The document provides an overview of the Office of International Affairs (OIA) at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). It discusses the mission of OIA to facilitate international programs and partnerships. It also reviews services provided by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) including maintaining legal student visa status, requirements for full course of study, on-campus and off-campus employment options, and consequences for falling out of status. International students are reminded of their responsibility to keep immigration documents updated and contact OISS with any questions.

1. Welcome to NSU!
Office of International Affairs
January 2014

2. Overview of Presentation
• Office of International Affairs
• Student Visa- Compliance issues

3. Office of International Affairs
Mission
To develop, facilitate, and oversee high
quality innovative international programs,
initiatives and partnerships by providing
leadership, coordination, and service to
students and faculty both on and off campus.

4. Office of Enrollment and Student Services
ESS
Office of International Affairs
OIA
Dr. Anthony J. DeNapoli, Executive Director
Dr. Alejandra Parra, Associate Director
Office of
International
Students and
Scholars
OISS
Jim Vatral
Deborah Pabon
5 student workers
Study Abroad
NSU Schools,
Colleges, and
Centers

5. NSU Overall Facts and Figures
International Enrollment on campus: over
1,231 students (student visa)
116 countries represented on campus

6. Interesting Facts about
International Students at NSU…

7. Interesting Facts about
International Students at NSU…

8. NSU in the world....
USA
The
Caribbean
Latin
America
Europe
Africa
Asia

9. Office of International
Students and Scholars
MAINTAINING
YOUR LEGAL STATUS

10. AFTER YOU ARRIVE:
Check-In at the Office of International Students and
Scholars and bring your:
•I-20
•Passport
•Visa
•Local Address
•Local Phone Number
•Nova email address
•Certificate of Virtual Pre-arrival Orientation

11. IT’S EASY TO MAINTAIN
YOUR LEGAL STATUS
What document gives you your legal status as
an F-1 Student?

12. SEVIS I-20

13. SEVIS I-20
Academic Level
Academic Program
Length of Program
Initial attendance/Continued attendance/Transfer in progress
Your I-20’s program’s end date should not expire prior to
completing your coursework or you will fall out of status. If you
will not complete your studies before this date, please contact
our office for instructions on how to extend this time

14. What is SEVIS?
Student & Exchange Visitor Information System

15. Information recorded in SEVIS
and reported to USCIS
•Program start/end dates
•Term start/end dates
•Educational level
•Program or major
•Program extension
•Authorized vacations
•Transfer to/from NSU
•Off-campus employment/employer information
• Dropping below full course load
• Failure to enroll in classes
• Termination of program (graduation;
withdrawal)
• Change of address for F-1 and F-2’s

16. Maintaining legal F1 status
• Full Course of Study
Undergraduate: 12 credit hours
(9 credits for Nursing)
Master’s: 6 credit hours
Doctoral: 1 class
• On-line classes – only one per term
towards your program of study
• Local Address – report any address change
to the OISS within 10 days

17. International students need
OISS approval for:
•
•
•
•
•
Employment
Reduced Course Load
Dropping/Withdrawing
Change of Major/Program
Off-Campus Employment

18. How does a student fall out of status?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Not checking in at the OISS
Registered below a full course load
Not enrolling
Withdrawing or dropping classes without
authorization
Taking only online classes
When I-20 expires before program
completion
Working without authorization
Changing address and not reporting the
changes to the OISS within 10 days

19. PAYMENT INFORMATION
Once you register for classes:
• Your student account will be billed for tuition and
student fees.
• You will receive an E-Bill sent to your NSU e-mail
address.
• Pay all required tuition and fees no later than 30
days after the start of the term to avoid a
$100.00 late charge.
• You can pay online or in person at one of our One
Stop Shops.

20. DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU…
Non-Payment
Termination of Status for
“Failure to Enroll”!!!!
Bursars Hold
Cannot Register

21. WHAT IF I FALL OUT OF STATUS?
You can…for reinstatement.
Apply
Leave and re-enter the
Or, you can…
country with a new I-20.

22. Travelling
To your home country
Other than home country
• valid I-20
• valid visa (except
Canada or Bermuda)
• passport which is valid 6
months into the future
from the date the
student intends to reenter the USA
• valid I-20
• valid visa (except
Canada or Bermuda)
• passport which is valid
6 months into the
future from the date
the student intends to
re-enter the USA
Important: Check with the Embassy
of that country for any additional visa
requirements

23. Can an international student work
while in the USA?
ON CAMPUS
20 hours (part-time)
37.5 hours (full time)
OFF CAMPUS
CPT
Curricular Practical Training
OPT
Optional Practical Training
Economic hardship

24. And related to that….
• Social Security Number
• Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)

25. Information to remember….
• Never destroy your “old” immigration
documents.
• Always keep copies of your important
documents.
• Your responsibility to know the regulations.
• ALWAYS check your Nova email account.
• Never act on “information” from friends,
relatives, or the grapevine
• Make sure all your documents are up-to-date and
valid before you travel internationally.

26. Also remember…
•
•
•
•
Do not use a tourist visa for re-entry
When in doubt, seek advise at the OISS
In case of emergency contact OISS
If detained and questioned at the point-of-entry,
only answer their questions.
• Academic performance
– SUSPENDED or DISMISSED I-20 is IMMEDIATELY
terminated and you must leave the country
immediately

27. After Completion
If you complete your program and do
not apply for OPT, you have 60 days
in which to
• Transfer to another university
• Begin a new program at NSU
• Depart the United States

28. Additional Information

29. TRANSPORTATION
NSU Shuttle
Bus Service
TriRail/Metrorail

32. Driving in Florida
To apply for a Florida Driver’s License
Visit the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) Office
or check online at http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/
• Please get CAR INSURANCE
(mandatory in the USA)
• Get a PARKING DECAL to park around campus

33. Health Insurance
Please go to the Health Center webpage for information
http://www.nova.edu/smc/health_insurance.html
It is highly recommended that you get
Health Insurance while you are
studying in the USA!!!

34. TAX Information
Visit our website for information

35. VERY IMPORTANT!!!
You are responsible for:
• maintaining your PERSONAL INFORMATION
(address, phone number) up-to-date
• Using your NSU E-mail account (official mode
of communication)
• Maintaining a GOOD academic standing….
• Maintaining your I-20 current

36. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY:
When in doubt…….
CALL OUR OFFICE!!!!

37. OIA Contact information
Website:
http://www.nova.edu/internationalstudents/
Email:
intl@nova.edu
Phone:
954-262-7240 (24/7)
Skype:
nsu.international

38. Good luck!