Resources for Current International Students

Maintaining F-1 Status

Obtaining a visa with a specific expiration date is not an assurance that you will be able to stay in the U.S. and maintain the visa. Your right to stay in the U.S. may be forfeited at any time if you violate the regulations of your visa status. Compliance with each article below is required.

1. You must maintain a valid passport at all times.

Apply for renewal at least 6 months before the expiration date.

Keep copies of passport, visa, I-94 and I-20 with you at all times.

Any time you travel outside Arkadelphia, keep these original documents with you.

2. You must receive written authorization to make changes to your I-20 activity such as:

Attending another school

Transferring to another school

Changing your degree level

Changing your major

3. You must complete a full course of study for each spring and fall semester.

12 hours for undergraduate students.

No more than one (3 hours) online or distance learning class per semester.

Exceptions may be discussed with the Grant Center.

Obtain authorization from the Grant Center before dropping below full-time hours.

4. You must obtain permission from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Grant Center before accepting any kind of employment (on or off campus) in the U.S.

Even one day of work outside DHS guidelines will result in loss of status.

5. On campus work is limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session.

You must get work authorization every time you add/change your place of work.

You must have work authorization IN WRITING.

6. You must obtain a new signature on your I-20 BEFORE traveling out of the US.

Do not pack your I-20 in your checked luggage.

A minimum of 3 business days is needed to do this.

7. You must complete your course of study on or before the completion date in section 5 of your I-20.

To request permission to extend this date you must submit an application to the Grant Center one month before the completion date.

8. Any change of your home country address or phone number must be reported to the Grant Center within 10 days of the change.

Report your change of address or phone number by emailing Amy Garrett at [email protected].

Students subject to “Special Registration” requirements also must send an AR-11 SR Form by mail to the US. Department of Homeland Security within 10 days of any change of address.

9. You must maintain email contact with the Grant Center by checking your official OBU email address weekly.

10. You must maintain continual health insurance coverage for yourself and any dependents in the U.S. through Macori, Inc.

The Grant Center must have a copy of your current health insurance card on file at all times.

11. You must obey all federal and state laws.

12. You must leave the U.S. when:

Your I-20 expires OR you graduate OR you have ended or suspended your OBU program as a student.

Even if your I-20 is still valid, you must leave the U.S. if you are no longer in your program for any reason.

You may consult the Grant Center to discuss exceptions to this requirement, such as extending your program, transferring to a new program or participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT).

13. You must submit Form 8843 to the U.S. Internal Revenue Services by April 15 every year.

You must submit this form even if you did not earn any wages.

If you have earned wages you must also submit Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ.

14. Students must attend the mandatory orientation session held at the beginning of the semester for all new international students where they will sign a document stating these rules.

By signing the form, you agree to comply with the aforementioned requirements.

You also acknowledge that OBU is required by law to terminate an F-1 visa holder’s program if compliance requirements are violated.

Health Insurance

All international students are required to have health insurance through AIG Educational Markets, and a copy of your current health insurance card or confirmation letter must be on file in the Grant Center at all times.

The policy includes the following:

Medical benefits of $100,000 USD per injury or illness

A deductible of $100 USD per injury or illness

Repatriation of remains in the amount of a maximum $7,500 USD

Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the nonimmigrant visitor to their home country in the amount of $10,000 USD

For a list of providers that are in-network, click here.

If you are in an accident, you need to fill out this form, print it, and mail it in in order to file your claim.

Dental Treatment

Please note that dental treatment is not covered by health insurance and is expensive in the U.S. It is advisable to check with your dentist at home in time to have any needed treatment completed before you travel.

Medication

If you are using a particular medication, you might want to bring enough to get you through the first week here. Some medicines that are sold over the counter in your home country require a prescription in the U.S. Please be sure to consult with our health center regarding your medicine needs.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Students with F-1 status who have completed their degrees or have been pursuing their degrees for more than nine months may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) through the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). OPT allows students to work in their field of study for up to a year using their student visa.

Facts About OPT:

F-1 students must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at a USCIS/DHS approved school for one full academic year before being eligible for OPT. Students in English language training (ESL) are not eligible for OPT.

Students may engage in OPT for any employer in the U.S. (once approved by the USCIS), as long as the employment qualifies under OPT standards.

Standard OPT is available for a maximum of 12 months per educational level (12 months for undergraduate level, 12 months for graduate level, etc.). A one-time extension of 17 months is available to certain STEM degree recipients.

Pre-completion OPT is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session and the student still has coursework to complete.

Full-time employment can be requested for pre-completion OPT done during official school breaks.

For post-completion OPT, a student must be employed for at least 20 hours per week.

While you are on OPT, it is important to remember that you are still in F-1 visa status and under the jurisdiction of your I-20 issued by Ouachita Baptist University.

You should apply for OPT 90 days before graduation.

OPT Application Checklist:

Complete and sign Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, marked with the code “(c) (3) (b)” at item 1, and bring the completed form with you when you apply for OPT.

Bring two passport photos.

Bring a check or money order made payable to the US Department of Homeland Security for $410.

Bring your current I-20 as well as any previous copies.

Bring a color copy of the first page of your passport.

Bring a color copy of your current student visa.

Print and bring your I-94.

OPT Participants Need to fill out this form before starting a new job through OPT.

OPT Compliance

You must provide this information to remain compliant and in status.

Check out the USCIS OPT guide