Immigration Basics

The Office of International Programs' (OIP) responsibility with respect to immigration regulations is to help you understand your obligations so that you can maintain legal status. The OIP does not have the responsibility or the authority to "enforce" immigration law. We may be required to notify CIS when a student or exchange visitor is in violation of his or her status. It is crucial that you maintain continuous communication with our office.

As a foreign visitor to the U.S., you carry several important documents. It is YOUR responsibility to learn what they are and what they mean for you. CIS regulations are complex, and they change often. The OIP will do our best to update you on relevant changes.

Upon your arrival, the OIP will make a photocopy of your travel documents. If you receive additional CIS paperwork during your time at Marietta College, it is wise to provide photocopies for your file.

 

Who is the DHS?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is divided into three separate bureaus that coordinate efforts related to immigration regulations for foreign visitors in the US.

  • CIS: Citizenship and Immigration Services (also referred to as USCIS)
  • ICE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
  • CBP: Customs and Border Protection

DHS headquarters are located in Washington, D.C.
Our Regional Service Center is located in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Our District Office is located in Cleveland, Ohio.

For the USCIS Home Page, click http://www.uscis.gov/

What is a DSO?

A Designated School Official (DSO) is a person designated by the USCIS and Marietta College who is responsible for reporting and updating information to the USCIS about an F-1 students’ status. The DSO makes important determinations regarding an F-1 student, such as whether the student should have a reduced course load or should take part in practical training.

At Marietta College, we have several DSOs, but the Primary DSO is the Vice President for Enrollment David Rhodes, and the DSO you will have the most contact with is Director of International Programs Christy Burke.

What is SEVIS?

Federal Law requires that Marietta College regularly enter data about all F-1 and J-1 students into an electronic database system known as the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The National SEVIS system became operational on January 30, 2003. As of that date, all changes in an F-1, J-1 or M-1 student's personal and academic status must be reported through the SEVIS system.

 

To stay "In-Status" with USCIS, an F-1 Student must:

  • Maintain a full course load at all times (minimum of 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduates and 9 for graduates except during your very last semester, when you may take less.)
  • Report all address changes to CIS with form AR-11 within 10 days
  • Carry a valid passport (one that is always valid 6 months into the future)
  • Complete your program of study before the date indicated on your I-20 form
  • Have your I-20 form endorsed by a DSO for reentry before you leave the USA.
  • Work on-campus only—no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session but may work full time on campus during winter and summer vacation
  • NEVER work off-campus without CIS/ISO authorization.

 

Tips from the International Office

  • Learn to identify and understand your travel documents
  • Designate a permanent location where you will keep all official documents including original forms, and photocopies of all CIS and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) interactions.
  • Keep the DSO aware of all changes in address, phone number, email, academic major, and all other pertinent information.
  • Plan for travel outside the USA—especially regarding flight reservations, proper documentation and travel signatures on your I-20/DS-2019.
  • If your program will take longer than indicated on your I-20/DS-2019, contact the ISO well in advance to file for an Extension of Stay.
  • If you plan to transfer to another institution, visit the ISO to discuss immigration details and transfer procedures.
  • Pay attention in the spring for tax information from the IRS and the DSO.