Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Current Section Title
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
GUIDE FOR EXCELLENCE
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES F-1 REGULATION GUIDE FOR STUDENTS
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—— Read the rules pertaining to the F-1 visa and attending the Worldwide Campus. It is the student’s responsibility to understand the F-1 regulations and University Catalog while studying in the United States. ——
The information in this guide is subject to change and is dependent upon federal law and university regulations.
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Table of Contents 04 Points of Contact 05 Worldwide Campus F-1 Regulations 06 What to Do When You Receive Your I-20 08 Responsibilities
08 Maintaining F-1 Status 09 Violations of F-1 Status 10 Campus Life 11 Vacation and Travel 12 Academic Information – Schedules/Modalities 13 Distance Learning 13 Income Tax 14 Applying for a Social Security Card and Driver’s License 16 Program-Related F-1 Status Changes 18 Dependents 19 Completion of Degree Program/Departing the United States 20 Practical Training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) 23 Frequently Asked Questions
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Welcome to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide! This guide will assist you in finding answers to your questions regarding your status as an International Student studying at a Worldwide Campus F-1 Site in the United States. If this guide fails to provide you with answers to your status as an International Student, contact your local Site Director/Designated School Official (DSO):
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES:
Designated Student Official (DSO) Jeffrey Conde International Student Counselor 386-226-4817 wwintstc@erau.edu
Primary Designated Student Official (PDSO) Lacy Adams Asst. Director of International Admissions 386-226-6433 wwintstc@erau.edu
Your Designated School Official (DSO) will be able to assist you with some of your concerns regarding maintaining your F-1 status. The Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) can assist you with more complicated issues.
Portland, Oregon Jenifer Stevens Site Director / DSO 503.288.8690 | portland@erau.edu Orlando, Florida Alissa Thompson Site Director / DSO 407.352.7575 | orlando@erau.edu Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona Patricia Beck Site Director / DSO 480.279.1150 | phoenixchandler@erau.edu Seattle, Washington Daniel Hammes Site Director / DSO 425.226.2484 | seattle@erau.edu San Diego, California Jesenia Rosales Site Director / DSO 858.576.4375 | sandiego@erau.edu
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Shanta Boodhai Site Director / DSO 954.497.3774 | fortlauderdale@erau.edu Dallas-Fort Worth, Southlake, Texas Hector Ramos Site Director / DSO 817.490.0122 | dfw-southlake@erau.edu Los Angeles, California Celso Arcega Site Director / DSO 562.627.5871 | losangeles@erau.edu Miami, Florida Deborah Encalada Site Director / DSO 305.871.3855 | miami@erau.edu San Francisco Bay Area, California Victor Retana Site Director / DSO 510.636.2424 | oakland@erau.edu Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Pamela Doty Site Director / DSO 405.739.0397 | oklahomacity@erau.edu
Your Site Director/DSO is available to help you with all academic issues. Please contact your Site Director/DSO upon arrival in the United States.
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—— Worldwide Campus F-1 Regulations
Embry-Riddle Worldwide adheres to the Department of Homeland Security regulations as described in the Federal Register 8 CFR 214.2.
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—— What to Do When You Receive Your I-20 For Department of State information on F-1 student visas visit: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/ student-visa.html As a newly admitted student to Embry-Riddle Worldwide, the next step is to apply for your F-1 academic student visa. Learn about study in the United States at studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students . 1. An international student counselor sends the student a Certificate of Eligibility (Form SEVIS I-20) upon receipt of necessary documentation from the applicant. 2. The student submits SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com . As a reminder, regulation requires that you pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before the U.S. Department of State issues you a visa. You must present proof of your I-901 SEVIS Fee payment at your visa interview.
3. Upon receipt of verification of admission and the I-20, the student contacts the nearest United States Embassy or United States Consulate in their country of residence and applies for an F-1 visa: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/ study/student-visa.html 4. A consular officer reviews the application and determines eligibility for issuance of the F-1 visa. 5. The student arrives at the United States Port of Entry within 30 days of the term start date. 6. An immigration officer at the port of entry reviews passport, F-1 visa and I-20 and, if applicable, admits the student in F-1 status.
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What to Do When You Receive Your I-20
Apply for Your Visa Schedule the appointment for your visa at the United States Consulate or Embassy. The United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs will ask to see your proof of medical or travel insurance. Please take a copy with you to your visa appointment. If your medical insurance will not cover you while in the United States, a list of international student insurance companies will be provided. You will need to contact the various insurance companies, as it is your responsibility to obtain medical or travel insurance while in the United States studying on the F-1 student visa. Health insurance is required. Class attendance is prohibited if you do not have valid health insurance. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement has mandated that an international student may not enter the United States more than 30 days prior to the start of classes. 8CFR214.2(f)(5). However, you must be in the United States before the term start date. Please inform the DSO if this is not possible. Your SEVIS record needs to be adjusted to the new term start date, and another I-20 will be issued to you. Arriving in the U.S.: At the port of entry in the United States, make sure you are carrying your I-20, passport, visa, I-94, copies of financial documents that were submitted to Embry-Riddle Worldwide, Form I-901 receipt, your acceptance letter to Embry-Riddle Worldwide and the name and contact information of your DSO who signed your I-20. The United States Customs and Border Protection began issuing electronic I-94 cards on April 26, 2013. You will need to go to i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home to retrieve a copy of your card. Upon arrival in the United States, call and make an appointment to register for classes. You will need to bring your immigration documents. The DSO will make copies of your passport ID page, visa page and I-20.
Reporting Your New Address: It is your responsibility to report your new address within 10 days of arrival. Post office box addresses are not allowed. It must be a physical street address. Contact the DSO with your new address, telephone and email.
Failure to report your address can result in fines, imprisonment or deportation. 8CFR214.2(f)(17)
POST-ACCEPTANCE CHECKLIST Confirm your mailing address where you wish to receive your I-20. Begin regularly checking your Embry-Riddle email. Sign the Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility mailed to you by your international student counselor. Submit the Form I-901 SEVIS Fee at fmjfee.com . Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in your country of residence to apply for an F-1 visa: travel.state.gov . Attend your visa interview. The consular officer determines your eligibility for issuance of the F-1 visa. Arrive at the U.S. port of entry within 30 days of the term start date. Purchase health insurance to cover you during the duration of your stay in the United States before you arrive. Review your International Student Guide on how to maintain your F-1 status and study at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. Email the F-1 student agreement to the DSO or PDSO at wwintstc@erau.edu . Secure housing and transportation prior to arriving in the United States.
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—— Responsibilities
—— Maintaining F-1 Status
All Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students on the F-1 visa are responsible for knowing and abiding by the academic regulations and procedures required for continued attendance at the university and to meet the federal F-1 regulations. A student who requires clarification of any policy or regulation should seek help from their Site Director/DSO or PDSO. Federal and university regulations will not be waived because a student is unaware of established policies and procedures. The university reserves the right to change curricula and academic regulations and procedures without notice or obligation. Federal regulations are subject to change. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s student code of conduct ensures that all people behave and are treated in a manner which is ethical, respectful, responsible and professional. The Dean of Students office will hold students responsible and accountable for an infraction of any of the concepts, values or behaviors outlined in the catalog.
Student responsibilities: 1. Report to DSO for SEVIS registration upon arrival. 2. Attend school that issued the I-20. 3. Carry a full course of study and make normal progress to complete program. 4. Transfer or extend program in a timely manner. 5. Keep I-20 valid for change of education levels or programs.
6. No unauthorized employment. 7. Abide by F-1 grace period rules.
8. Keep passport valid for six months into the future. 9. Report address changes to DSO within 10 days of change.
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—— Violations of F-1 Status
Attendance in the Classroom F-1 degree programs offered through Embry-Riddle Worldwide sites are not online programs. Attendance in the classroom is mandatory; missing more than two classes in one nine-week term will result in your SEVIS record being canceled. F-1 students are not authorized to log in to courses remotely. Logging in remotely to an on-ground course without permission will result in immediate termination of the SEVIS I-20 record. Attendance in the classroom is mandatory, and failure to report to class on time will not be tolerated. We have a zero-tolerance policy for non-attendance due to distance from the site, traveling and bad weather. This includes arriving late to class. Unexcused absence reasons also include working on OPT or CPT/internships, car trouble, traffic, flight delays/cancellations and being on holiday/vacation. You must remain in contact with the DSO at all times to ensure you maintain status. If you do not, you will be reported to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement as “out of status” and your I-20 will be terminated.
1. Enrolling in less than a full course of study. A minimum of six credit hours at the undergraduate level or one in-person course at the graduate level is considered full-time. To drop below full-time, you must have approval from your DSO. 2. Attending a school other than the one the student is authorized to attend on his/her I-20 without properly following the school transfer procedures. 3. Failure to apply for a transfer, program extension or change in program level in a timely manner. 4. Unauthorized employment.
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—— Campus Life
The Embry-Riddle Worldwide Campus Sites are non- traditional, meaning they are located in business parks or near airports in a suite containing administrative offices and multiple classrooms. Students use an online library for resources and are able to order materials from Daytona Beach and Prescott residential libraries. The majority of Worldwide students are adult learners who are employed in the field or are changing careers. The majority of classes are offered in the evenings over a period of five nine-week terms. Classes are offered in a traditional lecture format, as well as EagleVision Classroom. Worldwide does not offer housing or any social activities that are common to a residential campus. Students are required to purchase their own health insurance that will extend coverage to them in the United States. There is no on-campus employment at the Worldwide Campus Sites. Students will need to secure their own housing and transportation.
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—— Vacation and Travel Travel Requests Any travel must be authorized by the DSO on page 2 of the I-20. In order to reenter the United States, the following are required: Valid passport Valid United States visa Valid I-20 Current proof of financial support The travel authorization signature on page 2 of your I-20 is valid for 12 months and six months for students on active OPT. Students are allowed a vacation period each year as long as the student plans to enroll in the next term. 8CFR214.2(f)(5) (iii). You may take a holiday term after you have been enrolled for four terms. There may be an exception for emergency travel. Please contact the DSO. It is not recommended you travel outside of the United States if you have a change of status or an OPT application pending. For travel to any country other than the student’s home, contact the embassy of the country you plan to visit to inquire on specific entry procedures.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION about the I-94 card The Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, is a critical record. It shows that you have been legally admitted to the United States, the class of admission and the authorized period of stay. It is very important that the information on the record is correct. If you arrive by a land port, you will receive a paper Form I-94. If you arrive at the port of entry by air or sea, an automated Form I-94 will be generated for you by United States Customs and Border Protection officers. They will provide you with an admission stamp on your passport that is annotated with date of admission, class of admission and admitted-until date. The electronic arrival/departure record can be obtained at i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home .
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—— Academic Information – Schedules/Modalities
You may also need to enroll in one online course per term depending on the current schedule at your selected site. Keep in mind, due to our small class sizes, students are advised to follow the course enrollment track that the academic advisor recommends. It is unlikely you will be able to take more than two courses (UG) or one course (GR) each term due to the nature of our schedules. Failure to follow the advising schedule recommended by the Site Director may result in a delay in completing your studies. Enrolling early will help secure your spot in a class. Tuition is due at the time of registration.
Embry-Riddle Worldwide operates on a five-term schedule in the classroom. Terms begin in the following months: January, March, May, August and October. Courses in the classroom are delivered in a nine-week format. Four consecutive terms are considered one academic year (nine months). Students are permitted to request a vacation term after four consecutive months of maintaining F-1 status. Undergraduate students must enroll in two courses per term. Graduate students must enroll in one course per term. Traditional lecture courses and EagleVision Classroom are considered classroom studies. Students will enroll in different modalities to complete their degree. EagleVision is a virtual classroom that combines web video conferencing and a learning management system to amplify the benefits of synchronous learning. EagleVision allows for real-time collaboration in a student-centered learning environment. EagleVision Classroom includes scheduled online times and real-time interaction with other students and professors.
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—— Distance Learning The purpose of the F-1 visa is to give nonimmigrant students the opportunity to study in the United States, specifically in the classroom. The DSO may approve one online course; however, it must be in conjunction with at least one lecture class. No more than one online course per term is allowed. The only exception to this rule is if you are on your holiday term and wish to enroll in one online class. This must be approved by the DSO, as well as be completed prior to enrolling in the next term at the campus.
—— Income Tax
All international students, whether employed or not, must complete IRS form 8843 every year by the filing deadline of April 15. Employed students must submit both the IRS form 8843 and form 1040NREZ. You can access these forms using the links below. Form 8843: irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8843.pdf Income tax and the F-1 student: irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Foreign- Students-and-Scholars Form1040NREZ: irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-nr
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—— Applying for a Social Security Card and Driver’s License
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Applying for a Social Security Card and Driver’s License
Applying for a Social Security Card The Social Security Administration has issued the following regulations regarding Social Security cards for F-1 students. Students must be enrolled in a full course of study. Each student must present the following: 1. Completed Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, available at SSA offices. 2. At least two original documents to establish identity and age; one of these documents will be a passport. 3. Original I-94. 4. Your I-20 must be updated to show recommendation for CPT or OPT by the PDSO. In order to do this, please have your employer submit a letter on company letterhead with approximate start date. No photocopies or notarized copies will be accepted. The Social Security Administration will verify the above listed documents with the USCIS before a number is assigned. This may take anywhere from a few days to much longer depending on the difficulty of verifying the documents provided. Students who do not plan to work do not need to apply for a Social Security number. Social Security cards are no longer issued for obtaining a driver’s license and are not used for identification. Students should apply for the ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Students who do not have a social security number but need to open a bank account, should apply for an ITIN. Your bank
can provide information or you can visit: irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer- identification-number
Driver’s Licenses F-1 students can apply for a driver’s license only after they have been enrolled in their first term with the following documentation: 1. Valid continuing student I-20 2. Valid passport 3. Valid visa 4. Employment authorization card 5. Identification from home country 6. Identification from school DSO’s can direct students to nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
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—— Program-Related F-1 Status Changes
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Program Related F-1 Status Changes
Changing Fields of Study or Majors The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) needs to be informed of any changes in academic curriculum or of the extension dates for degree completion in a new degree program. The student needs to inform the DSO within 30 days of the intent to change. A new I-20 will be issued reflecting the new program information. Requesting a Program Extension Although an F-1 student is admitted to the United States for “duration of status” to complete an educational program, the student must actually complete his or her program before the program end date indicated in SEVIS. A student who will not complete the academic program by that date must apply to the PDSO for an extension before the program end date. An F-1 student is eligible for an extension if: The student applies to the PDSO for the extension prior to the program end date. The PDSO updates the SEVIS record to reflect the extension before the program completion date. The PDSO can certify that the delay in completion is “caused by compelling academic or medical reasons, such as changes of major or research topics, unexpected research problems or documented illnesses.” The PDSO determines compelling academic or medical reasons third-party documentation will be required.
Dropping Below Full-Time Enrollment Students studying on the F-1 visa must maintain full-time status, unless otherwise approved by the PDSO. In rare instances, the PDSO can approve a drop below full-time enrollment. To drop below full-time status, there must be a compelling reason. Academic or medical reasons will be considered, and third-party documentation may be required. If a student is in their last semester and needs only one class, the PDSO can permit the student to enroll in only that class as long as it is a classroom course. CFR214.2(f)(6)(iii)(C) Embry-Riddle Worldwide does not have a maternity leave of absence because the university is a nontraditional institution with nine-week terms, not semesters. A medical withdrawal from courses is up to the discretion of the DSO at each university [8 C.F.R 214.2(f) (6) (iii) (B)] based on documentation received from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy or licensed clinical psychologist. The regulations specifically state that it must be a temporary illness or medical condition. Per the guidance of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the university’s discretion, pregnancy is not considered a medical condition. Third-party documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy or licensed clinical psychologist recognizing the inability to attend class due to a medical condition will be required.
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—— Dependents
F-2 Dependents If the student’s spouse or children will be accompanying them to the United States, the student will need to provide a copy of the dependent’s current passport/visa at the time of application or when the dependent plans to join the student. Updated financial information will be needed at this time to prove that there are adequate funds. F-2 dependents cannot work and may only enroll in vocational or recreational classes. If the F-2 dependent applies for a degree program, the student cannot attend classes until the change of status to F-1 is approved by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
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Current Section Title
—— Completion of Degree Program/ Departing the United States
Completion of Study/Prepare to Depart the U.S. 60-Day and 15-Day Grace Periods The completion date is the term ending date. The student has a 60-day grace period to leave the United States. Failure to depart is considered a violation of status, making the student subject to deportation. If a student wants to participate in a graduation ceremony more than 60 days after the term ending date, the student still must return to country of citizenship and may reenter the United States as a B visitor to participate. You must contact the DSO for authorization if you decide to terminate your studies prior to degree completion; you are allowed 15 days to depart the United States. If you terminate your studies without notifying the DSO, you are out-of-status and must make plans to depart the United States immediately. 8CFR214.2(f)(5)(iv)
Options to Retain F-1 Status After Degree Completion If you plan to remain in the U.S., you can: 1. Apply for admission to another degree program at the same school or another SEVIS-approved school before the 60-day grace period. 2. Apply for Optional Practical Training 90 days prior to degree completion. If you do not plan to remain in the United States, federal regulations permit a 60-day grace period to depart the U.S. after degree completion. Contact the PDSO for assistance.
Visa Renewal Visas can only be renewed outside of the United States.
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—— Practical Training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
F-1 students may be approved for CPT or OPT training (employment) after they have maintained full-time student status for one academic year (9 months/4 terms) from the initial term start date in F-1 status. An F-1 student is a nonimmigrant who is pursuing a full course of study to achieve a specific educational or professional objective at an academic institution in the United States. We encourage you to maintain focus on your education and the goal of graduating with a degree from Embry-Riddle. Focusing on other endeavors could take away time needed to achieve academic success.
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Practical Training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Internships Contact the PDSO, Lacy Adams, at wwintstc@erau.edu for internship guidelines. You must be enrolled full-time. Undergraduate Co-Op Assignments Undergraduate co-op assignments are available to degree- seeking students. The following criteria must be met: 1. Completed at least 30 Embry-Riddle credit hours applicable to degree. 2. Transfer students must have completed 12 credit hours with Embry-Riddle. 3. Cumulative GPA of 2.50 for all Embry-Riddle coursework. Graduate Internship Assignments Graduate internship assignments are available to degree- seeking students. The following criteria must be met: 1. Completed at least six credit hours applicable to degree program to apply for internship. 2. Be in full graduate-level status. 3. Completed nine credit hours by start of internship. 4. Cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 for all Embry-Riddle coursework.
What constitutes volunteering? Many F-1 students are often approached to volunteer their time at flight schools as instructors in order to gain experience. Students have been told this is not considered employment since no money is being exchanged between the student and company. This is an illegal practice under immigration rules and regulations. Even if you are not being paid for your service, this is still considered employment. You are providing a service that the flight schools are selling, and they are making profits from those services. Only a non- profit organization can legally hire ‘volunteers.’ Embry-Riddle does not condone this practice, and we strongly encourage F-1 students to refrain from accepting such offers. Procedures for Applying for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) CPT while enrolled in study 8CFR214.2(f)(10)(i) 1. Must be an internship. 2. Must be an integral part of the student’s field of study in exchange for academic credit. If you have completed all classes fulfilling the requirements in the professional development core, upper-level professional development elective or upper/lower open electives, you are NOT eligible for an internship or CPT. 3. Part-time or full-time is allowed. Position may be paid or unpaid. 4. Must be enrolled full-time during the training experience. Procedures for Applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) OPT must relate to your major or course of study, and although you can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level, you must have your Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) card before you begin working. In order to obtain your EAD, your DSO needs to provide you with a new Form I-20 indicating your DSO’s recommendation for employment, and you must submit a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Your EAD card will come from USCIS in 90 days. Just as with other work authorizations, you are restricted to a 20-hour work week while school is in session.
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Practical Training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Types of OPT
2. POST-COMPLETION OPT a. An F-1 student may be authorized to participate in post-completion OPT upon completion of studies. The post-completion OPT must be directly related to the student’s major area of study. Students may work more than 20 hours a week. b. Students must initiate the process by requesting the DSO at their academic institution to recommend the OPT. The DSO makes the recommendation by endorsing the student’s Form I-20 and making the appropriate notation in the SEVIS. c. Students then file Form I-765, Application for EAD, with USCIS. If approved, USCIS will issue an EAD to the student. d. Requests can be submitted 90 days before the term ending date of the final class or up to 60 days after degree completion. Students must obtain the EAD card prior to working. e. If you are unemployed for 90 days or more, the I-20 and OPT are terminated. ***Upon completion of post-degree OPT, there is a 60- day grace period in which the student will need to depart the United States or apply for a higher degree level or to another school. OPT is terminated if the student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level. 8CFR214.2(f)(10)(ii)(B)*** 3. STEM EXTENSION OPT a. As of May 11, 2012, the following program code, 49.0101 Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General is approved for the 24-month OPT extension by the Department of Homeland Security. b. Under the prior regulations, F-1 students had to apply for post-completion OPT prior to graduation. Embry-Riddle guidance suggests students have at least 120 days of post-degree completion OPT to apply for the STEM extension to avoid gaps in employment. c. See PDSO for details.
1. PRE-COMPLETION OPT a. An F-1 student may be authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT after they have been enrolled for one full academic year. The pre-completion OPT must be directly related to the student’s major area of study. Students authorized to participate in pre- completion OPT must work part-time while school is in session. b. Students must initiate the process by requesting the DSO at their academic institution to recommend the OPT. The DSO makes such recommendation by endorsing the student’s Form I-20 and by making appropriate notation in SEVIS, the system used to track F-1 students. c. Students then file Form I-765, application for EAD, with USCIS. If approved, USCIS will issue an EAD to the student. d. Requests may be made up to 90 days prior to eligibility. Students must obtain the EAD card prior to working. e. You must be enrolled full-time to be eligible for pre-completion OPT. ***All periods of pre-completion OPT are deducted from the available periods of post-completion OPT.***
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—— Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions and Concerns Can I take more than one online class per term? More than one online class is prohibited. The reason you are in the United States is to study in the classroom. DO NOT register for any online classes without speaking to the DSO at your site. Only your P/DSO can approve registration in an online class. The online class must begin on the same term start date as your classroom course. I forgot to meet with my advisor and it is past the add/ drop week. What can I do? It is your responsibility to meet with your P/DSO at least three weeks before the next term start date to register for the next term. If you do not, understand that your I-20 will be terminated for “failure to enroll.”
My I-20 was terminated because I registered for classes but did not attend classes; what can I do? Attendance is mandatory. Classes go for the duration of nine weeks and the instructors do take attendance. If you are not attending class, the instructor will notify the DSO/ PDSO. Part of maintaining your F-1 status means you must attend classes each week and arrive on time. Embry-Riddle Worldwide has a zero-tolerance policy for non-attendance due to the distance away from the site, traveling and bad weather. This includes arriving late to class. The only time a student does not have to attend or arrive on time is if the site is closed due to weather. If you miss classes for a medical reason, be prepared to submit documentation from a licensed medical doctor or clinical psychologist. You may be able to be approved for a drop below full-time; however, this is NOT a guarantee. What will happen if I have a family issue and I need to drop my classes to help out? Your I-20 will be terminated. You cannot stay in the United States and will need to return home. Other family medical issues are not considered cause to approve a drop below full-time. If you stay outside of the United States for less than 5 months, keep your flight departure ticket and reservations to return and submit to the PDSO; it is possible to “reactivate” your I-20. If you are outside of the United States for more than 5 months, you will have to request a new I-20 and new SEVIS ID to reenter. In addition, you will need to pay a new SEVIS fee and apply for a new visa. You will be permitted to reenter no more than 30 days before the term start date.
My I-20 is terminated for “failure to enroll,” what can I do?
You can apply for “reinstatement.” The cost is $370 and will require an application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). It is becoming increasingly difficult to be approved for reinstatement when students do not follow the rules to enroll full-time at the appropriate time. A recommendation by the PDSO for approval will not be provided for your reinstatement application. Your better option is to go home, obtain a new I-20 issued by the PDSO and pay the SEVIS fee again. You may have to apply for a new visa and reenter as a first-time F-1 student. Always contact your P/DSO if you are concerned about your status.
24 | F-1 Regulation Guide for Students | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I volunteer my time with a flight school as a flight instructor? No. This is considered unauthorized employment. Refer to the training section in the guide listed under CPT or OPT. I need one class to graduate. Can it be online? No. If you enroll in your final class online, you must depart the United States and take the course online from anywhere outside of the United States. You will not be eligible for any of the benefits like OPT. Your I-20 will be terminated for “authorized early withdrawal,” with an explanation that your last class was online. You have 15 days to depart the United States. If you want to stay in the United States to be eligible for OPT, then you must enroll in a classroom course while enrolled in the online class just to maintain your F-1 status and be eligible for OPT. Can I renew my visa in Mexico, Canada or the Bahamas? It is not recommended. You may have to stay in one of those countries for an extended period of time as the visa process may take time; or you may be refused. If your visa is expired, you will have to return home. How long can I stay in the United States after I have completed my degree? Do I have to apply for OPT to stay? Unless you have applied to another Embry-Riddle program, been accepted to study at another school or applied for full- time post degree completion OPT, you have a 60-day grace period following the final term end date to make your plans to depart the United States.
I did not register because I want to take this term off and now you have terminated my I-20. Why? Embry-Riddle Worldwide operates year-round; there is not a break for summer holidays. Students must be enrolled for one academic year (9 months/4 terms) before eligible for a holiday term. Holiday leave must be approved by the P/DSO. If you do not register for classes with the intent to request approval for a term off, your I-20 will be terminated for “failure to enroll.” You will need to contact your P/DSO. On a case-by-case basis, we can approve holiday terms sooner for students who transfer from other SEVIS- approved schools as long as they attend the next available term at Embry-Riddle Worldwide following completion at the other school. I have been busy with my flight training, and I cannot or do not want to attend class. The purpose of the F-1 visa is to study in the classroom and make progress towards degree completion; therefore, in- person attendance is required. Any outside flight training is considered vocational and recreational for the purpose of the F-1 visa. In order to maintain F-1 status, you must regularly attend and participate in the classroom. I am almost degree complete, but haven’t finished my flight ratings. Am I eligible to graduate? You do not need flight ratings to graduate. Enroll in the classes required to fulfill the “area of concentration” to give you time to complete your ratings. You are allowed up to three program extensions if you cannot complete your program from the original date on your I-20, after which you will have to change your status to M-1 with the flight school to complete your ratings.
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worldwide.erau.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to apply for the STEM extension, but my OPT is expired. Am I eligible? No. In order to be eligible for the STEM extension, your I-20 must reflect that you are currently on post-degree completion OPT. You can apply for the extension 90 days prior to your OPT expiration. International Student Services requires you to have four months of OPT (120 days). This allows time for seamless transitions from post-degree completion OPT to the STEM extension OPT. Your employer must also be registered with the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program and agree to report to the DSO. I completed my flight training and OPT at an aviation school on the F-1 visa. I want to transfer to Embry-Riddle in the associate degree program. Can I begin part-time OPT right away? No. Students who come from a flight school on the F-1 visa and have completed OPT will not be eligible for the OPT opportunity at the associate level. We feel the coursework completed at the flight school on the F-1 visa is similar to the coursework needed at the associate level, and we will not request OPT for this level. However, the students are eligible to complete OPT at the bachelor’s level. If you want to change your degree program, contact your DSO.
What is OPT, and what is the difference between taking OPT while I am in a degree program or when I am degree complete? Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment benefit available to students who have maintained their academic F-1 status. Students who have come to the United States for the first time to study must wait one academic year (9 months/4 terms) before they are allowed to apply for OPT. The purpose is to gain practical experience in your field of study. Pre-completion OPT is part-time (20 hours per week) while enrolled in classes full-time. Post-completion OPT is full-time (40 hours per week) for 12 months, with no part-time OPT. You must contact the Worldwide Site DSO or the PDSO at Embry-Riddle Worldwide headquarters to initiate your OPT application. What is CPT, and am I eligible? Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a training employment experience where the student receives academic credit. You are eligible if you have not fulfilled the requirements in the Professional Development core, upper-level Professional Development elective or upper/lower open electives. Review your academic plan with your academic adviser to see if you are eligible. You will also want to review the CPT/ OPT cooperative and internship section in this guide.
26 | F-1 Regulation Guide for Students | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact?
CONTACT THE CAMPUS DSO FOR: 1. Travel endorsement 2. Permission to enroll in a distance learning class 3. Address/name changes 4. Course registration every term CONTACT THE PDSO FOR: 1. Training/employment issues: CPT, OPT, co-ops or internships 2. Transfer to another school 3. Permission to drop below full-time study 4. Change of status to F-1 5. Any change in dependent information 6. Deferring attendance if you cannot make beginning of term starting 7. Degree completion date 8. Opting not to continue your education 9. Permission to transfer to distance learning as long as you remain outside of the United States or transfer to another school 10. Lost, stolen or damaged immigration documents 11. Any concerns regarding immigration status 12. Anything of personal nature affecting your status
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worldwide.erau.edu
Current Section Title
Worldwide/Online wwintstc@erau.edu Toll Free (in U.S.) 800.522.6787
worldwide.erau.edu
28 | F-1 Regulation Guide for Students | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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