Immigration Regulations, Benefits and Procedures
Visa renewals
If you need a new entry visa in your passport, you must contact Molly Heidemann three to four weeks before you leave the U.S. For general information on visas, go to: http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
To download visa application forms, look at the "nonimmigrant visa application" section at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html
For information on applying for an F-1 visa, go to: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html
For information on applying for a J visa, go to:http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html
Extension of Stay
Students who are under Miami University's sponsorship (F and J status holders) who have an I-20 or DS-2019 that is getting ready to expire, must contact Molly Heidemann immediately.
In order for Molly to extend your stay and issue a new visa document, you must give her a letter from your adviser that explains why you need more time to finish your degree requirements, what it is that you need to do (take another class, fnish a thesis, etc.), with an expected date of completion and proof of finances. If you are eligible for an extension, Molly will extend your SEVIS record and print a new visa document with your new end date. For more information, contact Molly.
Visa Documents for Dependents
Those in F or J visa status who wish to bring dependents to the U.S., must contact Molly Heidemann in the Office of International Education. You must bring to Molly evidence that you have at least $4000 for the spouse and $1500 for each child. Visa documents for dependents will not be issued until she has evidence of financial support. Proof of marriage must also be provided if you need a visa document for your spouse. To apply for a visa document for your dependent (spouse or child(ren)), fill out the appropriate form below:
The dependent must have the following for their visa interview:
- Visa document for the dependent(s)
- copy of the visa document of the principle F-1 or J-1 holder
- proof of finances that is listed on the visa document
- letter from F-1 or J-1 adviser or supervisor, verifying assistantship or employment
- proof of marriage, if for a spouse and birth certificates for the child(ren)
- any ties to the home country (proof of property ownership, strong ties to family, proof of an authorized leave of absence from work, etc.)
Those in F-2 status can not work or go to school. Those in J-2 status can go to school, but must apply for work authorization with the Citizenship and Immigration Service in order to be employed. Those in E-2, L-2, H-4, and TD status can go to school but can not work under any circumstances.
For information about visa documents for dependents, contact Molly Heidemann.
Travel Documents
Students and Scholars who hold a nonimmigrant visa status must have the proper documentation when re-entering the United States after a temporary absence (during vacations, short trips home, etc).
If you are in F status, take your I-20 and passport to Molly Heidemann or Wynona Little in 216 MacMillan Hall at least two weeks before you leave the U.S. They will make sure that you have all the documents needed in order to re-enter the U.S. If you are in J status, under Miami University sponsorship, take your DS-2019 and passport to Molly or Wynona. If you in J status and Miami did not issue your DS-2019, you must contact the sponsor so they can endorse your DS-2019.
Documents needed to re-enter the U.S. are:
- endorsed visa document
- proof of finances that are listed on the visa document
- admission letter (for students) or appointment letter (for scholars)
- print-out of all the classes you've taken at Miami (students only)
- print-out of your registration for the next semester (if you are leaving at the end of a semester)
- graduate students should get a letter from their department verifying their full-time registration
- valid U.S. entry visa that matches your visa document type
Certificates of Enrollment
Certificates of Enrollment are done for students who need them to defer their military duty, for money exchange, family tax purposes, etc. Complete the form below and turn it in to Molly Heidemann. Allow 2-3 days to process.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
You are given 12 months of OPT that can be used either part-time (20 hrs/wk) during school year or full-time during the summer months and/or after completion of studies. F-1 students get 12 months of OPT after each degree level (Bachelor's, Master's & Ph.D). Work must be related to your field of study, and you must be in valid student status for one full academic year before you are eligible. No job offer is required for post-completion OPT. Fee required; apply early. For information, go to: OPT Information(pdf). To download the I-765 form that is need for the OPT application, go to: http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/index.htm
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
This type of employment can be authorized only if you are earning academic credit for the employment or if it is required for the degree. You must be in full-time student status for one full academic year before you are eligible to apply. No fee required. For information, go to: CPT Information(pdf)
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