Immigration Information

General Information

All students and scholars who are in the United States on non-immigrant visas are subject to regulations mandated by the U.S. government. The OBU International Programs Office provides advice about these regulations and assists students in obtaining any benefits permitted by law.

The information summarized in this section includes some basic terminology and regulations that all students and scholars must know while studying in the United States. Because immigration law is subject to change often, and because each student's or scholar's circumstances are unique, you should always consult the International Programs staff for the latest information.

Common Terms

Passport -- Issued by the government of your country. Your passport must be valid at all times during your stay in the United States.

U.S. Visa -- Enables you to enter and re-enter the United States for the time during which it is valid. The visa is stamped in your passport by the U.S. Consulate or Embassy.

Immigration Status -- Refers to your visa category, such as F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, B-2, etc.

I-94 Card -- The card you receive upon entering the United States, also known as the Arrival/Departure Record. The I-94 card shows for how long you are authorized to stay in the United States and includes your admission number. It also displays your visa status in the United States (F-1, J-1, F-2, etc.).

I-20 Form -- Students present this form to receive an F-1 visa and F-1 status upon entry to the United States. The expiration date in item #5 is the expected date of completion for your academic program. Each F-1 student must retain his/her form I-20 ID Copy to establish legal status in the United States.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) -- The U.S. government agency that enforces U.S. immigration laws.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) -- Administers immigration documents and services.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) -- A plastic card issued by the DHS to demonstrate your authorization for employment.

U.S. Department of State (USDOS) -- The U.S. government agency that operates U.S. Consulates and Embassies worldwide for U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents seeking assistance abroad, as well as for non-U.S. citizens seeking visas to enter the United States, if a U.S. visa is required for entry.

Passport and Immigration Verification

The International Programs Office is required by law to maintain accurate and up-to-date records for each non-immigrant student or scholar at OBU. All international students and scholars must participate in passport and other immigration document verification prior to their initial enrollment. This is typically done when the student or scholar first arrives at OBU.

All new students are required to attend an International Student Orientation, which is held just before classes begin for the fall and spring terms. To complete passport and immigration document verification, the student brings his or her documents to be verified by an International Programs Office staff member.

Immigration Information for new and current International Students and Scholars

10 Tips on Applying for a visa

F-1 Compliance Form

Visa vs. Status

Immigration Photo Services are:

Post Office (870) 246-6715

615 Crittenden St

Arkadelphia, AR

UPS Store (870) 246-0478
2749 Pine St
Arkadelphia, AR