Frequently Asked Questions
Guidelines for F-1 Visa Holders: Degree Seeking Students
Where can I find detailed information on being an international student in the United States?
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/ - Department of Homeland Security – Study in the States – information for students and schools.
Where is International Programs (INPR) or International Advising?
We are located at UNO (60th and Dodge Streets) on the second floor of Arts and Sciences in room 241. Please contact our office at 402.554.2293 for additional information.
What does Duration of Status (D/S) mean?
As an international student, you would be admitted to the US at the port of entry for duration of status (D/S). This means that you may remain in the United States as long as you maintain your non-immigrant student status. For more information, visit this website: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2015/03/what-is-my-duration-of-status
How does an international student report to the school who issued the I-20?
For initial entry to the US, an F-1 student must report immediately to the school whose form I-20 was used to enter the U.S. Reporting normally takes place during orientation by submitting copies of the form I-20, (DS-2019 for J-1 students), passport ID page, visa, and I-94. Your US address will also be required and can be updated for UNO using MavLINK.
Is it possible to transfer schools upon entry to the US?
The F-1 student may request an immediate transfer out to another school if admission to the new school is obtained and the student is also able to enroll within 30 days of entering the US.
What are the course load requirements for undergraduate and graduate UNO international students with F-1 visas?
Undergraduates: Enroll in 12 UNO credit hours per semester (excluding summer). Undergraduate students starting UNO for the first time in summer must take 6 credit hours. It is important that international students make academic progress and be physically present in classes. (See On-line class regulations)
Graduates: Enroll in 9 UNO graduate credit hours per semester (excluding summer). Graduate students starting UNO for the first time in summer must take 3 credit hours. It is important that international students make academic progress and be physically present in classes. (See on-line class regulations)
What if an F-1 student needs to drop below full-time for academic or medical reasons?
For academic, see page 1 of this form: https://www.unomaha.edu/international-studies-and-programs/_files/images/reduced-courseload.pdf. Permission from the academic advisor and an international student advisor is required before students may drop below full-time enrollment.
For medical, see page 2 of this form: https://www.unomaha.edu/international-studies-and-programs/_files/images/reduced-courseload.pdf. A licensed medical doctor, doctor of Osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist must make the recommendation for a reduced course load using this form. The form will need to be reviewed by an international student advisor and permission given before a student may drop below full-time enrollment. Authorization may not exceed one year. Students may be referred to Accessibility Services as needed.
What are some valid academic reasons for less than full-time enrollment for students on F-1 visas according to immigration regulations?
Initial difficulty with English, American teaching methods, reading requirements, or course level placement. This is permitted only one time in your first two semesters.
Final Semester - Graduating in the current semester and needing fewer credits to graduate.
What are some additional reasons for less than full-time enrollment for graduate students on F-1 visas according to immigration regulations?
Doing a research or teaching fellowship; graduate assistantships
Working on a thesis or dissertation after completing all required coursework.
Can graduate international students take comprehensive exams without taking coursework in Fall or Spring semesters?
No, international students who are required to take comprehensive exams must plan to take these exams while taking other coursework (excluding summer). Only in exceptional circumstances and with prior approval from both an academic advisor and international student advisor will an international student be permitted to take comps during a semester (excluding summer) in which they are not enrolled for any coursework.
International students should register for a thesis, thesis project, or dissertation along with other coursework, when possible. If the international student has not finished the thesis, thesis project, or dissertation after two semesters (excluding summers), they will need to meet with the thesis advisor and submit a projected date of completion form for an international student advisor’s approval. It is recommended that the international student register for credit each semester in which they are working on a thesis, thesis project, or dissertation.
On-Line Class Regulations
How many on-line classes (distance education) can an F-1 student take per semester?
U.S. Immigration regulations require that international students take only one on-line class and have it count towards full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters. At UNO, there are partially on-line classes and totally on-line classes. Only one totally on-line class can count towards the full-time course load. If you have only one class remaining your final semester, it cannot be a totally on-line class.
Some sponsored students have additional restrictions about taking on-line classes and should follow their program sponsor’s guidelines.
Can a UNO undergraduate or graduate student with an F-1 visa take classes at another college (Concurrent Enrollment)?
Immigration regulations allow students to take some credit hours at another school if approved by the international advisor. When enrolling concurrently, UNO requires undergraduate students to take a minimum of nine credits at UNO and graduate students to take a minimum of six credits at UNO. Review UNO’s Concurrent Enrollment Policy. The concurrent enrollment form must be signed by both the academic advisor and the international advisor and the student must provide INPR with a copy of their class schedule at the additional school. Full-time enrollment is required at the beginning of the semester; classes that start later at another school do not count towards full-time enrollment.
If I leave the U.S., will I be able to re-enter?
Most international students travel during summer vacation, winter vacation, or spring break. Before leaving the US, international students must check their I-20 to make sure all the information is correct and have an international student advisor sign the I-20 on page 2 for re-entry. The student must present to the port of entry officer the original I-20 signed for travel and an unexpired passport and visa. It is recommended to have transcripts and financial documentation available, if requested.
If a student is out of the US longer than expected, the student should contact an international student advisor before trying to re-enter the US. The SEVIS record may no longer be active.
What does an F-1 student need to do for travel outside the US?
The following documents are required: valid passport, valid visa, I-20 signed for travel by an international student advisor. Official transcripts and proof of financial support are also recommended. Students should ask for travel signatures approximately 2 weeks before traveling outside the US, including Canada and Mexico. The information (major, sponsor information) on the I-20 should be current and accurate.
Can I take a semester off at UNO?
Generally, an F-1 student may be readmitted after a temporary absence of five months or less from the United States if the student is otherwise admissible. All immigration documents must be valid.
If an international student leaves the US and has been authorized for an early authorized withdrawal from their program, the international student advisor will terminate the SEVIS record for Early Authorized Withdrawal. This is not a negative termination. At least 30-45 days before the student returns to the U.S., the international advisor must contact SEVIS to reactivate the record for the student’s reentry. International students should contact an international student advisor before their return date to make sure that their SEVIS record has been activated.
What does an F-1 student need to do upon re-entry to the U.S.?
Provide International Advising with a copy of any new documents – passport, visa, or I-94. Any local/current address change must be updated in MavLINK within 10 days of moving.
What is the process for and F-1 to transfer from one SEVIS school to another?
Transfer to UNO from another school:
When transferring from another school in the US to UNO, students must make an appointment with an international student advisor within 15 days of the start of their program to sign and receive the transfer form I-20. Make sure that the former school has been notified of the UNO admission and released your SEVIS record to UNO. Please schedule an appointment before school starts or during the first week of classes. If you are traveling outside the US before the new semester starts, contact INPR to request that your transfer I-20 be issued and sent to you. You must create and account and pay for a shipping label on UEMS to receive your transfer I-20.
Transfer from UNO to another school:
Prior to completing your UNO semester, F-1 students must provide the international student advisor with the new school’s admission letter for the next available semester and request to have the SEVIS record released to the new school after the end of the UNO semester. The next school will issue a form I-20 upon release of the SEVIS record from UNO. Be sure to buy health insurance coverage for the time between schools.
Can F-2 Visa Holders (dependents of F-1 students) study?
Dependents (F2) should purchase UNO health insurance immediately upon arrival. F-2 visa holders cannot work in the United States. F-2 visa holders may study at UNO or ILUNO on a part-time basis. UNO defines part-time study as the following:
- ILUNO – Less than 18 clock hours per session
- Undergraduate – Up to 9 credit hours per semester
- Graduate – Up to 6 credit hours per semester
Dependents wishing to engage in full-time study must change their status to F-1. The change of status application must be approved before enrolling full-time at UNO. This can take many months to approve.
What happens if an F-1 student fails to maintain status with the United States Department of Homeland Security (US DHS)?
Failing to comply with immigration regulations is a serious matter and will result in the loss of student status. This happens when a student is not enrolled full-time and has not been approved for a reduced course load, exceeds the on-line class limit set by DHS, or engages in unauthorized employment. Any student who falls out of status with immigration loses all benefits of the student visa status such as on-campus employment. Incarceration and deportation are also possible. If this happens, options include returning home or applying for reinstatement by application to the US DHS. Instructions to apply for reinstatement are found on the International Advising website. For more information, see Study in the States information about maintaining status.
What are the consequences of violating U.S. laws?
While studying in the U.S. you must follow the U.S. federal, state, and city laws in order that you don’t jeopardize your U.S. immigration status. For example, an arrest for possession of marijuana (you or others with you), driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), or possession of a firearm could cause you to have your visa revoked or lead to other negative consequences. Violating university policies and the UNO Code of Conduct can also be harmful to your immigration status.
Some examples:
- The possession of marijuana is prohibited in the state of Nebraska.
- The legal age to buy or drink alcohol is 21.
- Driving offenses (reckless driving and speeding) including not purchasing car insurance can have very serious consequences.
- It is against the law to leave a young child alone at home, in a public place, or in a car.
- It is important for you to fully understand sexual misconduct and legal issues of consent.
- Domestic disputes which harm another person can lead to arrests.
What is the process to extend the I-20 for the F-1 academic program?
If an F-1 student cannot complete the educational program by the end date on the form I-20, it is critical to apply for an extension at least two weeks before the form I-20 expires. An extension of stay must be requested and approved prior to the expiration of the I-20 in order to maintain valid F-1 visa status. Poor academic performance is not, in itself, a permissible ground for approving an extension. Students requesting an extension must provide a compelling academic or medical reason verified by the academic advisor and international student advisor, an updated financial affidavit form, and recent bank documents showing funding to complete the program.
What kind of on-campus employment is possible for an F-1 student?
F-1 students are permitted to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during the summer or official school breaks. F-1 students are not permitted to work off-campus or to engage in business without specific employment authorization.
- Work opportunities on campus for F1 students are limited to “student worker” jobs and not “work study” jobs.
- How does an F-1 student obtain work authorization for off-campus employment based on Economic Necessity?
- Work permits are very difficult to obtain. After a student is in F-1 student status for one academic year, it is possible to apply for employment authorization based on unforeseen, severe financial needs arising after receiving student status. Remember, the F-1 visa was granted, the student assured the visa officer of providing sufficient funds to cover the duration of the future academic program. In order to demonstrate true economic necessity an international student must prove unforeseen financial stress through clear documentation. A work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD) based on financial need ends when a student graduates or transfers to another school.
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit for F-1 students who have completed their academic studies and have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year. It allows them to work for one year in their field of study and at their level of education. OPT can be granted after one degree program, then again after a higher educational degree program, to students who have maintained status. A job offer is not required at the time of application. Students may apply prior to completion of studies or during the 60-day grace period following completion of studies by submitting forms to the international advisor. Students should apply for OPT at least 90 days before they plan to begin working and complete OPT within 14 months of graduation. Students cannot apply more than 90 days before graduation. Full or part-time work cannot begin until the employment authorization card for OPT has been received.
Detailed information about both regular OPT and STEM OPT applications is provided on the UNO International advising website and through information sessions provided by International Advising.
What is STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F1 Students?
Students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) and employed by an e-verify employer may apply for an OPT STEM extension which may give them 24 additional months of OPT after the initial 12 months of OPT employment. Contact your academic department and an international student advisor to determine if your degree program or major field of study is a STEM program at UNO. This is determined by your academic department and the UNO Registrar’s office who reviews curriculum and assigns CIP codes. The STEM Designated Degree Program List is available online.
Detailed information about both regular OPT and STEM OPT applications is provided on the UNO International advising website and through information sessions provided by International Advising.
What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 students?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a benefit for students who have maintained status by enrolling full-time for at least one academic year, who have a job offer for a given semester, and who have enrolled for credit associated with the CPT. By immigration regulation, CPT must be integral to the international student’s program of study. Other students may refer to similar jobs as internships. CPT must be authorized by both an academic advisor and an international student advisor on the student’s form I-20 before work can begin. CPT Application forms explaining the process are available in the International Programs office and online.
How do I report a change of address which is required by US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)?
DHS requires international students and scholars to submit any change of address within 10 days of a move. Please make any changes in MavLINK. It is important to list the Omaha address as the local/current address and the home country address as the permanent address. Immigration does not accept post office box numbers for permanent addresses. International Programs must always have your current phone number and email address as well.
What are the most important immigration regulations for F-1 students?
Keep these guidelines in mind to avoid serious SEVIS issues:
- You must enroll full-time at the beginning of each semester, attend your classes, and make academic progress to maintain your status. (Take note of on-line class load restrictions.)
- Never work off-campus without authorization from an international student advisor.
- Report any changes in your local address, immigration status, or legal name to an international student advisor within 10 days of any change. This is required by immigration.
- You must notify an international student advisor in advance if you need to leave the program early.
- Notify an international student advisor immediately if you change your major or change your level of study in order to be issued a new form I-20.
- DHS says to carry your passport, visa, and I-20.
- Make certain your passport is always valid six months into the future.
- Never leave the United States without your form I-20 or DS-2019 (signed by an international student advisor), a valid passport, and a valid re-entry visa.
- You are responsible to request in advance to have your form I-20 or DS-2019 extended prior to the last date if you decide to study past the date of expiration.
- If you are outside the U.S. for more than five months on an F-1 visa, you will need a new visa, new SEVIS fee, and new I-20 for re-entry to the U.S.
- Be aware that any arrests (not convictions) for alcohol or drug possession and other legal offenses are very serious for international students and scholars.
How can international students stay well informed of important Immigration issues?
Please contact an international student advisor if you have any questions about your immigration status or immigration regulations. It is not necessarily advisable to trust information passed on by fellow students.
Please check your UNO e-mail regularly for important immigration information.
Timely information and reminders about immigration policies are always available in the International Student Advising section at world.unomaha.edu/advising or via many important email notices sent to international students.
Where do I find work?
Follow these steps to find and begin employment on campus:
- Learn about Student Employment at http://www.unomaha.edu/business-and-finance/human-resources/student-employees/index.php
- Find a student worker position that you are interested in. Note that “work study” positions are federally funded and not open to international students.
- Apply online and interview directly with the department that has the job opening.
- Obtain a signed letter of intent to hire on department letterhead.
- Bring the letter of intent to hire, passport, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94, and MavCard to the front counter in the International Advising office and complete the Student Request Form.
- The letter you need to take to the Social Security office to obtain their card from our office should be ready to pick up in a few days.
To work on campus, you must obtain a Social Security card.
- Take the Social Security letter from the International Advising office, your letter of intent to hire, your passport, I-94, I-20 or DS-2019, and your student ID to the Social Security office, where you will fill out an application for a Social Security number. The INPR office has instructions and a map for you.
- Social Security Administration
- The nearest Social Security office is accessible by Metro bus (See instructions sheet available in the International Office.):
- Social Security Administration
- Old Mill Centre
- 604 N. 109th Court
- Omaha, NE 68154
- Local office: 1.866.716.8299
- National toll-free: 1.800.772.1213
- TTY: 1.800.325.0778
What should I do next?
Take your receipt from the Social Security office to the UNO Payroll Office in the Eppley Administration Building, Room 205. Bring your passport, I-94, I-20 or DS-2019, and your MavCard.
What do I need to know about filing tax forms in the U.S. if I have worked here (or even without work)?
All international students who are physically present in the US are required to complete Form 8843 regardless of earned income or not. All students who earned income are required to report their earnings to the IRS and state government. 15 April is the deadline each year for completing tax forms for the previous year. More information will be provided by International Advising to your UNO email in the spring of each year.