Embedded Files
Immigration regulations and processes are constantly changing. Make sure that you contact the Center for Global Engagement regularly to find out about these changes.
The below information provides a quick at-a-glance overview of some of your most important responsibilities as an F-1 or J-1 international student and topics we get asked about during orientation. Check out the current student section for more detailed information.
Have you checked out our visa information page?
Be sure to look at our tips and video for visa interviews!
For a quick overview on complex processes, you can also review our International Student Guides!
Important documents
Passport: make sure your passport is valid for at least six months at all times. This is issued by your home country. It can usually be renewed from your Embassy here in the USA.
I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record): You can access your arrival/departure record online after you arrive at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
I-20: This is the document that allows you to study in the U.S.A. (at Maryville College) as an F-1 student. This document is issued by Maryville College, and you will need it for your appointment at the embassy, to enter the U.S.A. and to maintain your status in the U.S.A. It also tells you how long you are able to stay in the USA (Program End Date + 60 days after completion)
DS-2019: This is the document that allows you to study in the U.S.A. (at Maryville College) as a J-1 student. This document is issued by Maryville College, and you will need it for your appointment at the embassy, to enter the U.S.A. and to maintain your status in the U.S.A. It also tells you how long you are able to stay in the USA (Program End Date + 30 days after completion)
Entry visa (colorful stamp in passport): This document allows you to enter the United States. This is issued at a U.S. Embassy abroad. The expiry date is not the date you have to leave the US, only the last possible date you can ENTER on that entry visa. Your I-20 or DS-2019 tells you how long you can remain.
Maintenance of F1 Status
Please note that the following is YOUR responsibility to maintain F-1 student status in the U.S.A.
Attend authorized school (Maryville College)
Report any change to the Designated School Official (DSO) in the Center for Global Engagement within ten (10) days of the change.
Changes to your address (even room number in the same suite)
Changes to your major field of study or minor
Changes to your program completion date
Carry a full course of study (minimum 12 credits each fall and spring semester)
Make normal academic progress towards completion of program
Keep continuity in program of study (no absences for more than five months)
Refrain from unauthorized work
Get travel authorization prior to departure and return to U.S.A. in proper F-1 status (bring I-20 with copy of unofficial transcript to International House for travel signature)
Keep passport valid for at least six months into the future
File timely requests for extension of stay, change of status, transfer, OPT and other benefits
Obey all state and federal laws
On Campus Employment (F-1 Students)
On-campus work can be approved by the Center for Global Engagement up to 20 hours/week during school and full-time during holiday and vacation periods.
Type 1: Employment by Maryville College: Any on-campus work for which you receive a paycheck (or other compensation, such as room and board, etc.) from Maryville College.
Type 2: On Campus Work affiliated with an On-Site Commercial Firm on Maryville College Premises. This includes work on Maryville College's campus for a commercial firm if and only if this work provides direct services to the Maryville College community
Click on this link to access the On Campus Employment document that explains the steps you need to take if you want to work on campus.
We will talk about other opportunities to do internships as part of your degtee once you are on campus.
*A new F-1 student who has been issued a form I-20 may work prior to the commencement of classes, but for no more than 30 days prior to the actual start date of classes.
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