The Office of International Admissions will gladly answer any questions and concerns you have about your visa.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security sets and enforces the rules that govern immigration to the U.S. It is important for international students to understand the status of their stay in this country.
A student holding an F-1 status is a non-immigrant allowed to remain in the United States for as long as he or she is:
SEVIS is the acronym for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.Each F-1 student has an individual record and unique SEVIS number, which can be transferred to other schools.
Visa applications start with a Form I-20 or DS-2019. The requested “reporting date” is the same as your program start date. International students are allowed to enter up to 30 days before starting classes.
Source: http://www.usembassy.gov/
Note: International students are allowed to enter up to 30 days before starting class.
Source: http://www.usembassy.gov/
Note: I-20 form is for F-1 Visa, and DS-2019 is for J-1 visa. Spouse and children will need to apply for F-2 and J-2 dependent visa.
International students should check with the Office of International Admissions for guidance on the types of work they can perform with their current visa.
Generally, international students are limited to a20 hour work week while school is in session. Work can be full-time during breaks in classes. Students must be registered as full-time students while employed.
International students are required to complete the I-9 Form to work. This form should be updated with any changes to your address, field of study or source of funding within 10 days of the change.
A social security number is a nine digit number issued to all citizens living and working in the U.S. Students with an F-1 visa working on campus or off campus are required to apply for a Social Security number.
Note: Please provide the following documents to Social Security Administration:
Resource: http://www.ssa.gov/
International students are required to file an income tax return each year, regardless of your status or whether you were employed. Additional information is available from the Office of International Admissions.
Resource: http://www.irs.gov/
Medical insurance is mandatory for all international students. They are also required to submit their immunization form before classes begin.
Within the U.S.: International students have the right to limitless travel within the U.S., provided they keep their F-1 status, immigration documents and passport with them.
Outside the U.S.: Please check with the Office of International Admissions before you travel outside the U.S. If you are traveling outside the U.S. with the intention of coming back, or if you enroll in another university, you must inform the Office of International Admissions and obtain a new I-20 Form.
The best place to find out detailed information on getting get a driver’s license is directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (HSMV) website. Please click here.
The following documents are necessary:
Please refer to this document to find the closest foreign embassies and consulates near Florida Poly.
The Office of International Admissions uses an express mail service that allows you to receive your immigration document (Form I-20 or Form DS2019) in 3-5 business days. Requesting your immigration documents through express mail is at your expense. Your credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover cards only) will be charged. Please refer to this guide for more information.
