USCIS Terminology

USCIS:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. On March 1, 2003, service and benefit functions of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) transitioned into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). www.uscis.gov

 

I-20:

Certificate of Eligibility issued to a student applying for admission as an F-1 student. This document is used in support of an application for an F-1 student visa.

 

I-94:

The "white" card (Admission/Departure Record) attached to your passport when you arrive in the U.S. with the 11-digit number at the top left corner; denotes "Admitted F-1.....D/S.

 

D/S (Duration of Status):

you are permitted to stay legally in the U.S. for the length of your course of study and as long as you enroll full-time even if your F-1 visa has expired.

 

VISA (F, J, B):

An entry visa allowing you to enter the U.S. if it is still valid; when it expires while you are still in the U.S. you need to renew it ONLY if you plan to travel outside of the U.S. temporarily for the purpose of re-entering to resume full-time study (exceptions are Canada and Mexico - please refer to the F-1 Visa Travel Requirements website: http://www.travel.state.gov/

 

F-1 VISA: Student visa:

F-1 students are here for the purpose of studying full-time.

 

FULL-TIME:

12 units for undergraduates; 9 units for graduates.

 

MAINTAINING STATUS:

If you are enrolled according to the above, you are considered to be maintaining full-time status.

 

OUT OF STATUS:

If you do not comply with USCIS regulations of enrollment or work authorization requirements, you are considered out of status.

 

REINSTATEMENT TO STATUS:

If you are out of status and wish to return to F-1 student status, an application must be filed with USCIS. Students need to make an appointment via INFOPASS http://infopass.uscis.gov/ to pay and file an application.

 

EXTENSION OF STAY:

If you cannot graduate by the date shown on Item 5 of your I -20, schedule an appointment with the Director of International Student Services to extend your graduation date 30 days before the completion date.

 

Responsibilities of F-1 Students

• Keep your passport valid at least 6 months in the future
• Make copies of all important documents: passport, F-1 visa page, I-20 and I-94 and carry these photocopies in your wallet. Keep the original documents and passport in a secure place.
• Complete your transfer process if you transferred from another U.S. college or institution WITHIN 30 DAYS OF REGISTRATION. To do this, bring your transfer authorization letter, I-20, VISA, passport and I-94 to the ISS office.
• If for some valid reason (for example, medical), you are unable to register full-time for one semester, you must file a Reduced Course Load petition with the ISS office. You must file this before the beginning of each semester - approval must be obtained before you begin classes.
• Traveling - plan ahead if you wish to make a short trip outside of the U.S. (even if it's to Mexico or Canada). You must obtain a travel signature on your I-20 before you leave the U.S. See your ISS advisor. It will save you hours of anxiety and nervousness at the Embassy, at the airport or at the border.

Report to the Director of International Student Services when you:

• change your address and/or telephone number
• change your major
• require an extension of graduation date
• matters pertaining to your status