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Office of International Student and Scholar Services
(OISS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is a F-1 Visa?
Question 2: What is a J-1 Visa?
Question 3: What happens if my visa expires?
Question 4: Can I renew my visa in Canada or Mexico?
Question 5: How do I obtain a Driver's License?
Question 6: How do I obtain a Bank Account?
Question 7: How do I obtain a Social Security Number?
Question 8: What is a full-time course load?
Question 9: Am I allowed to work?
Question 10: I am moving, do I need to fill out anything?
Question 11: What do I need to do if I'm travelling?
Question 12: Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
Question 13: I'm leaving Rutgers, do I need to fill out anything?
Question 14: Where can I go for employment information if I am a F-1 student?
Question 15: Where can I go for more OPT information?
The F-1 Visa is a student visa issued to persons who will be full-time students seeking a degree or certificate in an approved school or university. The F-1 Visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate the home country of the applicant and is on one of the pages of your passport with your picture, personal information, and school on it. It is like a ticket to present yourself for entry to the United States.
Some visas allow only one entry, while others allow "multiple" entries. Each visa has an expiration date. For example, if your visa is for multiple entry and valid until July 2007, you may travel in and out of the U.S. as many times as you wish between now and July 2007 with a valid passport, and endorsed I-20.
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A J-1 Visa is issued for an Exchange Visitor who is participating in an established J Exchange program. Exchange Visitors under J-1 visas include secondary school and college students, business trainees, trainees in flight aviation programs, primary and secondary school teachers, college professors, research scholars, medical residents or interns receiving medical training in the U.S., certain specialists, international visitors, and Government visitors.
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Your F-1/J-1 visa does not determine how long you may stay in the U.S. You need not be concerned about the expiration of your F-1 unless you decide to leave the U.S. for a short visit abroad prior to completing your studies. Before you re-enter the U.S., you will need to make sure you have a valid US student visa. The F-1 visa itself (unlike your F-1 status) is only important at the port of entry to the U.S.
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Since there is a US embassy in both countries, you may aply for a visa there. We, however, strongly advise againstthis procedure and recommend that you renew your visa in your home country. Remember that if your application is denied, you will not be admitted back in the US!
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If you're interested in obtaining a Driver's License in the US, you should contact the nearest Motor Vehicles Commission (MVC) to get information on their specific requirements. You can also look up their website: www.state.nj.mvc. Please contact us if you want us to provide you with a letter to confirm your status.
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Certains Banks ( Wachovia, Bank Of America) are well aware of the Immigration regulations. You need only to provide your passport, I-20 / DS-2019, Rutgers ID Card amd the money you wish to deposit. Please contact us if you want us to provide you with a letter to confirm your status.
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Everyone who works for pay in the United States must obtain a social security number, the number used by the U.S. government to identify wage earners for tax purposes. Social Security Administration offices will not issue you a number if you do not have an offer of employment, such as an assistantship or other on-campus job. You do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) to get a driver’s license or open a bank account. Some cell phone and credit card companies may deny your application without an SSN; however, a letter of support from OISS may be helpful. Again, you are only eligible for an SSN if you are eligible for employment in the USA.
For more information about obtaining a social security number, contact the Social Security Administration at: www.ssa.gov and take a look at our Social Security Number Information Packet for more instructions.
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International students in F-1 or J-1 status are required by law to study on a full-time basis (12 credits or more) during the academic year. Some exceptions may be made for graduate students based on the academic advisor’s written recommendation to the OISS. Exceptions are also permitted for students in their final semester who need fewer than 12 credits to graduate, and for graduate students after they have completed required courses and are working on a thesis. Additionally, exceptions can be made for students who have valid medical reasons and for a few academic reasons. If you have any questions, be sure to see OISS before you take any action!
Failure to obtain the approval of OISS to register for fewer than 12 credit hours may cause you to be out of status with the USCIS.
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International students are allowed to work on-campus with certain restrictions. Please check with our employment section for further explanation.
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Within 10 days of your move, you must notify OISS through our Change of address form . You must also notify the USCIS through the AR-11 form. Don't forget to inform the School, the Post Office, your bank and credit cards, the Motor Vehicle, and of course, your family and friends.
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If you travel outside the United States, be sure your documents are in order. F-1 students must have a valid passport, visa, and I-20, which must be signed / endorsed by a Designated School Official (DSO). Everyone is advised to carry financial documentation. Proof of enrollment and financial documentation must be presented when applying for a visa.
Individuals who have changed their status within the United States must apply for a visa in the new status in order to resume that status upon return to the United States. For example, if you entered the U.S. with an H-1B visa and you changed your status to F-1 after arrival, you must apply for an F-1 visa when you travel outside the United States in order to return as an F-1 student. Students should not attempt any travel outside the United States without checking with OISS to ensure that all documents are in order.
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Citizens of certain countries are not required to have a visa to enter Canada. To find out whether or not you need a visa to enter Canada, you should check with the Canadian Consulate in New York City at least three weeks before your planned trip. A complete list of citizens from countries that are required to have visas can be found at: www.cic.gov
You may travel to Canada on an expired F-1 visa if your stay will be shorter than 30 days.
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For whatever reason you wish to leave Rutgers (e.g. done with your studies, transfer,...), please let us know and fill out this Departure form for our records. Back to Top
Question 14: Where can I go for employment information if I am a F-1 student?
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Question 15: Where can I go for more OPT information?
You can go to here for more information. Back to Top
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