IEC Student Handbook: Immigration Information

Immigration Information

The following rules governing F-1 visas are subject to changes. It is important to follow these rules!

If you have student status, you must be full time (20 hours a week) at the IEC. You cannot take a break from studying until you have studied for at least four sessions at the IEC. After four sessions, you are eligible to take a vacation session.

If you change your address, you must inform the Immigration Advisor within 10 days of the change of address.

If you have plans to leave the U.S. for a vacation and then return to the IEC, you must bring your I-20 to our office. The Immigration Advisor will sign your I-20 (provide you with a travel signature). You must take your I20, passport and a printed out copy of your I-94 with you when you leave the U.S.

If you lose your I-20 or your I-94, inform the Immigration Advisor; replacements will be created for you.

The IEC encourages all students to focus on their English language studies and therefore does not approve requests to work on or off-campus.

International students on F-1 visas may only apply for an SSN if they are working on campus; however, the IEC does not approve requests to work on campus.

You must make sure that your I-20 has not expired (this is not the date on your visa). Look at item #5 of your I-20 for the expiration date, which is written as: “complete studies not later than (date).” If you are planning on studying at the IEC past the time indicated on your I-20, you will need to request a Program Extension before your I-20 Form expires. Please check with the Immigration Advisor for more information regarding a program extension.

If you are transferring to another school, you must:
• Apply and be accepted to the new school.
• Tell the Immigration Advisor that you are planning to change to another school.
• Give the Immigration Advisor a copy of your acceptance letter and a transfer request form from your new school.
• Check in with your new school’s Student Services/Immigration office during the first 14 days of class to complete your transfer.

Special conditions apply to students on other visas or on the Visa Waiver Program. Please see the Immigration Advisor for further assistance.