Important Immigration and Travel Reminders for Students from Office of International Programs

As the holiday season and end of semester approach, it’s a good time to review your immigration status to ensure everything is in order for your travel and studies. Here are some important reminders for international students:

Update Your I-20 Travel Signature

If you plan to travel outside the U.S. during the holidays, check the travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 form. Travel signatures are valid for one year from the date they are signed. If your travel signature is expired or about to expire, you must request a new one before you travel.

To request a travel signature, email oip@shu.edu with your request. Please allow 5 business days for processing. Also, if your F-1 or J-1 visa in your passport has expired or will expire during your trip, you’ll need to apply for a visa renewal. Be sure to allow enough time to process your visa application before the holiday travel period.

Apply for Post-Completion OPT if You’re Graduating

If you’re graduating this semester, now is the time to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows you to work in the U.S. in a job related to your field of study. Be sure to visit the Office of International Programs website for detailed instructions on the OPT application process. Don’t wait until the last minute—submit your application as soon as possible.

For students in the STEM field, you must first apply for the 12 months Post-Completion OPT. Ninety days prior to the Post-Completion OPT end date, you will be eligible to apply for the additional two years of STEM OPT if you have an e-verify employer. More information will be provided to eligible STEM students from the Office of International Programs in the coming weeks.

Academic Performance Can Impact Your Immigration Status

Students under F-1 and J-1 visa status are expected to make normal progress toward program completion to maintain immigration status. Changing academic plans or performing poorly in your studies can impact your legal status in the U.S. We strongly encourage you to speak with your academic advisor, Student Success advisor, and the Office of International Programs if you have questions regarding your studies. The Office of International Programs offers in-person and virtual appointments during the week. Please feel free to schedule an appointment to speak with an advisor.

Need More Time to Finish Your Studies?

Apply for a Program Extension If your I-20 program end date is approaching, you have been making normal academic progress, and you need additional time to complete your studies, you can apply for a Program Extension. Be sure to meet with your academic advisor to discuss your situation before submitting the extension request. If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of International Programs.

Spring 2025 Course Registration

Immigration regulations require students to register full-time every semester. Graduate students must register for at least 9 credits, and undergraduates for 12 credits. Only 3 online credits, or one online class, can be counted toward full-time enrollment. If you have only one class left to take for the Spring 2025 semester, that class must be an in-person or hybrid class. If Spring 2025 is your last semester and you have fewer than full-time courses left or if you are a PhD student working on a dissertation, please submit a Part-Time Enrollment Request to the Office of International Programs before the start of the Spring 2025 semester. For any questions, you can email oip@shu.edu or schedule an appointment to speak with an advisor.

Check Your Passport Expiration Date

Your passport is an essential document for your stay in the U.S. and must always be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to leave the country. Even if you don’t plan to travel soon, ensure your passport is up-to-date to avoid complications with immigration. Many countries have a consulate in New York City. If you need to renew your passport, check your country’s website to see if you can renew it at your home country’s consulate in New York City.

Final Reminders:

• Read all Office of International Programs emails, as important information is often communicated this way.
• Review the expiration dates of your I-20, visa, and passport as soon as possible.
• Plan ahead and allow enough time for any necessary applications or renewals, especially if you plan to travel during the holidays.
• For any questions or assistance, reach out to the Office of International Programs at oip@shu.edu or schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.

Stay ahead of these important deadlines to ensure a smooth holiday season and graduation process!

Categories: Education, Nation and World