Drew University will issue an I-20 form (F-1) or the DS-2019 (J-1) for student visa applications for newly admitted students who have met all documentation requirements for their degree program (generally, verification of financial support and submission of any enrollment deposit).

Your Passport

You must have a passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States.

When to Apply for a Visa

If you are currently abroad and do not yet have a valid U.S. student visa, you generally apply for one at the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it is generally more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.

You should apply for your visa well in advance of the date you would like to depart for Drew University.  Most U.S. consulates allow students and scholars to apply up to 120 days prior to your program start date.

Remember that you are required to show proof of having paid the Federal SEVIS I-901 fee when you appear for your visa interview. Holiday and vacation periods are very busy times at the U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, and it is important for you to have your visa in time to arrive and begin orientation and registration activities no later than the start date on your I-20.

Appointments are now mandatory for all student visas, and some U.S. embassies and consulates require that appointments be made at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance. All U.S. embassies and consulates have a Web site where you can read the latest information on visa procedures. Locate the embassy or consulate near you.  In some cases you may be asked to complete an online visa application (form DS-160) prior to visiting the embassy.

For information on waiting times for student visa appointments, review this guide, provided by the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.

Remember

If you plan to attend Drew, you must present the visa officer with an I-20 issued by Drew University. You cannot apply for a U.S. visa using another school’s I-20 and then try to attend Drew, as that is considered to be a fraudulent entry by the U.S. Immigration authorities.

Special Note for Citizens of Canada

Citizens of Canada are not required to obtain a U.S. visa to enter the United States. However, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will inspect your papers, either at a pre-inspection site in Canada or upon entry to the United States. You must have with you:

• Your Canadian passport
• Your admission letter to Drew
• Proof of Federal SEVIS I-901 fee payment
• Your Drew Certificate of Eligibility (I-20)
• Proof of financial support that corresponds to the information on your I-20

It is essential that you enter the United States in the appropriate status – be sure to have complete documentation with you.

What to Bring With You to the Visa Interview

Be sure to bring the following with you to the visa appointment:

• Passport
• Required photo(s)
• Visa fee or proof of visa fee payment
• Federal SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
• U.S. non-immigrant visa application forms  (unless you will complete them at the consulate or embassy)
• Drew University admission letter
• Drew University Form I-20 or DS-2019 (J-1 visa applicants)
• Drew University scholarship letter (if received)
• Test scores and academic records
• Proof of English proficiency
• Proof of financial support
• Evidence of ties to your home country
• Any other documents required by the embassy or consulate

Visa Interviewing Tips

1. Ties to Your Home Country

Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, such as student visas, are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. “Ties” to your home country are the things that bind you to your home town, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. If you are a prospective undergraduate, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans and career prospects in your home country.

Each person’s situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter which can guarantee visa issuance. If you have applied for the U.S. Green Card Lottery, you may be asked if you are intending to immigrate. A simple answer would be that you applied for the lottery since it was available but not with a specific intent to immigrate. If you overstayed your authorized stay in the United States previously, be prepared to explain what happened clearly and concisely, with documentation, if available.

2. English

Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview, but do NOT prepare speeches! If you are coming to the United States solely to study intensive English, be prepared to explain how English will be useful for you in your home country.

3. Speak for Yourself

Do not bring parents or family members with you to the interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf. If you are a minor applying for a high school program and need your parents there is case there are questions, for example about funding, they should wait in the waiting room.

4. Know the Program and How It Fits Your Career Plans

If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will study in a particular program in the United States, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how studying in the United States relates to your future professional career when you return home.

5. Be Brief

Because of the volume of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer’s questions short and to the point.

6. Additional Documentation

It should be immediately clear to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you are lucky.

7. Not All Countries are Equal

Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the United States as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be intending immigrants. They are also more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in the United States.

8. Employment

Your main purpose in coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their U.S. education. You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program. If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the United States. If asked, be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the United States. Volunteer work and attending school part-time are permitted activities.

9. Dependents Remaining at Home

If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that your family will need you to remit money from the United States in order to support themselves, your student visa application will almost certainly be denied. If your family does decide to join you at a later time, it is helpful to have them apply at the same post where you applied for your visa.

10. Maintain a Positive Attitude

Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

This information is provided by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Drew University offers students the option of receiving important documents via DHL and FedEx express mailing. International Student & Scholar Services will send Immigration documents (I-20 or DS-2019) to students overseas through eShip Global express mail service (3-5 business days). Express shipping is done at the student’s expense.

Express mail service must be paid by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover) or wire transfer. Please visit the secure eShip Global website to create an account to request express mail shipping. This site works best with Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. Do not go to the DHL or FedEx sites directly.

You will be required to create an account with your own username and password. You will need the following information ready:

• Drew University ID
• Mailing address for your I20
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Credit card information
• Choose Department/contact: “New Jersey” and “International Student & Scholar Services at Drew University” as the sender

Once you have completed the request, eShip Global will send you an email with detailed information (i.e. payment amount, tracking number, mailing address). The ISSS office at Drew will receive a copy of this email, so there is no need to forward this information.

If you have questions or experience difficulty with this service, please visit the FAQ section at eShip or email student.support@eshipglobal.com.

Make sure that your immigration documents are valid and/or unexpired.

• An unexpired foreign passport valid at least six months into the future.
• A stamp in the passport marked “F-1 D/S” (usually appears on the page opposite visa stamp).
• An unexpired I-20.

Register for and complete a full course load (12 credits for undergraduate students; 9 credits for graduate students).

• The minimum number of full time course credits per semester is 12 for undergraduates and 9 for graduate students. You are expected to maintain full-time registration and make normal progress toward your degree.
• Obtain PRIOR authorization from you Designated School Official (the International Student Advisor) BEFORE dropping below full course of study, withdrawing from classes, or taking a leave of absence. There are very limited exceptions to the full-time requirement – so you must consult the DSO in advance of any drop below full-time, or you will be in violation of your status.

Travel

• Please review the Reentry Information Section on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement website if you are traveling outside the country.
• Check the travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019.  The signature is valid for 12 months unless you are on OPT or Academic Training and then it must be signed every 6 months.  Please schedule an appointment with the ISSS office if you need a signature.  We must confirm that you have been registered full-time each semester before we can sign the I-20.

Change of Address

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) requires that you inform the DSO within 10 days of any address change. Contact the ISSS office via email or in person with change of address information.

Transferring

If you are planning to transfer to another institution, you must notify the DSO before the end of the semester.  The transfer of the SEVIS record must be completed within a 60 day period after completion of studies or a student’s last enrollment date. Your new school cannot issue you a Form I-20 until we have released your immigration record to them.

Work Authorization

Students must be degree-seeking students in valid F-1 status for one academic year to be eligible to apply for off-campus work authorization.  Information regarding Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training is available on the ISSS webpage.

Optional Practical Training

Students who are completing a degree program and are planning to do Optional Practical Training (OPT) must make an appointment with an international student advisor to discuss the application process (instructions and required forms are available here).  Applications can be sent to USCIS up to 90 days prior to your program completion date.

Graduating Students

Students who have graduated and are not doing OPT must leave the U.S. within 60 days of the completion of the program, or transfer to a higher level of degree program.

Make sure that your immigration documents are valid and/or unexpired.

• An unexpired foreign passport valid at least six months into the future.
• A stamp in the passport marked “J-1 D/S” (usually appears on the page opposite visa stamp).
• An unexpired DS-2019.

Insurance Providers

Drew University’s student health care plan meets the new J-1 health insurance requirements.  There are also a number of insurance providers in the U.S. that offer plans for international students (see list below).  It is possible to enroll in most plans online using a credit card payment.   Drew University does not offer an endorsement of these plans.  The Exchange Visitor is responsible for attaining a health care policy that meets the program requirements.

• ISO Insurance
• Visitor Guard
• CMI Insurance Worldwide

Full-Time Enrollment Requirements

Register for and complete a full course load (12 credits for undergraduate students; 9 credits for graduate students)

• The minimum number of full time course credits per semester is 12 for undergraduates and 9 for graduate students. You are expected to maintain full-time registration and make normal progress toward your degree.
• Obtain PRIOR authorization from you Designated School Official (the International Student Advisor) BEFORE dropping below full course of study, withdrawing from classes, or taking a leave of absence. There are very limited exceptions to the full-time requirement – so you must consult the DSO in advance of any drop below full-time, or you will be in violation of your status.

Exchange Visitor Program Regulations

Students should read and thoroughly understand the regulations governing the J-1 Program.  The Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program website offers easy-to-read sections on Common Questions and Regulations.

To review detailed compliance and regulatory information regarding the Exchange Visitor Program, please refer to the Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR 62 Code of Federal Regulations).

Program Extension Information

Students, Research Scholars (not including the short-term category), and Professors may be eligible for an extension to complete their program objective. If you would like to request a program extension for an exchange visitor from your academic department, please ask the J-1 visitor to make an appointment with ISSS to discuss.  If s/he is eligible, the dean of the school must submit a DS-2019 extension form.

Work Authorization

J-1 Students are eligible for on campus employment but approval must be granted by the ISSS office before work can commence.  Please make an appointment with ISSS at the Welcome Desk in the University Commons (next to the Bookstore) to discuss both on and off-campus employment (Academic Training) information.

There are two different ways an individual can change immigration status.  An application for a change of status can be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while you remain in the U.S. or you can travel back home or outside the U.S. to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate.A change of status application usually takes between 2 and 4 months to be processed by USCIS.  After you are approved for the change of status, the next time you travel out of the U.S., you will have to go to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy to apply for the F-2 visa stamp in order to re-enter the U.S. in F-2 status.

Eligibility for a change of status

To be eligible for a change of status to F-2, you must be the spouse or child (under the age of 21) of an F-1 student at Drew University and have received a dependent Form I-20 from the ISSS office at Drew.  You must also have a valid non-immigrant status at the time that you apply to USCIS.

Documents required for change of status application

• Fee (currently $290): check or money order made payable to USCIS; write your I-94 number, name (if not already printed on your check), and the type of application you are requesting on the face of your check or money order.
• A letter from you requesting the change of status and explaining your circumstances and future plans for when you return to your home country.
• Copy of Form I-20 for a dependent
• Completed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (this form may be submitted by mail to USCIS or electronically through the ELIS system).

Photocopies of your immigration documents

• Biodata page of passport
• Current F-1 visa stamp
• I-94 Record
• Current Form I-20
• EAD card (If you are currently on OPT)
• Copy of marriage certificate (USCIS guidance on translation of documents to English)

You should have a photocopy of your entire application and supporting documents for your records before sending them to the USCIS.

When you receive a response from USCIS, please report the outcome to International Student and Scholar Services. Send or bring a photocopy of your Form I-20, I-797 Approval Notice and your new I-94 card to ISSS in Brothers College, Room 119.

Mail Your Application

Mail your completed application to the Dallas Lockbox. You should use a reliable express mail/courier service.

For express courier deliveries (Fed Ex or UPS) use the following address:

USCIS
ATTN: I-539
2501 S. State Highway 121
Business Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

For regular U.S. Mail (certified) use the following address:

USCIS
P.O. Box 660166
Dallas, TX 75266

Status While Application is Pending

As long as the application for a change from F-1 to F-2 is filed while you are maintaining status, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. while the application is pending with USCIS.

There are two options for an individual to change immigration status. An application for a change of status can be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while you remain in the U.S. or  you can travel back home or outside the U.S. to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate.A change of status application usually takes between 3-5 months to be processed by USCIS. After you are approved for the change of status, the next time you travel out of the U.S., you will have to go to a U.S. Consulate to apply for the F-1 visa stamp in order to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status.

Eligibility for a Change of Status

To be eligible for a change of status to F-1, you must be admitted to a degree program at Drew University and have received a Form I-20 from Drew for the new program.

Where to file the Change of Status Application

You can choose to file using the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS) or you can file a paper application. If filing with ELIS, you will upload the supporting documents listed below (except the Form I-539) and payment will be made online with a credit card or bank account. Follow this link to the E-Filing Form I-539 using USCIS ELIS to get started.

If using ELIS, please review these guidelines:

• Collect and scan all supporting documents before starting the application process.
•  Save a PDF copy of the completed application before submitting the case to USCIS ELIS.
• Email the PDF copy to the ISSS for review before submitting the application.

If you file on paper, the application and mailing instructions are below.

Forms & Supporting Documents for a Change of Status Application to USCIS

• A receipt showing that you have paid the “SEVIS fee” which you can print when you pay the fee on line at: www.FMJfee.com.
• Fee (currently $290): check or money order made payable to USCIS; write your I-94 number, name (if not already printed on your check), and the type of application you are requesting on the face of your check or money order.
• A letter from you requesting the change of status and explaining your circumstances, academic goals, and future plans for when you return to your home country.
• Completed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. The application must include a copy of the Form I-20 (please sign the I-20) and I-94 record, and photocopies of the personal information page of passport and current visa stamp (if one is in the passport). You should also include photocopies of your spouse’s/parent’s Immigration documents (I-20, visa, passport).
• Financial documentation (include personal or sponsor bank statement, affidavit of support and a copy of scholarship award letters).
• You should have a photocopy of your entire application and supporting documents for your records before sending them to the USCIS.
• When you receive a response from USCIS, please report the outcome to ISSS. Send or bring a photocopy of your I-797 Approval Notice to ISSS in the University Commons, Room 110.

Application Mailing Instructions

Mail your completed application to the Dallas Lockbox. You should use a reliable express mail/courier service or certified mail with the USPS.

For express courier deliveries (Fed Ex or UPS) use the following address:

USCIS
ATTN: I-539
2501 S. State Highway 121
Business Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

For regular U.S. Mail (certified) use the following address:

USCIS
P.O. Box 660166
Dallas, TX 75266

Status While Application Is Pending

You are not allowed to begin your studies at Drew while your F-2 to F-1 change of status application is pending with USCIS. You may not engage in employment of any kind until your change of status to F-1 student has been approved.

Students who travel back to their home country are responsible for carrying documents that are necessary for re-entry into the United States. To avoid any issues with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the ports of entry, it is important for students to hand-carry the following documents:

• A valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your entry date);
• A signed Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status;” (Signature is valid for 1 year, so please check page 2 of the I-20 to see if a new signature is required.)
• Financial support documents, which are typically the same as those provided during the original visa interview with the U.S. Department of State;
• An acceptance letter or recent tuition payment receipt;
• An unofficial transcript printed from your Treehouse Account; and
• A designated school official’s name and contact information.

If any information cannot be verified, the student may be directed to go through a secondary inspection for supplemental CBP research.  To ensure a safe and easy return to the United States, students should keep all necessary documents with them at all times.  For Visa Renewal, Travel & Re-Entry information, visit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

School Official Contact Information

Laura Arthur, PDSO
Director, International Student & Scholar Services
973-408-3182

Dina Cenicola, DSO
University Admissions, Foreign Transcript Evaluator
973-408-4964

Stephanie Bias, DSO
SEVIS Coordinator/Student Advisor
973-408-4000

Public Safety
973-408-3379
Please phone this number if International Student Services Staff are not available. A Public Safety officer will contact a university official to assist with customs issues.

Visa Renewal

For instructions on obtaining the F-1 student visa and links to the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Student Visa page.

Before your departure, please fill out the travel signature request form.

University Student

In order to be eligible for the J-1 visa, degree-seeking students must be receiving a significant amount of funding from sources other than family or personal funds. This could be merit scholarships and stipends from Drew, the student’s home government, non-profit organizations, or the U.S. government (e.g. Fulbright). Exchange students who are non-degree seeking and visiting for one or two semesters will study at Drew on the J-1 visa.

Short Term Research Scholar

Individuals who are coming to the Drew campus for less than six months to conduct research may be eligible for the short-term scholar category. Scholars are also allowed to give lectures and teach, but their primary purpose must be research. The B-1 Visitor for Business visa may also be an option if an individual is coming for a short visit to present a lecture or attend a conference, especially if there is no stipend or payment coming from the University.

Research Scholar

The research scholar category is for qualified individuals whose primary purpose at the institution is conducting research. A research scholar may also teach or lecture and the appointment to a position must be temporary. Many research scholars who visit Drew are receiving all of their funding from their home institution or government while on sabbatical or over a summer period.

Professor

The professor category is for a foreign national who enters the United States for the primary purpose of teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting. Visiting professors are not eligible for tenure-track positions.

Scholars and Professors have access to the libraries and other Drew facilities and receive a Drew email address and ID for their period of research and lecturing. The academic department sponsoring the individual is responsible for making housing arrangements if needed and other assistance as required. There are numerous restrictions and requirements for the J-1 visa category, so it is best to consult with ISSS if you are interested in inviting a researcher or professor to the Drew campus.

J-1 Insurance Requirements

J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents are required by federal law to have sickness and accident insurance for the duration of the academic program.  Minimum coverage requirements must include medical benefits, repatriation, medical evaluation \. Proof of medical insurance will be required by the International office upon arrival at the University and for travel signatures, extensions or any other J-1 benefits. Exchange Visitors who fail to maintain medical coverage are in violation of their J-1 visa status.

Program participants and their dependents are required to have medical insurance coverage with the following minimum benefits [22 CFR 62.14].

Exchange Visitor Program

Information regarding the J-1 Program is available at the Department of State’s website for the Exchange Visitor Program.  A quick overview of the professor category and the research scholar category is also available on the Exchange Visitor website.

To review detailed compliance and regulatory information regarding the Exchange Visitor Program, please refer to the Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR 62 Code of Federal Regulations).

Program Extension Information

Students, Research Scholars (not including the short-term category), and Professors may be eligible for an extension to complete their program objective. If you would like to request a program extension for an exchange visitor from your academic department, please ask the J-1 visitor to make an appointment with ISSS to discuss. If s/he is eligible, the dean of the school must submit a DS-2019 extension form.

Special Considerations for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

Some students may be subject to the two-year home residency requirements if:  1)  Funding is received from the home government or the U.S. government or 2) The home government has requested that students who are trained in a particular field (where there is a shortage of qualified personnel) return home for two years after completion of studies. The “Exchange Visitor Skills List” is available on the State Department’s website.

12 Month Bar After Previous Participation in a J Program

A person  is not eligible to begin a new exchange program as a Professor or Research Scholar if he or she was physically present in any J status (including J-2 status) for “all or part of” the “twelve month period immediately preceding the program start date.  This rule does not apply to exchange visitors who were in the U.S. for less than six months or for those completing a program transfer.

24 Month Bar on Repeat Participation

After completion of the J-1 exchange visitor program, a scholar or professor is prohibited from returning to the U.S. in the J-1 Research Scholar or Professor category for 24 months. This does not prohibit an exchange visitor from returning on a tourist/business visa or possibly in another non-immigrant category (such as the F-1 visa).