If you are like most international students at Indiana University, you will begin your studies with F-1 status. It is the most common status for full-time international students in the United States.
You will know to apply for an F-1 visa if we send you an I-20 form. If we send you a DS-2019 form, you should apply for a J-1 visa instead.
Learn how to apply for an F-1 visa
Description of the video:
Hi everybody. My name is Christian and I'm an advisor here at the Office of International Services. And I will be talking to you today about your I-20. The I-20 is a document created by an international student advisor here at your university. The information on your I-20 is stored in the U.S. Government SEVIS database. It is important to have an accurate and valid I-20. You will need your I-20 to apply for your F1 visa stamp at a U.S. consulate or embassy. Every time you request entry into the United States, you will need to show your I-20. And to maintain your status as an F1 student, you will need to keep our office updated in any of the following information changes: Your education level, your major, your expected program end date, or your funding information. When we update your I-20 we will make you a new one with the updated information. Be sure to always keep your I-20s in a safe and secure location and hold on to your previous I-20s. On page 2 of your I-20 there's a section for travel endorsement. This is where we will sign your I-20 with a travel signature before you plan to leave and come back into the United States.
If you have F-1 status, your tuition money can come from any source—your parents, your government, a corporate sponsor, or a scholarship or loan.
If you are an IU Bloomington student, you can work on campus without prior authorization. However, there are restrictions. Visit the F-1 Employment section for more information.
If you want to work on any other IU campus, call us at 812-855-9086 and make an appointment with an international student advisor to discuss your options.
You may gain permission to work off campus if the job is directly related to your field of study, or in rare cases, because of severe economic hardship. However, you must first get authorization from either OIS or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Learn more about your off-campus employment options
If you have a spouse or unmarried child(ren) under the age of 21, they can enter the United States using an F-2 visa. However, they will not be able to study full time at the postsecondary level or to work.
As an F-1 student, you have a number of options, and can even get a job using Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Learn more about your post-completion choices
You will need to pay close attention to all rules and regulations throughout your time at IU. If you do not, you could fall out of status. When that happens, you can find yourself facing serious consequences—and may even be forced to leave the United States.
But do not worry! OIS is here to help you stay in status. Learn the basics.
Description of the video:
Hi, I'm Abby, an advisor in the OIS. And I'm going to discuss your I-94 document. Your I-94 is a document issued by the U.S. government at your entry into the United States. Each time you leave the U.S., your I-94 expires. And every time you return to the U.S., you receive a new I-94 record. The I-94 is your receipt for your immigration status inside the US. This is the status the US government gave you upon entry and is reflected on your I-94 document. You should check your I-94 right after each entry into the U.S. to ensure it says your current immigration status and your duration of admission is D/S, or duration of status. You should also upload your I-94 into Atlas after each entry into the U.S.
