“F” or “J” Visa? |
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Listed below are some simple items you need to be aware of, whether you are on an "F" or "J" visa.
For more information on:- · Traveling outside U.S · Immigration status · Documents and Terminology please scroll down.
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Phone: 303-273-3210 Fax: 303-273-3099 E-mail: webmaster_iso@yahoo.com |
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To contact us: |
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1. TRAVELING OUTSIDE U.S
IMMIGRATION RULES AND REGULATIONS TRAVELLING OUTSIDE THE US (ESPECIALLY TO CANADA, MEXICO, AND CARIBBEAN ISLANDS)
If you plan to travel outside the U.S. you should consult the International Student & Scholar Services Office first. You must have your passport and I-20/IAP-66 with you when making inquiries about traveling outside the U.S. Remember that to return to the U.S.:
i. Your passport must be valid beyond the date you plan to re-enter the U.S. ii. Your visa must be valid for multiple entries into the U.S. beyond the proposed re-entry date. Exceptions to this rule are for short visits to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands. For such trips you will need only your passport, your endorsed I-20/IAP-66, and a current form I-94. iii. In the case of trips to other countries, if the visa is valid for only one entry, or has expired, a new visa can be obtained from the American Embassy or Consulate of the country you are visiting by presenting financial support >and your current I-20/IAP-66. iv. In Canada and Mexico you must make an appointment before going to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. All students in J-1 status are advised to have their travel documents reviewed in the ISSS Office in order to be certain they have the document needed to return to the U.S.
To travel to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean Islands you must check with their respective embassies to determine if you must obtain a VISA to enter these countries. If you need a visa to enter any of the above countries from your home country, you will need a visa from the U.S. To obtain a visa to enter Canada, from the U.S., you must submit the following documents to the Canadian Consulate in California (you may obtain the form and instructions at the Canadian Embassy website)
1. Valid passport 2. Valid Form I-94 3. Evidence of round-trip transportation 4. Evidence of financial support for stay in Canada 5. A current IAP-66 for students, a letter confirming enrollment |
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2. IMMIGRATION STATUS
IMMIGRATION STATUS OR CLASSIFICATION Defines your legal status in the U.S, and describes your principal purpose of being in this country. It is incorrect to describe a person's status in terms of the type of visa which he holds. Your legal status is described by the particular immigration classification issued to you by the INS. |
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F-1 STUDENT STATUS
It means that you are in the U.S. for the principal purpose of being a student and that the section of the immigration law dealing with F-1 students defines what you can and cannot do while in the U.S.. F-2 status is for spouses and dependent children on an F-1 student. |
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J-1 EXCHANGE VISITOR STUDENTS
This classification is used for a variety of educational purposes. It is used to bring students, scholars, trainees, professors, researchers, and similar persons to the U.S. on programs approved by the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). The sections of the immigration law dealing with J-1 student, scholars, etc., apply to those holding J-1 visas. The J-2 status is for spouses and dependent children of the holder of a J-1 visa. |
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3. DOCUMENTS AND TERMINOLOGY
IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS AND TERMONILOGY Immigration terms are often used incorrectly, leading to failure of communication. Hopefully, the following information will give you an understanding of the terms used by the International Office and Immigration and Naturalization Service |
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F-1 STUDENT STATUS. Means that you are in the U.S. for the principal purpose of being a student and that the section of the immigration law dealing with F-1 students defines what you can and cannot do while in the U.S. F-2 status is for spouses and dependent children of an F-1 student.
J-1 EXCHANGE VISITOR STUDENTS. This classification is used for a variety of educational purposes. It is used to bring students, scholars, trainees, professors, researchers, and similar persons to the U.S. on programs approved by the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). The sections of the immigration law dealing with J-1 students, scholars, etc., apply to those holding J-1 visas. The J-2 status is for spouses and dependent children of the holder of a J-1 visa. |
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I-20AB FORM. The I-20 form is the form that was sent to you so that you could obtain an F-1 visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. When you entered the U.S., the Immigration officer took your I-20 and returned pages _ to you Page _ is to be used by you to enter and leave the U.S. for short periods of time during studies in the U.S.
IAP-66 FORM. This form was sent to you by the International Office so that you could obtain a J-1 visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. When you entered the U.S. the Immigration Officer took all the copies and returned the pink copy to you. You must keep this copy with your passport. The pink copy will be used by you to leave and enter the U.S. as long as the dates in Section 3 are valid.
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GREEN CARD. "The Alien Registration Receipt Card, permanent resident card, or Form I-151 or I- 551". It identifies a person as a permanent resident of the United States. The card was originally green in color but is now white and salmon colored. The term green card has stayed even though the color has changed. Be familiar with the above terms and their actual meaning. On the following pages will be further information on your particular type of visa and some simple regulations pertaining to your status. |
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Student Employment
1. On campus Employment If you are working on-campus, you must come to the international Office to obtain a letter of authorization
2. Off campus Employment: F-1 There are three types of off-campus employment that an F-1 student may engage in with pre-approval;
i. Curricular Practical Training ii. Economic Necessity iii. Optional Practical Training
Dependents, spouses (F-2) are not allowed to work
3. Off campus Employment: J-1 There are two types of off-campus employment that a J-1 student may engage in with pre-approval:
i. Academic Training ii. Economic Necessity
A dependent spouse (J-2) ma also work, but must apply to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).
Contact Alyda Morosco for more information or to learn how to apply for work authorization.
Remember, you must never work off- campus without authorization. If you choose to work illegally and are discovered by BCIS, you will be subject to deportation and can be banned from re-entry to the US for 10 years.
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