F-1/J-1 Student Advising

The following are common issues requiring an advisor meeting. This is not a complete list. If a student has any question regarding his/her status or related issues, s/he should see an advisor.

• Employment authorization types and regulations
• Status violations
• Change of status
• Reinstatement to student status
• Special travel plans that include leaves, study abroad, and research
• Personal emergencies that may affect visa status

Front Desk Services

The front desk at ISS is staffed by student assistants supported by full-time clerical staff. Student inquiries and requests are handled in the order they come in, and we do our best to assist each person in a timely manner.

If picking up documents, the student should have his/her UH ID card available. Documents to be received by the student requires identification confirmation.

All requests and applications submitted to the front desk should already be properly filled out with appropriate supporting documents, and ready at time of submittal. Many front desk services listed below have a quick completion time.

General questions

While the front desk tries to answer general questions relating to such things as applications and procedures, immigration and policy related questions need to be answered or directed by advisors.

Application Processing

Common applications/requests that may be submitted to the front desk for processing:

• Practical Training (CPT, OPT)
• Employment Verification for Social Security Number (On or Off-Campus)
• Reduced Course Load
• Program Extension
• I-20/DS2019 Corrections/Updates
• Dependent I-20/DS2019
• I-20/DS2019 Reprint Due to Loss/Theft/Damage
• ISS Scholarships

Certification/Invitation Letters

ISS provides certification letters for Social Security Number applications, visa renewals, and special travel. ISS also may provide invitation letters for student's parents who may need to apply for a visa to visit them.

Information and Forms

ISS provides a number of forms that provide information and application for specific immigration-related benefits. If there are none at the front desk or do not have information on a specific issue, we may direct you to the appropriate office or website, or ask you to see an advisor for clearer guidance.

Events and Workshops

Students may register or find information for events sponsored by ISS and held periodically throughout the year. These may include new student orientation, International Student Association events, Optional Practical Training Workshops, and workshops related to issues such as taxes, H1-B employment, and applications for permanent lawful residency ("green card").

Passport Photos

Passport photos can be taken at the ISS office. Fee: $5.00 for 2 photos

On-Campus Work Permit

For F-1 students, on-campus employment requires a work permit, which is issued directly by ISS. A student should bring his current I-20 and passport. An authorized stamp will be placed on page 3 of the I-20, and is good for duration of that I-20 or until the student completes his/her program, whichever is shorter. Students who file for program extensions must get another authorization for each extension period.

Travel Endorsement

A student traveling outside the US for a temporary absence (less than 5 months) needs to request a travel endorsement from ISS in a timely manner. Travel endorsement requests made in less than 5 business days from departure are not guaranteed to be endorsed. Bring in the current I-20 including page 3. A travel form must be filled out with information on the dates and place of travel. If approved, page 3 of the I-20 will be signed by an authorized official. Travel signatures are good for 6 months of travel, although ISS recommends getting a travel signature every 6 months, whether or not the student travels.

Students who are outside of the US more than 5 months are considered to be in a non-temporary absence unless doing an official university study abroad for which the student is enrolled full-time, or doing official research abroad, which requires full-time enrollment at the university.

Leaves of absences and withdrawals are handled differently and require meeting with a student's academic advisor as well as discussing the consequences of such actions on a student's visa status with an ISS advisor.

Dependent I-20/DS2019

Students who have dependents who will be accompanying them to the US may request a dependent I-20/DS2019 for each individual (classified as F-2 or J-2). Each dependent requires proof of financial support in the amount of $4,000 for one year. This is in addition to the financial requirement for the principal I-20. ISS requires that the principal fill out a form and provide copies of passports for each dependent. Spouses require copies of marriage certificates.

If the F-1/J-1 student is present in the US and later decides to be joined by his/her spouse/children, the process is the same. Come to the front desk and request a form for dependents.