Immigration and Programming Updates

Important Immigration and Programming Updates 2009

SPRING

Message from the ISO: New location/limited services

Dear International Students:
Hope you are having a terrific summer wherever you may be - in Tempe or somewhere around the world!
This email is to inform you that the International Student Office (ISO) will be moving to the Tempe Center on Mill Avenue.
To facilitate the move, the ISO will be closed on Friday- Wednesday, June 5-10, 2009. We will reopen on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at our new address:

International Student Office 
Arizona State University
Tempe Center, Suite 150 http://www.asu.edu/parking/pdf/asu_pts_tempe2008_web.pdf ( TMPCT building)
951 S. Mill Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85287-4311
Tel. 480-965-7451

• Appointment scheduling and document drop off- will resume on Thursday, June 11th. 
• Document processing will continue to be 10-14 working days from the time of document drop-off.
• ISOeadvisors will not be able to respond to emails on the days of office closure. Expect a 5-7 day response time for emails sent to both ISO and ISOeadvisor as of June 5, 2009.
• We appreciate your patience during our absence. Please plan accordingly and thank you for your cooperation.

International Student Office Staff

Message from the ISO: End of SEMESTER REMINDERS for Spring 2009

Greetings from the ISO!

As we approach the end of the Spring 2009 Semester, the staff of the International Student Office wishes you success in your finals and other academic endeavors. 

• For additional resources to support your success as you prepare for finals, go to the ASU Learning Support Services website http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/lss  
• All ASU students are welcome to attend the FREE FINALS BREAKFAST on the evening of Reading Day, May 6th, Wednesday, 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm to refresh and refuel before finals. Participating locations: Manzy Square, Hassayampa Dining Center, Pitchforks in the MU. For more details, visit http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/mu/finalsbreakfast

Below are important reminders:

To ensure you receive updated immigration information from the ISO please check your ASU email account periodically. You can review the email messages on this web page: http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/ed/iso/updates.htm

• The ISO will be open during the summer vacation. The processing time at the ISO for any document/form/signature request is 10-14 full working days. Other requests may take more time. If you send an email to ISOeadvisor@asu.edu you will get a response between 2-3 days. Please plan accordingly.
• Practice safety this summer; the ASU Police Crime Prevention Section offers general safety tips on their website: http://uabf.asu.edu/police_safetytips

We appreciate your attendance at Arizona State University and consider it a privilege to have worked with you. If you are completing your studies and moving on from ASU, we congratulate you on your achievements. To the continuing students, congratulations for the successful completion of this semester – we look forward to your return!

Please be cautious in your travels and have a safe and enjoyable summer break!

The International Student Office 

ISOeadvisor@asu.edu

Message from the ISO: INFORMATION FOR GRADUATING F-1 STUDENTS

Students completing their program this Spring 2009 semester or Summer 2009 session who want to apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit must apply 100 days prior to their employment start date to get the full 12 months of OPT. You may also apply within the 60th day after completion date, however, the 12-month OPT is not guaranteed in this case.  You may end up with 10 months of OPT.  Plan accordingly.

1. Deadline to submit OPT application to the ISO is 3 weeks prior to the 60th day after completion date.  Failure to meet the deadlines will result in, without exception, the loss of your OPT benefit.
2. Students who do not complete their program as previously reported on the Completion of Coursework Form, OPT/CPT application, or any other document must report to the ISO prior to the completion date for appropriate advisement.  Failure to do so will cause loss of F-1 status and consequently, loss of the OPT benefit.
3. Upon completion of studies, F-1 students must be in one of the following situations:

• Engaged in OPT, have a pending OPT application or plan to apply for OPT in a timely manner.
• Admitted to a new program at ASU or other institution.  If you intend to enter another degree program here at ASU, you must come to the ISO to request for a new I-20 reflecting the new program.  If you will transfer to another US institution, you must contact the ISO for SEVIS transfer process information.
• Applied for change to another immigration status.  If you have received a Notice of Action from USCIS regarding a change of your immigration status, please contact the ISO immediately to get your record updated in SEVIS.
• IMPORTANT! If NOT in any of the above situations, students must depart the USA within 60 days.

1. Further Important Notes:

• After completion of studies, you are not allowed to continue to work on campus as a student.  Any employment as a student after degree completion is considered unauthorized and will jeopardize your immigration status.
• Graduating students are advised to keep their immigration documents indefinitely. After you leave the University, the ISO keeps your file for a limited period only and will not be able to assist with requests for documents or verification of student status after files have been destroyed.

The International Student Office

ISOeadvisor@asu.edu

Message from the ISO: SEVIS COMPLIANCE Information for CONTINUING F-1 STUDENTS

1. F-1 students who are getting close to the expiration date listed on their I-20 (listed on page 1 in item #5 as “complete studies not later than...”) must file a request for an extension at the ISO within 60 days of your I-20 end date and no later than 10 working days BEFORE your immigration document expires.  Failure to do so will cause loss of F-1 status.
2. OPT students who did not complete as previously reported on the Completion of Coursework Form, OPT/CPT application, or any other document must report to the ISO prior to the completion date for appropriate advisement.  Failure to do so will cause loss of F-1 status and consequently, loss of the OPT benefit.
3. Must maintain full-time status at all times.  Keep in mind:

• Only 3 ONLINE/DISTANCE LEARNING CREDITS can be counted towards full-time enrollment requirement.
• AUDIT GRADES are not counted towards the full-time requirement.
• Enrollment for “late start” courses to meet the full-time requirement must be done within the published drop/add period and no later than August 30, 2009.  Failure to comply will cause you to be terminated in SEVIS.

1. August 13, 2009 - final day to request PERMISSION from the ISO to concurrently enroll at a local community college in the Fall 2009 semester.
2.  August 28, 2009 - final day to submit immigration approved exception to full course of study documents to ISO (i.e. PROOF of concurrent enrollment, Completion of Coursework form for final semester, medical etc.)
3. August 31, 2009 - date that SEVIS record will be terminated for students not full time as of August 30—published late registration & drop/add deadline.  No exceptions!
4. Students who have made any change to their academic programs, (i.e. switched degree options, major change, change of education level, etc) must report the change to the ISO as soon as possible for immigration advisement.  Please note: A new I-20 may need to be issued to reflect your new program information.
5. Anytime you move, update address information through the My ASU website (my.asu.edu) within 10 days.  Use your home in Tempe/Phoenix area as your LOCAL address and your home country residence as SEVIS address.  Do not list PO boxes.  Failure to do so will cause loss of student status.

Important Note: The processing time at the ISO for any document/form/signature request is 10-14 full working days.  Other requests may take more time so please plan accordingly. 

 The International Student Office

ISOeadvisor@asu.edu

Message from the ISO: THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU TRAVEL for F-1/J-1 students

• Please check your DS-2019/ASU I-20 for a valid travel signature by a Designated School Official from the International Student Office. Signatures are valid for 1 year from the date of last signature except for students on OPT*.
• If the signature will be valid on the date that you will re-enter the US you may use it for travel.
• If the signature will be expired on the date that you return to the US, submit your most current DS-2019/ASU I-20 to the ISO as soon as possible to obtain a travel signature.  This process may take up to 10-14 working days.  Failure to submit it in a timely manner may cause delay and the cost of mailing it to your country of destination will be your responsibility.

*OPT travel signatures are valid for 6 months from the date of last signature.  For complete OPT travel information please go to the ISO website http://www.asu.edu/international/opt.html.

DOCUMENTS to carry when you return to the US in student or exchange visitor status:

• Valid F-1 or J-1 visa
• DS-2019 or ASU I-20 with travel signature endorsed within 1 year
• Passport, valid 6 months into the future
• Enrollment Verification and ASU Unofficial Transcript (request from the REGISTRAR's Office, SSV Bldg. #144)
• If you plan to travel to a country other than your own, you should contact the Consulate of that country to find out if you need a visa. You can access it through the State Government website http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/ and follow to the list of Foreign Consulates in the U.S.Automatic visa revalidation: Citizens of some countries who are in the US with an expired F-1/J-1 visa will be able to return to the US after travel to Mexico, Canada and the neighboring islands/US territories under the following conditions: visit is not more than 30 days and the purpose is pleasure or vacation only, maintained full-time status at all times, has DS-2019/ASU I-20 endorsed for travel within a year (or 6 months for OPT).  Check with the ISO, ISOeadvisor@asu.edu if your country is on the list of non-eligibility to receive the automatic visa revalidation benefit.
• If you are planning to renew your expired student visa in your home country you must apply early and expect delays.  In addition submit your most current DS-2019/ASU I-20 to the ISO to obtain an updated travel signature.

DOCUMENTS for visa renewal purposes: DS-2019/ASU I-20 with updated travel signature, Passport, valid 6 months into the future, Financial Guarantee (i.e., current semester TA/RA letter, bank statement obtained within the last 6 months), Enrollment Verification and ASU Unofficial Transcript (request from the REGISTRAR's Office, SSV Bldg. #144)

• Consult individual embassy websites for periodic updates on country-specific visa processing. Lists of US Embassies abroad can be accessed through this website http://usembassy.state.gov/
• Students subject to SPECIAL REGISTRATION should remember all entry and exit requirements to avoid delays.  For additional information or specific questions on special registration, go to the USICE website link http://www.ice.gov/pi/specialregistration/index.htm or contact USCIS National Customer Service Center 1-800-375-5283.
• US-Visit Program: US-VISIT is part of a continuum of security measures that begins overseas and continues through a visitor's arrival in and departure from the United States.  For more information, visit the US-VISIT Program website http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs/content_multi_image_0006.shtm

The International Student Office

ISOeadvisor@asu.edu

5th ANNUAL ASU OLYMPICS

Dear International Student:

The Coalition of International Students (CIS) is holding the 5th Annual ASU Olympics. This event gives students the chance to get together, play sports and meet each other. So GET YOUR FRIENDS TOGETHER and join in the sports tournaments we have scheduled!

The sports offered are: soccer, basketball, racquetball, tennis, volleyball, flag football and table tennis.

The tournaments will take place on Friday, April 10th , Saturday, April 11th  & Sunday, April 12th at the ASU Student Recreation Complex.

There's a small fee of $1 per person per game, but every participant will get an awesome ASU Olympics t-shirt!  

Please fill out the appropriate form(s) which can be found on the Coalition of International Students website http://cis.asu2002.googlepages.com/asuolympics2009 and return them by email to cis.asu2002@gmail.com no later than April 7th!!!

Coalition of International Students

Message from the ISO: ISO Presentation Series: OPT & Beyond - Spring 2009

Dear International Student:

The ISO would like to invite you to the ISO Presentation Series - Spring 2009. We have invited Atty. Danielle Boyd, Immigration lawyer and ASU career advisers to speak at these events. These are highly recommended for students who are nearing completion of their degree program at ASU and plan to pursue a career in the US after graduation. No reservations are needed. Seating is limited, so please come on time.

ISO Presentation Series

Spring 2009

Part I 
Friday, April 3, 2009
10:00 am—11:30 am, MU 241C (Ventana C)
"Visa Options Beyond OPT”
Danielle Boyd, Attorney-at-Law,
Immigration Law

Part II
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
A. 2:00 pm—3:00 pm, SSV 329 Training Lab
“International Student Job Search Workshop”
Mary Fachman, Career Services Specialist Sr.
ASU Career Services
Thursday, April 2, 2009

B. 2:00 pm—3:00 pm, SSV 329 Training Lab
“An Introduction to High Performance Interviewing”
Scott Berren, Career Services Specialist Sr.
ASU Career Services

Message from the ISO: J-1 Employment/Address/Dependent Insurance Reporting

Dear J-1 Student:

Our records show that you are currently a J-1 student and therefore must comply with SEVIS reporting requirements. To ensure that you are maintaining your J-1 status while attending ASU, you must comply with the below information as soon as possible.

Please send us an update of your current employment situation:

• If you are currently employed you need to fill out and sign the attached form. You must submit this to the ISO as soon as possible by scanning and sending by email, in person, or fax to 480-965-9608. b)      If you are currently not employed, please indicate this in your response.

Important!

1. Any future employment needs prior authorization from the ISO and reported in SEVIS.
2. As soon as you have accepted a job/position, please send an email to the ISOeadvisor@asu.edu for employment authorization instructions.
3. Please check and confirm that your LOCAL and SEVIS addresses are updated in your My ASU account. Use your home in Tempe/Phoenix area as your LOCAL address and your home country residence as your SEVIS address.
4.  If you have a dependent on J-2 status currently in the US, please submit proof of dependent J-2 insurance information to the ISO, if you have not done so already.

Notes:

• Failure to respond in a timely manner will jeopardize your immigration status.
• The processing time at the ISO for any document/form/signature request is 10-14 full working days. Other requests may take more time so please plan accordingly.
• If you have any questions, please send an email to the ISO at ISOeadvisor@asu.edu.
• The International Student Office

ISOeadvisor@asu.edu

Message from the ISO: Spring Break Travel Advisory

SPRING BREAK TRAVEL        

• If you are planning to travel out of the country, do not forget to check p.3 of your form I-20 or p.1 of your DS-2019 and make sure that you have a travel endorsement within the year. If you need a new signature, bring your I-20 to the ISO as soon as possible! ISO processing time is 10-14 working days so please plan accordingly. Students on OPT must have a valid signature for 6 months. Fulbright sponsored students must contact IIE directly for travel signature information. For complete international travel reminders, please visit the ISO website http://asu.edu/international/travel.html
• If you are travelling within the USA, no need for a travel signature but you must carry identification documents with you: I-20/DS-2019, I-94, valid Passport. There are various checkpoints within the U.S. manned by United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP). 

Message from the ISO: TAX INFORMATION Spring 2009

• All students and dependents in F/J status must complete and submit tax forms if you were in the U.S. for any part of 2008.
• All F-1 and J-1 students who were employed by ASU for any part of 2008 should have received W-2 Forms from Human Resources postmarked by January 31, 2009. Certain students with taxable scholarships will receive 1042-S Form from Glacier around the middle of February 2009.
• Besides being a legal requirement, it is often to your advantage to file a tax return, as some of your wages were withheld and may be refunded to you.
• You need to determine what category you belong to from the choices below and file the appropriate forms accordingly:

1. IRS form 8843- If you had no income from U.S. sources in 2008, file by April 15, 2009. This form can be downloaded from the IRS website: www.irs.gov/index.html and/or you can pick up a hard copy at the IRS office at 40 W. Baseline in Tempe.
2. IRS forms 8843 and 1040 NR or 1040 NR-EZ- If you earned U.S. income in 2008, file the by April 15, 2009. These forms can be downloaded from the IRS website: www.irs.gov/index.html
3. 1040 NR-EZ form-Those who will not claim dependents and whose only U.S. income is from wages, tips or grants, file by April 15, 2009. Read the cover of the form instructions for a detailed list of who can use this form. All other F/J status students with U.S. income in 2008 must use the 1040 NR.
4. You will also need to file a tax return for every state that you earned income in for the year 2008. In Arizona, you will file with the Arizona Department of Revenue form 140 NR. The form 140 NR can be downloaded from the ADR website: www.revenue.state.az.us
5. The ISO cannot address further taxation issues. Please attend a VITA session below to get that information or contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

TAX FILING RESOURCES

I. VITA PROGRAM

The ASU Law School in cooperation with the VITA program has arranged for volunteers to help international students fill out and file tax forms or answer tax related questions. VITA- help is available on the following dates, times at the Physical Education Building East (PEBE). 

DAY

Wednesday 2/4/2009
Thursday 2/5/2009
Wednesday 2/11/2009
Thursday 2/12/2009
Wednesday 2/18/2009
Thursday 2/19/2009
Wednesday 2/25/2009
Thursday 2/26/2009
Wednesday 3/4/2009
Thursday 3/5/2009
Wednesday 3/18/2009
Thursday 3/19/2009
Wednesday 3/25/2009
Thursday 3/26/2009
Wednesday 4/1/2009
Thursday 4/2/2009
Wednesday 4/8/2009
Thursday 4/9/2009

TIME 

6:00pm - 9:00pm

LOCATION

PEBE 219

PLEASE COME EARLY! Ther are limited space and volunteers.

WHAT TO BRING:

1. Immigration documents: I-20/DS-2019, passport, I-94
2. All tax documents you have received: W-2 Form(s), 1042-S Form from Glacier, if applicable, Tuition statement for tax purpose from ASU, Bank statement indicating interest income, Previous Year Tax Return, Tax forms from each state (outside of Arizona) you earned money in, if any, as they will not have those forms on hand.
3. CINTAX - This is an additional resource available to foreign students and foreign employees for preparation of their US tax returns - specifically, a web-based software called CINTAX that ASU has secured for your use. CINTAX is available to all foreign nationals who have received payments from ASU. You will receive an email notification from Glacier when CINTAX becomes available (around March 1st) for use in preparing your 2008 tax return. You can access CINTAX through your Glacier account.

Message from the ISO: SEVIS Spring 2009

IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION INFORMATION UPDATE FOR Spring 2009 for F-1 & J-1 degree-seeking students only

SEVIS 

1. ALL NEW & TRANSFER students must report to the ISO for SEVIS initial registration processing. To facilitate this, students must bring to the ISO copies of their validated I-20/DS-2019, I-94 card, passport pages with name, photo and expiration date, US visa and print-out of the updated LOCAL and SEVIS addresses from MyASU website my.asu.edu.  

Example of LOCAL address:
Address: 115 E Lemon St. #15
City: Tempe
State: AZ
Zip Code: 85251

Example of SEVIS address:
Address: 513 Venkateshwara Nagar 
City: Rajahmundry
Province/Territory: AP
Postal Code: 533103
Country: India

1. DEADLINE to report to the ISO for SEVIS initial registration is January 23th. Failure to report in a timely manner will result in the loss of your F-1 status and your SEVIS record will be TERMINATED. Terminated records are subject to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement review which could result to deportation.
2.  J-1 students must report to the Alternate Responsible Officer/Responsible Officer who signed their respective DS-2019 for SEVIS program validation.
3. All continuing students who have continually maintained full-time status will be automatically registered in SEVIS for Spring 2009 semester. There is NO NEED to report to the ISO for this transaction.
4. SEVIS registration verifies maintenance of student status. Failure to maintain student status at the time of SEVIS registration will cause you to be terminated in SEVIS. For complete information about maintaining your visa status, please refer to p. 2 of your I-20/DS-2019 or visit the ISO website at http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/ed/iso/. 
5. Periodic reporting to SEVIS occurs for the following events: dropping below full-time without ISO authorization, personal biographical information changes, address information changes, degree level and program changes.

Let us know if you have any questions.

The International Student Office 

ISOeadvisor@asu.edu

Message from the ISO: ENROLLMENT ADVISORY Spring 2009

IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION INFORMATION UPDATE FOR Spring 2009  for F-1 & J-1 degree-seeking students only

ENROLLMENT ADVISORY 

Important! By January 25th, the published drop-add deadline, students must be enrolled full-time! Students not enrolled in a full course of study by this date without prior ISO authorization or who withdraw from class/es without contacting the ISO will be placed on administrative hold to prevent future registration at ASU and SEVIS record will be TERMINATED for failure to maintain status. Terminated records are subject to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement review which could result to deportation.

• Students must be registered full-time at all times. Full-time is 12 credit hrs for undergraduates/ 9 credit hrs for graduates or 6 credit hrs with an assistantship (unless the department or college requires more).
• No more than 3 credit hrs from any online/distance learning course may be applied towards the full-time requirement each semester.
• AUDIT grades are not counted towards full-time enrollment.
• Students who will be enrolled in “late start” courses to meet the full-time requirement must register for the late start courses within the published drop/add period and no later than August January 25, 2009. Failure to comply will cause you to be terminated in SEVIS.
• Undergraduate students who are approved for concurrent enrollment at a community college for Spring 2009 semester must submit:

- proof of community college registration by close of business day by January 23, 2009
- community college final grade report by May 29, 2009

•  Classes taken at the local community college with concurrent enrollment must start no later than January 25, 2009 to be counted towards the full-time requirement.
• Students must submit the COMPLETION OF COURSEWORK FORM or other appropriate form to receive ISO approval for exceptions to the full-course-of-study requirement by January 23, 2009 and/or PRIOR to dropping below full-time for any reason. These forms often also require faculty and/or advisor signature so please plan accordingly. Requests after close of business day Friday, January 23, 2009 will not be processed.

Let us know if you have any questions.

The International Student Office 

ISOeadvisor@asu.edu

Message from the ISO: Spring 2009 for F-1 & J-1 degree-seeking students only

Welcome

The entire staff of the International Student Office (ISO) would like to welcome new and continuing students as you begin the Spring 2009 semester. Please take a moment to read all ISO Messages we will send you from hereon. It is of utmost importance to review deadlines and plan ahead according to your individual circumstances to avoid immigration/visa problems. We highly recommend that you print a copy of the emails for future reference.

ISO Matters

1. If you need any immigration related information or advisement it is highly recommended that you email isoeadvisor@asu.edu first before making an appointment. Emails are responded to between 1-3 working days. You will be directed to meet an advisor if necessary.
2. The processing time at the ISO for an I-20 signature, letter of certification, or other routine document is 10-14 full working days. Other document requests and transactions may require more time. Incomplete documents will not be processed and will take more time. Please plan accordingly.
3. Please remember to always check your ASU email account to watch for future immigration updates and programming announcements from the ISO.

We look forward to a successful semester and wish you all a happy Spring semester!

The International Student Office 

ISOeadvisor@asu.edu

Message from the ISO: MAINTAINING STATUS Spring 2009

IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION INFORMATION UPDATE FOR Spring 2009 for F-1 & J-1 degree-seeking students only

MAINTAINING STATUS

1. Check the validity dates of your I-20/DS-2019 and Passports. Apply for an I-20/DS-2019 extension within 60 days (30 days for DS-2019) BEFORE the expiration date. An expired I-20/DS-2019 will result in the loss of your status. Contact the ISO for extension application details.
2. Check the degree program level and major information in your I-20/DS-2019. If the information does not match your current degree level and major, please send an email to isoeadvisor@asu.edu so we can verify if your I-20/DS-2019 will be updated.
3. If you have made any change to your academic programs, (i.e. switched degree options, major change, change of education level, admitted to a concurrent degree/certificate program, etc) this Spring 2009 semester, please send an email to isoeadvisor@asu.edu so we can verify if the change has affected your status and/or if you need to request for an I-20/DS-2019 update.
4. Students who are currently on OPT must pay attention to the I-20 expiration date. If degree is not completed by the expiration date of the I-20, you must contact ISO for further advisement. Failure to do so will cause termination of your SEVIS record.
5. Passport must be valid at least 6 months into the future. Contact your respective country embassy within the US for passport renewal processes.
6. Students who have pre-approved insurance coverage through their government or official sponsor must request, obtain and submit an insurance waiver to Campus Health Service every semester no later than two weeks after classes start to avoid paying the ASU insurance.
7. Anytime you move, update your address information on MyASU website within 10 days at my.asu.edu. For your LOCAL address use your home in Tempe/Phoenix area; and for your SEVIS address use your home country address. Addresses must be a residence; PO BOX, company/school, and C/O are not acceptable for both LOCAL and SEVIS address.
8. If you have received a Notice of Action from USCIS regarding a change of your immigration status or entered the US in a different visa status, please contact the ISO immediately to get your record updated in SEVIS.
9. J-1 students who are currently employed or who will accept any future employment needs prior authorization from the ISO and reported in SEVIS. As soon as you have accepted a job/position, please send an email to the ISOeadvisor@asu.edu  for employment authorization instructions. Failure to do so will jeopardize your immigration status.
10. J-1 students with J-2 dependents must provide ISO proof of valid insurance of the dependents. Failure to do so will cause you to lose your J-1 status.
11. If you plan to travel, Travel Advisory can be found at this ISO webpage. Please check the site for information including determining the validity of your I-20/DS-2019 travel endorsement before your scheduled trip to avoid delays www.asu.edu/international/travel.html.
12. Students subject to SPECIAL REGISTRATION should remember all entry and exit requirements to avoid delays. For additional information or specific questions on special registration, go to the USICE website link www.ice.gov/pi/specialregistration/index.htm or contact USCIS National Customer Service Center 1-800-375-5283.
13. Students completing their program this Spring 2009 semester who want to apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit must apply at least 100 days prior to the completion date to get the full 12 months of OPT. You may also apply within the 60th day after completion date, however, the 12-month OPT is not guaranteed in this case. You may end up with 10 months of OPT. Plan accordingly. Deadline to submit OPT application to the ISO is 3 weeks prior to the 60th day after completion date. The OPT application must be received by the USICS before the 60th day after your completion of degree program. Failure to meet the deadline will result in the loss of your OPT benefit.

Let us know if you have any questions.

The International Student Office 

ISOeadvisor@asu.edu

Message from the ISO: OPT updates

Dear International Student:

Our records show that you are currently on F-1 status and engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT). While you are on OPT you are still on F-1 status and must comply with SEVIS reporting requirements. To ensure that you are maintaining your F-1 status while on OPT, you must comply with the below information as soon as possible.

A. If you have NOT previously reported to the ISO with your OPT situation, please

1. Submit (scan and email) copy of EAD card to ISOeadvisor@asu.edu.
2. Provide current employer name and address to ISOeadvisor@asu.edu.

Notes:

• For employment purposes you can work in paid or unpaid positions (volunteer/internship) as long as it is at least 20 hrs/wk and the employment is related to your field of study.
• If not employed, you may indicate in your reply that you are still “actively seeking employment.”
• Update address/es (Local and SEVIS) and report address changes through the MyASU website.

B. If you have reported to the ISO with you OPT situation in the past and have since changed your employment, please

1. Provide current employer name and address to ISOeadvisor@asu.edu, including any period of unemployment.
2. Update address/es (Local and SEVIS) and report address changes through the MyASU website.

C. If you are currently in 17 months of OPT (STEM), please

1. Submit (scan and email) copy of EAD card to ISOeadvisor@asu.edu.
2. Provide employer name and address to ISOeadvisor@asu.edu  – if you have changed your employment.

D. If you are no longer on F-1/OPT or in a situation other than above, let us know so we can give you further advisement to clear your visa/immigration records.

Important reminders:

• For travel while on OPT, you will need: a valid EAD card, OPT SEVIS I-20 endorsed by the ISO Designated School Official within the last 6 months, a valid passport, a valid visa and proof of employment to re-enter the U.S.
• Travel while your 12-month OPT is pending is risky. If you must travel call the ISO to make an appointment to see an advisor.
• Travel while 17-month OPT is PENDING is not allowed. You need a valid EAD card to re-enter the US. Plan accordingly.

For additional information/questions, please visit our website at http://asu.edu/international/opt.html or contact ISOeadvisor@asu.edu for advisement.

Thank you.

International Student Office