Forms and documents are in PDF format unless otherwise noted. Please do not hesitate to contact the OISS staff if you have any questions about our forms and procedures.

Administrative Forms

Admissions Forms:

• Financial Declaration for International Undergraduate Students
  This document is required of all international undergraduate students. Please complete it and return it  when accepting Rice University's admission offer.

• Financial Declaration for International Graduate Students
  This document is required of all international graduate students. Please complete it and return it  when accepting Rice University's admission offer.

• Financial Declaration for International Students at the Jones Graduate School of Management
  This document is required of all international students attending the Jones Graduate School of Management. Please complete it and return it  when accepting Rice University's admission offer.
  
  
• Financial Declaration for Architecture, Music, or Professional Masters International Graduate Students
  This document is required of all architecture, music, or professional masters international graduate students. Please complete it and return it  when accepting Rice University's admission offer.
• Foreign Student Transfer Release Form
  The Release Form is required for all students coming to Rice University directly from another U.S. institution. You must take this form to the International Student Advisor at your current school to notify him/her of your intent to transfer.
• Request for DS-2019 Form (PDF)
  For Rice internal and administrative use only.

• SSN Model Letter
  For Rice internal and administrative use only. This is the form required for students who have obtained a job on-campus and will be requesting a SSN.

Administrative Procedures

Administrative Checklists

• Checklist for Newly-Arrived Students & Scholars
• Checklist of Required Documents for I-20/DS-2019
  For Rice internal and administrative use only.
  
  
• Checklist for Working with International Visitors & Penalties for Non-Compliance
  This following checklist is designed to help identify what steps must be taken to invite an international visitor to Rice and to ensure that the University remains in compliance with federal regulations governing the visitor.
  

Administrative Guidelines

• General Guidelines & Procedures for International Students
• General Guidelines & Procedures for International Research & Faculty Scholars
  
  
• Issues Affecting the Hiring of Rice Internationals: Researchers, Students, Faculty & Other Foreign Visitors

One-time Lecturer Procedures

• Procedures for Inviting a One-Time Visitor
• One-Time Visitor Form (PDF) (Word)
  In order for us to effectively communicate with the prospective visitors to Rice and consult them on the visa matters, please fill out the following form and email or fax it to our office. We will send the questionnaire to the visitor to guide them through the visa application procedure once we receive this information sheet. Information about the Visa Waiver Program can be found here.
  
  
• One-Time Visitor Questionnaire - this form is to be completed by the visitor and returned to OISS, in addition to the one-time lecturer form.
  
  

H-1B/PERM Procedures

• H-1B/PERM Online Manual
  For information regarding the H-1B visa or university-sponsored Permanent Residency process, please see the online manual. The online manual contains information specific to staff, faculty, and postdocs.

Administrative Flow-Charts

• International Student Admissions Flow Chart
  This flow chart describes how the process from when an international student applies to Rice University, to when he/she arrives. This is helpful for any academic coordinator, faculty member, or new international student.
  
  
• Incoming International Scholar Flow Chart
  This flow chart describes how the process from when an international scholar applies to Rice University, to when he/she arrives. This is helpful for any academic coordinator, faculty member, or new international scholar.
  
  
• Visiting International "Student" Flow Chart
  This flow chart describes the different ways in which a visiting "student" can be classified (student/scholar). This is helpful for any academic coordinator, or faculty member who is inviting a research student from abroad. Additional helpful information can be found here.
  
  
• J-1 Special Regulations Flow Chart
  New laws affecting J-1 exchange visitors in the "Research Scholar" and "Professor" categories can be quite confusing. This chart aims to simplify the effect of J-1 regulations on the exchange visitors.
  
  
• REAP-International Flow Chart
  This is the flow chart to describe how the REAP-International program works. This is a program for degree-seeking students interested in speaking to institutions in their home country about their experiences at Rice.
  

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Student & Scholar Handouts

Letters of Support

• Letters of Support FAQ
  Frequently asked questions regarding letters of support provided by OISS, with instructions on how to request what students/scholars may need.

Incoming Student & Scholar Handouts

• Honor Council for Internationals
  This handout outlines important information for internationals regarding Rice's honor council policies.
  
  
• Pre-Arrival guide for students & scholars
  This handout outlines important information for internationals pre-arrival preparation
  
  
• SEVIS Fee Handout for F-1 Students
  This handout explains who must pay the SEVIS fee, and how it can be paid. It also includes helpful information regarding preparing for your interview with an immigration official.
  
  
• SEVIS Fee Handout for J-1 Exchange Visitors
  This handout explains why exchange visitor students and scholars at Rice must pay the SEVIS fee, and how it can be paid. It also includes helpful information regarding preparing for your interview with an immigration official.
  

Current Student & Scholar Handouts

• Part-time authorization procedure
  Undergraduate International Student Procedure
  Graduate International Student Procedure
  
  
• F-1 Curricular Practical Training Info
  Curricular Practical Training is one of the two types of temporary employment available to students in legal F-1 status. This handout outlines the eligibility requirements, as well as the required documentation needed to apply for CPT. Please come by OISS to pick up a complete CPT packet. For information on undergraduate courses requiring internships, please click here.
• F-1 Optional Practical Training Info
  Optional Practical Training is one of the two types of temporary employment available to students in legal F-1 status. This handout outlines the application procedure; please schedule an appointment with your International Student Advisor for further information about OPT. Please come by OISS to pick up a complete OPT packet.
  
  
• F-1 Optional Practical Training Status Update Submission
  While on F-1 OPT, students are required to inform OISS of any changes of address, employer, unemployment, departure, and status. Please click here to submit your updates.

• Departure Information Sheet
  Please return this form to the Office of International Students and Scholars upon completion of your studies or program at Rice University.

• J-2 Work Authorization Info
  This handout is designed for the J-2 dependents of J-1 Exchange Visitors. It lists the conditions of J-2 work authorization and tells you how to apply.
• Opening a U.S. Bank Account
  As you begin to settle into life in Houston, Texas and begin your academic life at Rice University, you will doubtlessly need to open a bank account.  Before you go to the bank, you need to be familiar with the basic customer identification programs that financial institutions must follow in opening any new accounts.
• SSA Regulations for F-1 Students
  This handout lists the eligibility requirements and the procedure for acquiring a Social Security Number in the U.S. For on-campus jobs, click here.
  

• Special Considerations for Canadian Citizens
  Canadians citizens who are coming to Rice University to study, conduct research, teach, or give a one-time lecture or consultation should consider the points mentioned in this handout, in order to minimize problems while crossing the border to enter into the USA.
  
  
• Special Registration (NSEERS) Information
  Foreign students and scholars who have been subject to the special registration procedures of the U.S. government's entry-exit system will find helpful information related to the NSEERS requirements and specific information regarding entry and departure from Houston's international airport.
  
  

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Presentation Slideshows & Handouts

• Immigration Seminar Presentation from October 4, 2005
  This was the presentation given by immigration attorney Judy Lee, with an excellent overview of H-1B visas.
• Hurricane Presentation from October 17, 2005
  This was a presentation given by a group of panelists regarding the response of Rice University to the Hurricane Rita emergency. It contains very helpful information regarding preparation for emergencies and natural disasters.

• Advanced Immigration Workshop from February 7, 2006
  Harry Gee, Immigration Lawyer spoke to international students & scholars regarding immigration law updates.
  
  
• Chinese Tax Workshop from March 30, 2006
  Andrew Lai Esq. and Cissy Yu, CPA MBA, spoke to Chinese students and scholars regarding U.S. tax procedures. This powerpoint slideshow is in Chinese, and was offered to our large Chinese-speaking population in addition to the standard tax workshop.
  
  
• Graduate Student Orientation Culture Presentation from August 22, 2006
  Beth O'Sullivan presented on communication styles in the U.S. and cultural differences to be aware of as a new international student adjusting to life at Rice.
  
  
• Continuing Orientation Presentation from September 12, 2006
  Salima Khan's presentation on "How to have a successful first year".
  
  
• Immigration Seminar Presentation from October 9, 2007
  This was the presentation given by immigration attorney Judy Lee, with an excellent overview of H-1B visas.
  

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