Information for New International Students
Optional Practical Training (OPT) 12-Month Update and 17-Month Application (6/11/08)
EA Ambassador/Assistant Applications Available
International Student Council Nomination Form
UK-Sponsored Education Abroad Programs still taking applications:
--Winter Caribbean Cruise Program
Graduating Students:
Health Insurance Continuation Plan
Health Insurance Waiver Procedure 
OIA immigration specialists provide service regarding immigration matters to international students, researchers, and faculty, and assist academic departments with the hiring and retention of international personnel and faculty.
International students at UK are required to sign up for the OIA Student Listserv. This enables you to stay informed about changes in immigration laws and/or other important news that governs your stay here. If you have moved, please take a moment to submit your new address online at: myUK. Immigration law mandates this to be done within 10 days of your move.
If you have any questions regarding immigration matters, please contact us.
Students must update their address within 10 days of their move in order to comply with immigration regulations. For UK students, this is done via myUK
Reporting to the Post Office: Although this is not required by law, it is advisable so first class mail can be forward to your new address.
Submit I-20 Request Form F-2 Dependent to 215 Bradley Hall
Required documentation to be sent to Department of Homeland Security:
Upon notification from Department of Homeland Security, bring the approval to 215 Bradley Hall
Individuals in the United States on a student visa are required to carry a full program of study each semester: A minimum of 12 hours for undergraduates and a minimum of 9 hours for graduate students.
Reduced Course Load: When it is necessary for students to drop below full time for the very limited and specific reasons allowed by regulations, they MUST receive PRIOR APPROVAL from a Designated School Official in 215 Bradley Hall.
A student who drops below a full course of study without the prior approval of the DSO will be considered out of status.
For undergraduate students enrolled for less than 12 hours, a Reduced Course Load Undergraduate
For graduate students enrolled for less than 9 hours, a Reduced Course Load Graduate
Acceptable reasons for reduced credit load include:
- Initial academic difficulties due to unfamiliarity with American teaching methods, English difficulties, or improper course level placement (one semester only).
- Undergraduate students in their final semester of study before graduation.
- Graduate students in their final semester of course work.
- Students who have a medical problem certified by a physician or clinical psychologist (maximum of two semesters; number of course hours determined by physician).
**Remember, ONLY the DSO or RO has the authority to authorize a reduced credit load.
Suspension from School:
Students who are suspended from the University for any reason, may not stay legally in the U.S. during the duration of suspension. Students who suspect that they might be suspended at the end of the academic term should check their academic status with their respective colleges before leaving the country on vacation. If they return and discover that they have been suspended, they will lose their student status, and their stay in the U.S. will be considered illegal. To regain student status would then involve leaving the country and re-entering again with a new SEVIS I-20 when the suspension was lifted. They may even not are allowed to enter the U.S. at the Port of Entry and be compelled to return to their home country.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is training that must be undertaken before a student completes all the requirements for their degree. This can be a paid or unpaid internship or any other form of cooperative education. (Cooperative education is defined as education offered by employers according to a formal agreement with the University.) Authorization for CPT is given by the DSO (Designated School Official) in 215 Bradley Hall.
CPT may be part time or full time. Students who engage in full time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) for 12 months or more may not apply for permission to engage in Optional Practical Training. Part time CPT is indefinite while enrolled full time in school. Part time CPT does not affect OPT.
Courses from the Independent Study Program in Frazee Hall may not be used for CPT.
All students must register for their CPT course prior to the beginning of the semester.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Graduate and Undergraduate students who have completed at least one academic year, or Graduate students whose program of study requires immediate CPT.
THREE OPTIONS THAT CAN FULFILL THE CPT REQUIREMENT:
** Please note that using research credit hours for CPT is not be permitted. Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the only avenue of full-time employment in the field of study for students who have completed all course work and are on thesis/dissertation/project hours.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR ALL CPT APPLICATIONS:
For option #3 above, the following additional documentation must be submitted:
formCPT is done by appointment only. Eligible students should call for an appointment at 257.4067 ext. 241 or email: william.arnold@uky.edu
Upon approval by the DSO, a SEVIS I-20 with CPT authorization will be prepared.
Prior to leaving the University of Kentucky, please complete the Departure Notification form and submit it to 215 Bradley Hall. It is required by Immigration Law that you notify our office prior to departing permanently from the University of Kentucky.
This is a notation made at the port of entry on your I-20 and form I-94 Departure Record. You are admitted to the U.S. for "duration of status", which is defined as the time during which you are pursuing a full course of study and making normal progress. This also includes the time you may be on Optional Practical Training after you complete your studies (if you qualify and are so authorized), plus a 60 day grace period.
The "completion of studies" date in Item #5 on your most recent Form I-20 is the date by which Immigration expects you to complete requirements for your current program. If you are unable to complete your program of study by that date, come to 215 Bradley Hall at least 30 days before reaching the I-20 completion date. If you are eligible for an extension of your time limit, the Designated School Official will assist you in complying with extension requirements.
Immigration regulations refer to the date you complete all requirements for a program of study "as the completion date", not to the date you participate in graduation ceremonies and receive a certificate or diploma. The Service ignores your graduation ceremony because it realizes that many students, especially graduate students in thesis or dissertation programs, may complete requirements for a degree any time during the year. This means that the last day of an academic term may not be the date you complete program requirements.
Your lawful F-1 status expires 60 days after the date you complete degree requirements and you are expected to leave the country by that date unless you have filed a timely application for Optional Practical Training or made other arrangements to remain lawfully in the U.S. by pursuing another degree or changing your visa status.
If you are unable to complete your program within the period specified on your I-20, you must apply for a program extension prior to the expiration date. Failure to do this will be a violation of your status (illegal). You will be compelled to leave and re-enter the U.S. to restore your student status.
You should come to 215 Bradley Hall at least 30 days before your I-20 completion date so there will be sufficient time to process the application and issue an I-20. Please note that there is no filing fee.
Some acceptable reasons for an extension:
Bring the following documents to 215 Bradley prior to the expiration of your I-20:
Failure to Comply with Extension Regulations
It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations that apply to F-1 students. If you fail to comply with program extension regulations, you will be out of status and your SEVIS record will be automatically terminated. You will not be eligible to continue (or to apply for) benefits provided to F-1 students, such as employment (even on-campus employment through a scholarship, fellowship or assistantship), school transfer, practical training or other F-1 benefits.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
When you begin work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9). University of Kentucky employees do this in the Human Resources office in Scovell Hall. The I-9 must be updated each time you renew your work permission or have your I-20 extended.
Tax Treaties:
Working non-immigrant students (including those on assistantships or fellowships) are subject to both Federal and State taxes, unless they are citizens of countries that have special treaties with the US. By virtue of these treaties, some internationals pay taxes at a reduced rate. To receive the benefits of a Tax Treaty, students must file form 8233 with the Payroll Office, 340 Peterson Service Building. Be sure to take your passport for verification of your status.
A Note of Caution:
While Department of Homeland Security regulations provide opportunities for you to be employed during your time in F-1 status, working without authorization is a serious violation of your status. You should therefore consult with DSO in 215 Bradley Hall before taking up any employment. It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations that apply to F-1 students. Staff in 215 Bradley Hall will advise and counsel you regarding your responsibilities. If you fail to comply, you will not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students.
Please note: If you do not intend to continue further study in the U.S., you may not be employed on campus after you have completed a program of study unless you have applied for and been granted an Employment Authorization Document by Department of Homeland Security to engage in Optional Practical Training. This is limited to employment related to your field of study.
Eligibility Requirements
You may work on campus provided you are maintaining F-1 status and you do not work more than a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session. You may be employed full time when school is not in session or during the annual vacation, provided you are eligible and registered for the next school term. Enrollment in Summer Sessions I or II does not prohibit full time on campus work.
Students with full graduate assistantships should contact the Graduate School and their departments regarding policies related to their employment.
Jobs that Qualify as "On-Campus Employment"
On-campus employment includes work done as a teaching or research assistant as well as jobs in the school library, cafeteria, and administrative offices. On-campus also includes employment with "... on-location commercial firms which provide services for students on campus, such as the school bookstore or cafeteria." Exception: On-campus employment does not include employment on the school's premises for a commercial firm that is not providing on-campus services for student; for example, at a construction site for a new school building.
Work Off Campus that Qualifies as On-Campus Employment.
Immigration regulations allow you to work at an off-campus location provided (1) the location is educationally affiliated with UK, (2) the educational affiliation is associated with UK's established curriculum or is related to a graduate level research project which UK has contracted to perform, and (3) the work is an integral or important part of your program of study. For example, if your field of study is agriculture and UK has an off-campus research facility, you may work there and that employment will be defined as "on-campus."
On-Campus Employment for Transfer Students.
Students may only engage in on campus employment at the school which has jurisdiction of their record. Once a transfer student's record has been released from one school to another the student may only work at their new school.
Students must have completed one full academic year in school before they may apply for permission to work off-campus. If permission is granted, employment is limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session and full time during holidays or school vacation.
Step I: Complete forms:
- I-765 - item #16, use the code (C)(3)(iii)
- Request for Work Authorization form.
Step II: Schedule an appointment, call 257.4067 x241 or email william.arnold@uky.edu.
Step III: Bring completed forms and the following supporting documents to your scheduled appointment:
- Unofficial transcript from myUK
- Letter explaining your financial situation and showing the need for this employment based upon severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond your control. (These must be substantiated by supporting documentation.)
- $340.00 check made out to Department of Homeland Security
- Copy of current I-20
- Copy of I-94 Departure Card (front and back)
- Copy of ID pages from passport - Bio page/Visa page with last entry stamp
- Two photographs: Lightly print in pencil your name and I-94 Admission # on the back of the photos and place in a small envelope.
Guidelines for photos (passport style):
- Taken within 6 months.
- Plain white or off-white background - 2x2 inches in size.
- Un mounted, printed on glossy, un-retouched paper.
- Head positioned directly facing the camera; eyes open and looking at camera; eyeglasses worn if normally used.
- Photo from slightly above top of hair to middle of chest.
- Height of head should measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches.
- Head should be bare unless wearing a headdress required by a religious order to which you belong.
(Suggestion: 2 for $8.00 at Johnny Print - 547 S. Limestone - Phone: 254-6139)
The DSO in 215 Bradley Hall will issue an I-20 or DS-2019 to support your application.
This form is used by the U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) to record your entry into and departure from the U.S. Your F-1 status is noted on this document, along with port of entry, date of entry, bio sketch, and notation, D/S (Duration of Status)
As a non-immigrant you and your spouse are eligible to obtain a Kentucky driver's license. You will be required to provide proper documentation of your non-immigrant status as well as your good standing at the University of Kentucky. The list of required documentation is available at: http://transportation.ky.gov/drlic/non_us_ctzns.htm. In order to obtain a letter verifying your good standing at UK you are required to submit to our office a "Driver's License Request Form" as well as unofficial transcript from myUK showing that you are maintaining full time enrollment. License requests must be made in person at the Office of Fayette County Clerk located at 162 Main Street.
A Letter Request is used to request a letter for relatives seeking a visitor's visa or a letter verifying your enrollment at the University of Kentucky. Complete this form and submit it to 215 Bradley Hall with your unofficial transcript from myUK.
Definition: "Temporary employment for practical training directly relates to the student's major field of study."
Eligibility:
Students who have completed one academic year may engage in Optional Practical Training. Students who have used 12 months of OPT are eligible for another 12 months after changing to a higher educational level. Students are therefore eligible for OPT following the completion of their bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees progressively.
Please note: You will be able to file your I-765 application up to 90 days prior to the completion of studies, and up to 60 days after completion of studies. The OPT must still begin no later than 60 days after completion of study.
Practical Training must be work related to the student's field of study. Students may not start working until they receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the Department of Homeland Security. While OPT is pending, students are in legal F-1 status.
During OPT, students are required by LAW to report name, address and status changes, or disruption of employment to the SEVIS Data Manager.
Authorization: A student may be granted OPT:
Full-time: Full-time OPT is permitted during the school recess, after completion of all course work, or after the completion of all requirements for the degree.
Travel Outside the U.S. while on Optional Practical Training:
The travel endorsement on page 3 of your I-20 is valid for 6 months from the date it was signed.
If you have an approved EAD (Employment Authorization Document) and depart the U.S. before getting a job, you cannot re-enter the U.S. on F-1 status.
If you travel abroad when your EAD has been approved, you can only re-enter the U.S. if:
Visa Expiration: It is not advisable for you to travel outside the U.S. during OPT if the F-1 visa in your passport has expired. It is highly unlikely that a consular official would issue a new F-1 visa because it is difficult to provide proof that you are going to return to your home country after you complete your OPT.
F-2 Dependents: Traveling with expired visa should carry with them a copy of the student's I-20 (page 1 & 3) when OPT is pending or copy of the EAD card when approved and be prepared to present at the consulate and the port of entry if asked.
Application for OPT
Step I: Complete forms: OPT Information Form, DGS/Adviser Form, and I-765 (available at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765.pdf).
Step II: Schedule an appointment, call 257-4067 x241 or email william.arnold@uky.edu.
Step III: Bring completed forms and supporting documents to your scheduled appointment:
Photo Instructions: Lightly print in pencil your name and your I-94 Admission Number on back of photos and place in a small envelope.
Guidelines for photos: (Passport style)
- taken within 6 months
- plain white or off-white background - 2x2 inches in size
- un mounted, printed on glossy, un-retouched paper
- head positioned directly facing the camera; eyes open and looking at camera; eyeglasses worn if normally used
- photo from slightly above the top of hair to middle of chest
- height of head should measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches
- head should be bare unless wearing a headdress required by a religious order to which you belong.
Suggested photographer: (2 for $8): Johnny Print - 547 S. Limestone - Ph: 254-6139
Step IV: Within a week of receiving the above-mentioned documentation, the DSO in 215 Bradley Hall will have the new OPT I-20 ready for pick up. The beginning and ending dates of employment will be noted on page 3. You must sign this I-20, and a copy will accompany the application. An addressed envelope will be provided to you to mail the OPT packet.
** Immigration documents are not forwarded by the postal service if you should move, so it is your responsibility to notify the Department of Homeland Security of your new mailing address. Customer service contact is 1.800.375.5283. Ask for the Texas Service Center contact for updating your address. Changing address while an OPT application is pending can cause significant delays if mailed to "old" address.
Processing of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) may take up to three months. You may not start working prior to receiving the Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Case Status: Once you have received your receipt "Notice of Action," you can check the status of your case on the Department of Homeland Security web page by giving your receipt number at: http://uscis.gov/graphics/1egovser.html
Students must insure that their passport is always valid. It should be sent to the Consulate of their home country located in the U.S. for validation three to six months before the expiration date. Addresses and telephone numbers for foreign consulates can be found on the Internet.
To enter or re-enter the U.S. your passport must be valid a minimum of 6 months into the future.
An F-1 student who has overstayed his/her authorized period of stay or has otherwise failed to maintain F-1 student status for less than 5 months may be reinstated to lawful F-1 status. Students may apply to the District Department of Homeland Security Office for reinstatement only if the violation resulted from circumstances beyond their control, BUT reinstatement is intended to be a rare benefit for exceptional cases. If the Director of the District Office does not approve the reinstatement, the decision may not be appealed.
The student must prove the following circumstances:
Submit Completed "Request for Reinstatement " to 215 Bradley Hall.
Click here for more instructions.
Social Security Office hours:
Monday- Friday - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Phone: 859.294.5633
To obtain a Social Security Number you MUST apply in person to the Social Security Office located at 2260 Executive Drive (near the intersection of I-75 and I-64 on Winchester Road). A Social Security number will be issued ONLY if you are employed.
Documents to present to Social Security officer:
After application, allow 2 weeks before receiving the card in the mail.
Students must not confuse a true Social Security number with the student identity number assigned by the University. Once students receive their Social Security number, they should have all their University records listed under this new number. This is done by taking their Social Security card to the Registrar's office room 12 in Funkhouser building to request the change.
Dependents in F-2 status are not eligible for a Social Security number because they do not have permission to work. They may apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) by completing form W-7.
International students are not eligible for federal student loans, food stamps, Aid for Dependent Children, Medicaid and commercial driver's licenses.
For more information 24 hours a day, you may call 1.800.772.1213. You can call for an appointment or to speak to a service representative between the hours of 7AM and 7PM on business days. The lines are busiest early in the week and early in the month, so if your business can wait, it is best to call at other times.
have your registration "stop" removed and your SEVIS I-20 "activated."
form and submit it to 215 Bradley Hall. Click here for instructions. "Travel Instruction" and "Travel Request"
Upon entry to the U.S., most non-U.S. citizens traveling on non-immigrant visas or under the visa waiver program will be photographed and fingerprinted for security purpose. Upon exiting the U.S. non-immigrant visa holders or visa waivers will also be required to use a US-VISIT exit kiosk to be photographed and fingerprinted again, to document their departure.
Please read carefully the Department of Homeland Security web site for any other important information.
NSEERS: If you are a student who entered the U.S. under special registration with NSEERS, US-VISIT does not apply to you. You must follow the NSEERS procedure for exit and entry.
The F-1 visa is issued by a U.S. consulate or embassy. Since the visa is for entry purpose only, it does not need to be renewed while in the U.S. However, if you leave the U.S. temporarily (with the intention of returning to school), you must be sure you possess a valid visa. If you do not have one, you must obtain a new one at the U.S. consulate or embassy in the foreign country you are visiting. Due to security check under "visa mantis clearance" at this time, make adequate plans for possible delays.
F-1 students can receive a clearance valid for the length of the approved academic program, to a maximum of 4 years. The clearance will cease to be valid if the student changes academic programs.
There is a difference between having an F-1 visa and being in F-1 visa status. A student is given F-1 status upon entry to the U.S. with an F-1 visa. The visa allows one to enter; status is maintained by compliance with Immigration regulations (i.e. full-time enrollment, I-20, etc.)
