Frequently Asked Questions - Students & Scholars

What is SEVIS?

How do I go about getting my greencard?
The Office of International Affairs (IAO) does not process permanent residency applications. However, please contact the IAO once you have made the decision to begin the process of applying, so you can meet with us to discuss the application process. You will need assurance from your department that they will sponsor you for permanent residency. We recommend that you contact an attorney. The IAO can provide a list of highly qualified immigration attorneys that we recommend for this process. If you are going to be sponsored by your department/employer, you MUST select an attorney from this list.

What do I do if I am planning to leave the country?
If you are scheduled to travel outside of the United States, the action you must take depends upon your visa status. Please call the IAO before you leave the United States.

F-1 and J-1/J-2 visa holders must make an appointment with the IAO to have the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 signed. You will not be allowed reenter the country without this signature. H1-B/O-1 visa holders should contact our office before departure so we can make sure your travel documents are in order.

If your visa stamp in your passport is not valid, you must call the U.S. embassy in the country to which you are traveling in order to make an appointment to apply for a new visa stamp.

What do I do if I lose one of my immigration documents?
If you lose any of your immigration documents or your passport, please contact the IAO immediately. We can assist you in replacing them.

How do I obtain a Social Security Number?
Please contact the IAO before applying for a Social Security Number. You must apply in person at a local Social Security Administration office. You will need to bring a letter of employment, a letter from the IAO, and your visa documentation when you apply. Please note that you will not receive the number immediately; it will be sent to you by mail within two to six weeks.

How do I get information on U.S. taxes?
The IAO does not advise on taxes. However we can provide you with a list of tax specialists who can answer your questions. There may be a fee for these inquiries.

What do I do if my visa stamp or I-94 card expires?
The visa stamp in your passport is your permission to enter the United States. If your visa stamp has expired, you need to renew it only if you are planning to travel outside the country. On your next trip abroad, make an appointment with the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting to renew your visa stamp.

Your I-94 card should be valid for the entire duration of your visa. If your I-94 card has expired please contact the IAO immediately. The I-94 card will need to be renewed with the INS.

What do I do if I change my major or my program of study?
If you make a change in your major or program of study you need to contact the Registrar's Office of the school you are attending to let them know of the changes. You must also contact the IAO so that we may update your immigration document.

What do I do if I change my address?
Please contact the IAO immediately. We will instruct you how to notify the INS of your change.

Frequently Asked Questions - Departments

How much time should I allow for visa processing?
The processing time depends on the type of visa that department is considering. For an H1-B the department should leave approximately 4-5 months from the date the IAO receives the application. Please see the H-1B visa section for inquiries into premium processing.

For a J-1 visa application we recommend that you give the IAO one month to process the DS-2019 Form.

Please Note: This estimated processing time does not include delays encountered by the applicant in his/her home country in obtaining a visa stamp from the U.S. embassy. Please keep the possibility of this delay in mind when considering a start date for the applicant.