- Immigration Information
Information for New and Incoming International Students
If you have been admitted to a Graduate or Undergraduate program at Suffolk University for the Fall of 2009, and will be attending on an F-1 or J-1 visa, please read carefully the information below. Keep in mind that whatever information applies to you, it is your responsibility to have made all preparations necessary to arrive in time to attend International Student Orientation in August. International Orientation for Graduates will be held on August 27, 2009 while that for Undergraduates will occur on August 28. Attendance at these events is required of all new International Students.
Admitted International Students Currently Outside the US
You will need both an F-1 Visa and an I-20 issued to you by Suffolk University in order to enter the United States. The I-20 must be with you when you go to the US Embassy or Consulate in your country to apply for your visa. Your I-20 will be issued to you by either the Graduate or Undergraduate Admissions offices. Please contact the appropriate admissions office if you have any questions about when you will receive your first I-20.
It is very important that you consult our "Visa Matters" documents, which provide you with all of the information you need to obtain your F-1 Visa and prepare for a timely arrival in Boston: You may view them through the following links:
Pre-Arrival Information for Incoming Graduate Students
Pre-Arrival Information for Incoming Undergraduate Students
Admitted International Students Transferring from other Institutions in the US
In most cases, International Students who transfer to Suffolk from other academic institutions in the US receive their first Suffolk I-20s from one of our two admissions offices. Please keep in touch with them in order to make whatever arrangements will be necessary in order for you to receive your I-20 in a timely manner. If you are transferring to Suffolk, have lost your F-1 status and will need a reinstatement, please come to the Office of Immigration Advising as soon as possible during our walk-in hours.
Admitted International Students in the US Needing a Change of Visa Status
If you are in the US on an F-2, H-4, H1-B or other visa type and have been admitted to Suffolk and wish to apply for a Change of Visa Status, please visit the Office of Immigration Advising after you receive your I-20. In addition, please view our Change of Status packet.
Information for Current International Students
Maintaining Your Immigration Status
All students using F-1 or J-1 visas must maintain their student immigration status. For more information on how to maintain your F-1 or J-1 visa status, read the information below. These documents contain information regarding credit requirements, dropping courses, taking a medical leave, transferring to another institution, changing address or major, traveling outside the U.S., social security numbers and international student employment.
Employment
As all new International Students are told at Orientation, working without authorization from the CIE is one of the quickest and most surefire ways you can lose your immigration status. There are, however, ways through which International Students may be authorized by the CIE to work here in the US. They include:
On-Campus Employment
International Students may find job opportunities on the Suffolk campus through the Financial Aid Office. In addition, some Graduate International Students secure on-campus jobs through Fellowships offered to them when they are admitted to the University. Any International Student who receives a job offer on campus must come to the Office of Immigration Advising at the CIE in order to obtain an Authorization for On-Campus Employment. Students working with a particular department through multiple semesters must get a new authorization every semester.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is available to International Students who have been in F-1 status for either at least a full academic year, or 9 consecutive months. CPT gives opportunities to International Students to gain work experience off campus in jobs related to their majors. ALL EMPLOYMENT ON CPT MUST BE AUTHORIZED BY THE CIE BEFORE THE FIRST DAY ON THE JOB. Anyone considering pursuing a CPT is strongly urged to read our CPT handout.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a 1-year employment benefit available to F-1 students who have completed their academic programs. Students who are interested in applying for OPT must apply during their final semester. Currently, we are taking OPT applications for students who will graduate from Suffolk in May of 2009. If this is your last semester and you are interested in applying for OPT please visit the CIE to find out how to do so. You may also consult our OPT handout.
For information about immigration laws affecting students on OPT, please read our brief, new OPT RULES AND REGULATIONS: HOW TO SURVIVE THEM.
NOTE ON SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS: Social Security Numbers cannot be obtained by an International Student unless he/she has been offered employment. All International Students offered paid employment who do not have an SSN will be issued a Social Security Letter by the CIE. For specific information about the process by which SSNs are obtained, see out Social Security Handout.