Immigration Information

Important information for F-1 International Students

Immigration Terms•DHS: Department of Homeland Security. Has Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), and USCIS

•USCIS: US Citizenship & Immigration Services.

•SEVIS: Student & Exchange Visitor Information System. A web-based reporting system

•Form I-20: certificate of eligibility, allows you to study in the US

•F-1 Visa: international student visa, allows a student to enter the US. Cannot be obtained within the United States•I-94: arrival/departure document. Shows your non-immigration classification & length of time you are allowed to stay in the US

By following immigration regulations, you will be keeping

your legal status in the US.

Not following regulations will result in a violation of your F-1 status

RequirementsGo to class!

- Enroll in and complete at least 12 units each Fall and Spring semester

- Winter and Summer enrollments do not count toward Fall and Spring units

- Note student & instructor withdrawals

- Maximum of one online class (3 unit max.) will count towards full-time enrollment

Keep a valid I-20!- Be aware of your I-20’s expiration date

- Inform International Center if you are finishing your program early, transferring, etc.

- 60 day grace period on completion of program

Have a valid passport!-Should be dated at least 6 months into the future

-You can renew your passport within the US

-We have a list of consulates & embassies available. Check the International Center for more details

Requirements•Maintain a 2.0 GPA

•Keep your address current with the International Center: inform the International Center if you move within 10 days

•Maintain your OCC health insurance

•Do not engage in any unauthorized work

•Inform the International Center of any changes in academic program

•Tell the International Center if you plan on transferring to another school or returning home

TOOLS & TIPS:

GPA Calculator:

www.back2college.com/gpa.htm

Mhalley@occ.cccd.edu

Travel signature on I-20

Practical Training & Internship

- Good six months into the future- Please allow at least 1 week to process

-Meet with Immigration Technician to discuss possible internship. Internships must be a part of your academic program-Optional Practical Training (OPT) is full-time work authorization for up to one year, in a field directly related to your major. Available if you have completed at least 1 year full-time at OCC and are completing your program- Information sessions offered each semester for OPT

On-Campus Employment- Eligible after successfully completing 1st semester- Can work up to 19 hours per week, on campus only- Get permission from International Center before starting work

Benefits

Benefits- Available after completing at least 24 units

- Maximum 3 units per semester, with academic reason- English & ESL courses are not available- Request letter from International Center

Concurrent Enrollment

Program Extension- Need a valid reason for extension

- Meet with International Student advisor at least 60 days before I-20 expires

- Get counselor’s letter & submit new financials

Transfer Eligibility- Contact the International Center if you plan on transferring

- Bring new school’s Acceptance Letter & complete OCC’s Transfer Statement of Understanding

- Note travel during vacation periods

Be sure to check with the International Center if you have any questions

regarding your status, or if you plan on taking immigration related action.

International Center Hours:M-TH 9:00am – 4:00pm

Fridays 9:00am – 2:00pmOr 8:00am – 5:00pm by phone

Phone: 714-432-5940, Fax: 714-432-5191Email: intctr@cccd.edu

SS & DL

BANKING

• No Social Security Card needed

• Get Student ID

• Passport

• I-20

thank you!