Immigration Information

• Passport and Visa: Keep your passport valid for at least six months into the future. If you need to extend your passport while in the US, you should contact your country's embassy or consulate in the US. Your visa must be valid for entry into the US only. If your visa expires while here, you can remain as long as your I-20 and passport are valid.
• Address: Notify the Office of International Education of your local address when you arrive at IUP and about any change in address within 10 days of moving. Please follow instructions on how to update your address. Your permanent address should remain your international address.
• Full course of study: To remain a full-time student, you must take 12 or more credit hours if you are an undergraduate student or nine or more credit hours if you are a graduate student during each academic semester (fall and spring). Students in the dissertation or thesis stage of their program need at least one credit for full-time status. Before you drop below a full course of study, you must get approval from the international student advisor in the Office of International Education. Students are not permitted to take a semester off unless they have a documented medical issue. Please complete the Reduced Course Load Form.
• Employment:
  • Off-campus: It is a serious violation of your status to work off campus without prior authorization from the Department of Homeland Security.
  • On-campus: You are allowed to work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session. These 20 hours include work for an assistantship. Students are permitted to work 40 hours per week on campus during breaks (summer break, winter break, and spring break).
• Extension: If you have valid academic or health reasons, you can request for more time to complete your program at IUP than that which is authorized on the IUP I-20 . The request to extend the program must be processed before the expiration date on your I-20 . Please complete the Program Extension Form and return to your international student advisor at least 10 business days before your end date.
• Completion of Study: If you have completed your studies or practical training and did not change to another immigration status, you must leave the US within
  • Sixty days: F1 students
  • Thirty days: J1 students
• Departure: If you are leaving IUP before the end date on your I-20, your are required to inform the Office of International Education about the date and reason for doing so.
• Travel: If you plan to leave the US, please let OIE know of your departure. You must have the following documents with you to re-enter the country:
  • Valid passport.
  • I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature. The signature is valid for 12 months when you are an active student, 6 months during OPT.
  • US visa stamp in your passport must be valid for your return to the US. If it has expired or will expire, you need to obtain a new student visa abroad—it cannot be renewed in the US.
  • Proof of enrollment and class schedule for the following semester. 
• Academic Program or Degree Level Change: If you plan to change your academic program or degree level, you must inform the OIE. You will receive an I-20 update, which has to be produced within 15 days of beginning the new program or degree level. If you are changing degree levels and plan to travel, talk with your advisor. 
• Attending Another School (Transfer): If you decide to attend another university, you must notify the OIE of your intention so staff can assist with your SEVIS transfer. OIE staff will need your admission letter to the new school. After the transfer release date, the new school can issue you an I-20. 
• Dependents: To request F-2 I-20 documents, you must notify International Education of any accompanying dependents. Spouses and children under the age of 21 are eligible for F-2 dependent status.  Contact our office for guidance. For traveling and re-entering the US, F-2 dependents need all the same documents as the F-1 visa holder.

Following are consequences you may face if you fail to maintain your legal student status:

• You lose the privileges of your student visa (tuition waiver, work, practical training, etc.).
• You are considered illegally present and can be subject to removal by the US government.
• Possible denial of request to re-enter the US.
• Possible denial of request to change your non-immigrant status.
• Possible denial of future visa application.

• Passport, Visa, and I-94: Keep your passport valid for at least six months into the future. If you need to extend your passport while in the US, you should contact your country's embassy or consulate in the US. Your visa must be valid for entry into the US only. If your visa expires while here, you can remain as long as your DS-2019 is valid. Your I-94 should be marked D/S, which stands for "duration of status." This means you can remain in the US for the period specified on your DS-2019, plus a period of 30 days after.
• Health Insurance: Both J-1 and J-2 visa holders are required to obtain health insurance that meets minimum requirements specified by federal regulations. It must be maintained throughout the entire program. Proof of insurance must be given to ensure validation of your immigration record. Requirements: 1) benefits of at least $100,000 per accident; 2) repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000; 3) medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000; and 4) a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
• Address: Notify International Education of your local address when you arrive at IUP and about any change in address within 10 days of moving. Please complete the Check-In Form.
• Full Course of Study: To remain a full-time student, you must take 12 or more credit hours if you are an undergraduate student or nine or more credit hours if you are a graduate student during each academic semester (fall and spring). Before you drop a full course of study, you must get an approval from the international student advisor in the Office of International Education. Students are not permitted to take a semester off. Please complete the Reduced Course Load Form.
• Employment:
  • Off-campus: It is a serious violation of your status to work off campus without prior authorization from International Education.
  • On-campus: You are allowed to work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session. These 20 hours include work for an assistantship. Students are permitted to work 40 hours per week on campus during breaks (summer, winter, and spring).
• Extension:
  • Exchange students cannot extend their DS-2019 because of agreements between universities. Exchange students may remain in the US with approved academic training, but cannot become degree-seeking students while on exchange.
  • Degree-seeking students, if you have valid academic or health reasons, you can request more time to complete your program at IUP than what is authorized on the IUP DS-2019. The request to extend the program must be done before the expiration date on your DS-2019. Please complete the Program Extension Form.
• Completion of Study: If you have completed your studies and/or academic training and did not change to another immigration status, you must leave the US within 30 days.
• Departure: Any earlier departure from IUP, before the end date on your DS-2019, requires you to inform OIE about the date and reason for doing so, so your immigration record can be updated.
• Travel: If you plan to leave the US, you must have the following documents with you to re-enter the country:
  • Valid passport.
  • DS-2019 with a valid signature. The signature is valid for 12 months.
  • US visa stamp in your passport must be valid for your return to the US. If it has expired or will expire, you need to obtain a new student visa abroad—it cannot be renewed in the US.
  • Proof of enrollment and class schedule for the following semester. 
• Academic Program or Degree Level Change: If you plan to change your academic program or degree level, you must inform the OIE. You will receive an updated DS-2019, which has to be produced within 15 days of beginning the new program or degree level.
• Attending Another School (Transfer): If you decide to attend another university, you must notify the OIE of your intention so staff can assist with the SEVIS transfer. Your advisor will share requirements and discuss eligibility. 
• Dependents: To request J-2 DS-2019 documents, you must notify International Education of any accompanying dependents. Spouses and children under the age of 21 are eligible for J-2 status.  Contact our office for guidance. For traveling and re-entering the US, J-2 dependents need all the same documents as the J-1 visa holder.

Consequences if you fail to maintain your legal student status:

• You lose the privileges of your student visa (tuition waiver, work, practical training, etc.).
• You are considered illegally present and can be subject to removal by the US government.
• Possible denial of request to re-enter the US.
• Possible denial of request to change your non-immigration status.
• Possible denial of future visa application.

All accepted international students and scholars applying for an F or J visa will become part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) when an I-20 or DS-2019 is created for you. SEVIS is a national tracking/monitoring system that will allow the US government to monitor and track various events during your program of study. Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Office of International Education handles all SEVIS records for all international students and scholars. We are required to report your USA address, registration of classes, and any changes within your program at IUP. For more information, see Study in the States.

All F, M, and J visa applicants must complete Form I-901 and pay a SEVIS fee to the Department of Homeland Security before applying for a new visa. Take the receipt to your interview. Dependents and spouses are not required to pay. The purpose of the fee is to cover the costs of administering and maintaining SEVIS. If you have questions, please visit the Student and Exchange Visitor Program fee processing website for information on the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement website; call (from overseas) 011+ 785-330-1048; or email fmjfee.SEVIS@dhs.gov.

Plan as well in advance as possible. Contact your local embassy or consulate for an appointment. To find your closest US Embassy, go to the list of embassies on the US Department of State website. Visit your embassy or consulate's website for specific application procedures. IUP does not have any power to influence your consular officials, so please do not ask us to call or fax letters to your consulate or embassy. Please use the IUP letters in your acceptance packet.

As a student, you will be applying for an F-1 (I-20) or J-1 (DS-2019) visa. U.S. law states that F and J visas are given to persons who intend to remain in the U.S. temporarily and their primary purpose is for academics.

What you will need to obtain a student visa:

• I-20 or DS-2019
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
• Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application DS-160
  See your embassy website for more details and exceptions. Electronically submitting your DS-160 online application is only the first step in the visa application process. Once you have electronically submitted your DS-160 online application, you must contact the embassy or consulate at which you wish to apply to confirm whether you need to be interviewed by a consular office and to schedule an interview.
• Visa fee 
• One passport photo (2" x 2")
• Valid passport
• Financial support letters and bank statements
• IUP acceptance letter
• Other documents are required by US Embassy or Consulate (TOEFL, GMAT, GRE scores, or transcripts from previous institutions)

• Show all documents listed above.
• Be prepared to explain why you chose your program of study and IUP
• Be prepared to explain that you intend to return to your country and only remain in the United States temporarily.
• Use documents from a family business, property, or bank statement to show ties to your country. Showing ties in the United States is not helpful.
• Be prepared to explain your academic goals and planned course of study and why it is important for you to study in theUnited States as opposed to your country. Bring copies or official scores from standardized tests required for admission and transcripts from previous institutions. If you will be returning to a job in your country, a letter from your place of work would be helpful.
• Be prepared to explain how you will be financially supported while in the United States with documentation. You are required to show financial proof when applying to IUP. You should be able to show bank statements or letters from sponsors that match the information on your I-20 or DS-2019. Bring deeds, tax returns, pay stubs—the more documents showing financial support, the better.
• If your family is applying for F-2 visas, you will be asked to show proof of relationship to his/her spouse and/or children. It is preferable that families apply for visas at the same time.
• 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Non-immigrant Visa

If you have an F-1 or J-1 visa and have dependents who will accompany you to IUP:

• Please email or fax a copy of their passports, including family name, first name, date of birth, country of birth, and relationship to you. Send this information to intl-education@iup.edu or fax 724-357-2514 so we may issue an I-20/DS-2019 for dependents.
• Additional costs and evidence of funding must be included on your I-20/DS-2019. You will need to provide documentation for these additional funds if your current financial statement doesn't include this.
• Please be sure to bring with you to IUP the English translation of the following documents for each child to assist with school registration:
  • Birth certificate
  • Immunization records

You may check your visa application status by going to Visa Application Status Tracker.

Denial

If your visa is denied, you can apply again, but you will need to show strong evidence to overcome the reason for the original denial . If you decide to defer until the next semester, notify the Office of International Education in writing as soon as possible. Your SEVIS fee is valid for 12 months.

Approval

We look forward to seeing you soon! Please make plans for your housing and transportation.

You must talk with your international student advisor in advance if you plan to complete a total university withdrawal. If you communicate effectively with your DSO, you will have 15 days from the date you process the total university withdrawal to depart the US. 

Please discuss academic pending dismissals or suspensions with an immigration advisor. Once a final decision is made, international students are required to depart the US. Students who are dismissed or suspended because of judicial proceedings need to consult with the IUP Office of Student Support and Community Standards and their international student advisor.

If you plan on going home for personal emergencies or other reasons, please let the Office of International Education know in advance so that your international student advisor can process an authorized early withdrawal and request reactivation of your SEVIS record prior to your return. You must return to the US within five months of your departure to maintain the use of your current I-20 and visa. If you are outside of the US for more than five months, a new I-20, I-901 SEVIS Fee, and visa are required.

Students who are absent for more than one semester need to check both immigration and academic status before returning to the US. Undergraduate students should refer to IUP's Reenrollment Procedures; graduate students should contact their graduate coordinator about returning to IUP.  Contact intl-education@iup.edu to request immigration documents for your return.

The Office of International Education can reprint your lost documents. Request a replacement at the front desk of the OIE or email intl-education@iup.edu.

Please contact your local embassy or consulate to replace your passport. Your passport needs to be valid for six months into the future when re-entering the US. If your passport will be expiring and you plan to return home, consider renewing your passport at home. If you will remain in the US, please contact your country’s embassy or consulate for more details.

Report a lost visa via fax to the issuing embassy post aboard. Visas cannot be replaced while in the United States. When you return home, you can apply for a visa.

The I-94 is an electronic arrival/departure record is used by the Department of Homeland Security to track who has entered and exited the US. This document is necessary when applying for a driver's license, Social Security number, on-campus work, Optional Practical Training, and Curricular Practical Training.

Copies of I-94 records can be accessed online through the US Customs and Border Protection website. If you need to request a correction to your I-94 record, contact the OIE for guidance. Helpful documents include your flight ticket, passport, visa, entry stamp in your passport if available, and copy of I-94 showing errors or "not found."

• Make sure you have a zero balance with IUP.
• Get accepted to a new school. You will need to share the admission letter to request SEVIS transfer.
• Choose a SEVIS transfer date (This is usually after your IUP end date for the semester, before the end of your grace period if applicable, and before your new program start date. If you are on OPT, discuss with OIE staff.)

• Verify legal status at IUP.
• Verify no money is owed to IUP.
• If everything is in order, then:
  • Student's SEVIS record will be transferred to the new school at the end of the semester or immediately if student has completed IUP program.
  • An I-20 will be issued by new school once it has accessed student's file (day after SEVIS release date from IUP).
  • The new I-20 will read, "Transfer pending from: Indiana University of Pennsylvania." Don't worry! You have been transferred to your new school. Once activated and registered by your new school during orientation, your I-20 and SEVIS record will then read, "Continued attendance at this school."

All F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2 visa holders are eligible for a state ID or driver's license as long as their I-20 or DS-2019 is valid for a minimum of six months or more in the future (including grace period). New students must wait at least two weeks from the start of the semester before going to the DMV to allow time for immigration record validation. J-2 and F-2 visa holders need to allow six to eight weeks for process verification.

Step 1: Obtain a social security number or letter of denial
You can get those documents from the Social Security Administration. To obtain a letter of denial, bring your I-20/DS-2019 and passport, and you will get the letter the same day. SSA is located at: 119 Professional Center, 1265 Wayne Avenue, Indiana, PA, 15701.

Step 2: Gather Other Documents

• Show two forms of proof of residency (current utility bill, tax record, lease agreement, university bill, bank statement, or other bill).
• Immigration documents: passport, visa, I-94, I-20 or DS-2019 (if your names do not match exactly on all documents, you may have some difficulty being issued a driver's license or Pennsylvania ID). If you have a paperless I-94, print it at the Customs and Border Protection website.
• Medical exam (not needed for Pennsylvania ID). All applicants must get a doctor's signature on DL-180 available on the DMV website (must be printed double-sided). Call ahead to make an appointment at the Center of Health and Well-Being at 724-357-2550. The Center of Health and Well-Being will give physicals for a reasonable price.

Step 3: Go to the driver's license center
Complete application (DL-180) found in the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual or available at any Driver's License Center.

• Pennsylvania ID Card: you will be issued a card upon verification of your documents.
• Driver's License: Three tests are required for a license: vision, knowledge, and driving. These are all completed at the Driver's License Center. Upon passing a vision and knowledge test, a Driving Permit will be issued, which is valid for one year. It allows driving with another licensed driver until passing the driving test. Driving tests must be scheduled: 1-800-932-4600 or on the DMV Website.

A waiver of some or all of these tests may be available for those who hold a US driver's license or citizens of France, Germany, and Canada who hold a license from their home countries. It is still required to show an I-20 or DS-2019, which is valid for more than one year.

International driver's licenses are valid for one year before needing to obtain a Pennsylvania Driver's License.

To renew your license, you will need to go in person to the Driver's License Center and present the same documents needed for your first license. The new Driver's License expiration date will be the end date of your I-20 or DS-2019. You do not have to retake any written or driving tests. You will need to have six-month validity on your immigration documents (I-20, DS-2019, or EAD card).

Buying
Helpful guides to purchasing a car can be purchased at local bookstores and read on the Internet. Consumer Report is an especially good place to look. You can request one online at Consumer Reports. Also check out the value of a car at Kelly Blue Book or Edmund's. The newspaper in Indiana, the campus newspaper, campus bulletin boards, and electronic bulletin boards are good sources of information on used automobiles.

Be very careful when purchasing a car, especially a used one. Before you buy, have a reliable mechanic inspect the vehicle. In the US, you can purchase a car by obtaining a loan and paying installments. Be sure to obtain the title to the car you buy. The title is an official document issued by the state that signifies ownership of the vehicle. Additional documents may be required to complete the transfer of a car from the previous owner to you. If you are unsure about your rights and responsibilities when purchasing an automobile, check with the Driver's License Center or the Automobile Association of America (AAA), 724-357-4193.

Pennsylvania requires automobile insurance if you plan to own a vehicle. In case of an accident, automobile insurance protects you against most of the cost of repairs and injuries. The cost of repairs or injuries can be very high. In some states, you may be required to pay for the cost of repairing the other vehicle if you cause the accident.

Renting
There are several car rental agencies in Indiana. Inquire ahead of time and ask about extra costs, such as insurance, extra drivers, and mileage-per-day fees.

• Enterprise: 800-736-8222
• McGill: 724-349-1108
• Leeway Inc.: 724-349-7007

If you have never had a license before, you may want to practice driving before taking the driver's test.

• The IUP Highway Safety Center offers free driving classes in the spring and summer. Limited space is available. Call 724-357-4050 for cost and availability.
• Canton's Driving School, open Monday–Friday until 5:00 p.m. Pay by the hour.

AAA Travel Agency, 1169 Wayne Avenue, 724-349-4193

The Automobile Association of America offers services related to travel, vehicle emergency roadside services, title changes, and updating your address for vehicle registration.

Indiana Driver Licensing Center
Indiana Mall, entrance next to Sears
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
No cash or credit card accepted

Penn Hills Driver Licensing Center
Penn Hills Shopping Center
11620 Kelekit Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
Phone: 412-371-1960

State Office Driver Licensing Center
300 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
Phone: 412-565-7781

Allison Park DL Center
Duncan Manor Shopping Center
1701 Duncan Avenue
Allison Park, PA 15101
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
Phone: 412-366-3502

Additional information is available from the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles, 800-932-4600.

• Get the free Uber app from the App Store or Google Play on your smartphone.
• Open the app and create an account.
• Request a ride by entering your destination and choosing a ride option.
• The driver's picture and vehicle details will be available.
• You will also have the ability to track your driver's arrival.
• Prices vary depending on ride options and travel distance.
• Visit Uber for more information.

1-800-942-8287

• Bus service departs from the airport to Indiana, PA daily.
• Cost and schedule: For more information on prices and schedules, contact Fullington or visit their website.
• Takes approximately two hours
• See fullingtontours.com for more information

• Make a reservation online at shuttlewizard.com
• See website for details

• SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019
  Check the travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019. Each signature is valid for one calendar year (except those on OPT, who need a signature every six months). You must have your I-20 or DS-2019 with you, even for travel within the US. Keep all I-20s or DS-2019s in a safe place. Never throw them away—these documents show the "history" of your time in the US and are required for changing status or applying for work permits. Allow two to three days for a renewed signature from the Office of International Education.

• Passport
  Your passport must be valid at all times you are in the US. When reentering the US from abroad, it must be valid for six months in the future. Passports can be renewed when you travel home or within the US at the closest embassy or consulate of your country. Select for a list of embassies.
• US Visa
  To reenter the US after travel abroad, you must have a valid visa that is marked for multiple entries and in the current status you hold. If you change your status while inside the US (example: F2 to F1), you must obtain a new F1 visa outside of the US and enter on a new F1 visa. The exception is travel to Canada or Mexico or adjacent islands of North America—see next paragraph below. Those on an F1 or J1 visa, who do not leave the US, can remain in the US on an expired visa as long as your DS-2019 or I-20 and passport are valid.
• Travel to Mexico, Canada, and Adjacent Islands
  Provided that your travel to those countries is for fewer than 30 days and you are not applying for a US visa there, you may travel to and return to the United States on an expired F or J visa after visiting Mexico or Canada. Visit the Mexican or Canadian embassy websites for more information. You must also have a valid SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 and a valid, unexpired Form I-94. This process is known as "automatic visa revalidation." However, if you meet any one of the following criteria, you will not be able to automatically re-validate your visa:
  • You applied for a new visa and it has not been issued.
  • You applied for a new visa and were denied.
  • You have a terminated SEVIS record, indicating that you are out of status.
  • You have been out of the United States for more than 30 days.
  • You are a citizen of one of the following countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria.
• Renewing Your Visa While Abroad
  If you will be renewing your visa while outside of the US, see a complete list of documents and frequently asked questions. Also, refer to the US Consulate or Embassy website of the location you will be visiting. Students renewing visas with no break in studies do not have to repay the SEVIS fee. If there has been a break in studies for more than five months, or you are changing visa types, the SEVIS fee might be applicable. Find more information here about the SEVIS fee.
• Visas for Other Countries
  If you will be traveling to another country or traveling through another country to go home, make sure to find out if any extra documents or visas are required for your travel.
• I-94 Arrival/Departure record
  The purpose of Form I-94 is to record the arrival and departure information each time visitors enter the United States. Students and scholars can retrieve their I-94 record number and travel history on the US Customs and Border Protection website. This can be saved as a PDF and is necessary for validating your immigration document, and must be presented when hired for on-campus work and to obtain a driver's license or a Social Security number. Check your I-94 each time your travel, and keep all of your I-94 records in a safe place. 
• Transcript or Classes Enrolled In for Current Term
  Students can print a schedule of classes from MyIUP, or obtain an IUP e-transcript showing that you have been enrolled and that you have a schedule for next semester. This is suggested especially for a visa interview.

What Students Can Expect at the Port of Entry:

• What an F-1 student can expect when he or she enters the United States.
• Information about reentry to the United States for F-1 students.

When to Contact the OIE About Travel Plans

• All students who will return home for one semester or more: Please communicate with OIE to see how this affects your IUP enrollment and immigration status. Undergraduate students have to apply for readmission if no classes are taken for more than one semester.
• All students who leave mid-semester or after drop/add: Please communicate with International Education to let us know you are leaving and if you plan to return, so we can update your immigration record and help you make sure all other details are taken care of.
• All students who completely withdraw from a program: Our office will pull a list of students who officially graduate from IUP and shorten immigration documents to reflect the end of the program. Those who leave early or mid-semester need to communicate with our office so we can update your immigration record accurately and discuss immigration implications or options for the future.
• Biometric Identity Management
  The US Department of Homeland Security has recently implemented the Office of Biometric Identity Management (formerly called US-VISIT / United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program). With this new organization, all foreign nationals are now required to go through a rigid process of immigration inspection that includes gathering biometric data. Essentially, biometric data is an individual digital file that catalogs various samples, models, and fingerprints to ensure greater national security.

Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for up-to-date travel alerts.

Planes, trains, and automobiles

• Kayak
• StudentUniverse
• Orbitz
• Expedia
• Eurail
• Amtrak Railways
• Trailways Bus
• Greyhound Bus
• Megabus
• Priceline

Hotels and hostels

• Cheaptickets
• Hotels
• Hostels
• Hostelworld.com
• HIUSA.org

Other

• Zaptel Phone Cards
• Skype: Free Phone Calls Using the Internet