International Student Handbook (A guide for F-1 Students) 16TH Edition Provided by: Jay Deitchman, Ph.D. Coordinator for International Student Services/PDSO Hudson Valley Community College (518) 629-7567 Email: j.deitchman@hvcc.edu Released April 26, 20187 Table of Contents Use of this Publication .................................................................................................................................................. 4 Author’s Notes ............................................................................................................................................................... 4 Welcome to Hudson Valley Community College! ........................................................................................................ 5 SEVIS: What it is … and what it means to you! ........................................................................................................... 6 I-901 SEVIS Fee for F, M, & J Nonimmigrant Students & Exchange Visitors* .......................................................... 7 Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 7 What is the SEVIS Fee used for? ........................................................................................................................... 7 Who pays the fee? .................................................................................................................................................. 7 How much is the fee? ............................................................................................................................................ 7 When do prospective students or exchange visitors pay the SEVIS fee? .............................................................. 7 How is the SEVIS Fee paid? ................................................................................................................................. 8 When must the fee be paid? ................................................................................................................................... 8 How will the payment be verified? ........................................................................................................................ 8 When must continuing students (F-1, F-3, M-1, or M-3) that have begun, but not finished, a program, pay the SEVIS Fee? ........................................................................................................................................................... 8 When must continuing exchange visitors (J-1) who have begun, but not finished a program) pay the SEVIS fee? ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9 I-94 Automation .......................................................................................................................................................... 10 Additional Information Regarding the I-94 Automation Process ............................................................................ 10 Maintaining Lawful Student Status in the United States ............................................................................................. 11 Full-time Enrollment ............................................................................................................................................... 11 Taking a Leave of Absence from School or Dropping Below twelve Credits ......................................................... 11 Points to Consider ................................................................................................................................................ 12 Employment ................................................................................................................................................................ 14 Definition of Employment ................................................................................................................................... 14 On-Campus Employment ........................................................................................................................................ 14 Definition of On-campus Employment ................................................................................................................ 14 Practical Training .................................................................................................................................................... 14 Definition of Practical Training ........................................................................................................................... 14 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) ........................................................................................................................ 14 Definition of Curricular Practical Training: ........................................................................................................ 14 Application Procedure for CPT ........................................................................................................................... 15 Optional Practical Training (OPT) Before Completion of Degree .......................................................................... 17 Definition of Optional Practical Training Before Completion of Degree ............................................................ 17 Application Procedure ......................................................................................................................................... 17 Points to Consider ................................................................................................................................................ 20 Optional Practical Training (OPT) Post Completion of Studies .............................................................................. 22 Definition of Optional Practical Training (OPT) Post Completion of Studies .................................................... 22 Application Procedure ......................................................................................................................................... 22 Points to Consider ................................................................................................................................................ 25 Special Categories of Employment.......................................................................................................................... 28 Extension of Stay to Continue in the Same Academic Program .................................................................................. 29 Eligibility: ................................................................................................................................................................ 29 Application Procedure ......................................................................................................................................... 29 Points to Consider ................................................................................................................................................ 30 Extension of Stay to Begin a New Program ................................................................................................................ 31 Application Procedure ............................................................................................................................................. 31 Points to Consider ................................................................................................................................................ 32 Transfer information .................................................................................................................................................... 33 Definition of Transferring ........................................................................................................................................ 33 Eligibility ............................................................................................................................................................. 33 Transfer Procedure .................................................................................................................................................. 33 Points to Consider ................................................................................................................................................ 34 2 The information contained in this Handbook does not constitute legal advice. Change of nonimmigrant status ................................................................................................................................... 36 Definition ................................................................................................................................................................. 36 Application Procedure ............................................................................................................................................. 36 Eligibility ................................................................................................................................................................. 36 Points to Consider ................................................................................................................................................ 38 Reinstatement to Lawful Status ..................................................................................................................................