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International Student/Scholar Office
Use your @uncc.edu
email account
The ISSO will notify all F1 and J1 students of any immigration-related reminders
or updates by sending an email to his/her @uncc.edu email account. It is the
student’s responsibility to read these emails if they want to have the latest,
most accurate information.
New
Immigration Regulations for International Students
in F and J Visa Status
As a service to our international community, we are providing this
information to update you on the new regulations that went into effect on
January 1, 2003 regarding students and exchange visitors (those in F and J
status). It is very important that you read this information carefully, making
sure you understand how it affects you, your dependent family members and your
stay in the U.S. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate call the ISSO
at (704) 687-7781 or stop by the International Student/Scholar Office (ISSO) in
202, College of Health & Human Services.
What is SEVIS?
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the new
mechanism employed by the U.S. government to track the arrival, enrollment and
departures of international students and their dependents. As of January 30,
2003, UNC Charlotte, and every other university in the United States, is now
required to use SEVIS.
SEVIS is an internet-based system that requires schools and the U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to exchange data on the immigration and
academic status of international students.
Data schools must report
Name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship, source and
amount of financial resources, academic program, level of study, program
start and end dates
Arrival and enrollment or failure to enroll
Registration for less than a full course of study without PRIOR
authorization from the ISSO
A change of the student or dependent's legal name or address
Graduation prior to the end date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019
Failure to complete the academic program or program objective
Termination date and reason for termination
Program extension, school transfer, change in level of study, employment
authorization, and reinstatement
How does this effect you as an international student?
Enrolling full time: Undergraduate students MUST be enrolled for at least
12 credit hours per semester. Graduate students must be enrolled 9 credit hours,
6 with assistantship, or register for "Thesis Only" course if you’ve completed
coursework and are working on thesis work.
Dropping below full time: If for some reason, you are unable to enroll
full time during a semester (medical problem, initial difficulties, or final
semester) you MUST talk to the ISSO before you drop below full time. We must
approve this action prior to it happening or you will fall out of status.
Changing your degree program: If you change your degree program, you will
receive a new I-20 and your record will be updated in SEVIS.
Transferring to another school: If you plan to
transfer to another school, you must first
come to the ISSO. Once you decide which school you will transfer to, we must
complete an immigration transfer procedure. This will allow the new school to issue you a
new I-20 or DS-2019.
Updating your address: You MUST update your address within 10 days of any
move (must be where you live).
If you live off-campus, go to
https://ais04.uncc.edu/registrar/address.htm.
If you live on-campus, make this change at the housing office.
In addition, those subject to Special Registration (NSEERS) requirements must
use the Special Registration form AR-11SR to update their address. Go to
http://uscis.gov or pick up a
form in the ISSO.
Graduating and Applying for Optional Practical Training
Apply BEFORE graduation: Now, students MUST complete the application and
send to USCIS by graduation day. Those who have completed at least one full
academic year of study (fall and spring semesters) may begin the application
process up to 120 days before graduation.
Get a second degree at a higher level, get another 12 months: Another
amendment to the regulations state that you are eligible for an additional 12
months of practical training if you have completed a second degree at a higher
level. If you got your bachelors degree, applied for and received 12 months of
OPT, and then complete a masters or PhD, you are now eligible to apply for
another 12 months of OPT.
Dependents
Full-time study: Dependents of F students (those holding F-2 status) are
no longer able to study full time at the university level.
Immigration documents for dependents: All F-2 and J-2 dependents will now
have to have their own I-20/DS-2019.
The ISSO is a UNC Charlotte University office and NOT part of the
USCIS
or other government agency. Our staff is dedicated to the University's mission
and assisting our international students and exchange visitors. We want to
assist you in achieving your educational goals, however we must also follow
federal regulations in order to ensure our ability to continue to bring
international students to UNC Charlotte. We hope you will assist us in this goal
by reading, understanding and abiding by the code of regulations governing your
stay in the U.S. as an F or J visa holder.
Documents & Definitions
1. Passport - The passport is a
document issued by your home country government giving permission to travel
outside the country. It is renewed through your embassy. For passport renewal
purposes, letters verifying enrollment can be requested from the ISSO or by
clicking here.
2. Visa - The visa is a multi-colored stamp or designated page in the
passport, which is issued by a U.S. consulate abroad. It allows the visa holder
to enter the U.S. for the time designated on the visa and need only be valid on
the day you enter the U.S. If your visa expires or you change your status, you
need to obtain a new visa at a U.S. consulate abroad, as it is not possible to
obtain or revalidate the visa in the U.S.
Types of Visas
F1 student: permits an individual to enter the U.S. for fulltime study at a
designated institution. The I-20 is used to obtain an F1 visa at an embassy
outside the U.S.
J1 exchange visitor: permits an individual to enter the U.S. for study,
teaching, research, and training. Form DS-2019 is used to obtain a J1 visa.
I-94 Card (Arrival/Departure Record) - This small, white card is
usually stapled in the passport at the port of entry. It indicates the
authorized period of stay in the U.S. by the marking, “D/S” (duration of status)
as long as the student is maintaining valid F1 status. If there is anything
other than “D/S” marked on your I-94 card, please see the ISSO.
I-20/DS-2019 - The I-20 is the immigration document for F1 students,
and the DS-2019 is the immigration document for J1 exchange visitors. They
should reflect your current academic program and personal information. They
should be kept with your passport and when signed by a Designated School
Official (Marian or Denise), serve as a travel document.
Maintaining Your Immigration
Status
Keep passport valid for six months beyond expiration date
Maintain full-time academic student status, which
is a minimum of 12 hours for undergraduates; 9 hours for graduates or 6 hours
with assistantship
Obtain appropriate permission to work on or off campus
Apply for
program extension if more time is needed
PRIOR to expiration of I-20 or DS-2019
Keep local address up-to-date on 49er Express
Follow procedures for transferring to another U.S.
institution
Complete Federal and State income tax forms for
employment for the previous year
Transferring- Out of UNC Charlotte
You must notify the ISSO of your
intent to transfer prior to the end of the current semester and make a decision
of which school you intend to transfer to within 60 days of the last date of
being registered. The ISSO will then “release” your SEVIS record to the new
school and they will issue you a new I-20 / DS-2019. See the ISSO for more
information.
“Special Registration” requirements
Background of "Special
Registration"
As a result of the USA
PATRIOT Act, nonimmigrants from certain countries are required to register their
presence with the U.S.. Additionally,
they must update their registration at certain pre-determined intervals and
notify them of any change of address, employment or educational institution.
Prior to any departure from the U.S., these individuals must notify of their
intended departure AND may only depart the U.S. from certain authorized
airports.
For more information, please visit:
www.ice.gov/graphics/specialregistration/index.htm
On-Campus Employment/Off-Campus Employment
All employment for students enrolled in academic courses is
limited to 20 hrs. per week during the academic year and full-time during
vacations and holidays.
A social security number is required for payroll and tax withholding purposes.
A. On-Campus Employment
Immigration authorization is not required.
Financial need is not necessary.
Application for employment is made with the department.
I-9 and tax withholding forms are done in the ISSO.
B. Off-Campus Employment (By Visa Type)
F1 students must be in student status for one academic year.
J1 student eligibility is determined by type of exchange.
Evidence must be presented that shows unexpected severe economic hardship.
Application is made in the ISSO.
C. Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT)- available during and after completion of
an academic program
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)- available during program of study
Academic
Training (J1 only) - available during and after completion of study
Employment Seminars
The ISSO conducts information seminars each semester on employment. Students are
asked to attend these scheduled events if they plan to be employed or
participate in Practical Training (F1) or Academic Training (J1).
Social Security Number
Students on F1 or J1 visas who will be employed are eligible for a social
security number and must apply in person at the local Social Security Office at
least 10 days after their SEVIS registration, performed by the ISSO. Proof of
visa status is required and will include passport, I-94 card, I-20 or DS-2019, a letter of eligibility from the ISSO
and a letter from the employing department (if on campus). For off-campus work,
you will need to show page 3 of your I-20 for CPT or your EAD for OPT/economic
hardship.
Applications and directions to the Social Security Office are available in the
ISSO.
UNC Charlotte Student Identification Number
The UNC Charlotte student numbers (800-xx-xxxx) are issued to students who do
not have a social security number. They are used on campus for record and
identification purposes but cannot be used when a social security number is
required for work or getting a driver’s license.
Taxes
Social Security & Medicare - Students with F1 or J1 visas are
exempt from withholding Social Security and Medicare taxes if they have been in
the U.S. in that status for 5 years or less. See the ISSO for more
information.
Income tax-all students who work are
required to file federal and state income tax forms. Tax seminars to assist
students are conducted by the ISSO each spring prior to the tax-filing deadline.
Property
Tax - anyone residing in Charlotte or Mecklenburg County and owning property
(car, house, etc.) is required to pay annual property tax. Students are responsible for registering cars
and other major property and paying assessed taxes.
Safety Tips
UNC Charlotte is a safe campus, however it is always a good idea to be
aware of your surroundings and walk with another person, especially at night.
There is a handout in your folder with more information.
The UNC Charlotte Police are always available to assist students, and can be
seen around campus, in their office, or if there is an emergency, you can pick
up one of the emergency phones located all over campus (they have a blue-light
on top), and someone will assist you. They can be reached at 687-2200 or in the
King Building, Room 113.
Applying for a U.S. Visa
Travel
To re-enter the U.S. after a temporary absence you must carry the following
documents:
Valid and updated I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature from ISSO staff
within last year
Valid passport
Valid U.S. visa* (some
exceptions may apply for travel to Canada or Mexico)
Current proof of financial support
Unofficial transcript
Also, you will turn-in your I-94 card at the port of exit and obtain a new
one when you re-enter the U.S.
*NOTE: If
your F1 visa has expired or if you’ve changed your status within the U.S.,
you will need to apply for one at a U.S. consulate outside the United
States. At your interview, you will need to provide all of the information
above as well as a letter of enrollment, which
you can request from the ISSO.
NOTE:
If you entered the U.S. under
“special registration”, you must meet with an immigration official at one of
the designated ports of exit (despite any advice to the contrary from any
airline official!). If you have any questions, please ask in the ISSO prior
to your departure.
To travel within the U.S. you
must carry:
passport
I-94
I-20 or DS-2019
*photocopies
of these documents would also suffice
Request Forms
Click
here for instructions on downloading form.
Below is a list of forms available in Word format for
download. Please complete the form requested and either email to:
intlsso@uncc.edu
or drop it by our office. Processing time is normally 2-3
days so please allow sufficient time to complete your request.
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