CPT is a paid off-campus internship/opportunity directly related to an F-1 student’s
field of study. The purpose of CPT is not to facilitate employment authorization but
to allow students to participate in training related to their field of study. This
is usually an internship for credit or research for a thesis/dissertation.
Students are required to read the CPT Guide and Application Process and complete the CPT Request Form.
Typically, students on CPT will need to enroll in a credit-bearing course. This course
must be approved by faculty members.
Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitors (J-1 students, scholars, and their
dependents). This document must be maintained and active throughout their time in
the U.S.
The Designated School Official (DSO) is a staff member who is the liaison between
the students and scholars and the Department of Homeland Security. DSOs are responsible
for learning, interpreting, and applying laws and government policies pertaining to
F-1 students, signing I-20’s, and creating and updating SEVIS records. At West Chester
University, DSOs can be found in the Global Engagement Office (GEO). GEO should be
your first contact for matters concerning international students and scholars on campus.
A non-immigrant who is pursuing a full course of study to achieve a specific educational
or professional objective at a U.S. academic institution that has been designated
by the Department of Homeland Security to offer courses of study and has been enrolled
in SEVIS.
H-1B is a dual intent visa that allows a foreign national employee to work in a "specialty
occupation" for a limited period of time. H-1B sponsorship through the prospective
employer may be applied for either while in the U.S. or from abroad. H-1B visas last
for no more than six years and are subject to a quota or 'cap' per fiscal year. The
initial filing period for H-1B petitions begins on 01 April of each year, for employment
beginning in 01 October of that year. Those on H-1b status are eligible to apply for
Permanent Residency.
A government form used F-1 students and their dependents. This document must be maintained
and active to be in legal status in the U.S. during the course of the F-1 student’s
studies
The Department of Homeland Security issues a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record to
international visitors who are (a) admitted to the U.S., (b) adjusting status while
in the U.S., or (c) extending their stay.
The agency will gather travelers’ arrival/departure information automatically from
their electronic travel records. The Form I-94 is issued during the admission process
at the port of entry.
GEO provides advising, immigration services, programming, advocacy, and outreach for
the international student and scholar population at West Chester University.
There are many J-1 "categories," one of which is student and short-term researcher.
All exchange students at the University are on J-1 visa status. The general purpose
of the Exchange Visitor Program is to promote international educational and cultural
exchange to develop mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other
countries. 50% or more funding must come from a source other than personal or family
funds.
A non-immigrant is someone who seeks temporary entry to the U.S. for a specific purpose.
The non-immigrant must have a permanent residence abroad (for most classes of admission)
and plan to return home. An immigrant is someone who enters the U.S. planning to remain
permanently.
OPT provides off-campus work authorization either during their degree program or after
for F-1 students. Most students participate in OPT once they complete their degree.
Students typically receive one year of OPT, however STEM students are eligible for
2-year extension. Students must read and review the OPT Handbook, complete, and submit the forms to the GEO.
Responsible Officers are appointed by the exchange visitors’ (J visa) program sponsor
to perform the duties set forth in regulations, signs DS-2019’s, creates and updates
J-1 records in SEVIS. At West Chester University, ROs can be found in GEO and International
Admissions. GEO should be your first contact for matters concerning international
students and scholars on campus.
Student Exchange and Visitor Information System. Tracks information on F, J, and M
visa holders. Immigration data is entered into this federally managed database. The
University's DSOs manage student data as a representative of USCIS and the Department
of Homeland Security.
The two-year home country physical presence requirement is one of the most important
requirements of exchange visitor status. Some J-1 exchange visitors and their dependents
are subject to the 212(e).
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is the government agency responsible
for administering immigration benefits for eligible foreign nationals in the U.S.
A visa is a ‘ticket’ for entry to the country upon arrival. International students
and scholars may be in the U.S. with an expired visa, but they may not return to the
United States until they present a valid visa, valid passport, and I-20 or DS-2019
endorsed within the previous year.
Visa applications may be submitted to U.S. Consulates and Embassies up to 90 days
before the program start date listed on the I-20/DS-2019 and students and scholars
may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date.
