Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Student Information

Becoming a Nonimmigrant Student in the United States (NEW)
Who Can Study? (PDF) -- A matrix of the nonimmigrant status that can (or cannot) study in U.S. schools

Travel

Travel -- Students traveling in and out of the country.
FAQ for Travel Reentry: F Visa (PDF)
FAQ for Travel Reentry: M Visa (PDF)
DHS Travel Redress Inquiry Program (DHS Trip) (NEW)

Employment

Employment -- F-1 Students On and Off Campus
Pursuing Employment In The United States (PDF)
Memo on Pursuing Employment In The United States (PDF)
F-1 Employment International Intern
Improving Data Integrity in U.S. Government Systems with Information on Nonimmigrant Students (NEW)
Social Security and Tax Issues for F-1 and M-1 Students (NEW)
Information for Employers: Social Security, Tax, and Form I-9 Issues Pertaining to Nonimmigrant Students (NEW)

Social Security

New Procedure between the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State (PDF)

Emergency Evacuation Tips

Continuity of Operations Planning for SEVP-Approved Schools (PDF)
(updated: August 26, 2008)

SEVIS Tips for Emergency Evacuations
FAQ for F/M Nonimmigrant Students Impacted by Hurricane Katrina
FAQ for J Exchange Visitors Impacted by Hurricane Katrina (DOS)


If you are a J exchange visitor who cannot contact your program sponsor, please contact the Department of State's Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation at (202) 203-5029 for Academic and Government Programs and (202) 203-5096 for Private Sector Programs. You may email the Department's Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation at: jexchanges@state.gov; please enter "Katrina" on the subject line of the email.

I-17

I-17 -- Petition, Certification, Site Visit, etc.

I-901

I-901 -- Fee Processing, Payment Verification, Fee Issues, etc.

Transfers

Transfers for F-1 Students -- How to transfer the record of an F-1 student from one DHS certified school to another.
(updated: August 27, 2007)

Fact Sheets

Fact Sheets -- Current Information and Operating Instructions

Technical Conference Call - Questions and Answers:

October 2006 (PDF)
(updated: November 1, 2006)

September 2006 (PDF)
August 2006 (PDF)
July 2006 (PDF)
June 2006 (PDF)
April 2006 (PDF)
March 2006 (PDF)
February 2006 (PDF)
January 2006 (PDF)

  Last Modified: