Center for International Education

Immigration

The United States like all countries has laws and regulations that govern the legal status of international visitors. As a non-immigrant, it is your responsibility to comply with these laws. With 9/11 and the passage of new immigration laws, the penalties for violating immigration regulations and not remaining in legal status have increased dramatically.

Information is available at CIE about:

• Travel to the U.S. and to other countries
• Changing Status from one type of category to another
• Requirements for Maintaining Legal Status
• Work Permission
• Many other issues

Getting the I-20 form

International student applicants must prove that they have enough money to cover their tuition, housing and other related expenses while studying in the U.S. in order to obtain the I-20 form from Salem State College. If the financial documents are not all in the prespective student's own name, a letter from his/her family and/or sponsor is necessary in addition to the financial documents. The letter must show that the family and/or sponsor will be responsible for the student's expenses in the U.S. The certification of Finances form on the second page of the application form may be used instead of a sponsor letter.

All documents should clearly indictate the prospective student's name and should be sent to:

Center for Internation Education
Salem State College
352 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
U.S.A

SEVIS information

SEVIS is the computerized system that collects and maintains information on the current status of non-immigrant students, exchange visitors, and their dependents during their stay in the United States.

Before you can apply for an F-1 (student) visa you must pay a Student/Exchange Visitor fee of $100, which will pay for the SEVIS database.

To pay online: Fill out I-901 form and pay using credit card

To pay by mail: Print form and send check or money order

For additional information, visit the Immigration and Customs Enforcement webpage.

How to obtain an F-1 visa

You can apply for a student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. You will need the following information:

• Form 1-20 issued upon acceptance to a Salem State College Program
• SEVIS fee to be paid to USCIS
• All other required fees paid
• Letter of acceptance from Salem State College
• Financial documents
• Letter from family and/or spouse if applicable
• Documents demonstrating your intent to return home

How to maintain your F-1 status

• Keep your I-20 and your passport valid at all times - do not let them expire
• Pursue a full course of study (12 credits or more)
• Follow all of the proper procedures when:
  • Changing educational level (e.g. from ESL to Bachelor's or Master's program)
  • Transferring to another school
  • Extending your program before expiration
  • Taking a leave of absence from school
  • Takling less than a full-time course load
• Before you work on or off campus, obtain proper authorization from your DSO and USCIS
• Do not work more than 20 hours per week during the academic year (during official vacation periods you can work full time on campus)
• Obey American laws and do not commit any crimes
• When you move change your address (change of address forms are available at CIE)