Welcome to the IGSP Workshop

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Welcome to the IGSP Workshop

• Fall 2009

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Introduction and IC Services

• Anna Wimberly

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Workshop Objectives

• Partner with the IC to have a relaxed and
  fun-filled summer!
• Unveil the updated and improved IGSP
• Learn about the IGSP process
• Overview of SEVIS, I-20 issuance, visa
  application process
• Learn about the IC services and programs

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International Center Services

• Immigration advising for students scholars
• Consultation services for departments
• Visa Document issuance
• Student Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS)
  compliance
• Non-Immigrant Employment Process

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International Center Programs

• English Corner Conversation Group
• Spouses and Partners Orientation
• International Student Association
• American Friendship Partner Program
• International Friendship Circle

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Who is an International Student?

• F-1 or J-1 student visa status sponsored by UCI
  J-1 students may be sponsored by govt. agency
• Other students on campus are on visas but not on
  UCI sponsored visas
• Visas not allowed to enroll as a student are F-2,
  B-1/B-2 or participants in the waiver visa WT

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Determining Residency for Tuition

• Inquiries regarding residence requirements,
  determination, and/or recognized exceptions
  should be directed to the UCI Residence Officer
  or the UC Legal Analyst. No other university
  personnel are authorized to supply information
  relative to residence requirements for tuition
  purposes.
• Contact Information Residence
  OfficerUniversity Registrar215 Aldrich
  Hallregres_at_uci.edu(949) 824-6129

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UCI International Population

• Students 1,891
• Undergraduate 396
• Graduate 1,020
• OPT 314
• EAP 161
• Researchers, Faculty Staff 1,211
• Spouses and Dependents

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IGSP Process

• Archana Sheth

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IGSP (International Graduate Student Packet)

• Completed by the academic department (thats
  you!)
• IGSP, CIAQ and supporting documents must be
  submitted together
• Do not send admissions letter. Save the trees!
• If not complete it will be returned to the
  academic department
• Approximate processing time is 15-30 business
  days
• Consider mailing time
• The I-20 will absolutely NOT be faxed or scanned.
• Student must wait for the original I-20 to
  arrive

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CIAQ (Confidential International Applicant
Questionnaire)

• Previous years packets will not be accepted
• The student must receive and read page 1 of the
  CIAQ
• If student is currently at a US school they are a
  transfer student for purposes of the SEVIS
  record/immigration
• The student must provide a Student SEVIS Record
  Release Form
• Without this form UCI cannot issue an I-20 to
  the student.

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Important Information About Funding

• Include UCI (department) funding on IGSP. Do not
  include funding letter.
• Bank statement submitted by students can not be
  older than 6 months.
• Must be in English and U.S. Dollars
• As the first set of eyes, you will review and
  provide all funding sources on the IGSP.

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Communication

• During the summer, it is nearly impossible to
  give prompt responses to students about the
  status of their I-20s.
• The IC wont be able to communicate with students
  about the status of their visa document.
• If it is an urgent matter, please contact the IC.
• Make students aware that processing time is 15-30
  days, plus mailing time and processing time at
  the department.

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Program Date on the I-20/DS-2019

• I-20 start date and end dates must match UCI
  quarter dates
• Start date cannot be changed to accommodate late
  comers
• Cannot be changed for those that want to arrive
  early

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Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

• Anna Wimberly

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What is SEVIS?

• Department of Homeland Securitys system that
  maintains information on international students
  and scholars
• UCI issues visa documents through SEVIS
• Compliance required by student and UCI
• Accurate information is very important

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Data Reported in SEVIS

• Student arrival and enrollment each quarter
• Change in students legal name and address
• Changes of major or academic level
• Off-campus employment authorization
• Change in financial support
• Program extensions and completion of program
• Withdrawal, Leave of Absence, Filing Fees, etc.
• School transfer
• Dependent (spouse or child) information

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SEVIS and the I-20

• IC database communicates with SEVIS database
• I-20 is approved and generated by SEVIS within 24
  hours
• The I-20 is printed and signed by IC staff
  designated by DHS
• I-20 is sent to student

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Student Receives Visa Document

• Review all material provided by the International
  Center
• Pay SEVIS fee at www.fmjfee.com
• 200 F Students
• 180 J Students
• Make a visa appointment with the U.S. Consulate
• Must have I-20 and SEVIS number
• If student indicates that they already have a
  visa interview appointment, its very likely that
  they appointment was not scheduled properly

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Student goes to the Consulate

• Fees must be paid SEVIS, Visa Application Fee
  Reciprocity Fee
• UCI Affiliation and Documents
• Student must be prepared to explain the purpose
  for coming to the U.S.
• Strong Ties Requirements
• Security Checks

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Student Receives Visa Hooray!!!

• Make travel arrangements (air, hotel, etc.)
• May enter U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start
  date on their I-20 should not attempt to enter
  prior to 30 days

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Upon arrival at UCI

• Check-In with the International Center
• Checking in at the IC requires a student to
  complete the new student check-in form and
  supporting documents (http//www.ic.uci.edu/forms/
  NewStudentCheckInForm.pdf)
• Check in will be on Friday, September 18th in the
  UCI Student Center (exact location TBA).
• UCI must register student in SEVIS
• Apply for Social Security Number if student will
  be employed at UCI

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What if the student cant arrive by program date?

• The student might be allowed in to the U.S. at
  the discretion of the Immigration Officer
• Up to the registration deadline
• Student must have letter from academic department
  explaining delay and why its okay for student to
  start program after quarter
• Proof of full-time enrollment

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Maintaining Status staying legal

• Check In - Report to IC upon arrival
• Enroll full-time (minimum 12 units) AND pay
  tuition/fees by deadline!!!! Summer is optional.
• Few exceptions to full-time (medical,
  academic)-must meet with IC advisor for approval
• Make normal progress towards degree and keep a
  valid I-20 for duration of program
• Inform IC of address change
• Have appropriate authorization for employment

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(No Transcript)
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Have a GREAT Summer!!!
Dont forget your sunscreen!!