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Diablo Valley College
International
Students Handbook
Immigration,
health and employment
INFORMATION
FOR
INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS
Please
note: Important and critical changes in immigration regulations affecting F-1
international students are included in this handbook. Please read it carefully
so that you know what your new responsibilities are due to the new laws and
the implementation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS.)
It is your
responsibility to maintain your F-1 nonimmigrant status while you are in the
U.S. The International
Student Admission and Services (ISAS) office at Diablo Valley College (DVC) is
available to help you understand the various
immigration laws and regulations that affect you as an international
student in the U.S. If you have
any questions about your visa or your status, please see the Designated School
Official (DSO), at the ISAS office during drop-in hours. Currently the only
two DSO’s on the DVC campus are Gloria Zarabozo and Gena Gruber.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
REQUIREMENT
YOU
ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES TO MAINTAIN AN UPDATED ADDRESS WITH THE COLLEGE. YOU
MAY NOT USE A POST OFFICE BOX. PLEASE COME TO THE ISAS OFFICE TO CHANGE
YOUR ADDRESS WHENEVER YOU MOVE. IF YOU FAIL TO DO THIS YOU WILL BE OUT OF
STATUS. THE
DSO’S AT THE ISAS OFFICE WILL UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS WITHIN THE
SEVIS SYSTEM.
THE ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
YOU SHOULD HAVE WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE ARE:
-
PASSPORT
-
VISA
-
FORM
I-94 (ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE RECORD)
-
FORM
I-20 (After February 15, 2003 all new students must have a SEVIS I-20 form.
Continuing students will be required to have a SEVIS I-20 by August 1, 2003)
If you are missing any of
the above documents or if they are incorrect, please contact the ISAS office.
PASSPORT
Your passport must be valid
at all times during your stay in the U.S.
For passport renewal, contact your consulate (see list of nearby
consulates on page 14). Do not wait until your passport expires!!
FORM
I-20
The Form I-20 A-B,
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic
Students, is the document you received from Diablo Valley College when you
were officially admitted to our program.
You used the Form I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate or
Embassy abroad or to transfer from the previous school, college or university
you were attending in the U.S. The SEVIS I-20 Form has three parts--- Page 1 is
has all of the information that is put in SEVIS concerning your
stay at DVC. Page 2 is the instructions and page 3 is for travel and
employment endorsement.
Entrance
into the US with Form I-20
Item #5 of the I-20 Form
indicates the date you are expected to report to Diablo Valley College to
begin your studies. Normally, you
may enter the U.S. as early as 30 days before the school reporting date in
order to give yourself time to find housing, get oriented to the area, etc.
before beginning your studies at DVC. If
you are unable to arrive in the U.S. by the reporting date noted on your I-20
Form, it is possible that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE)
will not let you into the US. If
you are a transfer student with a transfer SEVIS I-20 you may enter before the
30 day period.
If you are entering the
U.S. to attend a school for the first time, the USICE official at your port of
entry must stamp your I-20 Form in the upper right-hand corner.
This stamp indicates that you have been inspected for admission into
the U.S. and have been authorized to attend the school whose name appears on
your I-20 Form. Note: you must attend the school listed on the I-20 Form you used to enter the
United States and, if you do not, you will be in violation of your F-1 status.
Extension
of time on your I-20
Your Diablo Valley College
I-20 Form indicates that the normal length of study at the community college
is two to three years (i.e. it usually takes two to three years to complete
programs at DVC). We realize
that, occasionally, it may take you more than three years to complete your
program at DVC due to various circumstances.
If your I-20 is going to expire soon, you may apply to the ISAS for a
“program extension” within the last 30 days before the expiration date.
If you are granted a program extension, you will be issued a new I-20
Form reflecting the additional time you need to complete your course of study.
If your I-20 Form expires before your
have completed your course of study, you will be out of status and you will
need to apply to USICE for reinstatement. A DSO cannot grant an extension once
the I-20 has expired.
When you complete your
studies in the U.S. and return to your home country you should keep your
I-20-IDs from all the schools you have attended in your permanent
records---you may need to use them as supporting documents for a future
application for a visa.
VISA
Your
visa is the multi-colored stamp entered on a page of your passport at a U.S.
Embassy or Consulate abroad.
The visa is used to
authorize your entry into the U.S. for a certain number of entries until the
visa expires. It may be authorized for multiple entries (often indicated on
your visa with the letter “M”), or once (single entry, indicated on your
visa as “S”), two entries (indicated
on your visa as 2 or “two”), etc.
The visa type (F-1, B-2,
B-1, M-1) indicates what type of activities you will be pursuing in the United
States. An F-1 visa, for example, is used to enter the U.S. to study
at an academic or language school; a B-2 visa (visitor for pleasure) is used
to enter the U.S. as a tourist.
Expiration of Visa While
in the U.S.
Your entry visa may
expire while you are in the U.S.---this is okay since your visa must only be
valid at the time you enter the U.S.
If you leave the U.S. after your visa has expired, however, you must go
to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad to obtain a new visa in order to be able
to re-enter the U.S.*. Note: you cannot obtain a new visa from inside the U.S.
*Exception: You may travel
to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands (except Cuba) for 30
days or less and re-enter with an
endorsed I-20 and a valid passport. However,
citizens of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria
cannot travel to Mexico or Canada and re-enter the US without a valid
visa Finally,
your F-1 visa may note the name of your school of initial attendance (the
school which issued the I-20 Form you presented to the U.S. consular official
at the time of your visa application). This notation is for information purposes only----if you transfer
schools after arriving in the U.S., you do not need to have your visa changed
to note the name of the new school.
FORM
I-94 (ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE RECORD)
The Form I-94
(Arrival/Departure Record) is the square card attached to your passport by the
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (USCBP) official at your port of entry into the
U.S.
It is probably the most important immigration document you have because
it shows that you have been legally admitted into the U.S. and it identifies
your immigration status and your authorized period of stay in the U.S.
DON’T LOSE THIS CARD----it
currently costs $100.00 to get a replacement card from the US Citizen and
Immigrations Services (USCIS) and it takes many months to receive.
For most people, the color
of the I-94 Form is white. People
who are entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, however, are issued a
green I-94 Form.
The Form I-94 contains your
unique 11-digit admission number in large bold numbers in the upper left hand
corner. When you arrive in the U.S., the USCBP official may write your
admission number in the appropriate space on your I-20 Form and will also
write this number next to your visa stamp in your passport. When you arrived at your port of entry, the USCBP
official should have stamped your Form I-94.
The USCBP official’s stamp notes the date you entered the U.S. and
says, “Admitted (visa status) until (expiration date of authorized period of
stay)”.
THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN F-1 STUDENT VISA AND F-1 STUDENT STATUS
Once you have been admitted
to the U.S., you are considered by Diablo Valley College and the various immigration service
as having F-1 status
(not an F-1 visa).
The importance of having a
certain visa ends when you leave the airport; for the rest of your stay in the
U.S., people will refer to your F-1 status.
(Your F-1 visa will probably expire before your F-1 status,
which is OK.)
The status designation is
usually (but not always) the same as the visa type, such as an F-1 student
visa and an F-1 status designation on your I-94, but it is possible to be
admitted to the U.S. with a certain visa status, such as a J-1 (exchange
visitor) visa status and then apply to the USCIS for a change of status to F-1
(student). If the USCIS approves
such a change, the person will have a J-1 visa stamp in his or her passport
but will have an F-1 status designation on his or her new Form I-94.
DURATION
OF STATUS
As noted on the Form I-94,
F-1 students are admitted to the U.S. until “D/S” (“duration of
status”). This means that
students who are maintaining F-1
status are authorized to stay in the U.S. until:
-
the completion of all
educational goals at one or various schools, colleges or universities
-
the completion of any
periods of authorized training
plus a 60 day grace period
following the successful completion
of the course of study or authorized training.
The 60 day grace period is to be used for the following purposes:
-
To prepare for departure
from the U.S.
-
To transfer to another
school, college or university
-
To change status from
F-1 (student) to another nonimmigrant status such as B-2 (tourist)
If you want to travel in
the U.S. longer than 60 days after the completion of your course of study, you
will need to apply to the USCIS for a change of status from F-1 (student)
status to B-2 (tourist) status. Contact
the Office of International Student Admission and Services for information
about applying to the USCIS for a change of status.
MAINTAINING
F-1 STATUS
Although you are not likely
to have much direct contact with the various immigration services, you should
be fully aware of the primary conditions imposed by the US Immigration and
Customs Enforcement for you to
retain your F-1 status. Violation
of any of these conditions could lead to serious trouble in the form of
investigations, hearings, or even deportation:
-
You are not permitted to
accept employment off campus without prior authorization;
-
You must be a full-time
student;
-
If you are
transferring from another school or changing level, you must complete the
transfer or change of level procedure within 15 days after the start of
classes.
-
You must
maintain an updated address with the college at all times. A post office box
is unacceptable.
-
You
MUST inform the DSO at DVC whenever you are leaving DVC for good. If you are
leaving to transfer to another school you must tell us what school that is so
that we can release your records. If you are leaving the US and do not plan on
returning to DVC you must also tell us that.
FULL-TIME
STATUS
USICE regulations require
you to pursue a “full course of study” at Diablo Valley College. A full
course of study is defined as at least 12
academic units per semester. You are required to see a DSO at the ISAS
office before dropping below 12 units regardless of your reasons. If
you do not see a DSO before dropping below 12 units you will be considered
immediately out of status. You
must check with a DSO to see if you have a valid reason to be below 12 units.
If it is your last semester at DVC and you are finishing a program or
transferring you are allowed to be below 12 units if you do not NEED 12 to
complete your program. HOWEVER, you MUST inform the DSO that it is your last
semester.
FALLING
OUT OF STATUS AND REINSTATEMENT
TO F-1 STUDENT STATUS
An F-1 student may fall out
of status for the following reasons:
-
did not pursue a full
course of study
-
did not complete the
transfer of schools or change of level procedure within the 15 days after the
start of a new school or program.
-
accepted unauthorized
off-campus work.
-
GPA dropped below a 2.0.
-
Did not maintain a
current address with the college.
If you fall out of status,
you may apply to the USICE for reinstatement.
If you feel you are out of status, please go see the DSO, during
drop-in hours at the Office of International Student Admission at (925)
685-1230 Ext. 2075. At this time we will explain what your options are
regarding being out of status. In some cases, reinstatement is not possible
and a student must leave the US and re-enter with a new I-20 and the status
starts all over again.
CHANGE
OF STATUS
An F-1 student may want to
change status to B-2 tourist for the following reason:
after completion of a
program a student would like travel in the U.S. for more than the 60 days
grace period authorized by USCIS.
Currently the USCIS is
taking 6 months to complete a change of status request.
If the student has received
a change of status approval notice from the USCIS and he or she leaves the
U.S., the student will need to apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
abroad to be able to reenter and resume that new status (except when traveling
to contiguous territory).
SCHOOL
TRANSFER
To be eligible to transfer
to another school, college or university you must have maintained your F-1
status. Students who are transferring from another U.S. school,
college or university to Diablo Valley College will need to contact the
current program they are in to have them release the student records to DVC.
If the student is out of status at the previous school, he or she must talk to
a DSO at DVC to see what his or her options are for coming to DVC as an F-1
student.
As an F-1 student it is
crucial that you are aware of the immigration laws and regulations governing
school transfers and it will be your
responsibility to contact your previous school to have your SEVIS records
sent to DVC once we indicate that you have been admitted.
SEVIS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Starting January 30, 2003,
all schools who admit international students will be required to report all
F-1 students’ records directly to the USICE through
the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS.) .)There
have been major changes in immigration law resulting in the F-1 students
taking much more responsibility for their status. The DVC International
Student Admissions and Services office has put together this question and
answer sheet to help students understand their responsibility. Here are some
questions and answers that we think might help you to understand the changes
in the laws that affect you.
Q. What is non-immigrant
status and how does an F-1 student maintain it so that they may remain in the
US legally?
1) F-1 international
students are admitted into the United States by the USCBP for the sole purpose
of studying and acquiring a degree or specific knowledge or training.
An F-1 student must be a full-time student making regular progress
towards their academic goal. At DVC this means, taking 12 units and getting a
grade point average above a 2.0 EVERY
semester. Students must contact a DSO if they feel they cannot do this.
2) An F-1 student cannot
work illegally. In all cases they must have approval from the Designated
School Official (DSO) or the USCIS. Gloria
Zarabozo and Gena Gruber at the ISAS office of DVC are the only two people who
are DSOs and who can approve any work. You must also be eligible to work. A
student must come to the ISAS office to determine if they are eligible to
work. Under no circumstances can an F-1 student work legally without approval.
Q. Under what circumstances
can I take fewer than 12 units?
In all cases a student must
get permission from the DSO BEFORE dropping
below 12 units. USICE allows
students to drop below 12 units for the following reasons ONLY and with PRIOR
permission from the DSO:
1)
Student is having difficulty adjusting to the new educational system.
(Only can be used the first semester in school in the United States.)
2)
Student is having language difficulties. (Usually only the first
semester will this reason be acceptable.)
3)
Student has medical problems and proof from a doctor that they should
take below 12 units. A student is allowed medical reasons to be below 12 units
for a total of two semesters ONLY. If a student is sick longer than two
semesters for whatever reason they may not be below 12 units and must leave
the United States because they are not making regular progress towards their
degree. Student must have medical
proof (from a doctor, osteopath, psychologist or psychiatrist ONLY) for both
semesters and must show DSO each semester.
4)
It is the student’s last semester and he or she needs fewer than 12
units to complete their program. This can include a transfer program if the
student is transferring to a 4 year college ONLY.
Q. What do I now have to do
when I finish a program and I want to transfer or go home?
Now, whenever a student
finishes a program or is going to leave for any reason they must let the DSO
know. If the student is transferring he or she must let the DSO know to which
school they will be transferring to so that the DSO can release the records to
the new school. AGAIN, when the
student leaves the school for ANY reason they must inform the DSO of that
school. An F-1 student is allowed to remain in the US only 60 days after
completing a program or post completion practical training.
Q. How early can an
international student enter the US?
It used to be 90 days
before starting a program now it is
only 30 days. This is for initial entrance to the US. If you have a
transfer I-20 you may enter earlier.
Q. What happens if an
emergency happens and an international student has to leave the US?
The student should tell the
DSO that they must leave. They will be allowed to drop all classes with
authorization. They must leave within
15 days of when they dropped their classes.
College policy dictates that only students dropping during the first
two weeks of class are eligible for a refund. This is the case regardless of
the reason for leaving. PLEASE
NOTE: Short term and late start classes have different deadlines for dropping
and receiving a fee refund.
Q. How much time do I have
between programs?
An F-1 student must be
admitted from one program to another within 60 days of successfully completing
a program IF THEY ARE PLANNING ON STAYING IN THE UNITED STATES BETWEEN
PROGRAMS. The maximum amount of time a student is allowed to remain in the US
in between programs (end of one and start of next) is FIVE MONTHS.
For example, if an international student completes a program on
February 3, they must start a program by July 3 or they will be considered out
of status by USICE
Q. What information do I
now need to give to the ISAS office?
International students must
include copies of their I-94s and Visas with their applications if they are transfer students. Students
are also required to maintain a current address with ISAS which then gets sent
to the USICE.
Q. What does an
international student do if they fall out of status?
If a student falls out of
status he or she comes to the ISAS office to discuss if REINSTATEMENT to
status is a possibility. Reinstatement is when a student writes a letter to
USICE and requests that they be reinstated to status once they fall out of
status. A student MUST apply for reinstatement within 5 months of falling out
of status. IT IS THE STUDENT’S
RESPONSIBILITY TO BE AWARE OF AND TO MAINTAIN HIS OR HER STATUS. Usually
reinstatement is only granted when a student’s reason for falling out of
status is something that is completely out of their control.
Q. How many online courses
can international students now take?
The new law states that
international students may take one course or three units of online or
distance education per semester while in the United States. Of course, if the
student is outside the United States they may take as many as they like.
Q. What if I cannot finish
my program by the “program completion date” on my I-20?
If a student is unable to
finish a program on time he or she must ask the DSO for an extension of
program. However, if the delay has to do with academic problems such as
failing or withdrawing from classes without permission no extension can be
given. A student must ask for an extension BEFORE the “program completion
date” on the I-20. After that day no extensions can be granted.
INFORMATION
REGARDING TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE U.S.
If you are leaving the U.S.
on an emergency or on vacation and plan to return to the Diablo Valley College
to continue a course of study, you must have your I-20 endorsed (signed) for
reentry into the U.S. before you leave. If
you fail to do this, you will have trouble reentering the U.S.
The authorization for
reentry is the required signature on page 3 of your I-20. You must submit your
I-20 at least one week prior to your date of departure to the ISAS office. DO
NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE OR WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SIGN IT IN TIME. If
you have to leave immediately and cannot wait please send us the I-20 an we
will mail it to your address
outside of the US.
The Diablo Valley College
designated staff will not endorse
the back of your I-20 for reentry into the U.S. if 1) you have failed to
maintain your status or 2) if you do not intend to return to Diablo Valley
College to continue a course of study. If
you leave the U.S. to travel abroad and your intention is to return to the
U.S. to, for example, travel for pleasure and you do not plan to continue a
course of study at the Diablo Valley College or at any other school, college
or university in the U.S., you must apply for a B-2 tourist visa at a U.S.
Consulate or Embassy in the country you plan to visit to be able to reenter
the United States (unless you already have a B-2 visa in your passport and it
has not expired or you qualify to enter the U.S. on the WT visa waiver
program).
If you are leaving the U.S.
to travel to countries other than your home country, you must contact the
nearest consulate of the country you plan to visit (see list of nearby
consulates). Consulates may take one or two days to process and issue a
visa. When traveling to other countries, make sure you bring with you as many
documents as possible to prove citizenship, home residence and most
importantly; proof of financial
resources. These documents
may be demanded at the port of entry of the country you plan to visit and upon
reentry to the U.S.
TRAVEL
TO AND FROM CANADA
ENTRY
INTO CANADA
Citizens from certain
countries who wish to visit Canada are required to obtain a visitor's visa
(tourist visa) from the Canadian Consulate General in Los Angeles:
Immigration
Section,
Canadian
Consulate General
550 S. Hope Street, Los
Angeles, CA 90071-2627.
Tel:
(213) 346-2700, Fax: (213)
625-7154. Website:
www.losangeles.gc.ca
It may take the Canadian
Consulate one or two working days to process and issue a visa, but take into
consideration that the nearest Canadian Consulate is located in Los Angeles,
and if you do not plan to go to Los Angeles personally, it must be done by
mail. It may take two weeks to receive the visa, so you must plan
ahead. Please note that in some
instances the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles may wish to interview you, in
which case you will need to travel to Los Angeles for the interview.
So, don’t purchase your airline ticket until you receive the visa
from the Canadian Consulate. Canada
does not require a visa for citizens of certain countries.
Call the Canadian Consulate to find out what requirements are necessary
for your nationality.
REENTRY
INTO THE U.S.
PLEASE NOTE: Students who travel to Canada
for a Visa renewal and are denied are NOT allowed re-entry into the US.
F-1 students who visit
Canada for 30 days or less, and have maintained a lawful nonimmigrant status
in the U.S., and intend to resume that status upon their return, must keep
the I-94 form (the square white card) and the I-20 ID form when crossing
the U.S. border into Canada.
F-1 students returning to
the U.S., must show the U.S. Immigration Inspector:
If
you are missing any of the above documents, you will have trouble reentering
the U.S.
Students
from the following countries must also have a valid US visa for re-entry:
Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria
Since
the Inspector may still ask to see evidence of financial support for the total
duration of stay in the U.S., it is strongly advised that F-1 students carry
such evidence with them.
TRAVEL
TO AND FROM MEXICO
ENTRY
INTO MEXICO
Mexican tourist cards or
visas are required of all persons in order to visit Mexico.
Tourist cards or visas are obtained at the Mexican Consulate. Tourist cards are normally processed within one hour; visas
could take a little longer. To
find out whether or not a tourist card or visa is needed, the documents
required to obtain the card or visa and the hours that they are open, contact
the Mexican Consulate at 870 Market Street, Suite 528, San Francisco, CA
94102, (415) 392-5554.
REENTRY
INTO THE U.S.
PLEASE NOTE: Students who travel to Mexico
for a Visa renewal and are denied are NOT allowed re-entry into the US.
F-1 students who visit
Mexico for 30 days or less, and have maintained a lawful nonimmigrant status
in the U.S., and intend to resume that status upon their return must keep the
I-94 form (the square white card) and I-20 form when crossing the U.S. border
into Mexico.
F-1
students returning from Mexico to the U.S., must show the U.S. Immigration
Inspector:
Students
from the following countries must also have a valid US visa for re-entry:
Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria
Since
the Inspector may still ask to see evidence of financial support for the total
duration of stay in the U.S., it is strongly advised that F-1 students carry
such evidence with you.
AUTOMATIC EXTENSION OF
VISAS (REVALIDATION)
PLEASE NOTE: Students who travel to Canada
or Mexico for a Visa renewal and are denied are NOT allowed re-entry into the
US.
F-1 students with an
expired visa may reenter the U.S. as though the visa were still valid if
returning after visits not exceeding 30 days to Mexico, Canada, or the
Caribbean Islands (except Cuba) provided the F-1 student does the following:
-
has maintained and intends to resume status as an F-1 student in the
U.S.;
-
presents a valid Form I-94;
-
presents a SEVIS I-20 endorsed (signed) for reentry;
-
presents a valid passport (unless exempt from passport requirements);
-
applies for readmission within the authorized period of 30 days.
A person who entered the
U.S. on a visa other than F-1, but whose status was changed to F-1 status by
USCBP (Immigration), may be considered to have the previous visa automatically
revalidated and converted to an F-1 visa if he or she meets the conditions
stated above.
Automatic extension applies
to "nonimmigrant aliens," therefore Mexican nationals returning from
Mexico from visits that do not exceed 30 days should also be able to reenter
with an automatic extension.
At the present time, "automatic
extension of visas" is not applicable for nationals of Cuba, Iran, Iraq,
Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. Foreign nationals with the designation of
212 (d) (3) (A) (28) have to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility if they do
not hold double or multiple-entry, unexpired visas. Questions about this
should be directed to the International Student Admission Office several weeks
in advance of departure.
WORK
AUTHORIZATION RULES FOR F-1 STUDENTS
ON-CAMPUS
EMPLOYMENT:
The only requirement is
that the student is in F-1 status. F-1
students can only work on the Diablo Valley College campus and must have a
form filled out by the DSO indicating they are in-status before they can begin
employment. They must also acquire a Social Security number.
OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT (Students must come
see a DSO in order to apply for any of these types of employment.)
ECONOMIC HARDSHIP:
Requirements:
9 academic months in F-1 status.
A
student must be able to demonstrate unforeseen severe financial problems. This
is very difficult to do.
Approval
is granted by USCIS
CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING:
Requirements:
9 academic months in F-1 status.
Must
be required for program completion or offered as an optional course through
Cooperative Education.
The
work must be in the students area of study as indicated on the I-20 from.
Student
can be approved for a total of 4 semesters while taking Cooperative Education
170 class.
Approval
is granted by ISAS.
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING
Requirements:
9 months in F-1 status. Practical
training is available only to students in college level programs.
Types of Practical
Training:
-
Vacation Period Practical Training.
A student may work up to 40 hours per week during the summer vacation
or during the break between semesters;
-
While school is in session (pre-completion practical training).
A student may work up to 20 hours per week while attending a program of
study;
-
Post-Completion Practical Training. A student may work up to 40 hours per week after the
completion of a program. Student must apply through the DSO before the end of his or her program
or request will be denied by USCIS.
A student is limited to 12 months full-time practical training per
educational level
Approval is granted by
USCIS.
Student who believe they are eligible for
practical training
or work based on economic hardship must see the DSO
at the ISAS office for
approval of employment request and for information on how to complete the
appropriate paperwork. You cannot
work on or off campus without approval.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Q:
How often should the back of my
I-20 be endorsed?
A: Your I-20 should be signed by one of the "designated school
officials" at the International Student Admission Office at DVC in order
for you to be permitted to reenter the U.S. after you travel outside the U.S.
An endorsement is valid for one year, however, it is recommended to
have your I-20 signed every time you travel.
Keep in mind that if you remain
out of the U.S. for more that 5 months, you will need to request a new I-20
for reentry.
Q:
If the visa stamp in my passport
expires while I am in the U.S., must I leave the country to renew it?
A: The visa stamp in your passport is an "entry permit" only, so
you need not be concerned if it expires once you have already entered the
U.S., unless you plan to travel out of the U.S. and reenter.
In that case, you will need to go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
(preferably in your home country) and apply for a new visa stamp.
When you go to the Consulate to apply for the new visa stamp, you must
bring with you your endorsed I-20. It
must be endorsed on the back by one of the designated school officials at the
International Student Admission Office at DVC.
It is also recommended that you bring proof that you have the funding
to cover your tuition and living expenses.
Q:
I have a newly reissued
passport. While I am in the
United States, is it possible to change my unexpired visa stamp from my old
passport to my newly reissued passport?
A: No, it is recommended that you keep both passports and you may use the
visa in the old passport. f you leave the U.S., you may get a new visa stamp
in your newly issued passport from the U.S. Consulate/Embassy abroad.
Q:
I have a newly reissued
passport. My old passport has a
visa stamp, but my newly reissued passport does not.
Can I reenter the United States from a contiguous territory (Canada,
Mexico, the Caribbean Islands except Cuba)?
A: Yes, you must carry both your old expired passport and your new
reissued passport. You must also have your I-94 card.
With all of these documents, reentry from contiguous territory should
be possible even with an expired visa stamp in your old passport if
your travel period did not exceed 30 days.
HEALTH
CARE
Getting
sick when you are away from home can be a traumatic experience.
Being informed about health care in the Diablo Valley College area
before getting sick can make the experience a lot less difficult.
HEALTH
INSURANCE
Medical
care in the United States is extremely costly, so most people have health
insurance to cover the high cost of health care.
At Diablo Valley College medical insurance is mandatory for all F-1
students. Students will pay the semester premium for mandatory insurance
through their registration. The
students purchase insurance for the fall semester and for the spring/summer
semester. If your first session
at DVC is the summer session you will not be required to have insurance until
the fall semester. However, it is highly recommended that you purchase some
form of medical insurance to cover you during the summer session.
Be
sure to carefully read the policy so you know exactly what is covered and what
is not. The insurance is provided by AETNA International Student Insurance
Services. Use the AETNA
website (www.chickering.com) to download claim forms, get information on
local doctors on the plan, or to get more information on the insurance
coverage. A 24 hour advice
nurse line is available for students to call anytime they need confidential
medical advice (1-800-556-1555). Students
can also come into the ISAS office to see Gena Gruber, or to get brochure,
claim forms, and assistance in
processing their claims. Once you have submitted a claim and you
wish to know the status you may call 1-866-378-8885.
If
you have your own insurance with similar or better coverage—come to the ISAS
office to request a refund/waiver and bring your insurance proof with you.
You can then take the refund/waiver form to the Cashier’s
Office to get the insurance fee refunded or waived.
The deadline for bringing in proof of insurance is usually about a
month after the semester starts.
Medical
care in the United States is extremely costly, so most people have health
insurance to cover the high cost of health care.
Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to purchase the
International Student Health Insurance offered to Diablo Valley College
students. Be sure to carefully read the policy so you know exactly what is
covered and what is not. Also read the enclosed letter so that you understand
the importance of having insurance while studying and traveling in the United
States. Diablo Valley College requires International
students to either purchase insurance when admitted to the college or
show proof that they already have an insurance policy with coverage comparable
to what the college requires.
The
major local hospitals are listed below:
Mt
Diablo Medical Center
2540
East St.
Concord
(925)
682-8200
John
Muir Medical Center
1601
Ygnacio Valley Rd
Walnut
Creek
(925)
939-3000
Contra
Costa Regional Medical Center*
2500
Alhambra Ave
Martinez
(925)
370-5000
*This
is a county hospital which will accept patients even without insurance.
OTHER
HEALTH REFERRAL ORGANIZATIONS (Some of these services may not be covered by
your insurance).
Chiropractic
Doctor (bone alignment):
There
are many Chiropractors in the Bay Area. Please
refer to the “yellow pages” in the telephone book
Physicians
& Surgeons:
For
referrals on Dermatology (skin), Gynecology (women's health issues),
Obstetrics (pregnancy), Gastroenterology (stomach) etc. call the following
numbers:
-
Ask-A-Nurse
1-800-606-2582 (no charge to caller)
-
Alameda Contra Costa Medical Association
(510) 654-5383
-
Physician Line
(510) 237-4636
Sexual
Orientation & Counseling:
-
Gay & Lesbian Switchboard & Counseling Services
(510) 841-6224
-
Gay Legal Referral Service
(415) 621-3900
-
Pacific Center for Human Growth
(510) 548-2192
Mental
Health Referral for Drug Addition and Depression: 1-800-333-4444
(no charge to caller.)
HIV TESTING, STD DETECTION AND TREATMENT & BIRTH CONTROL
There
are places in the Bay Area where you can get confidential or anonymous HIV
testing and counseling, detection and treatment of sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs), and counseling on birth control.
Some of them are:
Contra
Costa County Health Services Dept. (925)
313-6770
AIDS
Hotline (925)279-4357
(24 hours)
Planned
Parenthood (925)
676-0300
Berkeley
City Public Health Clinic
830
University Ave., at 6th Street
(510)
644-8571
Berkeley
Free Clinic
2339
Durant (Dana)
(510)
644-0425
Asian
Health Services
310
8th St., Suite 200
Oakland
(510)
465-3271
(services
provided in Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Tagalog, Cambodian & Laotian).
Public
Health Clinic
2355
Stanwell Circle
Concord
(510)
646-5260
San
Francisco County Sites
AIDS
Health Project at UCSF (415)
621-4858
San
Francisco City Clinic (415)
487-5500
District
Health Center, Clinic #1
3850
17th Street
(415)
487-7500
District
Health Center, Clinic #2
1301
Pierce Street
(415)
292-1300
District
Health Center, Clinic #3
1525
Silver Avenue
(415)
715-0300
District
Health Center, Clinic #4
1490
Mason Street
(415)
705-8500
(Services
provided in Chinese)
District
Health Center, Clinic #5
1351
24th Avenue
(415)
753-8100
(Services
provided in Chinese)
Tom
Waddell Clinic
50
Ivy Street
(415)
554-2950 or 554-2940
(Services
provided in Spanish)
Mission
Neighborhood Health Center
240
Shotwell Street
(415)
552-3870
(Services
provided in Spanish)
Buena
Vista Women's Services
Pregnancy
testing & abortion.
1801
Bush Street.
San
Francisco
(415)
771-5000
CRISIS
INTERVENTION & COUNSELING
AIDS
HOTLINE:
1-800-367-2437
(no charge to caller)
DRUG
& ALCOHOL ABUSE 24-HOUR HDVC LINE & TREATMENT:
1-800-374-2202
(no charge to caller)
CONTRA
COSTA SUICIDE PREVENTION & CRISIS INTERVENTION CENTER
(925)
472-0999 (24 HOURS)
|
FOR
LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES
CALL:
911
No
money is necessary when using a public
telephone.
|
Consulates
and Other Foreign Government Representatives
in California
-
Argentine
Consulate General: 5055
Wilshire Blvd., 2nd Fl., Los Angeles (213) 954-9155
-
Australian
Consulate General: 1 Bush
St., 7th Fl., San Francisco (415) 362-6160
-
Austria
Consulate General: 41
Sutter St., Suite 207, San Francisco (415) 951-8911
-
Barbados
Consulate General: 442
Post St., Suite 800, San Francisco (415) 421-8789
-
Belize
Consulate General: 5825
Sunset Blvd., Suite 206, Hollywood (213) 469-7343
-
Belgium
Consulate General: 625 3rd
St., Suite 400, San Francisco (415) 882-4648
-
Bolivian
Consulate General: 870
Market St., Suite 575, San Francisco (415) 495-5173
-
Brazilian
Consulate General: 300
Montgomery St., Suite 1160, San Francisco (415) 981-8170
-
British
Consulate General: 1
Sansome St., Suite 850, San Francisco (415) 617-1300
-
Canadian
Consulate General: 550 S.
Hope St., Los Angeles (213) 346-2700
-
Chile
Consulate General: 870
Market St., Suite 1058, San Francisco (415) 982-7662
-
China
Consulate General: 1450
Laguna St., San Francisco (415) 563-4885 or (415) 563-4857
-
Colombia
Consulate General: 595
Market St., Suite 2130, San Francisco (415) 495-7195
-
Costa
Rica Consulate General:
870 Market St., Suite 647, San Francisco (415) 392-8488
-
Danish
Consulate General: 601
Montgomery St., Suite 400, San Francisco (415) 391-0100
-
Dominican
Consulate General: 1516
Oak St. Suite 321, Alameda (510) 864-7777
-
Ecuador
Consulate General: 235
Montgomery St., Suite 944, San Francisco (415) 982-1819
-
Egyptian
Consulate General: 3001
Pacific Ave., San Francisco (415) 346-9700
-
El
Salvador Consulate General:
870 Market St., Suite 508, San Francisco (415) 781-7924
-
Ethiopia
Consulate General: 101
California St., Suite 4725, San Francisco (415) 434-2800
-
European
Union Consulate General :
44 Montgomery St., San Francisco (415) 288-1990
-
Finland
Consulate General: 333
Bush St., San Francisco (415) 772-6649
-
French
Consulate General: 540
Bush St., San Francisco (415) 397-4330
-
German
Consulate General: 1960
Jackson St., San Francisco (415) 775-1061
-
Greek
Consulate General: 2441
Gough St., San Francisco (415) 775-2102
-
Guatemala
Consulate General: 870
Market St., Suite 667, San Francisco (415) 788-5651
-
Honduras
Consulate General: 870
Market St., Suite 449, San Francisco (415) 392-0076
-
Hungary
Consulate General: 777
Mariners Island Blvd. Suite 575, San Mateo (650) 573-76351
-
Iceland
Consulate General: 9
Broadview Terrace, Orinda (510) 254-0169
-
India
Consulate General: 540
Arguello Blvd., San Francisco (415) 668-0998
-
Indonesia
Consulate General: 1111
Columbus Ave., San Francisco (415) 474-9571
-
Irish
Consulate General: 655
Montgomery St., San Francisco (415) 392-4214
-
Israel
Consulate General: 456
Montgomery St., 21st Fl., San Francisco (415) 398-8885
-
Italian
Consulate General: 2590
Webster St., San Francisco (415) 931-4924
-
Jamaica
Consulate General: 1001
Portrero Ave. Suite NH1N1, San Francisco (415)206-5717
-
Japan
Consulate General: 50
Fremont St., San Francisco (415) 777-3533
-
Korean
Consulate General: 3500 Clay
St., San Francisco (415) 921-2251
-
Luxembourg
Consulate General: 1 Sansome
St., San Francisco (415) 788-0816
-
Madagascar
Consulate General: 2299
Piedmont Ave., Berkeley (510) 643-8301
-
Malaysia
Consulate General: 550 S.
Hope St., Suite 400, L.A. (213) 892-1238
-
Mexican
Consulate General: 870
Market St., San Francisco (415) 392-5554
-
Monaco
Consulate General: 2643
Union St., San Francisco (415) 346-7766
-
Netherlands
Consulate General: 1
Maritime Plaza, San Francisco (415) 981-6454
-
New
Zealand Consulate General:
One Maritime Plaza, Suite 700, San Francisco (415) 399-1255
-
Norwegian
Consulate General: 20
California St., 6th Fl., San Francisco (415) 986-0766
-
Pakistan
Consulate General: 10850
Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1100, Los Angeles, (310) 441-5114
-
Panama
Consulate General: 3137 W.
Ball Rd. Suite 104, Anaheim (714) 816-1809
-
Papua
New Guinea Consulate General:
1308 Banyon Dr. Fallbrook (760) 731-0436
-
Paraguay
Consulate General: 2121
Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1560, Los Angeles (310) 553-8081
-
Peruvian
Consulate General: 870
Market St., Suite 1067, San Francisco (415) 362-5185
-
Philippine
Consulate General: 447
Sutter St., San Francisco (415) 433-6666
-
Polish Consulate General: 12400
Wilshire Blvd Suite 555, Los Angeles (310) 442-8500
-
Portuguese
Consulate General: 3298
Washington St., San Francisco (415) 346-3400
-
Russian
Federation Consulate General:
2790 Green St., San Francisco (415) 202-9800
-
Spain
Consulate General: 1405
Sutter St., San Francisco (415) 922-2995
-
Sweden
Consulate General: 120
Montgomery St., Suite 2175, San Francisco (415) 788-2631
-
Swiss
Consulate General: 456
Montgomery St., San Francisco (415) 788-2272
-
Thailand
Consulate General: 611 N.
Larchmont Blvd. 2nd Floor, Los Angeles (323) 962-9574
-
Taiwan
Consulate General: 555
Montgomery St. Suite 1022, San Francisco (415) 362-7680
-
Taiwan
Visitor’s Association: 166
Geary St., Suite 1605, San Francisco (415) 989-8677
-
Tonga
Consulate General: 360 Post
St., Suite 604, San Francisco (415) 781-0365
-
Tunisia
Consulate General: 3401
Sacramento St., San Francisco (415) 922-9222
-
Turkish
Consulate General: 4801
Wilshire Blvd., #310, Los Angeles (213) 937-0118
-
Uruguay
Consulate General: 564
Market St. Suite 221, San Francisco (415) 986-5222
-
Venezuela
Consulate General: 311
California St., Suite 620, San Francisco (415) 955-1982
If
you need to find a consulate or embassy that is not on the above list and if you
cannot locate it through Directory Assistance (try the 510 and 415 area codes),
then you can contact the Federal Information number and they can look it up for
you. Their number is 1-800-688-9889
(press “9" to talk to a person.) | 
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