Frequently Asked Questions

• The processing "clock" starts once all required documentation has been submitted.
• You will receive an e-mail when the procedure has been completed or something is available for pick-up.
• Please note that holds (i.e. parking fines, etc.) should be resolved before your request is submitted.
• During busier times of the year (first three weeks and last three weeks of fall, spring and summer semesters), processing can take longer.

Per federal regulations, graduate students must have at least SIX of their nine credits in the classroom with the professor; three or more credits can be online, via Adobe Connect, streaming, etc. For undergraduates, a minimum of nine must be in the classroom with the professor and three or more can be online.

If your class starts as a traditional course in the classroom with the professor and a decision is made after the semester begins to change that, please contact your VISA advisor immediately. Similarly, should you be in a situation where there is a conflict with your program requirements and immigration regulations, please let your VISA advisor know so we can assist you and your department with maintaining your visa status.

A visa stamp is issued to give you permission to request entry into the United States. Students may only enter with a valid visa in your passport and a valid visa document (e.g. I-20 or DS-2019), if required by your status. The visa in your passport will often expire while you are in the United States. If you must leave the U.S., you will need to apply for a new visa at the American consulate in your country. Visit the consulate's website site to find out visa application procedures before leaving to ensure you have all necessary documents.

While your visa stamp may expire while you are in the US, your passport and visa documents should be valid at all times.

If your I-20 or DS-2019 is expiring but you have not yet completed your program, you may request an extension of your visa document. You will need to submit the Request for a New I-20 as well as the Recommendation for an Extension of a Visa Document, available on the Forms section, as well as financial documentation covering the estimated expenses for your extension request.

You should receive an email approximately 6 weeks before your document expires with instructions on next steps. We begin processing extension requests one month from the end date, unless you have a specific need for an early extension (i.e. travel abroad)

You should have a passport that is valid for at least six months into the future. If your passport will be expiring in the next year, contact your embassy to ask about their procedures for extensions/renewals.

Below is a list of the minimum courseload for F1 and J1 students:*

• Undergraduate Students: 12 credits
• Graduate Students: 9 credits

*If you are in the MET Program, your ELC advisor will assist you in registering for the correct number of credits

If you must take less than the above detailed credits, please submit a Reduced Courseload Request Form (RCL). Your request will be evaluated and you will be notified at your student e-mail account when it has been approved or if we need additional information.

NOTE: USCIS has a very conservative approach to reduced courseloads, and your situation must fit into one of the six situations detailed on the form. If you have read through the form and find that you still have questions, please contact us.

New residents must obtain a Virginia Driver's License within 60 days of moving to the state. Refer to the Department of Motor Vehicles for information and documentation requirements.

Career Development Services maintains a list of all available on-campus jobs. Be aware that if an employer requires an applicant to be eligible for work study, international students may not apply; work study is a federal program for citizens.

After you have been offered a job, you will need to come to our office to fill out employment paperwork (also called I-9 paperwork). If you do not have a social security card, you will be given the documentation to apply for your card at that time.

F1 and J1 students may only work 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours per week during summer and vacations, per USCIS regulations.

Please refer to the following portions of the VISA web site for information regarding permission for off-campus employment::

• Curricular Practical Training for F-1 visa holders
• Optional Practical Training for F-1 visa holders
• Academic Training for J-1 visa holders
• Economic Hardship for F-1 visa holders

These are the ONLY situations in which F1 or J1 students are eligible for off-campus employment. Off-campus work without prior approval from VISA and/or USCIS will cause you to lose your visa status and possibly be ineligible for reinstatement.

It is often difficult for internationals to find financial aid, but not impossible. The Financial Aid Office on campus is not able to assist international students on non-immigrant visas (individuals from other countries who do not have a green card or a U.S. passport).

The Institute of International Education (IIE) is a great resource for scholarship opportunities. International Student Organization (ISO) has also compiled a list of scholarships available to international students. We may also send out information to students in our regular emails regarding scholarships.

The International Student Campus and Community Involvement Award is a $5000 scholarship awarded by VISA. It is announced on the VISA listserv in February each year. The award is for undergraduate students who meet the following criteria:

• Student on a F-1/J-1 nonimmigrant visa
• Will have completed at least 12 credit hours by December of previous year
• Will register for 12 credits for both Fall and Spring of scholarship year
• GPA of 3.25 or higher and in good disciplinary and immigration standing
• International Student Scholarship recipients not eligible
• Self/family sponsored student paying out-of-state tuition rates
• Completed ALL ELC requirements
• Demonstrated community/campus involvement

VISA has a page with additional information on family and friends visiting you in the U.S.

If you have questions regarding the transfer of credits from a previous institution, please go to Dragas 2101 to speak with International Admissions.

If you are a current student and wish to transfer to another school, you must submit the Transfer Out Form and the additional documents mentioned on the Transfer Out Form to VISA. If you have not yet attended ODU and wish to transfer to another school, it is still necessary to follow the same procedure and to also submit the bio page of your passport (plus any extensions of your passport, if applicable), the most recent U.S. visa, your I-94 print-out and your I-901 receipt.