911爆料

Congratulations on your acceptance to 911爆料! To begin your studies in the United States, you must obtain an F-1 student visa (Canadian citizens are granted this visa at the border crossing but still need to apply for a 911爆料 1-20).

911爆料 is required by federal law to collect specific documents before we can issue your SEVIS I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

Step 1: Submit required forms

Please complete and return the following forms:

• Application for Certificate of Eligibility/Biographical Data Form
• International Student Certification of Finances Form

Step 2: Gather supporting documents

Canadian citizens obtain their F-1 visa status at the border when they present their 911爆料 I-20, passport, financial documents, and evidence of paying the I-901 SEVIS fee.

Along with your Biodata and Certification of Finances forms, include:

• Copy of your admission letter to 911爆料
• Copy of the identification page from your passport
• Original or official copies of bank certificates of deposit or a signed bank letter (on letterhead) verifying funds to cover at least one year of expenses
• Copy of your 911爆料 Financial Aid Letter (if applicable)
• Copy of TOEFL, DuoLingo or other English proficiency scores (if applicable)
• Copy of current F-1 visa (if you already have one)
• Copy of I-94 (if you are currently in the U.S.) 鈥� to print
• Copy of both pages of your I-20 (if you are currently studying in the U.S. on F-1)
• SEVIS Transfer Form (if you are transferring from a U.S. high school or college)

Form completion notes:

Application for Certificate of Eligibility

• • Ensure your name matches exactly as it appears on your passport.
  • If you hold dual citizenship, list both and indicate which passport you鈥檒l use to enter the U.S.
  • If currently studying in the U.S., attach copies of your current I-20 and I-94.
  • Write your birth month in words (e.g., January, February).
  • Students in 鈥淏鈥� visitor status (including Visa Waiver) cannot attend college without a change of status, which can take over a year. Seek advice from an immigration attorney if this applies.
  • Canadian citizens do not need an F-1 visa but must present their I-20, passport, and financial documents at the border.

International Student Certification of Finances

• • Federal law requires proof of funds to cover your education.
  • Estimated cost of attendance for 2024-25: $89,500 (subject to change). Travel, personal, and miscellaneous costs vary and are not included.
  • Provide official documentation of funds for at least the first year, and project funding for all four years. Acceptable proof includes:
    • Personal or family funds: bank statements, certificates of deposit, or securities reports (not proof of salary).
    • Other sponsors (e.g., relatives): letter and documentation from the sponsor鈥檚 bank.
    • Organizations or government agencies: official documentation stating the amount of support.

Step 3: Submit everything

E-mail completed forms and documents (in PDF form, if possible, to F1Visa@skidmore.edu or mail them (if you are unable to scan and e-mail documents) to the International Student and Scholar Services Office.

Mail to:

The Learning Commons, International Student and Scholar Services
815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

If you have questions, contact us at 518-580-8150 or e-mail Subhan Ali at mali1@skidmore.edu.

What happens next?

Once your documents are received, 911爆料 will e-mail your SEVIS I-20. With this form, you may apply for your F-1 visa (except Canadian students) and prepare for your entry into the U.S.

For additional guidance, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security鈥檚 website: .

J-1 Scholars at 911爆料

911爆料 hosts J-1 Exchange Visitor Professors, Research Scholars, and Short-Term Scholars who come to teach, collaborate on research, give lectures, and engage in cultural exchange. The J-1 program is administered by the U.S. Department of State. 

Who qualifies & how long can you stay?

Categories we sponsor

• Professor or Research Scholar: for teaching and/or research appointments. Maximum 5 years total, continuous. Not for tenure-track roles or clinical positions. Subject to the 12-month and 24-month repeat-participation bars (see below).
• Short-Term Scholar: for short academic visits (lectures, consultations, workshops, or short research stays) up to 6 months; no extensions beyond 6 months. 
  Repeat-participation bars
  If you have been in any J status for 鈮�6 months in the 12 months before a new Professor/Research Scholar program, a 12-month bar may apply; if you previously held Professor/Research Scholar (any length), a 24-month bar applies before you can start a new Professor/Research Scholar program. These are separate from the two-year home residency rule. 
• Two-year home residency rule (INA 212(e))
  Some J-1s (and J-2 dependents) must return home for an aggregate of two years before certain future U.S. immigration benefits (e.g., H, L, PR). Whether it applies depends on funding source, skills list, and other factors; recent changes to skills lists have affected who is subject. When in doubt, consult your DS-2019/visa annotations or request a DOS advisory opinion. 

How the process works

1. Department invitation & DS-2019
   The 911爆料 host department initiates a J-1 request with the Office of the Dean of the Faculty (DOF). Once approved by the DOF, our office will begin the process to issue your Form DS-2019.  You will need this form to apply for the J-1 visa.
2. SEVIS fee & visa interview
   Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and apply for the J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate (Canadian citizens: a visa stamp is not required, but they are still required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee).
3. Entry window
   You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date on the DS-2019. (No employment in this pre-program period.)
4. Mandatory check-in (SEVIS validation)
   Within 30 days of the DS-2019 start date, complete 911爆料鈥檚 check-in with the Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer (the 911爆料 official who issued your DS-2019) so we can validate your SEVIS record. Failure to validate on time can end your legal status in the United States! 

Health insurance (required)

U.S. regulations require J-1 exchange visitors and any J-2 dependents to maintain insurance for the entire program that meets all of the following minimums:

• $100,000 medical benefits per accident/illness
• $50,000 medical evacuation
• $25,000 repatriation of remains
• Deductible $500 or less per accident/illness

The insurance must be valid from the day you (and J-2 dependents) enter the U.S., to the day you (and the J-2 dependents) depart from the U.S.  We recommend that you use a compliant U.S. plan; many employer plans do not include evacuation/repatriation, so add-on coverage may be needed. We will need proof of insurance to validate your program participation. 

Employment & academic activity

Your J-1 activity (teaching/research) must match what鈥檚 on the DS-2019 and your 911爆料 appointment. J-1 is not for tenure-track roles or clinical care. Limited 鈥渋ncidental鈥� lectures or consultations at other institutions may be possible with prior written authorization from 911爆料 Responsible/Alternate Responsible Officer and proper documentation. (Please consult our office before accepting any outside honoraria or paid work.) 

Social Security number (SSN) & taxes

• SSN: If you will be paid by 911爆料 or another U.S. source, you will need an SSN. Plan to apply after arrival and SEVIS validation. Please come and see us if you need to apply for an SSN. 
• Taxes: J-1 income may be subject to federal/state taxes and treaty provisions. We鈥檒l provide general information and, where available, access to tax preparation resources; 911爆料 cannot give legal tax advice. (J-2s with EADs are taxed like other employees.) 

Travel while in J-1 status

Before any international trip, obtain a travel endorsement (signature) on your DS-2019 and ensure your J-1 visa is valid for re-entry. Travel signatures are generally valid for up to 12 months. 

Dependents (J-2)

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may qualify for J-2 status. J-2s may study, and may apply to USCIS for work authorization (EAD). Income from J-2 employment should be for family/cultural expenses 鈥� not to support the J-1鈥檚 program. 

Program completion & grace period

After your DS-2019 end date, you have a 30-day grace period to wrap up personal affairs and depart the U.S. Any employment,program activities, travel abroad and re-entry are not permitted during this time. 

Getting started at 911爆料

• Before arrival: review your invitation, DS-2019 details, insurance, housing, and school/childcare options (if applicable).
• Upon arrival: complete check-in/SEVIS validation, HR onboarding (if paid), and SSN application (if paid).
• We鈥檙e here to help: Questions? Please contact Mr. Subhan Ali, PDSO and Associate Director of Immigration and Visa Services in The Learning Commons at 518-580-8150 or mali1@skidmore.edu 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work off campus after graduation in jobs related to their major. You can be authorized for up to 12 months of OPT per degree level. Students in approved STEM fields may also qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension.

Post-Completion OPT

Work authorization after your program end date (most common type).

Eligibility

• At least one academic year (9 months) in F-1 status
• Completed your degree by the start of OPT
• Must apply to USCIS for authorization

Work limits

• Up to 12 months
• Dates must be specific (e.g., June 1鈥揗ay 31)
• Start date must be within 60 days of program end date

Criteria

• Employment must be related to your major (not minor)
• Does not require an offer of employment
• May work for multiple employers or be self-employed if all work relates to your major
• DSO must issue new I-20 with OPT authorization

How to apply

1. Choose your start and end dates.
2. Complete the Post-Completion OPT Authorization Request Form.
3. DSO issues new I-20 with OPT recommendation.
4. File Form I-765 with USCIS and pay filing fee ($470 as of October 2024).
5. Wait two to three months for USCIS approval.
6. Do not begin work until you receive your EAD card.
7. Work only within the authorized dates on your EAD.
8. Apply for an SSN if you don鈥檛 already have one.
9. Use the Career Development Center for job search support.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows F-1 students to gain work experience that is directly related to their major and is an integral part of their academic program. CPT may be required for your curriculum (such as an internship or practicum) and must be authorized before you begin work. This applies to both paid and unpaid experiences.

Eligibility
To apply for CPT, you must:

• Complete at least two semesters of study before work begins
• Have a declared major
• Use CPT before graduation (CPT cannot be used after completing your program)

Criteria
Your CPT experience must:

• Be directly related to your major (not your minor)
• Be credit-bearing (e.g., IN-100, MB-399, EC-399)
• Be part of your academic program of study
• Have a signed cooperative agreement or employer letter
• Be employer-specific and date-specific
• Be approved in SEVIS and appear on your I-20 before you begin employment

How to apply for CPT

1. Declare your major (or second major).
2. Meet with your advisor or the Office of Academic Advising. Remember: CPT must be directly related to your major field of study (per federal regulations).
3. Find employment (paid or unpaid). Use the Career Development Center for resources.
4. Identify a faculty advisor to supervise your internship.
5. Apply for internship credit (minimum 1 credit required). Get help from the Office of Academic Affairs if needed.
6. E-submit required forms and signatures to your DSO:
7. Your DSO will e-mail you an updated CPT I-20 once it's ready.
8. Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if you don鈥檛 already have one.
9. Begin work 鈥� but only on or after the official CPT start date listed on your I-20.

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit ID issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). International students need an SSN if they are employed in the U.S. (on-campus jobs or authorized off-campus work).

Your card will read 鈥渧alid for work only with DHS authorization.鈥�

The Learning Commons and your Designated School Official (DSO) can help you through the process.

How to apply

1. Get a job
   • You must first have a campus job (or authorized off-campus job).
2. Supervisor provides job details
   • Your supervisor emails your DSO with:
     • Your legal name and 911爆料 ID#
     • Position title and department
     • Start date and hours/week
     • Supervisor鈥檚 name, title, department, phone number, and official email
3. DSO issues verification letter
   • Your DSO prepares a letter confirming your status and employment.
     
4. Complete the SSN application
   • Fill out the
   • Remember to print out a paper copy of your online application submission confirmation/receipt
5. Visit Social Security Administration office
   • Bring a copy of your online SSN application confirmation/receipt page

Where to apply

Social Security Administration Office
One Broadway Center, 8th Floor
Schenectady, NY 12305
Hours: Monday鈥揊riday, 9 a.m.鈥�4 p.m.

• Directions via CDTA (free with 911爆料 ID)
• Neighborhood map of the SSA office

SSN Ineligibility Letter

Sometimes you鈥檒l need proof you are not eligible for an SSN (for example, when applying for a New York state learner鈥檚 permit, driver鈥檚 license, or non-driver ID).

1. Visit any SSA office, and bring:
   • Passport with visa stamp
   • I-20
   • I-94
   • Letter from your DSO confirming your 911爆料 status (request this from your DSO)