Immigration Information

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For F-1 Visa students
For J-1 Visa students
Your responsibilties as a foreign student

F-1 Visa Immigration Documents

Passport:

The passport is the first document you should obtain from your country. It determines your nationality. Your passport must be valid 6 months prior to expiration at all times during your stay in the United States. Never let your passport expire. It is possible to renew your passport while in the United States through your respective consulate.

I-20:

The I-20 is the document that certifies that you are entering the United States as a student. It carries the name and address of the University you are to attend. The I-20 allows you to enter back into the country after each trip home or to a third country. You need to request it to be signed a by Designated School Officer when you intend to leave the country. Every time you enter back into the country, you need to present it to the immigration officer at the border. You will not be able to enter the U.S. without it and if you don't have it at the border you may be sent back home or detained.

Once you receive your I-20, visit the SEVIS website to pay the Form I-901 fee.

Once you are admitted to Chapman University and have submitted your intent to enroll, your I-20 (needed to apply for F-1 visas) will be mailed shortly thereafter. You will then need to present the American Consulate in your country with the I-20 form and any additional documents they request. For current information about the requirements for the consulate in your area, go to http://usembassy.state.gov and find visa services for students. (Due to the increased level of security clearances, it is advisable to begin the visa application process as soon as possible.)

Once you receive your visa, immigration law does not allow you to enter the USA more than 30 days prior to the report date on the I-20. If your visa expires while you are studying in the U.S.A., you still have legal status as long as your I-94 specifies D/S Duration of Status. You only need to renew your visa when you depart the U.S.A. and want to re-enter.

Upon entering the United States you will need to fill out the I-94 card, a small white card which will carry your admission information. This will be done every time you enter the United States. Immigration will attach the card to your passport and it should remain attached to it at all times.

J-1 Visa Immigration Documents

Passport:

You must ensure that your passport is valid for a period of six months beyond the end date listed on the SEVIS DS-2019.

Visa:

Make an appointment with the US Consulate or Embassy as soon as you receive the SEVIS DS-2019.  Some offices have different procedures or forms you will need to submit, so ask your local US Consular Office what you need to do to get your J-1 visa.

Before your appointment, you must pay a SEVIS fee and print the SEVIS fee payment receipt.  Take this receipt when you go for your appointment.  The fastest way to pay the fee is online using a credit card and completing the online Form I-901.

I-94:

Upon entering the United States you will need to fill out the I-94 card, a small white card which will carry your admission information. This will be done every time you enter the United States. Immigration will attach the card to your passport and it should remain attached to it at all times.

Your Responsibilities As A Foreign Student

• You should be aware of your status and know the facts mentioned above.
• You should attend the university or college whose name appears on the I-20. In case you decide to attend another college or university you should contact the International Student Advisor of that college or university, and inform him/her of your situation. 
• You must be a full time student. This means you should carry a minimum of 12 units per semester as an undergraduate student or 9 units per semester as a graduate student.
• You must inform the International Student Services Office of your arrival and attendance at our University.
• You must refrain from working off-campus without USCIS authorization.
• You should keep the ISS Office informed of your latest address and phone number.