International Students
Students and Exchange Visitors
The international student or exchange visitor has some responsibilities to attend to before they
can enter the United States to attend a Student and Exchange Visitor Information
System (SEVIS) certified school or program. This section of the Student and Exchange Visitor
Program (SEVP) website is here to assist with those responsibilities.
How To Become a Student or Exchange
Visitor
One of the first responsibilities for the international student or exchange visitor is to apply
for a visa. The following links will assist with this process. Keep in mind that visas are issued
by
American embassies and consulates.
SEVIS Approved Schools
Tips for Students and Exchange Visitors
Upon Arriving at a U.S. Port of Entry (US POE)
Maintaining Your Status
Important Immigration Documents
Travel
I-515A Tool Kit (updated: October 3, 2007)
I-515A Tool Kit (PDF) will help to ensure
a smooth travel experience for International Students and Exchange Visitors.
Employment
Social Security
Practical Training
8 CFR 214.2(f)(10) Practical training. Practical training may be authorized to an F–1
student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full time basis, in a Service-approved college,
university, conservatory, or seminary for one full academic year. This provision also
includes students who, during their course of study, were enrolled in a study abroad program,
if the student had spent at least one full academic term enrolled in a full course of study
in the United States prior to studying abroad. A student may be authorized 12 months of
practical training, and becomes eligible for another 12 months of practical training when
he or she changes to a higher educational level. Students in English language training
programs are ineligible for practical training. An eligible student may request employment
authorization for practical training in a position that is directly related to his or her
major area of study. There are two types of practical training available:
Departing the U.S.
Emergency Information
Technical Information
Useful Links
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
US-VISIT
Information on who must enroll in U.S. VISIT and the processes used.
USCIS Forms and Fees
Copies of forms and instructions to use when filing with USCIS for a benefit. This includes links to electronic filing.
USCIS
General information on U.S. immigration policies.
Department of State
Social Security
Federal Income Tax Information
Tax Information for Foreign Students and Scholars.
Foreigners temporarily present in the United States as students, scholars, teachers, researchers, exchange visitors, and cultural exchange visitors are subject to special rules with respect to the taxation of their income. This web page contains extensive information on the rules and requirements for those individuals.
Department of Education
Postsecondary Educational Institutions and Programs Accredited by Accrediting Agencies and State Approval Agencies Recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education
The database lists approximately 6,900 postsecondary educational institutions and programs,
each of which is accredited by an accrediting agency or state approval agency recognized by the
U.S. Secretary of Education as a "reliable authority as to the quality of postsecondary
education" within the meaning of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). The
database does not include a number of postsecondary educational institutions and programs that
elect not to seek accreditation but nevertheless may provide a quality postsecondary education.
The U.S. Department of Education recommends that the database be used as one source of
qualitative information and that additional sources of qualitative information be consulted.
Immigration Laws and Regulations
Federal Register Home Page
Published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents.
Electronic Version of 8 CFR 214
Links to all CFR(8 CFR 214 is the section of the immigration regulations dealing with nonimmigrant status.)