International Student & Scholar Resources

Social Security and On Campus Employment Information

ACADEMIC TRAINING

Academic Training (AT) refers to certain types of study-related employment. The intention of AT training is
to give Exchange Visitors an opportunity for experience related to their field. This training must first, be
academic in nature; employment is secondary. It is available before completion of your program of study as
well as afterwards. As long as you stay within the stipulated time limits, it lets you work part-time while
classes are in session and full-time during vacation periods; and, under certain circumstances, you may
interrupt study to work full-time.
You may not begin work until you are approved, through SEVIS, for Academic Training. See an
International Advisor to obtain this authorization.

ELIGIBILITY
1. Training must begin no later than 30-days after the completion of your program.
2. Apply at least 2 weeks before you plan to begin Training and no later than 2 weeks before the end of
your program.
3. The proposed employment must be directly related to your major field of study.
4. Throughout your AT you must maintain permission to stay in the United States, in J-1 student status,
and apply for extensions as necessary.
5. You must maintain health insurance coverage for yourself and J-2 dependents throughout your AT.

LIMITATION
1. Duration of employment can be up to the length of your program not to exceed 18 months.
2. “Post-doctoral training,” may last as long as 36 months.
3. Part-time employment for AT counts against the limits as if it were full-time employment.
4. All periods of AT are cumulative.

APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Obtain a letter of offer from your prospective employer that includes:

• Name of the company
• Job title
• A brief description of the goals and objectives of your “Training program” (your employment)
• Start date (no more than 30 days after completion of program) and end date of employment
• Physical location of the employment
• Approximate number of hours per week
• Contact information from your employer (Name, phone & e-mail address

2. Obtain a letter of support from your academic adviser or department dean. The letter must explain
how the employment is directly related to your area of study and why it is critical to your academic
program.
3. Deliver both letters to OGE for review by an International Advisor
4. The international advisor will evaluate the request and decide whether it is warranted and
appropriate. If it is approved, your advisor issue a new Form DS-2019 with approval for Academic Training

EMPLOYMENT
OGE cannot assist with finding employment. That is the responsibility of the student. We recommend asking
your instructors or academic advisor for recommendations. You may also contact Career Services for their
advice.

MAINTAINING STATUS
OGE is still responsible for your immigration record while you are participating in Academic Training. Report any changes to your address or immigration status within 10 days.

DRIVERS LICENSE
Once approved for Academic Training, you may renew your driver’s license up until the date stated on the
new DS-2019. For instruction on obtaining a Colorado Driver’s License, please pick up a handout at CIE.

TRAVEL
If you plan to leave the United States after you complete your program of study and reenter the country for
Academic Training you must obtain employment authorization before you leave. If you US visa will have
expired before you return to the US, you will also need to get a new one.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
If you do not yet have a Social Security Number you will need to get one. There are instructions for this at
the OGE

FORM I-9: EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
When you begin work, you and your employer must complete Form I-9, which documents your identity and
work authorization. Of the various items acceptable as documentation, you may find that the most
convenient combination is your passport, I-94 card, Form DS-2019, and your J-1 Responsible Officer’s
written work authorization. Your employer, who keeps Form I-9, will make copies of the documents you
submit, and return the originals to you. Form I-9 must be updated any time that you receive a renewal of
your permission for “Academic Training.”

TAXES
Social Security taxes: As a J-1 student you will be exempt from Social Security (F.I.C.A.) taxes for your first
five years in the United States, as long as you continue to declare non-resident status for tax purposes (see
Internal Revenue Service Publication 519, “U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens.”)
Federal, state and local taxes: Unless you qualify under a tax treaty between the United States and your
home government, your earnings as a J-1 student will be subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes,
and employers are required by law to withhold those taxes from your paychecks. By April 15 you must file a
federal income tax return and a “Required Statement” covering the prior calendar year to determine whether
you owe more taxes or have a refund coming. (A tax accountant assists students each year through CIE.
Check with us in March to make an appointment.)

NOTE OF CAUTION
As a J-1 Exchange Visitor you are eligible for a variety of work opportunities in the United States, but
employment without proper authorization is a serious violation of your status. Before you start any kind of
employment, you must obtain written authorization from Your J-1 Responsible Officer.

On Campus Employment Information and Opportunities

International Student & Scholar Handbook

It is possible to apply to USCIS for a change of status in the U.S., however, even when approved, it only updates your status while you are here – if you travel, you must still apply for a visa in order to be able to return in the new status, and some consulates look at change of status applications as an indication that the person is not maintaining ties to their home country (which is a requirement for both F and J statuses).  There may also be a long wait for approval, during which time you cannot study or work.

The basic process for change of status to F student status is here: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/complete/change-of-status

In general, the application consists of:

• Form I-539, Form I-539 filing fee
• Copy of valid and properly executed Form I-20 for change of status
• Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee https://fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html#
• Copy of Form I-94 record
• Copies of current immigration status documents, visa stamp, and passport ID pages. At issue is whether or not the individual is in status at the time the change of status is being requested. Any immigration document (in addition to the I-94) that may establish the validity of the applicant’s status at the time of application should be included. Copies of the passport ID pages are included for completeness.
• Copies of financial support documents. This should be the same kind of financial support information used to obtain your I-20
• Letter from the student explaining why they want to change status to F-1.**  This is optional but recommended, as a strong letter can help convince USCIS of the student’s temporary intent and persuade USCIS that the student did not have a pre-conceived intention to study in the United States.
• Premium Processing  Form I-907 and fee, if using.  For changes of status, USCIS takes adjudicative action within 30 days for premium processing applicants.

The application is submitted to USCIS online or via mail, if you are not eligible for online application.  If mailing a physical application:

• Make file copies of all documents before sending to USCIS
• Mail the package to the correct USCIS filing address, or file the I-539 and supporting documentation online, if eligible.
  • If filing by mail, use a receipt-based mailing option such as certified mail, or a express delivery service like FedEx, DHL, etc., so that there will be evidence that the documents were received by USCIS.
  • To check eligibility to file online, USCIS Page: Check Your Eligibility to File Form I-539 Online .

The “90-Day Rule”  Applicants who apply for a change of status within 90 days of entering the U.S. face an additional assumption that they made a “willful misrepresentation of intent” during their visa application process and/or at the point of admission into the U.S.  It is common for change of status applications to be denied for that reason.  It is important to understand that USCIS is generally not supportive of applicants for a change of status who appear to be doing so in order to circumvent the consular visa process, and when a non-immigrant is successful in changing their status in the U.S., the Consulates are equally suspicious of their original travel intent and may also assume the applicant tried to avoid getting the correct visa, and may deny future visas for the new status.

Changing your visa status is complicated. It is a personal decision just for you that can impact your ability to stay in the USA in the future. While we can provide the mechanical steps of changing your status, we cannot give you legal advice on your case. This is your private decision.  We do recommend that students consider the services of an immigration attorney for Change of Status, if you need help understanding how it will impact you and your family.  Attorneys can more fully explain the risks in comparison to leaving and re-entering the US, assist you with preparing evidence, and assist you if you are required to provide additional information after your initial application.

STATE ID CARDS AND DRIVER’S LICENSE
DO NOT APPLY UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN IN THE U.S. FOR TWO WEEKS!

• INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSES may be used for up to 90 days. After 90 days in the US, if you plan on driving you must obtain a Colorado Driver’s License.
• CANADIAN, GERMAN, AND FRENCH AND SOUTH KOREA Driver’s Licenses as well as all US state licenses are honored in Colorado and do not require a written test – driving test required.
• To Obtain a Colorado Driver’s License or state issued ID:
  1. Visit the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles at 2320 Reservoir Road, Greeley Phone 970-352-5845
• Take your unexpired immigration documents:
  1. • Passport with visa
     • I-20 or DS-2019 from UNC
     • I-94 Arrival/Departure Record – information found at www.cbp.gov/I94
     • Proof of Residency – Bill with your name and address or letter with dates
     • If you are on OPT (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1), you must also bring
  2. Employment Authorization Document for OPT (F-1) or your letter of authorization (J-1)
     STOP: if all you need is a state ID
     CONTINUE: if you are getting a drivers license
  3. Study the Driver’s Handbook
     ▪ NOTE: This is not required for holders of Canadian, French, German or other US State Driver’s Licenses – BUT THE DMV WILL INVALIDATE YOUR HOME COUNTRY LICENSE.
     If you wish to keep that license, you must take all the tests.
     ▪ The Drivers Handbook can be found at: www.revenue.state.co.us/mv_dir/home.asp then click
     on “Drivers Handbooks” and choose “Colorado Driver Handbook”
  4. Get Learner’s Permit and begin practicing
  5. Schedule appointment for the driving test and bring:
     ▪ Proof of insurance for the car in which you will take your driving test
     ▪ Immigration documents listed in #2 above
     • Insurance is required for anyone who will own and drive a vehicle and is recommended for all people
     even if they do not own a vehicle.
     • Your Colorado Driver’s License will be issued for the dates on your I-20 or DS-2019 up to 3 years and will
     be mailed to you. There will be no grace period on your license.
     • To renew your Driver’s License, take all items in # 2, plus your I-20 or DS-2019 with your new program
     end date OR your EAD for OPT.
     REMEMBER: This is a VERY busy office! They can better help you if you take all necessary documents and
     are patient with them.

REGISTERING CARS OR CHANGING LICENSE PLATES

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES LOCATION (DMV):
Weld County Offices
1402 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Phone: (970) 304-6520 ext. 3110

DIRECTIONS:
• Take 11th Avenue North to O Street
• Turn Left on O Street
• Turn Left onto 17th Avenue

BUSINESS HOURS:
Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 5pm

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED:
• Proof of automobile insurance
• Proof of ownership (title of vehicle)
• Proof of Vehicle Identification Number (out of state only)
• Photo I.D.
• Immigration documents (see instructions for driver’s licenses)

FEE/COST:
• Depends on the vehicle
• For an estimate visit http://www.co.larimer.co.us/motorv/estimate.htm#estimate

METHOD OF PAYMENT:
Check or cash ONLY

REMEMBER: This is a VERY busy office! They can better help you if you:
• Take all necessary documents
• Are patient with them

QUESTIONS: http://www.co.weld.co.us/departments/clerkrecorder/motorv/registering.html

Your expired visa may be automatically revalidated when you re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, or one of the adjacent islands listed below if:

• your visit was less than thirty (30) days
• you have a valid SEVIS Form I-20 signed by DSO
• you have a valid Form I-94 – do NOT turn this over

Adjacent Islands:
Saint Pierre
The Bahamas
Miquelon
Barbados
The Dominican Republic
Jamaica
Haiti
Martinique
Bermuda
The Windward and Leeward Islands
Trinidad

Criteria for NOT being eligible for automatic revalidation:

• The student applied for a new visa and it has not been issued
• The student applied for a new visa and was denied
• The student has a terminated SEVIS record indicating that he/she is out of status
• The student has been out of the U.S. for more than 30 days
• This student is a citizen of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria

NOTE: IN THIS SITUATION ONLY do not give up your I-94 when you are leaving the
country. In order to receive automatic revalidation of your visa, you must have it when
you return to the U.S.

For students and scholars who will be leaving the U.S. temporarily during their studies or programs (or practical training).

J-1 Exchange Visitors – Please note that you must have advance permission from ISSS for travel and/or a break in your program.

Getting a Travel Signature

Complete a travel endorsement request in the Global portal anytime.  I-20s can be signed digitally, but DS-2019s must have an ink pen signature.  Come in during an ISSS “Travel Day” near the end of each semester, or at any point to request a signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 (and for your dependents who will also travel).  While a signature may almost one year old and still considered “valid” when you return to the U.S., if you are more comfortable with a 6 month old signature, we’re happy to sign.

When we look at your documents for a signature, among other things, we’ll be checking your

• Holds
• Course registration in the previous two semesters (or authorized RCL), or four IEP sessions
• SEVIS program end date
• Intended graduation date
• Current address/phone (make sure you have updated Ursa!)
• Program of study (level, majors, minors)
• Course registration for the following term (and holds that would prevent registration)
• That you have submitted official transcripts for any approved concurrent enrollment

When You Travel

Carry the following documents:

• Valid Certificate of Eligibility with travel signature
  • I-20 with a travel signature on page 2 or DS-2019 with travel signature on page 1
  • For continuing students and EV the signature cannot be more than 1 year old when you return.  Students on OPT must have a signature no more than 6 months old.
  • Check your program end date. If your program is about to expire and you intend to return to complete studies/program, you must file for an extension prior to departure.
  • Also check to be sure that your major field of study is correct.  If you are a bachelor’s student and have not formally declared a major, we cannot change your major until you formally declare.
• A current passport, valid for at least six months from date you return to the U.S.
• If you get a new passport while you are outside the U.S., please be sure to get ISSS a copy.
• A valid visa for return the US in the correct status.
  • Citizens of Canada do not need visa stamps to enter the U.S. in F or J status, but they do need a valid Canadian passport and valid I-20/DS-2019. Permanent residents/landed immigrants of Canada, are required to have visas.
  • If you have more than one U.S. visa, please be sure to present the appropriate visa at the Port of Entry when you return, and verify that you are entering in the correct status.

Not required, but strongly advised:

• Valid proof of financial support to pay living expenses and tuition.
• Contact information for ISSS. OGE’s main number is 970.351.2396 during regular business hours; If you are in Secondary Inspection after business hours on weekends and will be denied entry if Customs & Border Protection cannot reach an advisor, the emergency number is +1.970.576.9572.
• Printed I-901 fee receipt (www.fmjfee.com ) for current SEVIS ID.
• Transcripts and a schedule for next academic term.
• It’s a good idea to have a set of copies packed in a separate bag or saved to your phone or other device if you need to replace lost or stolen originals.  Be sure all of your originals are in your hand luggage.  DO NOT pack them in your checked luggage.

Always allow for plenty of time between arrival in the U.S. and your flight to Denver if you are connecting inside the United States.  4 hours or more is minimal.  Delays at Customs, especially for anyone pulled into “secondary inspection,” can be several hours.

Have a back-up plan.  Anyone can be denied entry into the U.S.  It does not happen often, but it is wise to have a plan in place.  Who would have access your apartment or dorm to pack up and ship your things? Does someone with a power of attorney who can act on your behalf in the U.S. if you cannot re-enter and act for yourself?  This is particularly important for students with families and children –especially if the family is not traveling together.  Remember that F-2 and J-2 dependents should not be here without the F-1 or J-1 principal for more than a few days – their status is based on the F-1 or J-1 visa holder.

Visas.  Current security protocols have increased the risk of significant delays in visa processing.  Excepting Canadians, students or Exchange Visitors with expired visas or who changed visa status while in the U.S., must obtain a new visa prior to re-entry, with the exception of those using automatic revalidation (see below).

We recommend for a visa in your country of residence whenever possible, rather than in a third country. Contact the U.S. Consulate where you will apply for a visa for information on visa appointments, document requirements and application processing times.

We do not currently recommend trying to renew visas during short trips like spring break.  It has become more common for Consulates to initiate security checks for returning students and scholars.  These checks are unpredictable, and usually take several weeks to complete at a minimum–occasionally they take a year.  If a security check has been initiated, the Consulate must wait for an answer from Washington, DC before issuing a visa. We have found that, no matter how long the delay has been, the Consulate and Department of State in Washington, DC will almost never respond to pleas by universities or student applicants, although occasionally attorneys are able to get additional information.

Important Cautions

Arrests for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) may immediately result in a visa being “prudentially” revoked by the US Department of State with or without notice to the visa applicant.   The visa holder is supposed to be informed by the issuing Consulate, but it seems to be inconsistent, and notices may be sent to an old email or address.

A revoked visa does not generally affect your status while you remain inside the U.S.  However if your visa has ever been revoked, there can be serious delays in applying for a new one.   If you have even a single arrest for a DUI (1 arrest in 5 years, or 2 arrests in any time period), there is a process of referral to a panel physician for evaluation of addiction/abuse. If the physician finds cause, the applicant become ineligible to get a visa , usually for at least 12 months,, for some applicants it takes several years to be cleared for a new visa.  This is a very subjective process, so even one arrest can be considered “abuse”.

Individuals who have ever been arrested for a DUI or other serious offense should discuss it with their immigration advisor before departing the United States.  It would also be wise to consult with an immigration attorney.

Inadmissibility Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952.   Aliens can become inadmissible based on illegal activities such as conviction of or admitting use or distribution of any illicit drug (including marijuana, even in states like Washington, Colorado, and Alaska where it is “legal” or outside the U.S.); conviction of 2 or more crimes in which the sentences of imprisonment add up to at least 5 years; any crime involving “moral turpitude” – that is any act that is inherently evil (fraud, larceny, intent to harm, etc.).

Never lie to an immigration agent, but be aware that if you have been convicted of, admit to, or there is evidence of you using or distributing illegal or controlled substances (including marijuana in any form), or meet any of the other grounds for admissibility, you can (and likely will be) denied entry.  Never lie about your activities to a Consular officer or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, but you also do not have to volunteer information they have not asked for.

Travelers are being asked for access to electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers, and for social media passwords at some Ports of Entry.  Even without the policy requiring it, refusing to provide those passwords may lead an officer to deny entry to you. Consider what sensitive information might be on your devices and think about your social media presence in advance – what may be a joke between you and a friend may appear very serious to a CBP officer.  We have seen entry denied and visas canceled based on evidence of academic dishonesty and use of marijuana, and for social media “friends” who are critical of U.S. policies.

INVITING FAMILY MEMBERS TO VISIT YOU IN THE UNITED STATES

International students and scholars often invite family members to visit them in the United States.
Dependent family members (spouse and children) should apply for F-2, J-2 or H-4 dependent visa status.
Other family members (Aunts, Uncles, etc.) must enter the U.S. on a Visitor Visa. The “visitor” visa is a
nonimmigrant visa for persons wanting to enter the United States for pleasure (B-2).
For additional information, visit the U.S. Department of State website:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visitor.html.

Some international students and scholars provide a letter of invitation and supporting documentation that a
family member can show at the visa appointment. While the Center for International does not provide
invitation letters, we will provide a sample letter of what you want to include in your letter. Providing your
family members with these documents may improve their chances of obtaining a visa. However, even with
the invitation letter, there is no guarantee a visa will be issued.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD INCLUDE IN YOUR VISA INVITATION LETTER:

• Write the letter in English
• State whom you are inviting
• State the reason for the visit (i.e. vacation, attend graduation, meet a new baby)
• State the dates (even approximate dates) of the visit
• If you will be providing financial support, state what financial support you are offering (for example,
  cost of travel, room and board)

SAMPLE LETTER:
(Date) __________
U.S. Consular Official

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
My name is __________ and I am majoring in __________ at the University of Northern Colorado, planning to graduate in __________. I would like to invite my __________ to visit me between __________ and __________ in 20__. I will provide for their __________ (room and board or airfare, etc.) expenses while they are here, and they will be in charge of all remaining expenses. The following is some information about my relatives (or friends) to assist with their visa applications: name, date of birth, city and country of birth, and country of citizenship. Thank you for your assistance in providing a B-2 visa so that __________ can visit me in the United States.

Sincerely,
(Signature) __________
Your name and address
Your phone number and email

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