Dallas Baptist University, General Guidelines for DBU International Students, International Admissions and Student Services

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KNOW THE F-A-C-T-S

General Guidelines for DBU International Students
It is your responsibility to follow university guidelines and obey federal F-1 visa regulations or
face loss of status and visa. Always consult the DBU International Admissions and Immigration
Office with any questions or concerns you may have. Contact Information

F = FULL-TIME STUDENT

1. Be a full-time student for the fall and spring semester.
International students must maintain a full course of study (12 credit hours per fall and spring

semesters for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours per fall and spring semesters for

graduate students) to remain in status.
Follow university guidelines for chapel and class attendance.
The International Student Services Department must stamp each semester’s registration

form or drop/add form before it is presented to the registrar.
You are not required to enroll in classes during the summer session, unless summer is your

first semester in the United States. SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System)

requires proof of compliance each semester.
During breaks, a student is not required to take a full course load.
When a student does not remain in status the I-20, visa, and I-94 are no longer valid.

2. Carry adequate health insurance.
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in the U.S.

Click here for information about DBU's Health Insurance.
All students will be charged each semester for student insurance.
Comparable insurance coverage with adequate proof of insurance may be accepted.
It is less expensive to pay in yearly increments.
The insurance will be effective only after the student completes the paperwork.
Each student is responsible for filing his/her personal claims with the insurance company for

reimbursement.
Keep insurance and paperwork current each semester you are in the U.S.

A = AUTHORIZATION FOR EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

1. Obtain a social security card for employment in U.S.

A. On-Campus Employment
For on-campus employment, a student’s eligibility is be verified by the International Office.
Avoid campus employment until International Student Services authorization is received.
An F-1 student is legally employable on campus when:
                 I-94, passport, and I-20 are valid
                 student carries a full course of study
                 student is in good academic standing
                 the employment will not displace a U.S. resident
                 the International Admissions and Immigration Office has verified eligibility
Students who fail to carry a full course of study or who fail to maintain legal status with U.S.

Immigration will lose all F-1 benefits. (Employment is a benefit.)

B. Off-Campus Employment
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is only issued by U.S. Immigration. The

approval takes months to receive. There is a charge by U.S. Immigration for this service. If

denied, there is no appeal. Go to Employment for more information.
Never work off campus without current USCIS authorization. Even one day of work without

authorization is a serious violation of U.S. law.

C. General Rules
F-1 students may not work more than 20 hours per week during fall and spring semesters.
F-1 students may work 40 hours per week during school breaks and summers.
Intensive English Program students at DBU are not eligible for employment.

C = CURRENT DOCUMENTS

1. Keep passport valid at all times.
Keep passport valid for at least six months into the future.
Ask the International Admissions and Immigration Office for a current status letter prior to any

passport or visa changes.

2. Carry immigration documents (passport, I-94 card, I-20) with you at all times.
Carry verified copies of your immigration documents with you at all times in the Dallas metro

area.
Carry the original documents with you outside of the Dallas metro area, even if you are

remaining in the U.S.
You can be fined $100 and/or sent to jail for up to 30 days if you do not have your documents

with you.

3. Provide DBU with up-to-date required medical records.
Dorm students must show evidence of tuberculin testing every other year they are at DBU.
All first semester students must show proof of tuberculin testing before moving into the dorm

or arriving at DBU.

4. Apply for I-20 extensions 30 days prior to the completion date on your I-20.
The extension can only be granted by the International Admissions and Immigration Office

before the expiration date listed on item 5 of your I-20.
Valid reasons include change in major, research difficulties, or a medical excuse. When an

I-20 expires, the student loses status.

T = TRANSITIONS

1. Report any change of address.
Report a change of residence and/or mailing address to the Registrar's office or the
International Admissions/SEVIS office within 10 days, on the correct form.
Post office boxes may not be used for U.S. Immigration regulations; only physical addresses

may be used.

2. Attend only the school listed on your I-20.
Follow established U.S. Immigration procedures when changing from one educational level

to another, transferring to another school, or changing an academic major.
All changes must be made according to SEVIS regulations and DBU rules.

3. Obtain a signature on your I-20 before leaving the U.S.
This will be needed if you want to reenter the U.S. It is not necessary if you are returning

home permanently.
An I-20 is not valid for reentry once you complete the degree listed on your I-20, even if the

I-20 has not yet expired.
If additional travel documents are needed, such as a status letter, make the request with the

International Office at least three weeks prior to departure.
Your visa must be current to reenter the U.S. Visa renewal is now a lengthy process and

should be done in your home country.

4. Make a transition within 60 days of graduation.
When you finish your degree, you have 60 days to transition:
         to apply for a new I-20 for a new degree program
         to depart from the U.S.
         to begin Optional Practical Training (must be applied for before graduation)

5. Save copies of travel documents.
When any new documents are given to you, retain outdated documents for future reference.

All documents must be current and valid when you travel.
Each time you enter the U.S. you will receive an I-94.
All students must report to the International Admissions and Immigration Office with their
travel documents within 10 days of arrival.

Always make copies of government documents.

S = STATUS HINTS

1. SEVIS requires DBU to report all events in the life of a student via the internet on a regular
basis.
It is vital that you stay in status by following all U.S. immigration regulations, keeping in touch

with the International Office to avoid unintentional violations, and consistently reading the

USCIS Website.
The government may change or add to F-1 regulations at any time.
It is your responsibility to attend public information meetings, check your DBU email for

alerts, and consistently read the immigration website.

Immigration Rules and Regulations Regarding F-1 Status
http://www.uscis.gov
Government Forms
http://www.uscis.gov/forms
DBU Policies
http://www.dbu.edu/academics/policies/academic_policies.asp
Travel Advisories
http://travel.state.gov