Welcome and thank you for attending this update! There have been several changes in the International Student Services Office. First, Pat Macy is no longer with the university and has moved on to other opportunities. Second, Kevin Salts has been hired as an advisor. Third, Ivona Mills will also be moving on to join her family in Utah. We appreciate the contributions they have made here at BYU-Hawaii. Sis. Galloway is our Senior Missionary. 1
BYUH has an impressive history of educating international students. You are part of this legacy. BYUH is responsible for all international students on J visas and F visas. 2
Thank you for your efforts! It helps when everyone is aware and supports one another. 3
We are here to help you stay in status. Everything you hear this morning is very important. 4
If you are graduating make sure you see Sister Galloway to help you with travel arrangements. If you are returning home during the summer break you need travel authorization on your I-20 or DS-2019. Have your documents ready when you arrive at the port of entry. Do not pack your I-20 or DS-2019 in your luggage. Your I-20 or DS-2019 are a form of ID if you travel in the U.S. during the summer. 5
ISS recommends that you first look for internships at home. Handshake has hundreds of internships and jobs posted. Your internship must be directly related to your major. We also encourage you to start this process early. If it s an internship for credit complete the process in Handshake. If you leave campus for an internship, ISS will need your updated contact information for SEVIS. 6
Students with F-visas have 2 options. CPT is an internship during your program and is required for graduation. Work closely with your Academic Advisor to make sure the internship fits within your MAP. You will need an employment offer. There is usually an agreement between BYU-Hawaii and the employer. Options include Spring semester of Spring semester and summer break. You will need to think about housing and insurance while you are away on the internship. 7
The 2 nd option is OPT. Start the process early. Think about what you want to do after graduation and how work experience in the U.S. will help your career. Meet with an ISS advisor 90 days before graduation. The job you seek must be related to your major. You will receive an EAD card that will allow you to work. Look for an experience that will take you home. 8
Students with J-1 visas can seek academic training. The work you seek should be beneficial and add value to your degree. It must be related to your major. We do not encourage job hopping. Remember you have made a commitment to return home. There is a time limit for couples so see an ISS advisor for advice. At the conclusion of your AT, ISS will send you an evaluation form. We want you to complete it and give it your supervisor to give feedback. The U.S. government requires the university to evaluate the impact of your AT for you and for your employer. 9
We have emphasized starting early. Here is a timeline to help you plan ahead. If you are graduating in Fall semester, you will need to complete the process for OPT and AT in September so that you are ready to start working right after graduation. 10
Leave of Absence If you want to take a leave of absence you must complete 2 consecutive semesters. You must not have any holds and you need to show ISS you have insurance. The Leave of Absence will be approved. You cannot take a leave in your last semester. Reduced Course Load There are usually two types. It is your last semester or there are health reasons. If you have health reasons approval comes from the Dean of Students. Online Classes You cannot take online classes in your last semester. Only 1 online class counts toward your full course load of 12 credits in Fall and Winter semesters and 8 credits in Spring. You are not able to take only online classes while you are here in the U.S. You may if you return home for a break during a semester. 11
If you are marrying a U.S. resident or citizen ISS can help you find assistance online. ISS has a checklist that will help you to file the application. If need to file a J-2 waiver, ISS will also help you find assistance online. Again, following the process will help you complete the application. 12
The important news today is that the U.S. government is starting to enforce immigration laws, including for students with F and J visas. After your program ends at BYU-Hawaii you will begin to accrue unlawful presence if you do not return home. The penalties are big. 13
You don t just become out of status. Your future is also affected. 14
The bars will prevent you from re-entering the United States in the future. 15
How do you maintain your status? 16
Here are some of the important ways you can maintain your status. Be sure to keep the laws of the land. Follow the Honor Code. Maintain good grades and continue making progress toward your goal of earning a degree. Finally, don t let your I-20 or DS-2019 expire. If you need more time to graduate meet with your academic advisor and an ISS advisor. 17
Be sure to renew your passport. Start the process if there is less than 9 months remaining on it. If you leave the U.S. you should return within 5 months. Remember to get your I-20 or DS-2019 signed before your travel outside the U.S. Only employment on campus or at PCC is authorized. 18
Here are some more reminders. AT, CPT and OPT must be approved. You must maintain full-time enrollment each semester. Leave of Absence, Reduced Course Load and internships must be approved. 19
ISS is moving forms online to our website during the summer. Look for a summer newsletter as well. Thank you for being here this morning. We appreciate your attendance and participation and hope you will have a great summer. 20
Are there any questions? 21