Did you know...? More than 4.3 million people of more than 100
different nationalities call Houston home.
Office of International Students & Scholars
Lovett Hall, Entrance A, Second Floor
Rice University, Houston TX
Phone: (713) 348-6095 Fax: (713) 348-6058
Your address
Make sure that your local U.S. address is always updated in
ESTHER, Rice's campus information database. If you are on an F-1 or J-1 visa
sponsored by Rice, your address will be updated via SEVIS with the information you have entered in the "Mailing Address" field in ESTHER. If you are on any other visa type,
you must submit the AR-11 form to DHS within 10 days of your change of address. Download the form
here.
NOTE: The "Permanent Address" field in ESTHER may contain any address you choose, as OISS does not receive that information electronically. If you change your foreign address, please be sure to notify OISS so that we may update that information in SEVIS.
Traveling in the U.S.
As an F, J, and H non-immigrants, when you travel in the USA you should
carry your passport and I-20/DS-2019 with the I-94. Keep copies of every
page at home.
Traveling Outside the U.S.
You must come to the OISS in order to have your I-20 or DS-2019 form
signed before leaving the country. Bring your passport and I-94 with you
when you come. Do not wait until the last minute for the travel
endorsement. You are encouraged to come at least 1 or 2 weeks before you
leave for the signature.
Passport
Your passport must be valid 6 months into the future, always.
Full Course of Study
In order to maintain your legal immigration student status, all students
must maintain a full course of study. Graduate students must carry a
minimum of 9 semester hours, and undergraduates 12 semester hours.
Exceptions must be approved through the OISS BEFORE dropping
below these hours.
Expirations
Check the date on your I-20 or DS-2019 form to make sure your time does
not expire. Make an appointment with the OISS to extend your time three
months before expiration date.
Employment Authorization
International students and scholars may not work unless granted proper
employment authorization. Please check with the international student
advisor about your eligibility. Have appropriate authorization for any
work and not be employed for more than 20 hours per week while classes
are in session.
Optional Practical Training
Applying for off-campus employment for F-1 students can be a long
process. Plan to apply 3-4 months in advance of employment for Practical
Training.
Changes of status
Students in legal immigration status may change their visa status while
in the U.S.A. Please note that F-2 visa holders may not attend school
full-time. They must apply for a change of status well in advance in
order to begin studying the semester they wish.
The US Department of State and the USCIS have been issuing changing
interpretations of these key terms. Unlawful presence and visa voidance
provisions begin when an individual remains in the U.S. beyond the date
on the I-94, Arrival - Departure Record, or when an Immigration Judge
makes a determination of a status violation, or when the USCIS makes a
determination of a status violation during the course of adjudicating a
benefit application.
F-1 and J-1 students with I-94s noted "D/S" (duration of status), are
not considered to be unlawfully present until an Immigration Judge or
USCIS makes a determination of a status violation.
Not all violations of law result in unlawful presence or visa
voidance. For example, unlawful presence and visa voidance do not follow
when a student does not maintain the required number of class hours or
engages in unauthorized employment. Such violations as these can still
disqualify an individual from other immigration benefits such as the
ability to obtain practical training or apply for a change of
nonimmigrant status or to later apply for adjustment of status to U.S.
permanent residency.
Reinstatement
Reinstatement to student status is no longer a common remedy for
students who have made technical infractions of the law. The Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) can reinstate an individual to student status
and allow him or her to continue his academic program; however, under
certain circumstances, can trigger the unlawful presence and visa
voidance penalties. For reinstatement to be granted, a determination
must be made that there was a violation of status. If reinstatement to
student status is granted, the visa voidance provisions may be triggered
with the finding by DHS of a status violation. If reinstatement is
denied, not only is the visa voidance provision triggered, but unlawful
presence begins.
Mandatory Insurance Requirement
All students and scholars holding J-1 visas (and all J-2 dependents) are
required to maintain a government-mandated level of insurance for the
full duration of their stay in the US, while they are under the J-visa
category. The requirements of the J Exchange Visitor Program includes
coverage of a least $50,000 for each accident or illness, as well as for
medical evacuation and repatriation (minimum of $7,500 in benefits). In
order to receive a new DS-2019 form for an extension of your J-1 visa,
proof of insurance coverage for the Exchange Visitor, and all dependents
must be provided. Failure to maintain the required level of insurance
subjects the Exchange Visitor and dependents to termination of the
program.
Grace Period Removed
In a December 15, 1997 the Department of State ruled, effective
immediately, the 30-day grace period for J-visa holder is not available
for extensions of stay or transfers. Extensions must be made prior to 60
days of the ending date of the Exchange Visitor's DS-2019 form.
Health Insurance
The OISS has adopted a new health insurance plan for J-1 visa holders
which effectively covers all health insurance requirements, as mandated
by J-1 immigration law. Heritage Insurance Managers provides Rice a
customized plan that is competitive and reliable. We personally know the
contact people, and encourage all J-1 visa holders to consider utilizing
this plan.
For benefits eligible J-1 employees (receive benefits from Rice), you
may need supplemental health insurance for the Medical Evacuation and
Repatriation requirements only. Supplemental plans of $10.00 per person
and $25.00 per couple per year are available in the OISS. Contact the
OISS at 713/348-6095 to inquire about J-1 health insurance requirements,
application for Heritage Insurance Managers, and/or the supplementary
plan.
F-1 students may work only under conditions defined by the Department
of Homeland Security. The DHS has defined the categories as on-campus
employment, employment because of unforeseen economic hardship,
practical training, and internship with an international organization.
All of them except on-campus employment require formal application and
approval. Contact the OISS for more information.
On-campus employment
No special authorization or approval by INS is necessary; limited to
part-time (to 20 hours per week) while school is in session, but may be
full-time (40 hours per week) during vacations or breaks.
Employment because of economic hardship
Recommendation for approval by the international student advisor and
formal approval by the DHS. Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card)
is required to begin employment; this necessitates application to DHS at
least four months in advance.
Practical training
Two types of practical training in a student's major field may be
approved after a student has completed one academic year (nine months)
of full-time enrollment. It may be available, either full- or part-time
during the course of study: after completion of the course of study;
upon completion of course requirements while preparing the thesis or
dissertation; during vacations or breaks, or part-time during the
semester, provided student is enrolled for a full-time course of study.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work required by the
educational program, authorized by the international student advisor
after presentation of the required documentation.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work to gain practical
application in the field of the student's major. OPT must be authorized
by the USCIS, and work cannot be commenced until the EAD card has been
received, which takes about 3-4 months.
Internship with an international organization
Written permission by the international student advisor after receiving
verification of the offer of employment (such as a letter form the
organization) is required. Examples of such organizations include the
World Bank and the United Nations. Requires EAD and takes 3-4 months for
approval.
An Alien classifiable as a B-1or B-2 visitor can be admitted without
a visa, as long as certain criteria are met, under the terms of
the Visa Waiver Program. Among the criteria are that the alien be
classifiable as a B visitor, have valid passport issued by a designated
country, intend to visit the U.S. for a period not exceeding 90 days,
and be in possession of a round-trip transportation ticket that is
non-refundable except in the country of issuance. A person with VWP
status is not allowed to apply for an extension or a change of status
upon completion of the 90 days. You may access the update VWP countries
and other information on the program
here.
Under certain circumstances, F-1/J-1 students/scholars may re-enter
the U.S. with an expired visa provided that the F-1/J-1 student/scholar:
Does not apply for an entry visa and is denied (see explanation of
4/1/2002 law below)
Applies for readmission to the U.S. after an absence not exceeding
30 days in Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands in the Caribbean,
except Cuba
Has maintained and intends to resume status as an F-1/J-1
student/scholar
Presents (or is the accompanying spouse or child of an alien who
presents) a valid I-94 and the current I-20/DS-2019 endorsed for
travel
Possesses a valid passport (unless exempt from passport
requirements)
Applies for reentry to the U.S. by the program completion date
listed on the I-20/DS-2019
This process is technically called "automatic revalidation of visa".
This regulation means that the Department of Homeland Security treats
your expired visa as if it were extended to the date of reentry into the
U.S. Automatic revalidation of your visa does not extend your visa for
future use. Travel to all other countries will still require a new visa.
Students/Scholars Who Do Not Have an F-1/J-1 Visa and Changed
Their Status in the U.S.:
A person who entered the U.S. in a classification other than F-1 or J-1
but whose status was later changed inside the U.S. to F-1/J-1
student/scholar, may also reenter the U.S. if he or she meets the
conditions listed above. A student whose visa has been cancelled is not
eligible.
New Passports Not Containing the Visa:
Individuals who carry passports issued from within the U.S. to replace
the passport that contains their original non-immigrant visa must have
an old passport in their possession. Citizens of countries that keep the
old passport upon issuance of a new one are, therefore, at a
disadvantage when traveling to contiguous territories (i.e., Mexico,
Canada, and adjacent islands in the Caribbean, except Cuba).
Steps to follow:
Check to see if you meet the above requirements
Request a travel endorsement for your I-20/DS-2019 from the OISS
Be sure the passport is valid. If your current passport does not
contain the visa you used to enter the U.S., bring the old passport
that does contain the visa
Keep the I-94 card in your possession. Do not surrender it at the
time of your departure from the U.S. This is an essential document for
re-entering the United States
The US Department of State has changed the "automatic revalidation of
visa" benefit that allows F or J students and scholars to travel to
"contiguous countries" (Canada, Mexico and adjacent islands other than
Cuba) for trips of 30 days or less and return to the US even if the US
visa stamp in their passport is expired or their immigration status has
been changed in the U.S.
Beginning April 1, 2002, citizens from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya,
Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba will not be allowed to re-enter the US at
any time with an expired US visa stamp, even if the trip is only to
contiguous territory.
Additionally, under this change, F and J students and scholars from
all countries who go to Canada or Mexico to apply for a new visa, will
not be allowed to re-enter the US on an expired visa stamp if the new
visa is not approved at the US consulate. Students and scholars from all
countries, other than the seven countries listed above, can still visit
Canada and Mexico and re-enter the US on an expired visa stamp, as long
as they have not applied for a new visa and been denied.
For students and scholars making arrangements for visa applications
in Mexico or Canada, this has a significant effect. If
the application for the visa is denied, the student or scholar would in
most cases need to depart from Mexico or Canada to their home country to
apply for a new visa to re-enter the U.S.
Practical training provisions of the F-1 student immigration
regulations are designed to allow F-1 students the opportunity to apply
theoretical knowledge obtained in academic programs to a practical work
experience. There are two different types of practical training:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training
(OPT).
OPT is available to F-1 students who are currently in legal status
and have been for at least nine consecutive months. OPT allows you to
work up to 12 months anywhere in the U.S. in a field related to your
field of study and does not require a job offer from the prospective
employer. Only one 12 month period of OPT is granted for each level of
study, i.e., Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D.
You may request OPT authorization for pre-completion or
post-completion of your studies, applying for as long or short a period
of time as needed without exceeding a total of 12 months. After OPT is
authorized, the requested amount of OPT will be counted toward your
12-month limit regardless whether you decide to actually work during
the authorization period or not.
If you are graduating you must submit application about 90-120 days
BEFORE completion of your studies. Please note that your completion date
does not necessarily correspond with the official ending of the semester
(e.g., it may be the day your thesis or dissertation is submitted).
Since the application process may take up to 120 plus days and
employment cannot begin until you have received an Employment
Authorization Document (EAD), we recommend that you apply early. In
addition, if you have completed your studies and plan to leave the U.S.,
you must have your EAD prior to leaving the U.S. or you may forfeit your
eligibility for OPT and may not be allowed to re-enter the U.S.
Application Procedure
The following documents are required for the application:
Photocopy of your SEVIS I-20 Form with international student
advisor's recommendation on the back. Do not send the original, as it
will not be returned to you. Photocopy both pages 1 and 3 after the
advisor has signed it.
Original of I-765 Form (available from the OISS)). For OPT, the
answer to question 16 is: (c) (3) (i). Be sure to sign the form well
within the lines; do not touch either line. The computer technician at
USCIS will scan the signature to put it on your Employment
Autorization Document (EAD).
Photocopy of the identity page in your passport, including name,
passport number and expiration date.
Photocopy of your I-94 card (the white card stapled in your
passport), front and back.
Photocopy of your F-1 visa stamp in your passport.
Two ADIT (green-card style) photos. Write your name and admission
number (the number on your I-94 card) on the back of each photo,
preferably in pencil. Photos must be no more than 30 days old from the
time you apply and must meet the following specifications:
Has a white background, unmounted, printed on thin paper,
glossy, and unretouched.
Show a three-quarter front profile of the right side of your
face, with your right ear visible.
Your head should be bare unless you are wearing a headdress as
required by a religious order to which you belong.
Should not be larger than 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches, with the
distance from the top of the head to just below the chin about 1 1/4
inches.
Do not submit passport photos. They will not be
accepted. As a result, your application may be returned and will
therefore be delayed. Please place the photos in a small envelope or
a folder so they will not be separated from the rest of the
application.
See list below for places to obtain photos.
Photocopy of previous EAD card(s), if any.
A check in the amount of $120.00, made payable to "US Citizenship
and Immigration Services". Cash will not be accepted.
Place all the above materials in one envelope and send it to:
Within 90 days after you submit your application to USCIS, you should
receive two Notice of Action forms from the Texas Service Center. The
first will inform you that your application is being processed. The EAD
will be mailed to you with the second Notice. If your application takes
more than 90 days from the date on the first Notice of Action and you
need to begin work, please bring the Notice of Action to the OISS for
assistance.
If you initially applied for less than 12 months and you want to
extend your OPT (i.e., apply for the remaining time), you must do so
before your original EAD expires. You will file another application,
with all the materials listed above, and submit the application to the
Texas Service Center. It will take up to another 120 days before you
receive your new EAD. The extension EAD will be mailed directly to the
address you list on the I-765 form.
You may check the status of your application
here.
When you get your EAD, you must send a copy to:
Office of International Students and Scholars
Rice University, MS-365
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892
or fax it to: 713-348-6058
Please write how long it took for you to apply and to get the card,
so we will know how to advise other students concerning the time it
takes.
The following places are used by Rice International Students for
Photos and Fingerprints:
Bill's Passport Photos, 6411 Hillcroft,
(just south of Highway 59), Phone: (713) 981-9323
Q. I don't understand what automatic revalidation is anyway. Can you
explain?
A. Automatic revalidation of visa is a benefit under 22CFR 41.112 (d)
that allows certain non-immigrants to re-enter the U.S. after a 30-day
or less visit to "contiguous territory" (Canada, Mexico, and in the case
of F and J non-immigrants, the adjacent islands other than Cuba) without
having to obtain a new visa prior to re-entry. For entry under these
circumstances, the requirements would be valid entry documents endorsed
for travel (I-20, DS-2019), valid passport with current or expired visa,
and I-94 arrival/departure card (retained at departure).
Q. A student has a conference to attend in Canada (or Mexico) for
a few days and his/her U.S. visa has expired. Can he/she still go and
return to the U.S. under "automatic revalidation."
A. Yes, automatic revalidation is still available to the student if
he/she does not plan to apply for a U.S. visa except for citizens of the
seven countries listed above.
Q. What about the waiting period for visas for individuals from
certain countries. How does this affect them if they want to get a visa?
A. The State Department announced in November 2001 that all men
between ages 16 and 45 from certain Arab and Muslim countries would be
subject to a waiting period for non-immigrant visa applications that
would add an additional period of up to 20 working days to the
application process. Theses countries include: Afghanistan, Algeria,
Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan,
Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria,
Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. For these
individuals, the waiting period would be problematic if they applied for
a visa in Mexico or Canada since they would have to wait until the visa
is granted in order to re-enter the U.S. Additionally, our understanding
is that Juarez is not making visa appointments for these individuals at
this time because of the automatic revalidation issue.
Q. A student changed his/her status from F-2 to F-1 in the U.S.
and would like to apply for an F-1 visa in Juarez. May he/she make an
appointment, and is it possible to re-enter if the student is denied?
A. If the student is not from any of the countries listed above,
he/she would be able to make an appointment to apply for a visa, but it
would be a risk if he/she were denied. Automatic revalidation before
April 1, 2002, would allow he/she back in the country as an F-1/J-1 if
he/she were denied the visa, but the new restrictions on automatic
revalidation would not allow he/she to re-enter as F-1/J-1 if he/she did
not have a valid F-1/J-1 visa. USCIS/the Department of State may come
out with further clarification for these particular circumstances, but
at this time, our interpretation would be that the student would not be
able to re-enter as an F-1/J-1 without a valid F-1/J-1 visa.
Q. If the student can't go to Mexico or Canada to apply for a visa,
how risky is it to go to another country to apply for the visa?
A. The visa process is not effected by the change in automatic
revalidation. The Department of State has always recommend applying for
a visa in the student's home country, and that process has not changed.
If the student needs to apply for a visa in another country, he/she will
want to check the U.S. Embassies and
Other Diplomatic Missions website for the specific consulate to find out
the process there. Due
to increased security laws, be prepared for long delays and possible
visa denials when applying for a U.S. visa.
Q. How will DHS know that that a student applied for a visa in
Mexico or Juarez?
A. When the visa application is submitted to the Consular Official
along with the passport, a notation is put on the back page of the
passport to indicate the receipt of that application, no matter whether
the visa is later issued or not.
Social Security Numbers
You must have a valid Social Security number (SSN) if you plan to work
in the U.S. This number will be permanently identified with you and will
not change regardless of changes in your employment. If you still do not
have a social security number, please obtain one well in advance of
applying for practical training.
You must have secured employment, and obtain a letter from the OISS to take to the Social Security
Office, as well as your passport, valid I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 in order
to be eligible to apply for a social security number.
Taxes
In general, F-1 students who have been in the U.S. for less than five
years are exempt from social security taxes (also known as F.I.C.A.
tax). You should be sure to bring this to the attention of your employer
because many employers are not familiar with this provision of the tax
laws.
F-1 students authorized for practical training employment are subject
to all other taxes they may apply: federal, state, and local. However,
you may be able to treat the entire period of practical training as an
extended business trip and substantially reduce your federal taxes by
deducting "travel expenses" (amounts for food, housing, and
transportation) from your income. You should consult an accountant or
tax attorney to more information about this second provision of the tax
laws.
Employment Eligibility Verification
Within the first three days of beginning work, you and your employer
must complete a form entitled Employment Eligibility Verification (Form
I-9). This form will be kept on file by your employer and must be
updated each time you receive a renewal of your work permission.
Travel Abroad and Re-Entering the U.S. with OPT After Graduation
F-1 students authorized for OPT after graduation can travel outside the
U.S. and re-enter as long as they have all the following documents:
I-20 form signed by the international student advisor within the
last six months
An unexpired F-1 visa stamp with valid entries
A passport that is valid at least six months into the future
Valid EAD issued by USCIS
A letter of job offer is required
Special Registration (NSEERS or US-VISIT program)
International students and scholars who have been required to register under the US-VISIT program, must be careful to comply with all the special registration procedures.
When departing the U.S., be sure to comply with the departure procedures and exit interviews
Be sure to report your change of address, school, or employer within 10 days of change.
Be sure to only depart from designated airports, and make your travel plans accordingly.
