Regulatory & Legal Matters

Oberlin College Office of International StudentsAnn Deppman, Associate Dean of Studies

International Student Advisor

Your Immigration Documents

Passport F-1 Visa Form I-94 Form I-20 Keep all documents in a safe place. Make copies of all important

documents and keep them separately.

Passport Your identification and travel

document. Must be kept valid at all times. In your passport is your

F-1 student visa.

F-1 Visa The F-1 visa a stamp on a page of your passport that

shows that you have permission to approach the port of entry for entrance to the US for the purpose of full-time study as a student.

It is okay if it expires while you are in the US; the visa just for entrance to the US.

The visa stipulates how many entries you are entitled to up to the expiration date. If you leave the US after your visa has expired, you will need a new visa in order to re-enter the country. Multiple (M): unlimited entries Limited (2,3,4): limit of entries permitted.

Form I-94 The Form I-94 Departure Record (a small white

card usually kept inside your passport) was given to you when you entered the U.S.

It contains the date you entered the country. It was marked D/S (duration of status), which

means you have permission to stay in the US as long as you maintain F-1 status.

The number on this card is your “A” number- it will be noted whenever you enter the US.

Form I-20

This form was sent to you by Oberlin College and contains the specifics about your F-1 status.

It records: Your college Your degree program The length of your degree program

Safekeeping of Immigration Documents

Keep all original documents together in a safe place.

Make copies of everything and keep them in a different safe place.

Keep all of your old I-20s, you may be asked for them someday.

You are responsible for keeping copies of all your immigration documents, Oberlin College is only required to retain copies for one year after graduation.

Your F-1 Student Status

The F-1 status has many privileges and responsibilities.

It is your responsibility to follow the regulations to maintain F-1 status.

Oberlin College DSOs (designated school officials) are your source of information regarding what the regulations will permit.

Oberlin College DSOs have a reporting obligation to the US government.

Maintaining F-1 Status

Engage in full-time study Work only as authorized Report address or name changes to

international student advisor Keep a valid Passport Request extensions (for legitimate

academic reasons) before your I-20 expires

Travel Outside the United States

If you are planning to travel outside the US you must have your I-20 signed by the DSO before you leave the US if it has not been signed within the last 12 months.

If your visa has (or will) expire before you re-enter the US, you will need to have it renewed while you are out of the country.

You cannot renew your visa from within the US.

The SEVIS Database

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a web-based system where DSOs enter and exchange information on international students with the US government.

DSOs are required to report the following each semester for each F-1 student:

Enrollment and registration status Whether a student drops beneath a full course of study Completion of a program of study Extension of a program of study Changes in legal names or address Some academic or disciplinary actions Program changes, transfers, majors, employment authorization &

more!

Employment Regulations for F-1 Students

On-campus Part time (up to 20 hours per week) during the semester

or Full time (more than 20 hours per week) during vacations.

No approval is required. First year students are eligible.

Off-campus Must have receive prior authorization. Must be connected to your studies. First year students are not eligible until then have

completed one academic year of study (they can apply for the benefit the summer after their freshman year.)

On-Campus Employment

Where to Find a Job Campus Dining Services (CDS)

Regular Employment: 1-2 shifts per week Catering Services: 1-2 times per semester

Oberlin Classified Ads Employer must be Oberlin College- visa does not

permit you to accept employment from private individuals.

Other Campus Offices Student Assistance Services- tutoring

Off Campus Employment Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Up to 12 months full time employment experience in field of study

Job offer required Faculty recommendation required.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Post graduation benefit. 12 month F/T employment experience in field of study No employment offer required at time of application $380 application fee Apply 90 days before want to begin work Faculty recommendation required

US Laws & Legal Rights

You are protected by the US Constitution and have legal rights as an F-1 student studying in the US including:

Freedom of Speech Freedom of Assembly Freedom of Religion

You may find some laws very different from those in your own society, remember you are subject to US laws whether or not you are familiar with them.

If you come into conflict with the law contact the International Student Advisor.

US Tax System Taxes are paid at the federal, state and local level. You

may be required to pay taxes on any salary, compensation, or scholarship you have received.

Some countries have tax treaties with the US that reduce or eliminate the amount of taxes owed.

You will need to complete several tax forms upon your arrival in Oberlin.

You will also need to file a total of four (1) federal, (1)state and (2) local tax returns prior to the April 15 deadline in the spring semester.

The international students office will send you an email with more information early in the spring semester.

Social Security NumbersSocial Security Numbers are used as personal identification

numbers for a wide variety of purposes. You will be asked over and over again to supply this number, it will make your life easier if you have one.

You will need a Social Security Number in order to sign a contract for a cell phone.

You will need a Social Security Number in order to have access to some banking functions.

You will need a Social Security Number in order to be paid for employment.

A Social Security Number will make completing your taxes easier.

How to Apply for SSN Complete a Form SS-5 (you do this during the Pre-

Orientation Program- if you miss that program you contact the International Student Advisor.)

Find a job on campus. Have your employer complete the Employment

Verification Form (provided to you during the pre-orientation program, after that contact the international student advisor) and then have it signed by the International Student Advisor.

Apply in person with all of your original document at the Lorain Social Security office. Transportation will be arranged for new students in the fall semester, after that students will need to make their own arrangements to travel to the Lorain office.

Passport – with the F-1 visa stamp in it Oberlin I-20 I-94 Card Employment Verification Form (signed by

work supervisor and international student advisor.)

Form SS-5

Original Documents Required to Apply for A Social Security Number

Where to Apply

Lorain Social Security Office

300 Broadway Ave.

Lorain, OH 4405

Phone: 866-415-0172

Hours: M-F 9:00-3:30

**There are no evening or weekend hours!**

REMEMBER

Oberlin College’s DSOs are your best source of advice regarding visa or regulatory matters, please make an

appointment to meet with one of them if you have questions or concerns. To

make an appointment, call 775-8540 or stop by Peters 205 during normal

business hours.