International Student Important Information
Acronyms and Definitions
Below are common acronyms that will be useful as you begin your journey as an international student and help you understand everything you need to know to become an international student at Owens Community College.
- USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service
- DHS: Department of Homeland Security
- SEVIS: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System is a web-based system for maintaining information on non-immigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States.
- SEVP: The Student and Exchange Visitor Program is the DHS program that administers SEVIS.
- DSO: The Designated School Official maintains the SEVIS records of non-immigrant students in F and M visa categories.
- PDSO: The Principal Designated School Official is the main point of contact for SEVP relating to school compliance.
Who Are International Students?
International students are “non-immigrant” visitors who come to the United States temporarily, for the purpose of study, and who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Do not have U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident status (a valid “green card”)
- Do not have refugee or asylee status in the U.S.
- Are currently in the US on a non-immigrant visa status (without a valid green card)
Owens Community College Is SEVP-Accredited To Admit F-1 and M-1 Students
- F-1 non-immigrants are foreign students pursuing a full course of academic study.
- M-1 non-immigrants are foreign students pursuing a full course of vocational study.
- F-2 and M-2 students are dependents of F-1 and M-1 students who may study part-time.
Online Applications
- ALL non-U.S. citizens must complete an international application.
- Within the international application, prospective students must indicate their specific immigration/visa status.
- Permanent residents will have an IN Hold until proof of permanent residency is provided to the Owens Records Office.
Non-Immigrant Study Rules
- Many non-immigrant visa statuses exist, each with different and strict study restrictions under USCIS.
- While different study rules apply to each non-immigrant visa category, under federal regulations, B-1 and B-2 non-immigrants (i.e., visitors to the U.S. for business and pleasure) are prohibited from enrolling in a course of study.
Maintaining Immigration Status
- F and M students must follow a specific set of SEVP rules.
- To maintain their status, F-1 and M-1 students must enroll in a full course of study of at least 12 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters.
International Student Employment
On-Campus Employment
- F-1 students are eligible for on-campus employment.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- An internship, cooperative education or required practicum is part of an established curriculum.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Off-campus USCIS work authorization in a student’s program of study
- For F-1 students: One year
- For M-1 students: Six months
Foreign College/University Transcripts
- International students must have transcripts evaluated by an accredited evaluation agency.
- Visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services to request a foreign-credit transfer.
- The Owens Records Office will review credits upon receipt of all documents from the accredited evaluation agency.
Evidence of Financial Support for I-20 Issuance
- International students are not eligible for FAFSA®.
- International students are encouraged to apply for scholarships/grants from private organizations and their home countries.
Review Full-Time International Student Information
Outside Resources Required
- Document and interpreter translation
Helpful Resources
Study in the States
Prospective and current F or M students: Learn about the process and rules for studying in the United States as an international student.
SEVP Fee Rule
What students should know about the SEVP Fee Rule.
SEVP Portal Help
Find resources on using the SEVP Portal and complying with post-completion practical OPT reporting requirements.