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DEPENDENTS

• My spouse and/or child would like to join me in the U.S. while I pursue my studies. How do I get a new I-20/DS-2019 for them to use in applying for a dependent visa?
  Please read the Document Request Form to learn what documents are needed in order to request an I-20/DS-2019 for your F-2/J-2 spouse or child.
  
  
• Can my dependent spouse work while in the U.S.?
  F-2 spouses and dependents CANNOT work while in the U.S. J-2 spouses and dependents may request permission from USCIS to work only if the additional income goes to support the J-2 holders. Work cannot begin until USCIS grants approval. For questions regarding the application procedure, please call the OISS to schedule an appointment with an advisor.
  
  
• Can my dependent spouse study while in the U.S.?
  The federal regulations pertaining to F-1 students and their dependents state that F-2 spouses may not engage in full-time study, that F-2 children may only engage in full-time study if the study is in an elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade), and that F-2 spouses and children may engage in study if the study is “avocational or recreational in nature.” As this language is somewhat ambiguous, please schedule an appointment to discuss your case in further detail with an OISS advisor.
  
  
• Can my dependent spouse get a SSN or driver’s license while in the U.S.?
  
  Currently, the U.S. Social Security Administration will not accept applications from individuals who lack eligibility for employment in the U.S. Thus, while J-2 dependents may be successful in obtaining a SSN (due to their employment eligibility), applications from F-2 dependents are on the other hand routinely denied (due to their ineligibility for employment). Dependents that are ineligible for a SSN are eligible to apply for a Temporary Visitors Driver’s License (TVDL). For more information on TVDL, please visit the Illinois Secretary of State website.

EMPLOYMENT

• Can international students work on campus?
  Non-immigrant students in F-1 or J-1 status are eligible to work at the school they are attending and which issued them their SEVIS I-20 (F-1) and SEVIS DS-2019 (J-1) Forms. On-campus employment includes all assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships. In order for a student to be considered eligible for on-campus employment, s/he must be enrolled as a full-time student and must be in lawful F-1 or J-1 student status. Your eligibility for on-campus employment is in effect ONLY as long as you are maintaining lawful nonimmigrant F-1 or J-1 student status (refer to Rules for Maintaining Lawful F-1 Status in the United States and Rules for Maintaining Lawful J-1 Status in the United States). If you violate your status, you make yourself ineligible for on-campus employment, because on-campus employment is a benefit granted only to those students who maintain lawful status. If you were to violate your status and continue working on-campus, you would be engaging in illegal employment, and would potentially risk deportation. You would also jeopardize your eligibility for any future benefits from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), such as "practical training," "academic training," and/or adjustment to another non-immigrant status. J-1 students interested in on-campus employment should make an appointment to meet with an advisor before they begin work on campus.
  
  
• How soon can I work on campus after I have arrived in the U.S.?
  A student who enters the U.S. on an “initial attendance” I-20 may begin employment on campus no more than 30 days before the start date listed on her I-20. Transfer students may begin on-campus employment after completion of their legal transfer to DePaul University. (Transfer students should confirm directly with the OISS that their transfer is complete before engaging in on-campus employment.)
  
  
• How can I learn more about my eligibility to work off campus?

  Off-Campus Employment is available to non-immigrants in F-1 and J-1 student status under certain conditions. You may begin off-campus employment only AFTER you have obtained authorization to do so.

  F-1 STUDENTS

  Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is off-campus work authorization that may be obtained from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to accept employment in your academic field.  You are eligible to apply for OPT once you have maintained your F-1 status for a minimum of one academic year.  F-1 students may receive up to a total of 12 months of OPT authorization either before (pre-) and/or after (post-) completion of studies. F-1 students are eligible for 12 months of optional practical training at each academic level (example: students may receive 12 months of OPT at the bachelor's degree level, and if they continue with a master’s program, they may receive an additional 12 months of OPT; however, students who complete two master’s degrees are not eligible for an additional 12 months of OPT).  There are very specific restrictions and timetables stipulated in the new regulations related to this benefit.  For more information, please call the OISS at 312-362-8376 to schedule and appointment with an advisor.

  Effective April 8, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an interim final rule that affects students who wish to use OPT.  The new provision includes information regarding an extended deadline for OPT applications, new reporting requirements, STEM extensions, Cap-Gap extensions, and restrictions on unemployment for post-completion OPT.  For more details please review the OISS’s handout on OPT Changes, the USCIS Q&A release #1, USCIS Q&A release #2 and SEVP Employer Fact Sheet.  Questions regarding the interim final rule can be addressed by an advisor. Please call the OISS at 312-362-8376 to schedule and appointment with an advisor.

  Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is off-campus work authorization that may be obtained from the Office of International Students & Scholars requires that you receive academic credit for the work experience for which you are requesting authorization. For more information, please call the OISS at 312-362-8376 to schedule and appointment with an advisor.

  Economic Hardship: Work permission based on unforeseen severe economic hardship is available to students who have maintained lawful F-1 status for a minimum of one academic year and can demonstrate that they have suffered an unforeseen change in their financial circumstances, and have found that on-campus work opportunities are not available or adequate. For more information, schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor.

  J-1 STUDENTS

  Academic Training: Academic Training allows students in J-1 status to gain practical experience in their major field of study. Academic Training authorization permits you to take a job that is directly related to your field of study and appropriate to your educational level. You may apply for academic training either prior to or after completion of studies. For more information, read our Academic Training handout and schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor.

  Economic Hardship: Work permission based on unforeseen severe economic hardship is available to students who have maintained lawful J-1 status for one academic year, are currently in good academic standing, can demonstrate that they have suffered an unforeseen change in their financial circumstances, and have found that on-campus work opportunities are not available or adequate. For more information, schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor.

  
  
• How many hours per week am I eligible to work? What if I am doing CPT and on-campus work, does the same weekly limit apply?
  All forms of employment (both on-campus and off-campus) are limited to no more than 20 hours per week during the academic year i.e. when school is in session. For example, if a student has two jobs and works 12 hours/week at the first job, he may work no more than 8 hours/week at the second job. The 20-hour limit is applied to each week, meaning that a student can work no more than 20 hours in any given week. For instance, a student cannot work 23 hours one week and 17 the next (which averages out at 20 hours/week); to do so would constitute illegal employment, as the student worked more than 20 hours in the first week. Students who are maintaining their status are eligible to work full-time during holidays and annual vacation periods, provided they intend to register for the next academic session.
  
  
• Do I need to get work authorization for unpaid internships or volunteer opportunities?
  Because the U.S. government’s definition of “employment” is relatively broad, the vast majority of off-campus professional opportunities will require some form of legal authorization well in advance of participation. When in doubt, please make an appointment to meet with an OISS advisor to discuss the nature of your prospective opportunity. You may also visit the Employment section of this website for further information on eligibility and authorization for off-campus work.
  
  

ENROLLMENT QUESTIONS

• What is considered a “full course of study” or “full-time enrollment”?
  To maintain a full course of study (one of the prerequisites to maintenance of lawful status), a student must enroll in and successfully complete 12 credits each quarter if an undergraduate student, and 8 credits each quarter if a graduate student.
  
  
• My academic advisor told me that my department offers Distance Learning (DL) courses. How many DL courses can I take per quarter?
  Only one online course per quarter may be counted toward the full course of study requirement. (Possible scenario: undergraduate student wishes to take 2 online courses. This is legally possible as long as the student enrolls in an additional 2 traditional courses that quarter. In other words, students may take as many online courses as they would like, but may count only 1 (4-credit) online course toward completion of their 8-credit (grad) or 12-credit (undergrad) minimum.
  
  
• I would like to drop a class (for academic, medical, or other reasons). Will this affect my legal status? What should I do?
  The OISS has very limited legal authority to a grant an exception to the full-time credit requirement. A student may be enrolled for less than the required full course load only under special circumstances, and only after receiving the appropriate authorization from the OISS. Examples of exceptional circumstances that may qualify you for a reduced course load are serious illness, depression that is being treated by a licensed clinical psychologist, final quarter before graduation, or academic difficulties. (An exception based on academic reasons is allowable only ONCE during a student's entire academic degree.) Failure to receive such authorization before dropping a course could lead to serious immigration-related problems, ranging from loss of the opportunity to engage in Optional Practical Training/Academic Training, to deportation and/or ineligibility to re-enter the U.S. upon return from traveling abroad. For details on eligibility and authorization for a reduced course load, please see the Full Course of Study Exception Request. If you have further questions regarding full course of study requirements and/or obtaining authorization for a reduced course load, please contact OISS to make an appointment with an advisor for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) advising.
  
  
• What is “annual vacation?” Can I take winter quarter off instead of summer quarter?
  Each academic year, students are eligible to take one quarter off as their “annual vacation.” During this quarter, you are not required to enroll in any courses (though you may do so, if you wish). Most students elect to take the Summer quarter as their annual vacation, however, it is possible to take an alternative quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring) as your vacation term. To take an alternative annual vacation, you must complete and submit the Full Course of Study Exception Request to our office, demonstrating that you have been enrolled full-time the 3 quarters previous to your desired vacation term. You will also need to make sure that you are enrolled full-time the 3 quarters following your vacation term. (For example, a student who wishes to take Winter 2009 as her annual vacation would enroll full-time Spring 2008, Summer 2008, and Fall 2008, would take Winter 2009 off, and would resume full-time enrollment for Spring 2009, Summer 2009, and Fall 2009.)
  
  

HOUSING

• Does DePaul offer on-campus housing for any of its students?
  Currently, on-campus housing is available to undergraduate DePaul University students at the Lincoln Park campus. Housing on campus is in great demand so you are encouraged to apply as early as possible to secure a space. For instructions on applying, or to learn more about on-campus living and view residence halls and rooms, visit the Department of Housing Services.
  
  
• How do I find housing off campus?
  Located in the South Loop, The University Center of Chicago (UCC) is available to graduate students and undergraduate upperclassmen. UCC is located just blocks from DePaul University’s Loop campus. It is also just steps away from public transportation, art galleries, concert halls, museums, theaters, nightlife, the famous Chicago skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan. UCC features private, quiet studios and apartments as well as traditional residence-style units. For information on finding off-campus housing, read our Housing Handout and also read information from DePaul’s Department of Housing Services.

IMMUNIZATIONS

• I have been accepted to DePaul University and will soon begin studies. What are your immunization requirements?
  I have been accepted to DePaul University and will soon begin studies. What are your immunization requirements? The Higher Education College Student Immunization Act (110 ILCS 20/) requires incoming new students to document immunity to measles, rubella, mumps and tetanus/diphtheria. If you have received immunization for measles, rubella, mumps and tetanus/diphtheria, you should bring the necessary proof documenting your immunity to these diseases. If you have a copy of a certificate of health examination from your doctor, please bring that with you to the U.S. Acceptable proof can be a photocopy of immunization records from a doctor, hospital or clinic, bearing your name, birth date, types and dates for each immunization and the name/signature of the medical provider; or a photocopy of official blood test results indicating immunity. Please remember that all records not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you did not receive a DePaul University Certificate of Immunity form, please download it from the Office of Student Records (SR) website at the following link: http://sr.depaul.edu/ You may also contact SR for more information.
  
  

MAINTAINING LAWFUL STATUS

• What is the basic structure of the immigration system in the United States?
  As an F-1 or J-1 student/exchange visitor, you must comply with the regulations of the following two governmental departments and their subsidiary programs in order to maintain lawful status. You may already be familiar with the acronyms below.
  

  Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

  Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

  Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

  U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)

  Department of State (DOS)

  Consular Affairs (CA)—visa issuance at U.S. embassies and consular posts abroad

  Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA)—J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
  

  
  
• Why do I have to attend an international student orientation?
  If you have been issued a SEVIS I-20 form and/or a SEVIS DS-2019 form, you must attend the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) orientation. The OISS orientation is mandatory for all international students who are new to DePaul University (this includes students transferring from another U.S. university). The OISS orientation will cover important information regarding your F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant visa status especially as it relates to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The orientation will also introduce you to various academic and social resources of the University. Please note that this orientation is different and separate from the orientation you may be required to attend by your academic department.
  
  
• What is SEVIS?
  SEVIS stands for "Student and Exchange Visitor Information System." SEVIS is an internet-based system designed to allow schools and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS) to exchange data on the visa status of international students and exchange visitors. The requirement that schools provide the federal government with information about students and exchange visitors in F-1 and J-1 visa status is not new. Much of the information which must be reported through SEVIS had also been required by the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (now subsumed within DHS). However, the paper-based reporting system did not lend itself to good communication between schools and government agencies. In 1996, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) directed the INS to establish a nationwide electronic system to collect information pertaining to international students and exchange visitors. In October 2001, Congress passed the USA Patriot Act which required nationwide compliance by January 2003. All U.S. universities and colleges are therefore now required to electronically report information to the U.S. government (ICE) about international students who have been issued SEVIS I-20 (F-1) and SEVIS DS-2019 (J-1) forms.
  
  
• What does it mean to maintain status?
  International students who have F-1 and J-1 visa status must follow certain rules in order to maintain their lawful non-immigrant status. Failure to maintain lawful student status may lead to serious immigrationrelated problems, ranging from loss of the opportunity to engage in Optional Practical Training / Academic Training, to deportation and/or ineligibility to re-enter the U.S. upon return from traveling abroad. The requirements for maintaining lawful student status include the following responsibilities:
  • Legal Name - reporting any change(s) to your legal name immediately to the OISS
  • Valid Passport - not allowing your passport to expire
  • Valid SEVIS I-20 (F-1) / SEVIS DS-2019 (J-1) forms - not allowing your SEVIS documents to expire
  • Full Course Load - making sure that you are enrolled as a full-time student each quarter (12 credit
  hours for undergraduate students / 8 credit hours for graduate students / 6 credits hours for graduate students in the School of Music)
  • Change of Address - reporting immediately any change of your U.S. address via Campus Connection
  • Employment - refraining from working without legal authorization
  • Transfer of Schools - following proper procedures to transfer schools
  • Program Extensions - following proper procedures for requesting extension of your I-20 or DS- 2019
  • Change of Program/Level - following proper procedures for change of program/level
  
  Maintenance of lawful non-immigrant status is your responsibility alone! If you have any questions regarding your status, we invite you to visit our office and/or call the OISS at 312-362-8376.
  
  
• What happens if I am not in status? How can I regain lawful status?
  Our office provides advising services to students who are in violation of their F-1 Student or J-1 Exchange Visitor status. Should you have questions or concerns regarding your current legal status, please visit our office in Suite 9300 of the DePaul Center, or contact us by phone at 312-362-8376.
  
  
• What happens if my visa stamp in my passport expires? What’s the difference between visa and status?
  Your visa is your entry permit into the U.S. It gives you permission to enter the country. However, it does not determine how long you may stay. Your immigration status on the other hand determines the length of time you may stay and is noted on your I-94 card. Your status (noted on the I-94 card) is determined at the time of entry into the U.S. by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. The status you are granted depends on the type of visa you hold at the time of entry. For example, if you obtained an F-1 visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country, your status upon entry in the U.S. will be indicated as "F-1, D/S" on the I-94 card. However, please note that it is possible that your status does not correspond to the type of visa you used to gain entry to the U.S. if you filed an application to change your status while remaining in the United States.
  
  
• How long can I remain in the U.S. after completion of my program?
  The completion of your program is determined by your academic progress, not the date on your I-20 or DS-2019. Therefore, DHS considers program completion to be the date on which you complete all of your degree or program requirements; the fact that your I-20 or DS-2019 will “expire” in the future does not matter. F-1 students can remain in the U.S. for a grace period up to 60 days after their program completion date; J-1 students and scholars can remain in the U.S. for 30 days after their program completion date. Please note, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will not allow students and exchange visitors to re-enter the U.S. during their grace period in F-1 or J-1 status, respectively. Please plan your post-completion travels accordingly. If you wish to discuss your post-completion travel plans in more detail, please contact the OISS at oiss@depaul.edu or 312-362-8376.

MEDICAL/HEALTH INSURANCE

• Does DePaul offer a health insurance policy for its students?
  DePaul University has a contract with an insurance carrier that sells medical insurance to DePaul students. You may sign up for the DePaul University Student Health Plan or select another insurance company of your choice.
  
  
• Am I legally required to have health insurance coverage while studying in the U.S.?
  You must have adequate medical health insurance while in the United States. If you are on an F-1 visa, this is strongly recommended. If you are on a J-1 visa, you and your dependents are required by federal law to have medical insurance. In some cases, during the interview for the J-1 visa, you may have to prove your intention to purchase medical insurance.
  
  
• What if I prefer to purchase health insurance from my home country?
  If you are covered by a company from your home country, make sure that the insurance protects you while you are in the United States.
  
  

TRANSFERS

• I am transferring to DePaul from another U.S. academic institution. What do I need to do to make sure my legal transfer is processed?
  1. Request a SEVIS I-20 Form from the International Admissions Office. When you apply to DePaul University, make sure that you indicate on your application form that you are a student in F-1 visa status and need a SEVIS I-20 from DePaul University.
     
     
  2. Complete a Transfer Release Form (TRF) Students transferring to DePaul University from another U.S. academic institution need to read carefully and complete the TRF that corresponds with their academic program:
     • English Language Academy TRF
     • CDM Graduate Program TRF
     • Undergraduate Programs and Non-CDM Graduate Program TRF
       
       
  3. Report to the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) Once you obtain a SEVIS I-20 from the admissions office, you must visit the OISS at DPU before the reporting date indicated in Item # 5 of your DPU SEVIS I-20. The OISS is located at 1 E. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9300. Failure to report to the OISS within 15 days of the reporting date in Item # 5 of your DPU SEVIS I-20 will result in a loss of lawful F-1 status.
     

  Take the following documents to the OISS:

  • Your DePaul University SEVIS I-20
  • Your SEVIS I-20 from previous school
  • Your passport
  • Your I-94 card
  • Your EAD card (if applicable)
  
  
• I am currently a DePaul student (or am on OPT on a DePaul I-20). I would like to “transfer out” to another U.S. academic institution. What do I need to do to complete my transfer out?

  You must notify DePaul University (your “current school”) of your intent to transfer to the new school (your “transfer school”) in a timely fashion based on strict immigration deadlines.

  You must initiate the transfer process by completing the “Intent to Transfer Form” and submitting it to the OISS within the following strict timelines:

  • If you have completed your degree requirements, no later than 60 days after the term you completed your degree requirements.
  • If you are currently in your period of Optional Practical Training (OPT), no later than 60 days from the OPT end date.

  Please read the “Intent to Transfer Form” carefully before requesting the transfer of your SEVIS record.

  
  

TRANSPORTATION

• Once I arrive at the airport in Chicago, how do I arrange for transportation to my hotel, apartment, etc.?
  You will probably arrive at O'Hare Airport, northwest of the city. If you need U.S. dollars immediately, there is a foreign currency exchange in the International Terminal at O'Hare. It is unwise to carry large amounts of cash, so keep most of your money in traveler’s checks (or other non-cash forms), until you open a bank account. There are multi-lingual information booths at the international terminal whose staff can help you reach your destination. A taxicab into the city from either the O'Hare Airport or the Midway Airport will cost about $30. An alternate choice is the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train, which costs $2.25 one-way. The CTA option may be difficult if you are not familiar with the city or if you have a lot of luggage to carry. The CTA will take you into the Loop (the heart of downtown Chicago), then you may choose to get a taxi or bus from that point. Both airports have CTA lines, which will take you to downtown Chicago.
  
  
• What is a U-Pass and how do I get one?
  The CTA U-Pass is a transit pass that DePaul students can use for unlimited rides anywhere on the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) system. Currently, eligible students include:
  • Full-time traditional undergraduate students (12 or more credit hours) in all colleges
  • Full-time Law (9 or more credit hours per semester)
  • Full-time Music graduate (6 or more credit hours)
  • Full-time Theatre graduate (8 or more credit hours)
  • Full-time CDM graduate (8 or more credit hours)
  • Full-time SNL graduate (8 or more credit hours)
  • Full-time Communication graduate (8 or more credit hours)
  
  For more information including the distribution schedule, please visit the DePaul U-Pass website.
  
  

TRAVEL

• What documents do I need in order to reenter the U.S. from a trip abroad?
  International Students in F-1 and J-1 visa status must ensure that they have adequate documentation in order to re-enter the U.S. and continue studies. According to U.S. law, a student in F-1 or J-1 visa status may be readmitted to the U.S. after an absence of five months or less, provided that s/he has maintained lawful full-time F-1 or J-1 status during his/her stay in the U.S.

   

  Documents Required
  In order to apply for re-entry into the U.S. after travel abroad, an international student must present the following documents to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon returning to a U.S. airport or other Port of Entry:

  •  Valid Passport
  •  Valid U.S. Entry Visa Stamp in Passport
  •  Valid SEVIS I-20 (F-1 / F-2) or Valid SEVIS DS-2019 (J-1 / J-2)
  •  Valid travel signature from your Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) on your SEVIS I-20 (F-1 / F-2) or SEVIS DS-2019 (J-1 / J-2). You may request a travel signature by completing and submitting a Document Request Form to the OISS.
  • I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
  • A letter from the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) verifying your lawful F-l / F- 2 or J-1 / J-2 visa status. You may request a letter verifying your lawful status by completing and submitting a Document Request Form to the OISS.

   

  The OISS also recommends that you take with you the following documents: an official transcript (a historical record of your course work and grades) which may be requested online from Student Records; a DePaul University student identification card; and proof of adequate financial support for your educational and living expenses. For more information regarding travel abroad and re-entry to the U.S. please contact the OISS at 312-362-8376.
  
  Important note: Please remember to submit a copy of your new I-94 card to the OISS each time you reenter the United States from travel abroad.

   
• My student visa has expired and I need to travel outside of the U.S. How do I apply for a new student visa to be used for my reentry into the U.S.?
  To apply for a student visa you will need to make an appointment with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate located in your home country. Due to recent changes to visa processing and special clearances needed for some applicants, you are strongly encouraged to make your visa application appointment as early as possible. You will need to bring the following documents with you to apply for your student visa:

  A SEVIS Form 1-20 (F-1) or a SEVIS Form DS-2019 (J-1) issued by DePaul University. Make sure that you provide all pages of the forms and check to see that the form is signed by you and the appropriate school official in the appropriate places.
  • Proof of Adequate Financial Support - bank documents showing you or your sponsor has the financial ability to cover your educational and living expenses during the period of your studies.
  • I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
  • Form DS-156 and Form DS-158 - both forms must be completed and signed by you. Some applicants will also be required to complete DS-157. These forms are available at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
  • Passport - valid for at least six months after your intended date of entry into the United States.
  • Photograph - one photograph taken according to the Guidelines for Producing High Quality Photographs for U.S. Travel Documents.
  • Processing Fee - you must present proof of payment of all applicable fees by presenting a receipt. For applicable fees contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you. For more detailed information regarding the visa application process, please visit the OISS Visa Information page.

  
  
• I have already completed my degree and am still waiting for my EAD (OPT) card. Can I travel outside of the country while I wait for my EAD card?
  According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website Travel FAQ, students on post-completion OPT who travel outside the U.S. after their completion date and after their EAD card has been issued must present documentation showing that they either (1) have a job offer that they are returning to start or (2) they are returning from a temporary absence to continue employment.
  
  
• I would like to visit Canada. Do I need to apply for a Canadian entry permit to travel to Canada?
  Please visit the following Canadian website to find out if you will need to apply for a “temporary resident visa” to visit Canada, as well as to learn more about the application procedures themselves: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp
  
  
• I would like to travel to Canada or Mexico. Do I need a valid F-1/J-1 visa to reenter the U.S. following my stay in Canada/Mexico?
  For a trip less than 30 days in duration you may be eligible for Automatic Visa Validation (AVR). This will allow you to re-enter the U.S. without having to apply for a new U.S. visa stamp if your current one is expired (or if you changed status to F-1 or J-1 within the U.S.). This does not apply to citizens of certain countries, to those who do not have a U.S. visa stamp, and to holders of U.S. visas that have been cancelled. For further information regarding this and other travel-related questions, please call the OISS to schedule an appointment with an advisor.