FAQs

What are the procedures for having an immediate family member or members come to visit me or to join me?

An immediate family member is defined by the U.S. government as a child under the age of 21 or a married spouse of the F-1 student or the J-1 exchange visitor. In order for someone to join you at OBU, they will be required to apply for an F-2 or J-2 visa rather than a visitor’s visa. F-1s must obtain a new Form I-20 by showing that additional money is available to support your immediate family member(s) in addition to yourself. J-1s must also provide evidence of having additional money available to support the immediate family member(s). If you wish your immediate family member(s) to join you, please visit with an International Student Advisor.

 

What is SEVIS?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a government, computerized system that maintains data about foreign students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States. SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit information and event notifications via the Internet to BCIS and the Department of State. OBU is required to register students and scholars in SEVIS every semester. For this reason, every student/scholar must report to the International Office at the beginning of every semester to be registered in SEVIS. For more information, go to: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/ Some of the events that OBU must report via SEVIS are as follows: Change of Name Change of Major Change of Address Change of Education Level Change of Program Dates.

 

How do I get a Social Security Number?

International students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 status may obtain a U.S. Social Security number if they are eligible. A U.S. Social Security number is a U.S. government-issued identification number. International students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 status are eligible to receive this number. It costs nothing to apply. However, students must have a job in order to receive this card. Please be advised that any type of employment must be approved by the OBU International Programs Office before one can begin working. You can find more information here: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10181.pdf.  When you visit the Social Security Office, you must bring the following documents with you: *Completed Social Security number application *Letter of employment *Letter from the OBU International Office *Your passport *Your visa *Your current I-94, printed from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov *Your Form I-20 We have been notified that the following businesses do not require a Social Security Number in order to obtain their services: – Bank of America - Wells Fargo - Bank One - Sprint

 

How do I get an Arkansas Drivers License?

In most cases, you must apply for a Arkansas driver’s license in person at the Arkansas Revenue Department. The Revenue Department is located at 615 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, AR. The phone number is 870-246-6733. You must bring all immigration documents including your I-94 card and your valid passport. You can click here for more information: http://www.dmv.org/ar-arkansas/drivers-license.php

 

Do I have to file income taxes or pay taxes to the US government?

International students and visiting scholars, regardless of whether or not they work and earn income while in the United States, must submit an appropriate tax return to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year. Every student must file Form 8843 whether you have worked or not by April 15th. The form is available by clicking here on the IRS website. Some money earned in the United States may not be taxed if the country you are from has a tax treaty with the United States. Information about tax treaties is available from the Payroll Office at OBU. The International Programs Office presents a tax workshop each year during the spring semester.

 

My visa has expired. What do I do?

If your visa has expired, your legal status in the United States is not affected. Your status is linked to the validity of your passport, the I-94 card, and your I-20 expiration dates. Please note that your I-94 is marked “D/S”. This means that you were admitted to the United States for duration of status and that your status expires when you reach the expiration date on your Form I-20 (line item #5). The visa (F-1) is an entry/re-entry permit and only needs to be valid if you travel out of the United States and must return to continue your program. If this is the case, and your visa has expired, you must have your visa renewed outside of the United States at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

 

Can my passport expire?

No. You must not allow your passport to expire. If your passport expires, you will be out of status, and the International Programs Office must report you to the federal government through the SEVIS system. We recommend that you allow at least six months for your passport to be renewed. Depending on the country, the renewal process may take a great deal of time.

 

As an F1 student, what are my options for working?

Please remember that you have been issued a student visa to be a full-time student and make timely progress toward the completion of your program. You were NOT issued a student visa to work in the United States. However, you do have some options if you have maintained your visa status. Please link to information on this website that explains each option: For F-1 Visa holders: On-campus employment Curricular Practical Training Optional Practical Training F-2 visa holders cannot work under any circumstances. J-2 visa holders may work only if they have received permission to work from the U.S. government.