FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions: F-1 Students
Q. How do I apply for a Kentucky Driver's License?
A. Complete a Driver's License Request Form, and check further details on Dept of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Web site: http://www.dmv.org/ky-kentucky/department-motor-vehicles.php
Q. How and when can I apply for my Social Security Number?
A. You must first have employment on campus. Have your employer complete the SSN Employment Verification (instructions included).
Q. How can my spouse and children join me in the US?
A. Complete the F-2 Dependent I-20 Request Form and submit it to F-1 Student Advisor William Arnold or F-1 Student Advisor Emily King. The advisor will prepare an I-20 Form for each dependent.
Q. Do my F-2 dependents have to pay the SEVIS fee?
A. No, the SEVIS fee is only for the F-1. Further information on the SEVIS fee is found at http://www.fmjfee.com.
Q. I need an official letter from OIA. How do I get a letter and how long does it take?
A. F-1 students may request official letters from OIA for Full-Time enrollment, driver's license, visa renewals, invitations, etc. Please refer to Forms & Instructions
Q: What do I need to do if I travel abroad?
A: If you are on an F visa, you will need a DSO's signature on page 3 of your I-20 for reentry, which will not be more than 12 months old at the time of your return to the United States. In addition, if your F-1 to the U.S. has expired, you will need to get a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You also need to make sure that your passport is valid 6 months into the future. Complete a Travel Request if you need either an update signature of a DSO or a letter of good standing for visa renewal.
Q: Do I need to apply for special authorization if I want to work on campus?
A: F-1 students, who have maintained lawful F-1 status, can work on campus without any special authorization. (F-2 dependents, however, cannot work at all.) This includes summer employment for continuing F-1 students. On campus employment is not permitted after completion of studies, graduation, or termination of F-1 status unless you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS for Optional Practical Training or are continuing for another degree.
Q. How many hours per week can I work on campus?
A. On campus work for F-1 students is limited to 20 total hours per week while school is in session, including any work undertaken pursuant to a scholarship, fellowship, assistantship. The exception to this regulation is during official university breaks and holidays. During these periods on-campus employment may be full-time for students who are eligible and intend to register for the subsequent academic term.
Q. How long does it take to receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) application?
A. It usually takes about 3 months to process the application. In a few weeks you will receive receipt notice to inform you that USCIS has received your application. Remember, you must wait until you receive the EAD to begin work.
Q: I am preparing to send an application to USCIS. Do you have any general suggestions?
A: You are strongly advised to have the F-1 Advisor review any applications you are planning to send to the USCIS. If you are unable to do so, here are several recommendations to follow:
- Make copies of everything and keep them in a safe place. If questions arise later, the value of these copies can be immeasurable.
- Make certain you use the CORRECT address. The US Post Office generally will not forward mail from USCIS.
- Check to be certain you have included all of the required supporting documentation.
- If USCIS requests any additional documentation to adjudicate your application, see your F-1 Advisor. You have a time limit to respond and no extensions are allowed. If you do not respond correctly or within the requested time, your application will be denied and your fees will not be refunded.
- Safeguard any response you receive from USCIS. Any notice will include information on tracking your file if there should be any questions.
- Mail your correspondence to USCIS either by registered mail/return receipt, or via courier.