International Education: Current Students - FAQ

1. How do I request a less than full time course load?
2. How do I report my change of address?
3. How do I report a change in my immigration status?
4. What do I do if I lose/damage my I-20 form?
5. What do I need if I am traveling outside the US?
6. What do I do if I need to take a leave of absence or withdraw from the College?
7. What do I do if I have a medical condition that prevents me from being a full time student?
8. Can I withdraw from a course mid-semester?
9. How do I transfer to another school?
10. How do I let the College know who to contact in case of an emergency?
11. Can I take a course at another college or university?
12. How do I get a social security number?
13. How do I apply for reinstatement?
14. How do I add a dependent to my I-20?
15. What are the requirements to bring a relative/guest to the US?
16. What happens if I can’t complete my academic program by the end date listed on my I-20?
17. What happens if I change my major/program of study?
18. How can I best maintain my F-1 status?
19. What is the process for signing up for a thesis course?
20. What are the College academic GPA requirements necessary to meet to remain in a graduate program?

1. How do I request a less than full time course load?

F-1 students may also study less than full time and have a reduced course load (carry half a course load or more) if s/he is either:

1. in his/her first semester in the US and there is initial English language difficultyor there is unfamiliarity with American teaching methods or improper course placement.
2. has a documented medical reason
3. if they are in their last/final semester of their degree program

For each of these cases a signed Reduced Course Load (PDF) form must be submitted, along with any required documentation, so that the Director of International Education can update that student's SEVIS record. These forms can be found on our website or picked up in the Office of International Education. The Director of International Education is the only official who can authorize a less than full time course load. Remember that if you are a graduate assistant two courses (6 credits) are considered to be full-time. Also if you have completed your formal coursework and are enrolled in your thesis course, you are considered to be a full time student at Fitchburg State College automatically.

2. How do I report my change of address?

All F-1 and J-1 students are required to complete the SEVIS ImmigrationInformation Forms when they arrive as new students or whenever there are anychanges in their programs of study or address. Please use the Address Change Form for this. Changing your address with any other office on campus will not automatically change it within the SEVIS system. According to the BCIS requirements, a student has ten days to notify the Office of International Education on their campus about their new contact information after they have moved.

Any address, phone or e-mail changes must be reported to the Director of International Education immediately so that they can be entered into SEVIS and so that F-1 students can retain their status. Failure to comply with any of these reporting requirements will cause your status to be terminated in SEVIS.

3. How do I report a change in my immigration status?

In order to follow the BCIS regulations, these changes should also be completed on line on the office web site, using the Immigration Changes Form, so that the appropriate actions can be taken on SEVIS. A change in immigration status may include leaving and re-entering the US with a new admission number, changing your status within the US or applying for permanent residency.

4. What do I do if I lose/damage my I-20 form?

If you lose or damage your I-20 you will need to request a new one by submitting a SEVIS I-20 Request Form (PDF) at the Office of International Education. This process will take approximately five working days, unless it is urgent.

5. What do I need if I am traveling outside the US?

All International Students in possession of an F-1 visa, who wish to leave the United States temporarily and return to Fitchburg State College to continue studies, must secure the necessary documents to permit entry to another country and re-entry to the United States.

F-1 Entry into Another Country from the US and Reentry into the US

Students who are in F-1 status and wish to visit their home country of citizenship or permanent residence or who wish to travel to a third country (one in which they are not a citizen or permanent resident), should be in possession of the following documents:

• A valid passport and visa for reentry into the US
• Immigration form I-94
• Sufficient funds for the duration of their stay outside the US, particularly if they are traveling to a third country
• An original SEVIS I-20 form or properly endorsed I-20 form (page #3) signed by the Director of International Education
• Depending upon the country that is to be visited, students may be required to obtain an entry visa. Visas may be obtained through consular offices located in Boston. Addresses and phone numbers are available from the International Education Office.
• Proof of registration in courses****
• Past I-20's****
• A letter of support from the Director of International Education****
• A recent transcript****
• The Financial Support documents you showed the college for your admission/to obtain your visa****

**** Law does not require these things, but since September 11th we have found them to be important

Travel while on Optional Practical Training

Once you apply for practical training, you cannot enter the US without an EAD. This means that travel will be impossible from the time you send your documents to BCIS until you receive your EAD (if a time emergency arises assistance may be available. Please see the Director). So routine travel, even to Canada, should not be considered until you receive your EAD.

While on Optional Practical Training if you travel outside the US you must have your EAD card, a letter from your employer verifying that you have a job (if not, financial support documentation), Form I-20 with a recent International Student Advisor's signature, as well as a valid passport and F-1 visa stamp, in order to re-enter the United States.

F-2 Travel

A person with an F-2 visa traveling without their spouse needs the following documents:

• I-20 which is endorsed and that shows his/her name and other information on the back.
• Page #3 of the I-20 (dependents entering the US) must be signed by Director of International Education.
• A valid F-2 visa.
• A valid passport.
• Evidence of current financial support.
• A letter from the Director of International Education stating that their spouse (the F-1) is in good status.
• Copies of their spouse's I-20, passport information page, I-94 card and visa.

6. What do I do if I need to take a leave of absence or withdraw from the College?

If you choose to leave the College midsemester, you must meet with the Director of International Education BEFORE you withdraw from your courses to discuss your options. Regardless of when you withdraw, the Office of International Education will need this information in order to make the required changes in your status in SEVIS. Please fill out the International Student Withdrawal Form (PDF) if this is your plan. If you need to leave the US for a leave of absence before a semester begins, you can do this for up to 5 months and should also discuss your options with the Director of International Education.

7. What do I do if I have a medical condition that prevents me from being a full time student?

An F-1 student who is compelled by illness or other medical condition to interrupt or reduce a full course of study is considered to be in status as long as they notify the International Education Office of his/her condition and provide documentation from a doctor or a licensed clinical psychologist explaining the need for a less than full-time course load. This privilege can only be granted up to 12 months. The student must resume a full course of study upon recovery. A signed Reduced Course Load Form (PDF) must be submitted so that the Director of International Education can update that student's SEVIS record. This form can be picked up in the Office of International Education or on line.

8. Can I withdraw from a course mid-semester?

Generally an international student may not withdraw from a course because it would cause them to drop below a full time course load and then for their visa tobe terminated in SEVIS. If an F-1 student must withdraw from a course after the drop/add time period has lapsed, s/he must discuss the matter with the Director of International Education BEFORE withdrawing from the course, thereby granting them a 15 day grace period before they have to leave the country. In this meeting, the student should fill out an International Student Withdrawal Form (PDF) found on the website or in the International Office. If a student skips this step, they will be considered an illegal alien, subject to deportation, from the day they drop the course and will not be able to easily reenter the US in the future.

9. How do I transfer to another school?

An F-1 student is eligible to transfer to another school if she/he:

1. is in good F-1 status.
2. has been persuing a full course of study at the school he/she was last authorized to attend during the term immediately preceding the transfer.
3. Intends to pursue a full course of study at the new school.
4. Is financially able to attend the proposed inistitution.

If a student wishes to leave FSC and transfer to another college or university, they must fill out a Transfer Release Form (PDF) and submit this to the Office of International Education one week before they would like the new school to create their new I-20. Students should be certain that they have been accepted and will definitely attend the newschool before they fill out this request. A transfer request can only be made to transfer to one school.

10. How do I let the College know who to contact in case of an emergency?

This information should be submitted to the OIE via the office website using the Emergency Contact Form.

11. Can I take a course at another college or university?

An F-1 student may be enrolled in two different approved schools at one time as long as their department chair approves this and as long as the enrollment in both schools amounts to a full time course of study. The school from which the student will earn his/her degree should issue and update the I-20. A student must fill out a Concurrent Enrollment Form (PDF) authorizing her/him for concurrent enrollment. This form must be submitted within the first two weeks of the semester with documentation verifying registration in the other school's course(s), such as a tuition payment receipt or a course registration receipt.

12. How do I get a social security number?

In order to earn money, you must have a social security number. In order to obtain a social security number, you must have a job offer from an office on campus. Once you verbally let us know about the job, the Director will write a letter explaining that you are in status and have a job. You should then take this letter, along with your I-20 and passport to the Social Security Office in Fitchburg.

13. How do I apply for reinstatement?

The BCIS local director may consider reinstating an F-1 student who has had his/her F-1 status terminated on SEVIS. The student must fill out a Form I-539 and establish, to the satisfaction of the BCIS, that the violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond the student's control, or that failure to receive reinstatement would result in extreme hardship. The student must also be currently pursuing a full course of study, must not have been out of status for more than 5 months, cannot be engaged in unauthorized employment and is not deportable on any other grounds. There is always a risk that reinstatement will not be granted. Please fill out a SEVIS I-20 Request Form (PDF) and see the Director of International Education if you wish to attempt to be reinstated.

14. How do I add a dependent to my I-20?

The children and spouse of an F-1 student can receive F-2 status. They will need to be recorded into SEVIS and will receive separate I-20's. They are NOT allowed to take classes in a program of study and are NOT allowed to work on or off campus. Children are allowed to study full time up to twelfth grade. If you have a dependent that needs to be added to your I-20, please fill out a SEVIS I-20 Request Form (PDF) and submit it to the OIE.

15. What are the requirements to bring a relative/guest to the US?

Currently admitted or registered students who wish to have their parents or a guest (typically a family member) join them in the US should prepare the following:

1. Invitation Letter in the Native Language
   You should write a letter in your own native language inviting your parents or guest to visit you in the US. In this letter, you should give a reason why you are inviting them (i.e. graduation, birth of a child, long separation from parents, children miss grandparents, want to give parents a vacation in the US while still here, etc.)
2. Office of International Education Letter
   Go to the International Education Office and request a certification letter. This letter will state your name, major and expected completion of study date. This letter certifies that you are a full-time student in good academic standing at Fitchburg State College.
3. Financial Verification
   You and your parents or guest must prove to the US Consul officials that you have sufficient funds for their stay in the US. If you are trying to show financial support and have a graduate assistantship position, a letter from the department you work for outlining the terms of your contract (i.e. how much do you make and what is the time period for this assistantship), and/or a bank statement showing that you have enough money would also be helpful to share with US Consul officials. Your parents or guest can also show a letter from their bank. It should be notarized and indicate that the money can be accessed from the US.
4. Copy of your I-20
   You should make a copy of your SEVIS I-20 and send it to your parents or guest. They should have this with them when they travel.
5. Insurance
   You should plan on medical coverage for your parents or guest during their stay in the US. American hospital and doctor bills can be very expensive. The International Education Office or Health Services can provide you with insurance information.

16. What happens if I can't complete my academic program by the end date listed on my I-20?

BCIS regulations refer to the date you complete all requirements for a program of study, not to the date you participate in graduation ceremonies and receive a certificate or diploma. The service ignores your graduation date because it realizes that many students, especially graduate students in thesis or dissertation programs, may complete requirements for a degree any day during the year. This means that the last day of an academic term may not be the date you complete program requirements. Your lawful F-1 status expires 60 days after the date you complete degree requirements and you are expected to leave the country by that date unless you previously file a timely application for practical training or make other arrangements to lawfully remain in the US

This being said, an F-1 student who is unable to complete their program of studies by the end date listed on Page 1 on his/her I-20 must fill out a Program Extension Form (PDF) found on the website or in the Office of International Education. When this form is processed, they will receive a new I-20. Extensions are only granted due to an academic or medical reason, (such as changes of major or research topics, unexpected research problems, or documented illness). A student who does not apply for and receive a program extension will be terminated in the SEVIS system upon the end date and will not be eligible for Optional Practical Training. Under these circumstances the student must apply for reinstatement and/or leave the country.

Please note that choosing to take fewer classes each semester as a graduate assistant or not successfully passing courses are not acceptable reasons under the BCIS rules and regulations allowing you an extension on your I-20.

17. What happens if I change my major/program of study?

If you change your major or program of study you should immediately complete a SEVIS I-20 Request Form (PDF) and submit it to the OIE so that you can receive a new I-20.

18. How can I best maintain my F-1 status?

To maintain F-1 and J-1 status, students must:

Pursue a full course of study and make normal progress towards the completion of the course of study. Full-course of study and full-time study are defined in the regulations as follows:

Undergraduate student: at least 12 credit hours per term, or the equivalent (as determined by district director in school approval process).

Graduate student: number of hours consistent with institutional definition (at FSC that is 9 credit hours per term).

• Maintain a valid passport
• Attend the school they are authorized to attend (in essence, they should be attending the school BCIS last authorized for attendance - see the BCIS stamp in the upper right corner of the I-20 or the school that has processed a with the BCIS).
• Complete program before the expiration date on the current I-20 (if you are having problems with this you must see the Director of International Education BEFORE your I-20 expires).
• Follow BCIS procedures for changing from one program or educational level to another (e.g., from B.S. degree to M.S. degree).
• Follow BCIS procedures for transferring from one school to another
• Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours a week while school is in session. (full-time on-campus employment is permitted during vacation periods, such as summer, as long as student was enrolled full-time the term before and intends to be full-time the following term).
• Refrain from off-campus employment without authorization. Limit off-campus employment (with authorization through economic hardship or part-time practical training) to 20 hours per week while school is in session.

19.What is the process for signing up for a thesis course?

If you are a computer science student, please follow the thesis procedures (PDF).

20. What are the College academic GPA requirements necessary to meet to remain in a graduate program?

Please read through the Graduate Policies.