International Students Services

Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

• How To Get A Diversity Visa

  The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program provides up to 55,000 diversity visas annually to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) administers this program through a random lottery selection.

• How to Apply for a Diversity Visa

  Each year, DOS opens an online entry registration period, typically in the fall (starting in October). To participate, applicants must submit their entries only through the official Diversity Visa Program website during the designated period. There is no fee to enter the lottery.

  Important:

  • Winners are not notified by mail or email. Applicants must check their selection status using the Entrant Status Check on the official Diversity Visa Program website (travel.state.gov).
  • If selected, applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and follow the instructions to apply for an immigrant visa.

• Eligibility Criteria

  You may be eligible for a Diversity Visa if you meet the following conditions:

  • You were selected in the Diversity Visa lottery by the U.S. Department of State.
  • You have a high school education or equivalent, or two years of work experience in an eligible occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience.
  • An immigrant visa is available at the time you apply. You can check visa availability in the Visa Bulletin.
  • You are admissible to the United States under U.S. immigration law.

  Derivative Applicants

  Spouses and children of the principal applicant may also qualify for a Diversity Visa if:

  • They are listed on the primary applicant’s DV entry.
  • A visa is available for them at the time of application.
  • They meet admissibility requirements for U.S. immigration.

  Country Eligibility

  Not all countries qualify for the Diversity Visa Lottery. Countries with high U.S. immigration rates (over 50,000 in the past five years) are not eligible. The list of eligible countries changes yearly, so applicants should check the official Diversity Visa Program website for updates.

  Beware of Scams!

  • The DV Lottery is free—beware of websites or individuals asking for payment to enter.
  • The only official website for the Diversity Visa Program is travel.state.gov.
  • The U.S. government does not notify winners via email or mail—you must check your selection status online.

  For the most current details, visit the U.S. Department of State Diversity Visa page.

   

Health Services Requirements

• New Student Immunization Requirements

  All Undergraduate and graduate students residing in university provided housing are required to provide Student Health Services with medical documentation of the following immunizations prior to the start or classes. This requirement does not exclude or replace the requirements by certain academic programs.

  • 2 MMR Vaccines (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) or proof of immunity by blood test (titer)
  • 1 Tdap Vaccine (must be current with in the last 8 years) if expired a booster is required.
  • 3 Hepatitis B vaccines, titer ore a completed waver
  • 2 Meningitis ACWY vaccine with the 2^nd vaccine taken at the age 16 or older.

  All internationals’ students (F1, J1) NOT LIVING ON CAMPUS

  • 2 MMR Vaccines (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) or proof of immunity by blood test (titer)
  • All other vaccines are strongly recommended.

  Proof of immunizations must be submitted as follows:

  • GO to https://Barry.studenthealthportal.com
  • Log in using your Barry email and password (international students may not be issued a Barry email until after they register.  They may email vaccines to Healthservices@barry.edu)
  • Click on Pending forms.
  • Select Immunization history form and enter your vaccination dates for the required vaccines and click submit.
  • Take a picture or scan your official records (signed by a health care provider)
  • Click on the document upload tab.

  Vaccines and titers are available at Student Health Services by appointment for students who are not able to get their vaccines prior to arrival at Barry. IF the students opt to remain on the Student Health insurance the cost of the vaccines will be covered at 100%. If students have private insurance and, the cost of the vaccine will be deferred to the student account.

Check-In

Updates & Holds

• Personal Information Update

  As an international student you must make sure ISS has the most recent information for the following:

  • Address
  • Email
  • Telephone
  • Name
  • Program information
  • Program end date
  • Sponsorship (source of funding)
  • Degree level
  • Emergency contact

  Department of Homeland Security requires that any changes to your personal information must be reported to your DSO within seven days.

  To update your personal information please stop by our office.

• Registration Holds

  Each semester International students will have a registration hold with the Registrar's Office. According to USCIS, every student must update their personal information as it changes in person at the ISS office. Once all information has been updated in person, the registration hold will be cleared. In order for ISS to allow International students to register each semester, we must confirm their US address and phone number. Along with an ISS registration hold, International students will also have a Health Services registration hold. This hold may only be cleared through the Student Health Services.

  On the registration form for International students, there will be a distinction of IS and HN. IS is the registration hold through ISS and HN is the Health Services registration hold. To clear each hold and be able to register, each student must be cleared electronically through the registration system.

Immigration and Travel

• I-20 (For F-1 Students ONLY)

  The I-20 form (F-1 immigration status) is the document issued by the institution or agency with which you are affiliated, in this case, Barry University. You presented the "initial" document to the United States Embassy or consulate abroad to obtain your visa, and you will present the "continued attendance" I-20 to border officials in order to enter the United States each time you travel abroad and return to the U.S. Make sure that page 3 of your I-20 has a valid signature dated within one year of your intended return date before you leave the United States. Failure to do so will prevent you from re-entering the United States.

• Passport

  The passport is a government document issued by your country of citizenship and must be kept valid at all times. The passport can usually be renewed through your embassy or one of your consulates in the United States. Passports within six months of expiration date may be rejected when traveling to and from certain countries; it is highly recommended that students renew their passport before traveling in the six month window.

• Travel Documents in Lieu of Passport

  If you have been issued a travel document in lieu of a passport by the government of the country in which you are a resident, the above information regarding passports applies to travel documents.

• Visa

  The U.S. visa is the stamp inside your passport that permits you to enter the United States. Students will have either an F-1 or a J-1 visa. The U.S. visa may expire while you are in the United States, but you cannot and need not renew it while you are here as long as your I-20 is current and you are pursuing a full course of study. A new visa will be required if the original one expires and you travel outside and then re-enter the United States. You must present the I-20 from the school with which you will be affiliated in order to obtain your visa.

• I-94 Departure Record

  The I-94 is the white card that you complete before passing U.S. border officials upon entrance to the United States. This document authorizes you to be in the U.S. as a student or scholar for a specific period of time (D/S- Duration of Status) in a specific program or department at a given institution. The I-94, like a passport, must be valid at all times. The I-94 should be kept with the passport. It will be surrendered to airline officials when you travel outside the U.S. and a new I-94 will be issued upon re-entry to the U.S. (except for Canadian and Bermudan students).

• Traveling Outside The United States

  If you are planning a trip outside the United States, be sure to check the following before you depart to avoid having problems re-entering the U.S. You should make sure the following are fulfilled prior to travel:

  • A valid passport at least 6 months from expiration
  • A valid visa  
  • If your F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2 visa has expired, you have to apply for one in your home country
  • A current I-20 or DS-2019 form with appropriate endorsement ( travel signature)
  • Be prepared to talk about your educational goals in the U.S., your intent to return to your home country and your plans once you do return home.

  If you are on optional practical training, you must also present:

  • A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • A letter from your employer stating that you have a job, the job description and the dates of employment.

  Automated Form I-94:

  • Effective April 30, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) automated its arrival and departure process and has eliminated the paper Form I-94 for air and sea travelers (CBP will still issue a paper Form I-94 at land border ports of entry). Although air and sea travelers will no longer receive a paper Form I-94, CBP has created an electronic record of your arrival and departure. You will be able to obtain your admission number and electronic I-94 record through the website www.cbp.gov/I-94.  This information must be reported to our office within ten (10) days of each entry into the U.S.
  • With the new process, a CBP officer will stamp your passport. This admission stamp will show the date of admission, class of admission (F-1/J-1) and D/S (duration of status). If you receive an expiration date on your admission stamp you must ask the immigration officer to correct it to (D/S).
  • If you are admitted incorrectly to the U.S., you should visit a local CBP Deferred Inspection Site or port of entry to have your admission corrected. A list of Deferred Inspection Sites and ports of entry can be found at www.cbp.gov, under the “Ports” link at the bottom of the page.
  • If you received an incorrect I-94 from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you should refer to Form I-102 available at www.uscis.gov/forms

  Travel Endorsement Request Form

  NOTE: If you encounter any difficulties when entering the U.S., do not argue with the immigration officer; ask them to call IMP on your behalf.

• I-94 Information

  Effective April 30, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) automated its arrival and departure process and has eliminated the paper Form I-94 for air and sea travelers. Although air and sea travelers will no longer receive a paper Form I-94, CBP has created an electronic record of your arrival and departure.

  What does this mean for international students?

  As an F-1 student you were admitted to the U.S. for ‘duration of status’. This means you are permitted to stay in the U.S for as long as you maintain your status by fulfilling the requirements of being an F-1 student. One such requirement is reporting to the International and Multicultural Programs (IMP) office your arrival information (port of entry, entry date, admission stamp in passport and admission number) each time you enter the U.S. You will be able to obtain your admission number and electronic I-94 record through the website www.cbp.gov/I-94. This information must be reported to our office within ten (10) days of each entry into the U.S.

  Please note:

  • I-94 automation will not impact your ability to enter the U.S.
  • Form I-94 provides evidence that you have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. which is necessary to verify alien registration, immigration status, and employment authorization.
  • CBP will still issue a paper Form I-94 at land border ports of entry.
  • With the new process, a CBP officer will stamp your passport. This admission stamp will show the date of admission, class of admission (F-1/J-1) and D/S (duration of status). If you receive an expiration date on your admission stamp you must ask the immigration officer to correct it to (D/S).
  • If you are admitted incorrectly to the U.S., you should visit a local CBP Deferred Inspection Site or port of entry to have your admission corrected. A list of Deferred Inspection Sites and ports of entry can be found at www.cbp.gov, under the “Ports” link at the bottom of the page.
  • If you received an incorrect I-94 from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you should refer to Form I-102 available at www.uscis.gov/forms.   

• Why Did I Receive an I-515A Form?

  When a Port of Entry (POE) issues you a Form I-515A, you need to report to your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately. Your DSO will assist you by providing the proper guidance or documentation required to complete the submission process within the 30 day allotment of time. If these documents are not received within 30 days of your entry into the United States, you will not be in legal status and must leave.

  Please bring the following documents when coming into our office:

  • The completed Form I-515 or I-515A;
  • An original, signed SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 signed by an official from the school;
  • The original I-94 Arrival/ Departure Record

  WHAT IS THE "I‐515A" FORM?

  The I‐515A is a form issued to international students/scholars/dependents by a United States Port of Entry (POE) when the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer is not satisfied with the admission documentation that a student/scholar/dependent provides. For example, the border patrol may issue an I‐515A if the I‐20 or DS‐2019 is missing a valid travel signature.

  The I‐515A Form allows temporary entry into the United States of no more than 30 days.

  The Form I‐94 (the little white card stapled to your passport) is your "Arrival/Departure Record." CBP will issue you a new I-94 in conjunction with the Form I‐515A.

  An F or J student who does not comply with the terms of the Form I‐515A is not legally present in the country once the date on the Form I‐94 expires. You must receive a revised or new I‐94 from SEVP to remain in the United States.

  Once you have visited our office with the proper documentation we will mail your documentation for you. The documentation is to be MAILED to:

  Student and Exchange Visitor Program
  ATTN: I-515A PROCESSING TEAM
  Potomac Center North
  500 12th Street SW
  Washington, DC 20024-6121

  Mailing these forms and the supporting documentation, by USPS, FEDEX, or UPS, to the address above is the onlyaccepted practice. Once the documents are received by mail they will be processed and returned within 10 to 15 business days. If the DSO has not received the adjudicated documents back within this time frame, they may inquire by email at SEVIS.SOURCE@dhs.gov or phone on 703-603-3400.

  If a student or exchange visitor is leaving the United States within that 30 day period, they are to fax copies of the I-515A, their I-94 departure card and their airline ticket to 703-603-3597 Attn: I-515A Processing Team. This will satisfy the compliance requirement for those individuals.

  For more information please visit www.ice.gov or download Form I-515A Information.

Orlando Law Students

• Curricular Practical Training Definition

  "Curricular Practical Training" (CPT) is an authorized period of PAID employment that is an integral or important part of a student's curriculum. At Barry University School of Law, there is one scenario through which international students may qualify for CPT:

  • Practical internship/experience is not a requirement of the degree program to earn a JD but it is integral or important to the degree program. Off-campus paid employment may be obtained if the experience is an integral (directly related) part of the JD curriculum. Authorization may be granted to an international student for a specific employer and for a specific period of time. A corresponding CPT course (directed research) is required. The course must be taken during the same semester as, or during the semester immediately following, the employment period. Failure to enroll in and complete the class will result in immediate violation of your legal status. It is the student's responsibility to fulfill all requirements of CPT.

• CPT Corresponding Course Law 6004- Directed Research Description

  Each F-1 student must provide documentary evidence of degree-related activity while on CPT. Students must demonstrate competence in legal writing and research on a topic related to the CPT. The CPT Directed Research course may be taken a maximum of three times at the law school . CPT is an option available for graduate students to enroll immediately. However, the ABA strongly discourages students to work during the first academic year of law school. This practicum requires a grade (credit/fail option is not permissible).

  This course enables a student to receive one academic credit for completing a lengthy research paper and writing on a topic that arises out of a summer position experience in a public interest or private law office. With permission from the Directed Research Supervising Professor, the paper may be increased to meet the ULWR requirements and approved for 2 credits.

  The student must work a minimum of eight (8) weeks during the semester, and use insights and experiences from that exposure to law practice to write a paper of at least 15 pages that provides an academic analysis of an aspect of the student's work in substantive area of law (exclusive of footnotes). Topics for the paper will be chosen in consultation with the instructor but may include: legal analysis, consistent with confidentiality obligations, of a legal question that arose in the course of the work experience. The final paper must be preceded by an outline and a draft.

• The Process

  Step 1: Prepare for the job search and application process. 

  Barry University International & Multicultural Programs will hold an informational session on the Orlando campus during your first semester of law school. A CPT Application Packet will be provided to you; read it carefully and in its entirety. It is suggested that you meet with Barry Law Career Services to begin resume/cover letter prep and discuss the job search process. Because it can be quite time consuming, it is suggested that you meet during the semester before you plan to search for a job (e.g., meet in December if you plan to search for a summer job during the spring semester).

  Step 2: Obtain an offer of employment. 

  Employer must complete the CPT Employer Offer Form (or provide an employment letter) that explains the terms of offer. The CPT Application Packet contains the form and an explanation letter you can provide to the employer.

  Step 3: Meet with Barry Law directed research supervising professor.

  Meet with the Directed Research Supervising Professor who will serve as the advisor for your Directed Research course (you choose). Provide the professor a copy of the first page of this document, which includes the Directed Research Description. Also, take with you the CPT Application Packet, including the Directed Research Approval Form or the letter from the employer, as well as your completed Employer Offer Form or the letter from the employer. You must provide a completed Directed Research Approval Form to IMP even if you will not register for the Directed Research course until the semester following your work experience. Submitting a completed form to IMP is a prerequisite to gain CPT approval.

  Step 4: Provide necessary documentation to International & Multicultural Programs Office.

  Follow the checklist on the front page of the CPT Application. Please allow at least ten business days prior to the first day of your intended employment for IMP to process a SEVIS CPT authorized I -20. Remember, submitting a completed form to IMP is a prerequisite to gain CPT approval even if you will not register for the Directed Research course until the semester following your work experience.

  Step 5: Register for the related class.

  Register for the Directed Research course as instructed by your Directed Research Supervising Professor.

• Conditions and Guidelines

  1. The student must have and be maintaining valid F-1status .
  2. The graduate student is eligible to utilize CPT immediately upon beginning classes but the ABA strongly discourages students from working during the first academic year.
  3. The student must have a job offer with specific start and end dates before registering for the course. The employment must clearly relate to the student's field of study.
  4. CPT must be approved by the Barry Law Directed Research Supervising Professor, as well as the Law School Dean for Student Affairs. Authorization for CPT is granted through Barry University International & Multicultural Programs.
  5. CPT can either be part-time or full-time. Part-time employment may not exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session. Full-time employment (more than 20 hours a week) during official school breaks is permitted. Students need separate endorsements for part-time and full-time employment even if the employment is in the same term or semester.
  6. Students may enroll in one CPT class per semester (to receive one unit of credit). However, with permission from the Directed Research Supervising Professor, the paper may be increased to meet the ULWR requirements and approved for 2 credits. The course must be taken during the same semester as, or during the semester immediately following, the employment period. Note that international students must be registered during the fall and spring semesters for at least 6 credits except for the final semester prior to graduation.
  7. Students must obtain a separate I-20 Form endorsement for each CPT employer.
  8. The student must work a minimum of eight (8) weeks with the CPT employer for each CPT approved.
  9. There is no limitation upon the length of time you may participate in CPT generally, but if you participate in twelve consecutive months of CPT you will end your eligibility for any type of optional practical training (including post-completion OPT). Maintain good communication with IMP to ensure you are not jeopardizing future OPT.
  10. Students who have already completed all course requirements for their degree are not eligible for CPT. CPT may not be used as a reason for delaying graduation.
  11. Students who have applied for Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training may not apply for CPT during the same period requested on their Pre-OPT application. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) could interpret this sort of "double processing" as facilitating inappropriate employment and possibly illegal authorization of practical training.

  Law Student CPT Information

  Law Student CPT Packet

• Maintaining Status

  While you are pursuing a degree at Barry University, you must maintain your F-1 student visa status and comply with all United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) regulations under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Maintaining status means keeping all of your immigration documents current/updated as well as attending the required amount of classes at the institution you are authorized to attend. Failure to maintain status may result in penalties that will negatively affect your ability to continue your studies and/or remain in the U.S. and/or apply for future immigration benefits.

• Falling Out of Status

  How does it happen?

  • Not enrolled at all
  • Enrolled for less than full time
  • Unauthorized employment
  • Staying after employment ends
  • Staying beyond expiration of I-20 while still enrolled
  • Staying beyond F or J grace period
  • Staying beyond expiration of I-94 card (if not admitted for Duration of Status, aka D/S)
  • Not engaging in activity for which admitted
  • Not processing transfer on time
  • Not processing change of degree level on time
  • Other violations

  What are the penalties?

  • Should leave the U.S. (or apply for reinstatement if available)
  • May not be employed (even on campus)
  • May not be granted any immigration benefits, such as OPT, extension, transfer, etc.
  • May not change status in the U.S.
  • May never adjust to permanent residence in the U.S. unless married to a U.S. citizen (some other exceptions may also apply)

  Unlawfully present (3/10 Year Bar)

  • After 180 days of unlawful presence, the person may not be readmitted to the U.S. for 3 years
  • After 365 days of unlawful presence, the person may not be readmitted to the U.S. for 10 years

• Credit Hour Requirements

  F-1 international students are required to pursue a full course of study and maintain a specific number of credit hours per semester in order to comply with USCIS regulations. If a student falls below these hours, they are out of status. The requirements for FULL TIME enrollment are as follows:

  • Undergraduate – 12 credit hours
  • Graduate – 9 credit hours
  • PhD./Doctorate – 6 credit hours

  Students who are in their last semester before degree completion/graduation may be enrolled less than full time.

  Students must also be enrolled in classes commensurate with their degree level: Graduate students MUST take graduate level courses, not undergraduate. If the degree requires classes at a lower degree level, check with the Academic Advisor and IMP BEFORE enrolling.

  If there is a medical, family, financial, or some other emergency that requires the student to drop below a full course of study, they must contact IMP immediately.

  Download Below Full Time Authorization

• Reinstatement

  Should an F-1 student fall out of status and wish to remain a student at Barry University, they will need to follow the reinstatement procedures set forth by USCIS.

  Falling out of status can happen a number of ways. The penalties for being in the U.S. unlawfully include forfeiture of employment benefits, inability to apply for future change of status, and you may be subject to immediate removal from the U.S. If you think you are or will fall out of status, please contact IMP immediately.

Transfer Procedures (F-1)

• Requirements to transfer out of Barry:

  1. Apply and be accepted to a new school.
  2. Make an appointment with IMP.
  3. Present IMP with Letter of Acceptance from new school.
  4. Provide Transfer form from new school to IMP (with top portion completed).
  5. Submit completed transfer form to new school.*

  *IMP will complete the transfer in SEVIS and fax documentation to the new school, but it is the student's responsibility to ensure all documentation is received by the new school.

  You must enroll at your new school for the first available term after you leave Barry University, or after your annual vacation or completion of your postgraduate Optional Practical Training. To complete the transfer process, obtain an "initial" I-20 from your new school and keep for your records.

  NOTE: If you plan to depart the United States immediately after leaving Barry University and before you enroll at your new school, you will not need to follow the above transfer procedures. To re-enter the United States, however, you should follow the instructions in either (A) or (B) below:

  (A) If your visa is still valid for re-entry, you simply need to take the new I-20 with you and present it to the USCIS official at the border or port of entry.

  (B) If your visa has expired, you will need to take the new I-20, proof of your financial support/aid and proof of any ties you may have to your home country, back to your country of citizenship and the U.S. Embassy to apply for a new F-1 visa.

Important Things To Know

• All J-1 international students

  1. Need to complete a full course of study during the fall and spring semesters. (Summer semester is not required unless student is on initial status)
     Undergraduate students – 12 credit hours
     Graduate students – 9 credit hours
     Doctoral students – 6 credit hours
     
     Note: provisional acceptance to a program or academic probation/suspension is not an exception to this rule.
     
     Deviations from full course of study can only be approved by Claudia Biscardi (RO – Responsible Officer) prior to the student dropping below full-time enrollment. The International and Multicultural Programs Office is located at Landon Student Union suite 202B and can be reached at X3082.
  2. Must come to the International and Multicultural Programs in person to have their registration hold removed every semester. Every international student will have a registration hold placed every semester. Academic advisors or other administrators cannot request to have them removed for the student. Requests by phone, mail, email or fax will not be responded to unless the student is a continuing student attending a Barry campus furthers than 25 miles from the main campus.
  3. Need an endorsement on the first page of their DS-2019, when they travel out of the country. Only a Responsible Officer or Alternative Officer can sign a DS-2019 form, when they travel out of the country. We have one Responsible Officer and two Alternative Officers RO/ARO on campus. Academic advisors / deans or athletic coaches are not ROs nor AROs.
  4. Can work off-campus only if they have received authorization from a RO/ ARO prior to starting employment. 
  5. Can work on-campus up to 20 hours a week during the spring and fall semester and up to 40 hours during winter and summer breaks as long as the student is in status. Only the International and Multicultural Programs Office can confirm their status.
  6. Need to apply for a program extension before the date on the current DS-2019 form. This should be done one semester prior to the expiration date. One of the documentation items required to apply for program extension is a letter from academic advisor explaining the reason for the delay. Extension request forms are also available at IMP’s website www.barry.edu/imp
  7. Must have change of major reflected in their student record (AIS) in order to have a DS-2019 issued to reflect the change of major. Please remember, a DS-2019 Form must always be reflective of the student’s academic pursuit while in the U.S.
  8. Must report to IMP any changes of address within 10 days of the change. Change in marital status or any aspect of the program of study is to be reported as well within such time change.
  9. J-1 Students can apply for academic training (AT) The period of academic training cannot exceed the period of time spent as an enrolled student. Work must begin no more than 30 days after completion of study. Application for academic training must be made well in advance of the program expiration date on the DS-2019 as a valid DS-2019 form, is required at all times.

• Non-Degree seeking students

   

  • • The combination of time spent as a student plus time spent doing Academic Training can be a maximum of 24 months.
      
      Degree seeking students
    • Generally, 18 months cumulative throughout all programs is allowable, meaning that if 4 months were used at the Bachelor’s level and 8 months at the Master’s level, there would be 6 months left for use during a doctoral program.
      • More than 18 months can be approved  if necessary to satisfy mandatory requirements of the program
      • Doctoral students may receive an additional 18 month period following completion of the doctoral degree. This results in doctoral students being eligible for 36 months in total.

  • Athletes should not engage in playing a sport until they have clearance from International and Multicultural Programs Office.

    If you have any further questions or concerns, please call International and Multicultural programs Office at 305-899-3082 or isservices@barry.edu

Responsibility Checklist

• F1/J1 Status Responsibility Checklist Form

  Responsibility Checklist Form

  You need to remember the following:

  • Report address and telephone number changes, to the office of International and Multicultural Programs, within 10 days of any change in your U.S. or home country address and telephone number.
  • Keep your passport valid (at least 6 months into the future at all times)
  • Always have a valid I-20/DS-2019 form, if you need an extension you must request an appointment with your academic advisor, your academic advisor must send an original on a school letter head letter to IMP requesting your I-20 or DS-2019 to be extended.
  • Obtain a travel signature in the I-20/DS-2019 as needed
  • Inform the office of International and Multicultural Programs (IMP) if you end or leave your program before your I-20 expires
  • Abide by employment regulations; meet with your academic advisor if you are planning to register for an internship/clinical rotations etc. Apply for CPT/AT through your international student advisor to obtain authorization before engaging in any internship, clinical rotation etc.  
  • Check your Barry University e-mail regularly for updates from the International and Multicultural Programs and read IMP e-mails carefully, follow up as necessary
  • Make an appointment with an International student’s advisor for any questions you may have regarding your immigration status or regulations
  • Maintain health insurance at all times, health insurance must meet Barry University Health Center standards

212(e), Waivers, Bars

• Waiver of 212(E)

  If a J-1 is subject to the two year home country physical presence requirements, but are not able to fulfill the requirement, the individual must obtain a waiver approved by the Department of Homeland Security prior to changing status in the U.S. or being issued a visa in certain categories for travel to the U.S. To apply for the waiver, individual must file a DS-3035 form, which may be accessed through the Department of State’s website.

• 12 Month Bar

  Individuals that participated in J program for more than six months are not eligible to enter the U.S. as a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor until 12 months after the exit from the U.S. Time spent in the J-1 Short-term Scholar category does not count towards the 12 month bar.  The 12-month bar applies to both the J-1 principal and any J-2 dependents. The 12 month bar does not prevent individuals from returning to the U.S. in any other visa status.

• 24 Month Bar

  Any individual who participates in an Exchange Visitor program in the Researcher Scholar or Professor category on or after 11/18/2006 is subject to a 24 month bar on “repeat participation” in those categories.  Scholars subject to the 24 month bar may not return to the U.S. as a J-1 scholar in the Research Scholar or Professor category for the 24 month period.  This bar also applies to J-2 dependents.
  The 24 Month Bar is not the same as the Two Year Home Residence Requirement (212(e)).  The 24 month bar does not prevent individuals from returning to the U.S. in any other visa status.

• Impact of The 24 Month Bar

  J scholars in the Research Scholar and Professor categories will not be able to return to the U.S. as a J scholar for a 2 year period upon conclusion of their program.  When a j scholar either concludes or leaves a J-1 program, whichever happens earlier, the scholar’s record becomes inactive in SEVIS; thus making it impossible for the International Services to reactivate it.  At that point, the 24-month bar time starts to accrue.

  Two Year Home Residence Requirement – 212 (e)	“The Bars” 12 Month and 24 Month Bar
  Focus on “Exchange”	Focus on “Visitor”
  May apply to any J category under certain conditions (graduate medical training, government funding, skills list)	Applies only to persons seeking sponsorship in J-1 Research Scholar or Professor categories
  If applicable, requires exchange visitor to go home for two years or seek waiver	If applicable, does not require person to go home.  Prohibits recurring use of these categories

• Regulations Relating to Optional Practical Training

  Wha Is Optional Practical Training?

  Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study.

  Pre-Completion OPT

  An F-1 student may be authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT after he or she has been enrolled for one full academic year. The pre-completion OPT must be directly related to the student's major area of study. Students authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT must work part-time while school is in session. They may work full time when school is not in session.

  Post-Completion OPT

  An F-1 student may be authorized to participate in post-completion OPT upon completion of studies. The post-completion OPT must be directly related to the student's major area of study.

  What is the application process to participate in Pre- or Post-Completion OPT?

  • Students must initiate the process by requesting a recommendation letter from their academic advisor, followed by a recommendation from the Designated School Official (DSO) at their academic institution.
  • The DSO will then help the student file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A list of other necessary documents to complete application submission is available in the office and online ("OPT Checklist"). If approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to the student.
  • The student may begin pre- or post-completion OPT only after an application has been approved and an EAD has been received.

  FAQS

  1. Do the periods of pre-completion OPT count against the available periods of post-completion OPT?
     
     Yes. All periods of pre-completion OPT are deducted from the available periods of post-completion OPT at a 2 to 1 ratio (One month of pre-completion OPT is worth two months of post-completion OPT). For each degree level, a student may complete a maximum six months of pre-OPT or 12 months of post-OPT.
     
     
  2. Are there fees associated with filing for OPT?
     
     Yes. USCIS charges $410 when an applicant files a Form I-765 for optional practical training.
     
     
  3. When must a student apply for OPT?
     
     
     • Under current regulations, F-1 students may apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days prior to graduation. It is recommended students apply as closely to the beginning of this time period as possible as the USCIS posts a processing time of up to 90 days.
       
       
     • This rule also allows F-1 students seeking initial post-completion OPT to apply during their 60-day departure preparation or grace period (but may count against their 12 month total if the application is not approved before the scheduled start date; post- OPT must begin 60 days after degree completion date).
       
       
  4. Travel while OPT application is pending?
     
     USCIS has stated informally that it considers a departure from the United States during pendency of a change of status application to be an abandonment of the change of status request. Since the work authorization request is a modification of a current status, we strongly encourage you not to travel while pending OPT approval.

  View Video

  Download Optional Practical Training (OPT) Checklist

• Curricular Practical Training

  Definition of Curricular Practical Training

  The regulations state that curricular practical training must be “an integral part of an established curriculum.”  They define curricular practical training as “alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.”

  8 C.F.R. § 214.2 (f) (10) (i)

  According to the USCIS, the word "required" limits this type of practical training to work experiences which are required parts of the curriculum; however, in an instance such as Economic Hardship, a student may be eligible for CPT.  This clarification is discussed below in more detail.

  Job Eligibility Requirements 

  To be considered curricular practical training, the work must not only be related to your major field of study but also must be an integral part of your studies.  Training that is required by your degree program always meets the requirements for curricular practical training, regardless of whether you receive academic credit for your work or not.  Training which is not required by your degree program may meet the requirements for curricular practical training if you receive academic credit for the employment experience or if it is offered by sponsored employers through a co-op program with your school. If you encounter a training opportunity which involves employment, check with your International Student Advisor to determine if it qualifies as curricular practical training.

  Student Eligibility Requirements 

  Graduate students: (1) must maintain lawful F-1 status, (2) the proposed employment must be a required part of your studies and (3) you may apply for permission to engage in curricular practical training whenever your program requires your participation, even if it is immediately upon beginning your studies.
  
  Undergraduate students (1) must maintain lawful F-1 status, (2) the proposed employment must be a required part of your studies AND (3) you must have completed nine months of full-time study (Fall & Spring- not Summer) in order to be eligible for any form of curricular practical training.

  
  Students must apply for CPT a week before employment start date.

  
  Employment which Is Not a Required Part of Your Degree Program.  In order to be eligible to apply for permission to have a job which is not a required part of your study program, you must (1) be in lawful F-1 status and (2) have been a full-time student for at least one academic year AND qualify for ECONOMIC HARDSHIP (separate handout).

  
  English Language Students.  Students enrolled in English language training programs are not eligible for curricular practical training.

   

  Part-Time vs. Full-Time Curricular Practical Training

  Part-Time Training.  Employment for 20 hours or less per week while you are also enrolled for classes is considered 'part-time' curricular practical training.  In this case, the employment authorization on page 3 of your USCIS Form I-20 should specify permission to engage in 'part-time' training, and you MUST limit your work to no more than 20 hours per week.  There is no limitation on the length of time you may participate in part-time curricular practical training* but you must be enrolled in school during your training in order to maintain lawful F-1 status.

  *Important Note: F-1 students who engage in an aggregate of 12 months or more of full-time curricular practical training in one academic year become ineligible for Pre & Post Optional Practical Training. 8 C.F.R.§214.2(f)(10)(i)

  Download Sample CPT Letter

• Severe Economic Hardship

  View

• STEM OPT Extension Overview

  The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field. On May 10, 2016, this extension effectively replaced the previous 17-month STEM OPT extension.

  Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT (often for 12 months) have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT.

  STEM OPT Extension Qualifications

  To qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student participating in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT must:

  • Have a degree in an eligible STEM field from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified school that is accredited when the student submits their STEM OPT extension application to USCIS.
  • Pursue their STEM OPT extension through an employer that is enrolled in USCIS's E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.
  • Select a STEM OPT employer that provides the student with formal training and learning objectives.
  • Work a minimum of 20 hours per week per employer.

  For more information about STEM OPT extension eligibility requirements, please visit the IMP Office in Landon 108.

   

  STEM Checklist

  STEM Extension

• Downloadable Forms

  The following are printable forms with information that may also be found on this website that you may find helpful to download or print. If you have questions about any of the documents, or need clarification on what they are for, please contact the Office of International and Multicultural Programs at 305-899-3082 or email us at isservices@barry.edu.

  • F-1 Status Responsibility Checklist
  • I-20 Extension Form for Academic Advisor
  • Below Full Time Authorization
  • Change of Status
  • Document Request Form
  • FERPA Form
  • Graduate Research Assistant Time Sheet
  • International Student (Check-in) Information Sheet
  • Maintaining F1 - Status
  • Obtaining a Social Security Card
  • OPT checklist
  • Reinstatement Procedures
  • Sample CPT Letter
  • STEM Checklist
  • Transfer Procedures

• Student Letters

  International students are able to request certain letters from IMP. In order to do so, you must fill out a Document Request Form and submit it to our office. Below are various letters that can be completed by your Designated School Official.

  • Social Security Number application letter
  • Overall Status Letter
  • Financial Verification Letter
  • Invitation
  • Letter of Introduction (DMV)
  • Concurrent Enrollment
  • CADIVI
  • Transient Letter
  • Volunteer Letter
  • Visa renewal Letter

• International Wires

  Barry University has teamed up with flywire to offer an innovative and streamlined way to make international wires for tuition payments. It's fast, simple and cost effective from any country anytime.

  • Saves money - using flywire will save you hundreds of dollars on each tuition payment vs. traditional bank wires.
  • Simple - no more back-and-forth with the school and the bank trying to get all the information you need to make a wire payment.
  • Quick - no more waiting and wondering if your payment has posted to your account. flywire will keep you and Barry University informed along the way.

  How it Works

  • Flywire accepts payments from any country - typically in your home currency. We work to secure you wholesale foreign exchange rates, which are significantly lower than rates offered by traditional banks.
  • Visit flywire.com, enter your tuition amount, and immediately see how much money you will save. Once you initiate payment on flywire.com, you will receive detailed instructions on how to transfer funds to Barry University. flywire will keep you informed at every step in the process, including when funds reach your student account.
  • Payments are posted to your student account much quicker than they would be if you were using a regular bank to pay. And you can be assured that you will never have a short-payment due to unexpected transfer fees or bank charges.

  Flywire