.
2. Know the federal regulations when they are released by USCIS. Regulations can change many of the above requirements. It is your responsibility to know them by attending public information meetings on campus or visiting our website or the USCIS website.
