WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO

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WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO

• Office of International Programs (OIP)

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International Student Services Staff

• Director Charles
  Crane
• SEVIS Coordinator Lambert Glory
• Assistant Director
  Tanya Adkinson
• International Student Advisor
  Tina De Sorbo
• International Student Advisor Fermina
  Alarcon
• Senior Administrative Associate Maria
  Morales
• Administrative Associate II
  Karen Metz
• Administrative Assistant
  Kay Nussbaum

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Maintaining YourImmigration Status
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Important Documents and Terms

• Passport
• Must be valid at all times during your stay in
  the U.S.
• When traveling, be sure to check your passport
  expiration date and apply for a renewal well
  ahead of time.

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Renewing your Passport

• To renew your passport, locate your embassy or
  consulate online and apply according to the
  procedures given.
• www.embassy.org
• If your passport is lost or stolen, please visit
  OIP to request a checklist.

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Question

• Can I mail in my passport in order to renew it?
• Please consult your embassy.
• Can I travel with an expired passport?
• No.

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I-94 Form

• White Arrival/Departure card received upon your
  entry in the U.S.
• The I-94 has your visa type, length of stay and
  the 11-digit USCIS Admission Number at the top.
• Always keep this document stapled in your
  passport. A lost or stolen I-94 Form must be
  replaced through USCIS. The cost is 320.

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I-94 Form (2)

• The expiration date on your I-94 may be listed as
  D/S.
• D/S stands for Duration of Status. This means
  your I-94 is valid until the end of your program.
  

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Duration of Status

• Although you are admitted to the U.S. with a
  D/S stamp on your I-94, you still have a time
  limit on your studies.
• The length of your studies and the date to which
  you may stay are shown on the I-20/DS 2019 form.
  It is very important to pay attention to this
  date.

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U.S. Visa Stamp

• The visa stamp in your passport allows you to
  enter the U.S.

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U.S. Visa Stamp (2)

• Once you are admitted to the U.S. by Immigration,
  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR VISA STAMP.
  You may stay in U.S. with an expired one.
• However, if you travel outside the U.S., you will
  need to have a valid visa in order to be able to
  return.

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Question

• What if Im transferring and my visa has another
  schools name on it is my visa still valid?
• Yes, your visa is still valid.

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U.S. Visa Stamp (3)

• You can renew your visa only at a U.S. Embassy
  or Consulate outside the U.S.

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Question

• So I have to go all the way back to my home
  country to renew my visa?
• Yes. You must return to your home country in
  order to renew your visa.

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Student Exchange Visitor Information System
(SEVIS)

• Web-based tracking system implemented after
  September 11th terrorist attack.
• SEVIS database receives, stores, processes
  student and dependent data. It is managed by the
  U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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I-20 and DS 2019 Forms

• I-20 Form is the Certificate of Eligibility for
  F-1 Students.
• DS 2019 Form is the Certificate of Eligibility
  for J-1 Students.
• Your SEVIS number is above the barcode and starts
  with N.

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Question

• Is it important for me to know my SEVIS number?
• Yes, it is very important. You must provide your
  SEVIS ID to receive certain services in the OIP.

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I-20 and DS 2019 Forms (2)

• I-20 and DS 2019 Forms are issued by the school
  you attend. They are stamped by the U.S. Embassy
  official and by the Immigration officer at the
  port of entry.

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I-20 and DS 2019 Forms (3)

• Keep your Certificate in a safe place.
• If your I-20 or DS 2019 Form is lost or stolen,
  please come to our office and we will re-issue it
  and provide you with further instructions.

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Question

• Will my I-20 have a different SEVIS number?
• No. Your new I-20 will NOT have a different SEVIS
  ID. We will reprint an identical copy of the one
  that was lost.

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Extension of Stay (F-1, J-1visa)

• Check your I-20/DS-2019 expiration date to
  see whether you need an extension. It is listed
  on Item 5 of your SEVIS I-20 as Completed
  studies no later than __________ or Box 3 of
  your DS 2019 as Form cover Period To__________.

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Extension of Stay (2) (F-1, J-1 visa)

• If you are not able to complete your program
  of study by the expiration date on your I-20/DS
  2019 Form, you MUST APPLY FOR AN EXTENSION BEFORE
  THE EXPIRATION DATE.

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Procedure to Extend YourI-20/DS 2019 Form
(F-1,J-1)

• Bring the following to our office
• A letter from your Academic Advisor stating the
  reason why you need an extension
• A copy of your current I-20/ DS 2019 Form
• Your valid passport.
• Your I-94

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Extension of Stay (3)(F-1,J-1)

• Failure to extend your I-20/DS 2019 Form
  before it expires will require filing for
  reinstatement with USCIS. This costs 300.

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Question

• Can I stay in the U.S. while I file for
  reinstatement and can I study while I wait for
  approval?
• Yes, you can remain in the U.S. while you file
  for reinstatement and you must take classes.

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School Transfer

• You may not be eligible to transfer to another
  institution not listed on your visa until after
  completion of your first semester.
• If you intended to transfer, please come to
  our office for advice.

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Employment (F-1, J-1)

• As an F-1 or J-1 student, you are allowed to work
  on campus for a maximum of 20 hours a week while
  school is in session, and full time between
  semesters, if you will be enrolling in the next
  semester.

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Question

• Does this mean I can have more than one job on
  campus at 20 hours for each job!?
• No, you cannot have two jobs at 20 hours each,
  but you can have more than one job on campus and
  work at TOTAL of 20 hours a week.

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On-Campus Employment (F-1, J-1)

• The employer must be UTSA or an outside
  company that performs services normally
  considered part of the universitys services for
  students. Such as
• Cafeteria
• Housing
• Bookstore
• Lab
• UTSA department

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Questions

• What happens if I work off-campus without
  authorization?
• If you work off-campus WITHOUT proper
  authorization you will be SUBJECT TO DEPORTATION.
  
• Can I volunteer?
• You cannot volunteer if the work is considered a
  normal job without pay or compensation.

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Off-Campus Employment (F-1, J-1)

• You are not allowed to work off-campus or to
  engage in a business without specific employment
  authorization. Failure to comply with this
  regulation will result in the loss of your
  student status and subject you to deportation.

No Off Campus Work
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Employment (F-1, J-1) Curricular Practical
Training

• If you are required to do an internship as
  part of your degree, you must receive
  authorization from our office. This is known as
  Curricular Practical Training.
• Undergraduates must be in-status for one year
  prior to CPT authorization.
• Graduates can inquire at any time.
• Your internship must earn credit towards your
  degree.
• Must be a requirement to graduate.
• You cannot work off campus without proper and
  prior authorization from our office!

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Employment (F-1, J-1)Optional Practical
Training

• After completing your degree program, you are
  eligible to apply for a one year working permit
  if you have maintained your status.

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Employment (F-1, J-1)Optional Practical Training

• As of April 8, 2008, new rules were put into
  effect. For further information about the new
  guidelines, please visit our website
• http//www.utsa.edu/intprograms/

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Employment (F-1, J-1)Optional Practical Training

• OPT Workshops Fall Spring
• Students who will graduate in the fall should
  attend the fall workshop. Students who will
  graduate in the spring summer should attend the
  spring workshop.

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Travel (F-1, J-1)

• You must have a recent signature from our
  office on your I-20/DS 2019 Form to re-enter the
  U.S. after traveling. Bring your form to us at
  least a week before you plan to travel.

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Question

• What if I forget to have my I-20 signed will
  they stop me from entering the U.S.?
• They may let you enter, but you will be
  questioned at your port of entry and will receive
  an I-515 form which you must bring to our office
  and then submit to USCIS within 30 days.

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PART II

• Maintaining your Status

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Maintaining F-1/J-1 Status (1)

• You must maintain a full course of study
  EVERY Fall and Spring Semester
• 12 hours for Undergraduates
• 9 hours for Graduates

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Question

• What if I take 15 hours during the semester?
• You can take more than full-time hours, but you
  cannot take less than your required full-time
  hours.

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Maintaining F-1/J-1 Status (2)

• You must maintain a full course of study during
  summer if it is your first term as an F-1
  student.
• 6 hours for Undergraduates
• 6 hours for Graduates

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Question

• If I am graduating in summer, do I have to take 6
  hours?
• No. If you are graduating in summer you can take
  fewer than 6 hours but you must bring a letter
  from your advisor stating you are taking your
  final hours and will graduate at the end of the
  summer semester.

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Maintaining F-1/J-1 Status (3)

• Before dropping a course that will put you
  below hours, you MUST see your INTERNATIONAL
  advisor!!

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Question

• What if I am doing poorly in one class I want
  to drop it so it does not affect my grade point
  average negatively can I drop it?
• No. You still cannot drop below the required
  full-time hours. Please stop in to see an
  International Advisor for your options.

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Maintaining F-1/J-1 Status (4)

• Report any major changes to OIP
• Change of Address must first be updated in ASAP
  and then our office (OIP). When changing your
  local address in ASAP, please choose the
  Mailing, Local or On-campus option. Your
  Permanent Address should be the address in your
  home country
• Change of Major a letter from your academic
  advisor is required in our office
• Change of degree level a letter from academic
  advisor is required in our office.
• These changes MUST be reported in SEVIS,
  or you will be out of status.

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Question

• Even if I just change apartments, I have to
  update you within 10 days?
• Yes, you must update our office within 10 days of
  any changes so we can report your new information
  in the SEVIS system.
• Who wants to know this information?
• It is a requirement of The Department of Homeland
  Security.

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Maintaining F-1/J-1 Status (5)

• Keep a valid I-20/DS 2019 Form and PASSPORT
• at all times.
• Do NOT work off campus.
• Always enroll full time (12 hours /9 hours)

No Off Campus Work
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Academic Probation and Suspension (F-1, J-1)

• As an F-1 or J-1 student, should you ever be
  placed on Probation or become Academically
  Dismissed, you must report to our office to speak
  to an International Student Advisor immediately.

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Question

• What happens if I am dismissed?
• Depending on the circumstances you may need to
  return home, transfer out, or apply for
  reinstatement.

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Criminal Activity

• All students are required to obey federal, state
  and local laws.
• Conviction of a crime may have a serious impact
  on the F-1/J-1 visa students immigration status
  including immediate deportation.

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Grace Period (F-1, J-1)

• At the end of the course of study or Optional
  Practical Training an F-1 visa student is allowed
  to stay an additional sixty (60) days in the U.S.
  This is called the Grace Period. A J-1 visa
  student is authorized to stay an additional
  thirty (30) days.
• If an F-1/J-1 visa student violates federal
  immigration law and loses their status, the
  student must leave the U.S. within fifteen (15)
  days.

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Question

• If I work on campus, can I work during the Grace
  Period?
• No. Your employment ends on your graduation date.

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Other Visa Categories

• Can register for classes either part-time or
  full-time.
• Not eligible to work
• When you travel, carry your H-4 approval notice
  with you and make sure your visa and passport are
  valid.

H-4
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Other Visa Categories (2)

• Can register for classes either part-time or
  full-time.
• The SPOUSE of an L-1 is eligible to work only if
  they apply for EAD
• When you travel, carry your L-2 approval notice
  with you and make sure your visa and passport are
  valid.

L-2
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Other Visa Categories (3)

• Can register for classes either
• full-time or part-time.
• Dependent spouse can work, if
• applies for work authorization
• with USCIS but must wait
• until receives EAD.
• A dependent child can not
• apply for work authorization.

E-2
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Other Visa Categories (4)

• Cannot take any classes toward a degree unless
  your B-2 visa has been issued by immigration with
  the prospective student annotation.
• If you are here in B-2 status and do not have the
  prospective student annotation on your B-2
  visa, and you have been admitted to this
  university, please come by the Office of
  International Programs.

B-2
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Check Your G-mail Account

• International Programs communicates with
  international students through their student
  g-mail account . We send updates and reminders
  regarding immigration and international program
  activities to your student G-mail account.
• Please CHECK your university e-mail account at
  least once a week.
• You can set up AUTO-FORWARDING from your
  g-mail account to the email account you
  frequently use.

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Social Security Card (F-1, J-1)You can apply
for a Social Security card only if you are
employed or have an offer of employment on campus.
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Question

• If I do not have a job, is it still possible to
  get a social security card?
• No. You must have an offer of employment.

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Health InsuranceWaivers
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HEALTH INSURANCE

• All international students holding non-immigrant
  visas are required by university policy to
  maintain comprehensive health insurance while
  enrolled at UTSA (all semester breaks are
  included). Your student account will be
  automatically billed for insurance each and every
  semester.

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Cost of UTSA insurance

• The cost of the student insurance for the Fall
  2008 semester is 445.00

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Other Health Insurance

• If you are already covered by an insurance other
  than the one used by UTSA, you may be eligible
  for an insurance waiver IF your policy meets the
  following requirements

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Insurance Requirements

• Policy must have been active PRIOR to your entry
  in the U.S.
• Medical Coverage - 100,000
• Medical Evacuation - 25,000
• Repatriation of Remains - 25,000
• Maximum Deductible per Accident/Illness - 300
• PLEASE DO NOT BUY AN INSURANCE POLICY
  
• NOW

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Applying for a Waiver

• To request a waiver please come to the Office of
  International Programs (OIP) and request the
  Insurance waiver application form. This
  application form is also available at our
  web-site
• http//www.utsa.edu/intprograms/waiverinfo.cfm
• Do NOT go out and buy a policy today. A waiver
  will not be approved.
• It must pre-exist.

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Fall 2008 Health Insurance Waiver DEADLINE
Sept 12, 2008

• You must submit a Health Insurance Waiver to OIP
  EACH SEMESTER Census Date (usually the 12th day
  after the beginning of classes) is the deadline.
  No waiver requests will be processed after Census
  Date.

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Should you ever have an questions or
difficulties, please come by our office. We are
here to help you! This presentation can also be
viewed on our web-site.
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Office of International Programs

• Location Main Building, Room 1.210
• Business hours 9AM - 4PM Monday through Friday
• Telephone [phone]
• Fax [phone]
• Web-site www.utsa.edu/intprograms/
• E-mail internationalprograms_at_utsa.edu
• Mailing Address One UTSA Circle
  San Antonio, TX 78249-0621