. . . you are still considered an F-1 student
1. Remember to report all address changes to ISSO within 10 days of moving to your new residence. It cannot be a PO Box or an office address. Fill out the change of address form located on the ISSO website under forms: http://www.oakland.edu/upload/docs/ISSO/Change%20of%20address%20full%20version.pdf
PLEASE NOTE THAT FAILURE TO KEEP YOUR US ADDRESS CURRENT CAN JEOPARDIZE YOUR STAY IN THE US.
2. Make sure ISSO has a photocopy of your EAD card on file
3. Before you travel, remember to:
a. Make sure your passport is valid at least 6 months into the future.
b. Make sure your I-20 has been signed for travel within 6 months. If you need a new travel signature, bring your I-20 to the ISSO with a copy of your EAD card.
c. Make sure that your visa stamp is valid. If your visa is not valid for re-entry please speak to ISSO advisor before traveling.
d. Make sure you carry your EAD card and proof of employment for the EAD time period with you. Proof of employment can include a letter from your employer, recent pay stubs, or if you have not yet obtained a job, carries proof of an interview or a job search.
e. If your F-2 dependent is traveling separately, make sure your dependent carries a copy of your I-20 with OPT endorsement and a copy of your EAD card.
4. Remember to depart the United States within the 60 day grace period that follows your last day of OPT.
5. If you plan to apply for STEM extension (only for science, technology, engineering and math major students) you must have a job offer letter with E-verify number and call for an appointment to submit an OPT STEM packet to the ISSO within 60 days of your OPT expiration.
6. If you plan on changing your status we recommend that you begin this process before your OPT is expired.
7. If you are transferring to another school, make sure to contact ISSO and bring an acceptance letter and ISSO Transfer Out Form: http://www.oakland.edu/upload/docs/ISSO/Transfer%20Out%20Form.pdf so that your records may be electronically transferred BEFORE the end of your authorized stay.
PLEASE NOTE: Many international students can go to Mexico or Canada for less than 30 days on an expired US visa. However, if your US visa stamp will be valid upon re-entry to the United States, you should be able to travel to Canada or Mexico without any problem after you obtain any necessary visas to these countries.
If you are subject to Special Registration
- Make sure to use official ports of departure to exit the US and leave yourself time at airports and land crossings to complete the exit interview even if traveling to Mexico and Canada.
- Make sure to comply with each required visit to USCIS as necessary. You will receive instructions at the port of entry if additional visits are needed.
8. Please check the ISSO web site and your Oakland e-mail account for immigration updates.
9. Note on major medical insurance coverage: many times students on OPT do not go directly into a job where insurance coverage is provided. If your health insurance from your home country will not cover you in this interim period, you may extend your OU student coverage by purchasing additional months. Please come to the ISSO before you graduate for more information and talk to Patti.