RULES TO REMEMBER

Center for Global Engagement

Your Responsibilities as an International Student

While you are in F-1 status with an I-20 issued by Florida State University, the Center for Global Engagement is responsible for maintaining your record in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and for helping you understand your obligations under SEVIS. YOU are responsible for notifying the Center for Global Engagement of changes in your program or status, and for understanding the rules and responsibilities associated with your non-immigrant status. You are responsible for helping us maintain your SEVIS record throughout your period of stay in the U.S. as an F-1 student. (This means that you must continue to provide information to us during any period of post-completion OPT.) SEVIS is an inflexible system with zero tolerance for those who violate the terms of their student or scholar status. All update forms can be found on the Center for Global Engagement web site http://cge.fsu.edu under the section International Students > F-1 Status Students > F-1 Forms. To avoid serious problems with your immigration status: 1. Provide the Center for Global Engagement with updated copies of all immigration documents. Do not allow your passport to expire. The Center for Global Engagement should always have a current copy of your I-20, passport, F-1 visa, I-94, and funding information. Be sure to bring in your documents for copies if anything changes or is renewed. Your passport should always be valid for at least 6 months into the future. Enroll in a full course of study in Spring and Fall semesters.

2.

Undergraduates

12 hours minimum in both Fall and Spring Final Term minimum enrollment is based on the number of hours required to complete the degree. Students must submit a Final Term Form no later than 2 weeks into the final term. 9 hours minimum in both Fall and Spring

Graduates

3 hours minimum after completing 6 thesis hours or 24 dissertation hours and it is not the final term. Final Term 2 hours of minimum enrollment (even if the final term is during the summer semester). Students must submit a Final Term Form no later than 2 weeks into the final term.

**Also, please note that you are only allowed to count one on-line course per semester, towards your full-time enrollment. **Any other reduction of course load must be authorized by the Center for Global Engagement. 3. 4. Make progress toward the completion of your degree. You must make normal degree progress, and be enrolled in a full course of study appropriate for your level and major. Report any change in your address within 10 days of the change. The Center for Global Engagement will be notified of an address change once you follow the directions below. The Center for Global Engagement will in turn report the address change to the Department of Homeland Security thru the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). To Report your change of address: Log in to http://campus.fsu.edu (Blackboard) Go to the Secure Apps tab on the upper right corner Click on "My Address." Update your Local or Permanent Address or even add an Emergency address. If you have completed your degree and have a pending or approved OPT application, you will need to update your address online at http://cge.fsu.edu or fill out the printable version of the form. (Look under the section International Students > F-1 Status Students > F-1 Forms > OPT Update Form.)
110 S. Woodward Ave., PO Box 3064216, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4216 850.644.1702 cge@admin.fsu.edu http://cge.fsu.edu 850.644.9951

RULES TO REMEMBER
Center for Global Engagement

Your Responsibilities as an International Student

5.

Notify the Center for Global Engagement when there are changes in your personal or academic program information, or changes in information regarding your F-2 dependents. This includes change of major, degree level, funding. This can also include requests to transfer, end your degree program, or leave of absence. Personal information changes can include legal name changes, marriage, death of dependent, etc. Know your I-20 completion date. Be aware that your I-20 is ONLY valid as long as you remain in your degree program. If you are unable to complete your degree program before the I-20 expires, ask the Center for Global Engagement for an extension before the completion date passes. Complete an official immigration transfer if you wish to change educational institutions. Remember that you must attend the school that issued your I-20. To transfer, F-1 students must notify the Center for Global Engagement advisor of the intent to transfer, and request that their SEVIS record be released to the new school. You must also obtain a new I-20 for your new school, after the transfer of your SEVIS record. Work only with proper authorization. You are only authorized to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during Fall and Spring semesters. You may work more than 20 hours only during university breaks, or summer semester, if summer is not your first or final semester. No off-campus employment is allowed without special authorization from the CGE and/or USCIS. If you do not have a notation on page 3 of your I-20 or an employment authorization card from USCIS you are NOT authorized to work off-campus. If you will be engaging in any type of paid internship it is required that you apply for Curricular Practical Training authorization (CPT). Have your I-20 signed for travel, if you will travel outside of the US. When travelling, make sure your I-20 has been signed for travel within 1 year of your reentry date. Travel signatures are valid for 1 year. Dependents should also request a signature on their I-20 before traveling abroad. Please request your travel signature at least 1 week in advance of your departure date.

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10. Consult an international student adviser when you have immigration questions. DO NOT seek immigration advice from friends, family or academic advisers. F-1 Advisers are available on a daily walk-in basis, or by appointment. We are also happy to answer your questions through email or phone calls. Remember that immigration regulations are subject to change and that this information is subject to change without notice. It is your responsibility to be sure that you stay informed and that you take required action on time. You will be automatically subscribed to an immigration listserv (ic-immigration@lists.fsu.edu) via your FSU e-mail account. Make sure you read the e-mail that is sent to you. You will also be ) automatically enrolled in Blackboard, the online FSU portal. Log on regularly to get updates, schedules of workshops, announcements, web site, or by calling the Center for Global Engagement at 644-1702.

The Regulations: Federal regulations related to F-1 students are found at 8 CFR 214.2 (f).

110 S. Woodward Ave., PO Box 3064216, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4216 850.644.1702 cge@admin.fsu.edu http://cge.fsu.edu

850.644.9951