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
By following immigration
regulations, you will be keeping
your legal status in the US.
•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
Not following regulations will result in
a violation of your F-1 status
Requirements
Go 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
Benefits
Travel signature on I-20
- Good six months into the future
- Please allow at least 1 week to process
Practical Training & Internship
-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
Concurrent Enrollment
- 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
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 – 2:00pm
Or 8:00am – 5:00pm by phone
Phone: 714-432-5940, Fax: 714-432-5191
Email: intctr@cccd.edu
SS & DL
BANKING
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•
•
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No Social Security Card needed
Get Student ID
Passport
I-20
thank
you!