Immigration Regulations

The information and instructions contained in this section are very important to you. During your stay in the United States, you must comply with immigration regulations that are based upon laws of the U.S. and are enforced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A violation of the regulations (for example, failure to maintain a fulltime credit load or unauthorized employment) could jeopardize your student status. The U.S. government does not accept ignorance of its regulations as a justifiable reason for breaking those regulations. Violation of immigration requirements can result in serious consequences up to and including removal or deportation from the U.S. Please read the following information carefully.

Your Legal Status in the United States

The Office of International Education Programs (IEP) has been established to assist you in complying with all federal regulations. Keep in mind, however, that it is your personal responsibility to see that you comply with all regulations. Please call the IEP office if you have any questions: 480-732-7391 or send email to: iss@cgcmail.maricopa.edu.

Each international student is advised to make a photocopy of the following documents. These copies should be kept in a separate place from the original documents. IEP office will also keep a copy of these documents.

SEVIS I-20 ID
Copy of your entire passport (except blank pages) - it must be valid at all times.
I-94 card (Arrival/Departure card -small white form attached to your passport
U.S. Visa (stamped inside your passport, or official letter from USCIS)

SEVIS I‑20: CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY

SEVIS is an electronic reporting system that provides the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information on international students and scholars in the United States who hold F, J, and M visas. The system also tracks entries into the U.S. and departures from the U.S. Every school, college, and university that admits students or scholars on F, J, or M visas is mandated to use SEVIS.

This document gives the foreign student permission to study in the U.S. for the time it takes to complete their educational program. The I-20 is used to obtain the F-1 visa at the US Consulate or Embassy. Students must finish on or before the completion date. You will have 60 days after completion to leave the U.S., apply for another visa, apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or transfer to another school. Please bring the stamped I-20 and passport to the Office of International Education Program (IEP) as soon as you enter the country so that a photocopy remains in your file.

SEVIS requires daily reporting on full course enrollment and changes you may make in your academic program (examples: change of major or degree program). The following information is reported as well and includes: academic status, employment, and residential address. You need to make sure that all information printed on your I-20 remains accurate. If there has been any change in the information printed on your I-20 form (example: your name has changed, the source and/or amount of your financial support is different, etc.).

Reporting requirements include:

Whether the student has enrolled at the school, or failed to enroll.
A change of the student or dependent's legal name or address.
Any student who graduates prior to the end date listed on the I-20.
Academic or disciplinary actions taken due to criminal conviction.
If the student drops below a full course of study without prior authorization from IEP
Termination date and reason for termination.
Any student who fails to maintain status or complete his or her program.
Other data generated by standard procedures such as program extensions, school transfers, changes in level of study, employment authorizations, and reinstatement.

PASSPORT

The U.S. government requires that international students keep their passports valid for at least six months into the future. If you are working on campus, you will learn that the college payroll office is unable to issue your paycheck if your passport is expired. Only your government can renew or extend your passport. Contact your country's embassy or consulate in the United States for information. Addresses and telephone numbers for foreign embassies in the United States are available on the web at http://www.embassy.org

I‑94 ‑ ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE RECORD

All foreign students entering the United states are issued a small white card called an I‑94 (also called an "Arrival & Departure Card"). The I-94 card is an official document used by the immigration service to confirm that you entered the U.S. lawfully. It is also used to record changes of nonimmigrant status. When you enter the U.S. the immigration inspector will grant you an immigration status and determine how long you may remain present in the U.S. in that status. This document is usually stapled to the passport at the port of entry. The I-94 and valid I-20 permit an F-1 student to stay temporarily in the U.S. For F-1 students, the officer will indicate Duration of Status or D/S on the I-94. This refers to the length of time an F-1 student has permission to remain temporarily in the U.S. to pursue a full course of study. When you travel overseas, your I-94 will be collected by the airline during check-in or by immigration services during a pre-departure interview (NSEERS registrants only). You will receive a new I-94 card upon reentry. Admission Number: The 11-digit number that is on your I-94 card. It is used by DHS to record your arrival and departure from the United States. If you have an expiration date on your I-94 card, then you need to contact the IEP Office immediately. It is your most important document. Don't lose it! It's expensive to replace. Please keep this document with your passport at all times.

VISA

A visa is a sticker placed in your passport and visa gives permission to enter the U.S. F and M visas can be obtained only outside the U.S. at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Student should have an F-1 visa to study in the U.S. If your visa expires while you are studying in the U.S., you do not need to renew it unless you plan to travel outside of the United States. You are encouraged to renew your visa in your home country. Your visa stamp also includes information on the number of entries allowed. If your visa allows one entry only, you will need to obtain a new one if you travel overseas. Updated information about applying for a visa at many U.S. embassies and consulates around the world is available on the web at http://www.travel.state.gov. Look for information about nonimmigrant visas.

SPECIAL REGISTRATION

Through the Special Registration system, the U.S. government can keep track of the more than 35 million nonimmigrant visitors who enter the United States as well as some nonimmigrant visitors already in the United States. These individuals are required to register with immigration authorities either at a port of entry or a designated ICE office in accordance with the special registration procedures.

Who needs to comply? Nonimmigrant alien visitors subject to NSEERS registration at the Port of Entry Certain citizens or nationals.

You must comply with the Special Registration requirements if you are a citizen or national of: Afghanistan, Eritrea, Kuwait, Oman, Sudan, Algeria, Indonesia, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria, Bahrain, Iran, Libya, Qatar, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Iraq, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, North Korea, Somalia, or Yemen
Any other nonimmigrant, male or female regardless of nationality, identified by immigration officers at airports, seaports and land ports of entry in accordance with 8 CFR 264.1(f)(2).

These special procedures also require notification to immigration authorities of changes of address, employment, or school. Nonimmigrants must notify the DHS in writing within 10 days of any changes in address, employment or school after remaining in the United States for 30 days or more. Students may notify change of address through SEVIS

Non-immigrants from certain countries will be required to register at the initial port of entry in accordance with the special registration procedure. Upon the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security, follow up registration may be required. DHS will notify individual aliens of future registration requirements by postal mail, email, phone call or personal visits. For more information, please visit: www.ice.gov/pi/specialregistration/index.htm

Maintaining F-1 & M-1 Legal Status

Students who come to the U.S. are granted nonimmigrant classifications known as "F-1" or "M-1." This is commonly referred to as your "status." A spouse or child under the age of 21 who comes to the United States to be with an F-1 or M-1 student is a "dependent" and is given F-2 or M-2 status. This status is valid as long as the F-1 or M-1 student maintains valid status.

In order to remain legally present in the United States, you must "maintain" your status; that is you must follow the rules that apply to your status. It is your legal responsibility to understand and follow these rules. The most important rules for F-1s and M-1s are:

Requirements for Maintaining Legal Status

The most important things to remember to keep you in status with USCIS regulations are as follows:

Your passport must be valid at all times. Do not let your passport expire!
You must attend the school that issued your SEVIS I‑20
You must carry and complete a full course of study (minimum of 12 credits) every Fall and Spring semester. Summer sessions are optional.
Do not enroll for more than ONE online/internet course (or 3 credits) per semester
SEVIS I‑20 must not be expired
Engage ONLY in authorized employment and do not work for more than 20 hrs/week while school is in session
Apply for a program extension BEFORE your I-20 expires
Inform IEP of your current U.S. address within 10 days of any relocation move
Notify IEP by letter if you intend to discontinue enrollment at CGCC
Notify the IEP Office if you intend to cancel your enrollment or will graduate and return home prior to completion of your program listed on the I-20
Depart the U.S. within the 60-day period following completion of your program, or depart the U.S. within 15 days if you terminate your program in the middle of a semester or regular session or fallout of status.
Disclose fully and truthfully all information requested by USCIS
Obey all federal and state laws that prohibit the commission of crimes of violence

KEEP YOUR IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS SAFE AND DO NOT LET YOUR IMMIGRATION PAPERS EXPIRE!

It is extremely important to keep the following original documents in a safe place. You will need them in the future in order to identify yourself, apply for employment authorization, prove your status, and maintain a record of your status throughout your stay in the United States.

F‑1 students are responsible for maintaining their legal status while studying in the U.S. Consequences for an F‑1 student who fails to maintain legal status can be serious. Students who are out of legal status are ineligible for school transfer, travel endorsement, employment, OPT, program extension, change to another status, as well as ineligibility of other benefits. Out‑of‑status students must either apply for reinstatement or leave the U.S. and reenter with an initial SEVIS I-20. (see Out‑of Status on page 10).

FULL COURSE OF STUDY REQUIREMENT

Immigration regulations require that all international students with F-1 and M-1 visas register for a minimum number of credits each semester to maintain their student status in the United States. They also require that CGCC verify that its international students are registered for a full course of study.

Credit Requirements

Minimum credit levels for Undergraduate students: (including transfer undergraduate students and non-degree undergraduate students) is 12 credits.

Taking Less than a Full Course of Study

In some circumstances, students may request permission to take less than a full course of study during an academic term. However, you must have prior approval from IEP before registering for less than a full course of study or dropping below a full course of study. Immigration regulations allow only a few reasons for a reduced course load. If you fall below full-time status during a term for any reason that is not recognized in the regulations, you will lose your legal status in the United States. This is the most common way students lose their legal status! Meet with a staff person at IEP to receive prior approval before you finalize your plans to register for less than a full course or to withdraw from a class.

Reduced Course Load (RCL)

If you plan to register for less than a full course of study, or cancel a course and drop below the full course load during the term, you must submit a Reduced Course Load (RCL) Form to IEP. The Reduced Course Load Form lists acceptable reasons for a reduced course load.

Reasons that are NOT Acceptable for a Reduced Course Load:

I don't have enough money
I'm too busy finishing incomplete classes from last semester
I'm too busy with employment
I'm too busy with extracurricular (or non-academic) activities
I'm pregnant
I'm suspended from my college, and cannot register. (Always consult your academic adviser and an IEP staff person in such cases.)

Where to Get the Reduced Course Load Form

You can pick up a RCL form from the SC building. The forms are located in the magazine/document rack to the right-hand side as you enter into SC 164. You can also email a request to iss@cgcmail.maricopa.edu and we will send it to you electronically.

Where to Get Forms Signed

Get a RCL form and take it with you to meet with your academic adviser before dropping below a full course of study. Your academic advisor must sign the RCL form, and may require a letter of explanation from the academic adviser. You must then submit the signed form to an international student adviser at the International Education Program (IEP) office for the final signature.

Why You Need to Save a Copy of Your Reduced Course Load Approval form

It is important to keep copies of your signed Reduced Course Load Forms. You may be required to present them to a U.S. consular or immigration official in the future if you request a new visa stamp, file for a change of visa status, apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or request an adjustment of status to permanent residence.

F-2 DEPENDENTS

F-2s are no longer allowed to study fulltime. F-2s can only enroll for recreational or avocational courses. Limited to 6 credits per semester.

ONLINE / INTERNET COURSES

F-1 Visa students can enroll in ONE online or internet course or 3 credits per semester as part of the 12 credit hour requirement.

HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENT

Chandler-Gilbert Community College requires all international students enroll in the Maricopa Community College International Student Health Insurance Plan with Renaissance Agencies, Inc. The health insurance is made in 2 annual payments divided by Fall (5 months) and Spring/Summer (7 months). To be considered in legal status, you need to have your insurance cost paid or enrolled in the eCashier payment plan.

OUT-OF-STATUS - LOSING YOUR LEGAL STATUS

If you fail to follow the above guidelines you and your dependents will lose legal status and all related benefits. This is very serious and you want to avoid this situation at all possible. It means that you will not be eligible to enroll for classes for the following semester, apply for any employment, even on-campus jobs and you will not be able to receive a reentry signature on your I-20 for travel. Further, your SEVIS record (and those of your dependents) will be terminated and SEVIS will automatically notify the immigration services of your loss of legal status. You may be asked to appear at an immigration office and become subject to deportation from the U.S.

If you lose your legal status, you must meet with some in the International Education Program office immediately to discuss your options.

REGAINING YOUR LEGAL STATUS

Failure to maintain status can happen by either dropping under 12 credit hours, working off campus illegally or not beginning classes by the date indicated on the I‑20. You cannot regain your legal status without new documents. There are two options to regain your legal status: filing an application for reinstatement with USCIS or (under certain circumstances) reentering the U.S. on an initial attendance document. Both methods carry risks and success cannot be guaranteed.

OPTION I - REINSTATEMENT BY RE-ENTRY INTO THE U.S.

This is done by departing the U.S. and re-entering with a new "Initial Attendance" I-20. You may also need to apply for a new entry visa before your return. You are at an increased risk for denial of your visa and re-entry if embassy or immigration officials find you have violated your legal status. In addition, your eligibility for practical training work authorization is affected when you regain your status through re-entry. You will need to complete submit a new "Evidence of Financial Support" form along with new bank letter.

OPTION II - REINSTATEMENT WITH THE U.S.C.I.S INSIDE THE UNITED STATES

This is done from within the United States by mailing an application with supporting documents to the immigration service. Remember, while your reinstatement request is being processed (in pending status), you cannot:

legally work on-campus or off-campus while in the U.S.
cannot relocate to a new residency - mail from USCIS is not forwarded

Also, any reinstatement may result in a greater risk that future visa applications may be denied. Also, if you leave the United States while your application is pending, your application will be canceled. If you have been out-of-status for longer than 5 months, you are ineligible for reinstatement. CGCC is required to report to USCIS within 21 days when a student drops below 12 credits. Make an appointment with an IEP staff to determine eligibility for reinstatement. If you qualify, please complete the Reinstatement Process for Option II.

REINSTATEMENT PROCESS

PROCEDURES TO APPLY FOR REINSTATEMENT TO F-1 STUDENT STATUS

Submit the following documents to the International Education Program Office:

Write a letter to USCIS explaining the reason(s) you have fallen out-of-status. Include in the letter the follow: (a) Specify the violation, (b) the reasons for the status violation; (c) the effect on failure to receive reinstatement; (d) a statement that you are currently pursuing or are intending to pursue a full course of study; and (e) specifically request that USCIS reinstate you to F-1 status
Submit (1) a new Evidence of Financial Support form and (2) a new financial guarantee letter
Unofficial transcripts from the college
Original I-94 Arrival/Departure card (small white card in your passport)
Copy of the identification page in your passport
Copy of the most current F-1 visa in your passport
Copies of all prior I-20s
A copy of your SEVIS fee payment receipt
9. Complete an I-539 form. Pick up it up from the SC 164 office lobby rack or print from USCIS website at: http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-539.htm. Write in Part 2, item 1c "reinstatement to F-1 status"
A check payable to "Department of Homeland Security" for $300.00
Bring all the documents to be copied and reviewed by IEP office staff
Send the following documents to U.S.C.I.S. for reinstatement:
1. form I-539 completed
2. new SEVIS I-20 ID form for reinstatement
3. copy of financial documentation
4. your reinstatement letter
5. your original I-94
6. photocopies of all previous I-20s
7. photocopies of visa page and passport (picture, number, expiration date)
8. cashier check or money order for $300 payable to "Department of Homeland Security"
9. your SEVIS fee payment receipt
Mail by certified mail and request a return receipt to:

USCIS California Service Center
P.O. Box 10539
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1053
NOTE: Write in different color pen somewhere on the front along with address:
"Attention: Student/Schools Officer"

RECOMMENDED:

Attach a copy of your schedule/invoice showing tuition has been paid.

Make a cover letter on bright color paper and type in big letters "I-539 Reinstatement Application"

PROGRAM EXTENSION ON SEVIS I-20

Eligibility requirements ‑ An F-1 student, students who has maintained lawful status (including completing a minimum of 12 credits every semester and not worked off campus illegally) and who is unable to complete his/her program of study prior to the completion date listed on the I-20, must apply for an I-20 PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE listed in item #5 of the I-20. The International Education Program office can grant a program extension to a student under two conditions:

The student has continually maintained status; and
The delays are caused by compelling academic or medical reasons, such as changes of major, original length of time to complete the program was not reasonable for the program, beginning in remedial courses such as ESL courses, loss of credits upon transfer to another school, or documented illnesses

Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons. An F-1 student, who is unable to complete the educational program within the time period written on theI-20 and who is ineligible for program extension or fails to apply for a program extension prior to the completion date, is considered to be out of status.

If you qualify for an I‑20 program extension, you will need the following:

1. A Program of Study and Degree Checksheet. Make an appointment with your academic adviser to get these forms.
2. A new "Evidence of Financial Support" and bank letter (no more than 6 months old)

Traveling

TRAVELING OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES

To reenter the United States after a temporary departure, students will need to present:

valid passport
valid I-94 card
valid visa
valid SEVIS I‑20 signed for travel by a DSO on Page 3 (each signature is valid for up to one year)
current proof of financial guarantee

Recommended:

Request for an Enrollment Verification of current semester, available at the Admissions/Records & Registration Office.
Registration for the next semester and take your class schedule with you
Absences longer than 5 months will require a new "initial attendance" I-20 and constitute beginning a new program with 9 month full-time attendance prior to authorization of any off-campus employment.

TRAVELING TO MEXICO OR CANADA FOR 30 DAYS OR LESS - AUTOMATIC REVALIDATION

To facilitate entry into Canada or Mexico as a visitor, an F-1 student should have:

valid I‑94 card,
valid passport,
valid I‑20 - signed for travel by a DSO

These documents are also needed to request permission to re-enter the United States as an F-1 student. F-1 visa does not need to be valid to re-enter the United States from a visit NOT exceeding 30 days EXCEPT for citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba.

Automatic Revalidation does not apply when a student is denied an F-1 visa in Mexico or Canada.

F-1 students planning a trip to Mexico should contact the nearest Mexican Consulate < http://www.sre.gob.mx/phoenix/ > and < http://www.sre.gob.mx/English > or call or (602) 249-2363 well in advance. That office will determine whether or not a Mexican visa is needed for entry into Mexico. Canada requires a Canadian visa for citizens of a number of countries. Individuals needing a Canadian visa should check Citizenship and Immigration Canada on-line for instructions and forms at http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/Canada/Canada.html

The I‑20 must be signed by a DSO, located in IEP office, room SC165, before you leave the United States. The signature is valid for up to one‑year from the date of signature, but you are advised to have it renewed every 9 months if you are traveling outside the United States.

Employment Options

ON‑CAMPUS WORK PERMISSION

F-1 status must be maintained - (see Requirements for Maintaining Legal Status on page 7)

Must have a current and valid I-20 issued by Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Limited to work on-campus for 20 hours (or less) a week ONLY during the semester (full time during semester breaks or summer vacation periods)
Do not need USCIS authorization to work on-campus
Cannot work off-campus without approved authorization (see Optional Practical Training)
Must be registered full-time or been approved for Reduced Course Load
Students must have a social security number (see Applying for a Social Security Number)
Apply for "TAX BUDGET" jobs ONLY - DO NOT apply for "federal work study"

CGCC's Career Center & Job Placement office has most employment opportunities advertised online.

Please review the instructions on the Career Center/Job Placement Services webpage: http://www.cgc.maricopa.edu/ss/career/ to search for a job on campus. You must apply for positions just as any other student by completing an application and interviewing with the department. If you have concerns regarding your interviewing skills, please make an appointment with an advisor in the Career Center for assistance 480-732-5211.

Applying For A Social Security Number
Students need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) to begin working on campus. In order to qualify for a SSN number, students must have a valid F-1 student visa, current passport, enrolled fulltime, tuition paid and an official letter of employment offer. The department manager who wants to hire the student will need to write a letter to the International Education Program (IEP) office confirming the intent to hire the student, including job title, employment dates (beginning and ending). Bring the letter to the IEP office. You will also need to complete an SSN application and get a letter from the IEP Office written to the Social Security Administration Office, verifying full time enrollment at CGCC. Please contact IEP to pick up a SSN application and/or more information on how to obtain a SSN.

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) - OFF CAMPUS WORK PERMISSION

What is Optional Practical Training? Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that gives F-1 students an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience off campus. Authorization for optional practical training is granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) - formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service or INS - and can take at least 90 days and frequently up to 120 days to obtain. It is important that you apply for the authorization at the earliest possible date. The maximum amount of time granted to work in F-1 OPT status is 12 months per degree level.

Who Can Apply For Opt?
All F-1 students are eligible for 12 months of OPT if you have maintained lawful status. This is an opportunity granted to eligible applicants by USCIS for work experience in the U.S., in the area you are studying. You must apply for OPT before completion of course of study and/or before your SEVIS I-20 expires. You are encouraged to apply at least 90 days before program completion. You CANNOT travel outside the U.S. until you have been approved for employment authorization by USCIS. We suggest you do not change residence until you receive your authorization - federal mail is not forwarded to new addresses - it is returned to the government. If your EAD card is returned, most likely you will not be able to track it and will lose the opportunity for OPT. The new rule also maintains that all OPT must be completed within 14 months following completion of program of study. Example: if you graduate May 13-16, the last day you can indicate on your application for OPT is July 15th if you want 12 months of employment. You can request to begin sooner (right after graduation) if you apply 90 days or more before your last semester.

Dates Of Optional Practical Training Authorization

The OPT card is approved for a specific beginning and end date. You must identify those dates on the OPT application form. For OPT after completion of studies or graduation, the beginning date can be no later than 60 days after the date you complete your studies. If you have questions about your OPT dates, please discuss this with someone in the International Education Programs (IEP) office.

OPT Eligibility Requirements

Students must be in valid F-1 status. The employment must be directly related to your major area of study, and must be equivalent with your educational level. The maximum amount of time granted to work in F-1 practical training status will be 12 months per degree level (not cumulative). You may change jobs during the 12 months. You can work anywhere in the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska). You are not limited to the state of Arizona. OPT requirements include:

Directly related to field of study
Must be in good academic standing
Do not begin working until your authorization has been issued

How To Apply For Optional Practical Training

Step One

Download the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) and read through the entire application. Include the code "(c)(3)(i)" on item #16. The form can be found at: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf.

Submit the following required documents to the International Education Program office for review and approval before mailing out to USCIS. A new I-20 will be issued for OPT to mail with your documents. This may take approximately one week.

Completed Form I-765, (website: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf )

A completed "graduation check-out" by your academic advisor, confirming you are eligible for graduation, including degree program check sheets
A copy of your graduation application
An unofficial copy of your transcripts
A completed Optional Practical Training I-20 Request Form
A legible copy of your current SEVIS I-20
A legible photocopy of both sides of I-94 Card (Arrival/Departure card usually stapled inside your passport)
Two passport type photographs - can get them from Walgreen Pharmacy (Print your name and admission number lightly in pencil on the back of each photo, and put the photos in an envelope and attach it to the I-765 form)
A legible copy of the photo page (identification page) of your passport, (a color copy is preferably). Also include pages that records extensions of the validity of your passport.
Legible copies of ALL previous I-20s that have been issued to you, if applicable.
$340 application fee, payable to Department of Homeland Security. You may send a money order or check, NO CASH. Attach the check to the front of the I-765 form.
A legible photocopy of pages 1 & 3 of your new SEVIS I-20, endorsement for OPT by the IEP Director (this will be given to your once all the documents from 1 through 11 have been submitted to the IEP office)

Step Two

After your application has been reviewed and approved by IEP, mail the following documents (we suggest you use certified mail and insurance) to:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

US Citizenship and Immigration Services

California Service Center

P.O. Box 10765

Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1076

Staple all above documents together and send by certified mail with a return receipt. After mailing in the documents, you will receive a notice (Form I-797) stating you need to wait for 60 to 90 days to receive your EAD card (Employment Authorization Document). With the receipt notice, you can check your case status on line at http://uscis.gov. In general, it takes about 3 months to get your card. If approved, your EAD card will be mailed to you. If you have not received a decision within 90 days of receipt, you may obtain interim work authorization by appearing in person at the local USCIS district office. You must bring proof of identity and any Notices that you have received in connection with your application.

Step Three

DON'T FORGET TO MAKE COPIES OF ALL DOCUMENTS FOR YOUR RECORDS QUESTIONS? Please visit with staff in International Education Programs, room SC-165 or call 480-857-5188 to make an appointment.

To Check Your Opt Application Case Status:

If you would like to find out about the status of your application, you can call USCIS at 1 (800) 375-5283 between 9am-2pm, Mon-Fri. or check online by visiting USCIS website and chose an option from the right hand side. If you have your case number on the receipt Notice of Action - I-797 form, you can visit: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

Local area U.S.C.I.S. Office location:

Unites States Citizenship & Immigration Services
Phoenix District
2035 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

(602) 379-3114/5

For driving directions get an online map: MapQuest at www.mapquest.com/

Employment Regulations for F-2 Dependents

USCIS does not permit individuals with F-2 status to be employed under any conditions. Employment is defined as the rendering of services, part- or full-time, for financial or other compensation, including self employment.

Transfer to Another School

WHO IS CONSIDERED A TRANSFER STUDENT FOR IMMIGRATION PURPOSES?

A student is considered to be a transfer student when he or she leaves one U.S. institution (before or after earning a degree) to begin attendance at another U.S. institution. Please note that this does not refer to the transfer of academic credits.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO TRANSFER?

Student is admitted and has submitted all necessary documents to Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
Student is currently maintaining his or her F-1status.
The new program begins within five months of the end of the course of study at the current school or the end of the authorized optional practical training period.

Transfer must be requested no later than the end of the student's grace period; otherwise the student is considered to be "out of status" and may have to apply for reinstatement.

F-1 students: The SEVIS record has to be transferred within the 60 day grace period following the student's completion of study or practical training

Eligibility Requirements ‑ student must have maintained lawful status by:

Maintaining full‑time status every semester.
Making normal progress towards completing program of study.
Has not engaged in unauthorized employment.
Has not received notification of deportation.
Submit a completed Transfer SEVIS Release from.
Submit a SEVIS Transfer Request form from the transfer school.

You will need to decide which university you want to transfer to before your last semester ends at CGCC. We need to submit a transfer date and school name into SEVIS before the other school can issue you an I-20. Please make sure you begin transfer procedures at least one semester before your desired transfer semester, if not sooner. Most professional programs have application deadlines, so be sure you begin the process on time. Please check with the university of interest for more information.

WHAT ARE THE TRANSFER PROCEDURES?

All students planning to transfer to another college or university must submit a completed Transfer Out SEVIS Release from. Forms are available in the office of International Education Program office.

Student applies through the appropriate Admissions Office at the new institution. Students are given a Transfer In or Transfer Eligibility form from the new school and student must take the International student transfer form to CGCC's International Education Program (IEP) office. The IEP staff person at the student's current school enters the transfer request in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and sets the SEVIS release date. SEVIS release date is the date on which the student's nonimmigrant record will be entered into SEVIS. The SEVIS release date should be determined according to the student's circumstances and needs. Students will not be eligible to transfer unless the student is released on SEVIS. Student will be released on SEVIS once all the requirements have been submitted.

Reporting Change of Address

All F-1 students who have moved to a different location must report their new address to International Education Program office within 10 days. The new address must be entered into SEVIS immediately. Students must also complete an AR-11 form and send it immediately to the address on the form. The form can be downloaded from www.uscis.gov/files/form/ar-11.pdf or pick up a copy from International Education Programs (IEP).

Student from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba are required to complete the AR-11SR which can be downloaded from www.uscis.gov/files/form/ar-11sr.pdf.