INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OFFICE (ISO)
As a new student of Myers University, we recommend you to browse through
our useful information below before you depart for the United States of
America. Helpful information are about city of Cleveland, local transportations,
new student services, climate, foods, what to bring, housing, safety, government
identification cards, travel, employment and many others. If you have any
questions apart from the information that we do not cover, please feel
free to email me at syap@myers.edu.
WELCOME TO THE CITY OF CLEVELAND
Cleveland is located on the southern shore of Lake Erie which is part
of the Great Lakes Region, the country’s largest fresh water resource.
The Greater Cleveland Area extends approximately 100 miles along the Lake
Erie shoreline and more than 40 miles inland. The City of Cleveland was
founded by General Moses Cleveland in 1796 and is a manufacturing and business
center for Northern Ohio. It is the 16th largest metropolitan area in the
United States. With nearly 500,000 residents in the City of Cleveland,
it is the 30th largest city in the USA.
LANGUAGES:
Although the primary language of communication at Myers University is
English, some members of our faculty and staff are fluent in a second
language. To mention: Arabic, Farsi, French, Greek, Hindi, Russian, Spanish,
and Urdu.
SAFETY
Myers University has taken all the necessary measures to ensure that its
safety policies and procedures are in place. However, each individual
student is responsible for his/her own safety inside or outside the Myers
campuses. Myers University encourages its students to:
• Always be aware of their surroundings
•
Try not to walk alone
•
Use well-lit public areas
•
Ensure car doors are locked
•
Be familiar with telephone access and campus emergency phone numbers. Report
suspicious activities to the Myers Security Department at (216) 432-8999.
BANKING
For better management and safety reasons, Myers University recommends to
its international students to protect their personal finances by opening
a savings or checking account. This can be accomplished with any small,
medium or large bank located in the Cleveland Metropolitan Area.
OHIO STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD
The Ohio Department of Motor Vehicle handles the regulation and distribution
of Ohio ID Cards. Ohio ID Cards are issued to non-driving residents for
identification purposes in lieu of an Ohio driver’s license. The
applicant may apply for an Ohio Identification Card at any local Deputy
Registrar’s Office (www.bmv.ohio,gob/id_card.html) and must provide
proof of name, date of birth and social security number (if one has been
assigned). There is a fee in the amount of $8.50. In the absence of a social
security number, other acceptable documents are:
FOREIGN BIRTH CERTIFICATE
The certificate must be accompanied by a translation by an approved translator.
Translation must be notarized.
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARD
The card must have photographs issued by a school or university.
HEALTH INSURANCE CARD
Example: Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Veterans Administration Universal Access Card.
CITY OF CLEVELAND – OTHER SITES
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport www.clevelandairport.com
Cleveland Convention & Visitors Bureau www.travelcleveland.com
Rock and Rock Hall of Fame www.clevelandrocks.com
Hotel Reservations www.hotelrooms.com/pages/us/cleveland/htm
The Cleveland Museum – www.clevelandart.org
Severance Hall – www.clevelandorchestra.com
Playhouse at the Square – www.clevelandplayhouse.com
The Botanical Garden – www.cbgarden.org
University Circle – www.universitycircle.org
LOCAL EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
9-1-1 Cleveland Area
7-1-1 For persons with communication disabilities
INTERNATIONAL CALLING ACCESS
Example: To call Sydney, Australia you must dial:
International Access code + country code + city code + phone number
011 + 61 + 2 + 999-9999
FOREIGN CONSULATES BASED IN CLEVELAND
Consulate of the Republic of Albania
Consulate of Belgium
Royal Danish Consulate
Consulate of France
Consulate of Germany
Consulate General of Hungary
Italian Consulate
Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania
Consulate of the Netherlands
Romanian Consulate
Slovak Republic Consulate
Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia
Consulate of Sweden
Consulate of Switzerland
Consulate of the Ukraine
Consulate of the United Kingdom
FOREIGN EMBASSIES WASHINGTON, DC – www.embassy.org
TRANSFER STUDENTS - FROM OTHER U.S. INSTITUTIONS
International students planning to transfer to Myers University from another
U.S. college or university and who are already F-1 visa holders or in F-1
visa status should submit the required financial affidavit and supporting
documents with his/her application. Upon acceptance, a Myers International
Student Transfer Form (www.myers.edu), must be completed by the international
student advisor or designated school official at the school where the student
is currently attending. This form is required by Myers University to issue
a SEVIS I-20 document to the student. Applicants who have completed fewer
than 24 semester hours at other educational institutions, or who have earned
less than a cumulative GPA of 2.00 in college-level work, will be required
to submit official transcripts from high school.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE UNITED STATES FOR F-1 VISA HOLDERS
The F-1 nonimmigrant alien classification is for foreign students pursuing
a full course of study in Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-approved
academic institutions and language training programs in the U.S. F-1 students
do not have DHS-granted general employment authorization but when maintaining
student status, may work in employment connected with their purpose for
admission to the U.S. (i.e., as student). This employment can be in on-campus
jobs and curricular practical training. No DHS employment authorization
document is required for this type of work.
F-1 students may also work off-campus in optional practical training,
internships with an international organization or, in cases of economic
hardship (e.g., the currency of the student’s country has been devalued).
Before an F-1 student can work off-campus, the student must apply for and
be granted an employment authorization document (EAD) from DHS.
F-1 STUDENT – ON CAMPUS WORK:
On-campus employment is work performed on the school’s premises including
for commercial firms located on campus that provide students services (e.g.
school bookstore, cafeteria, on campus commercial fast food services, etc).
It is important to mention that on-campus work is limited and may not always
be available to meet the student’s employment needs.
F-1 STUDENT - OFF CAMPUS WORK
Off-campus employment is work performed away from the school campus in
cases of economic hardship, for an international organization and in optional
practical training (OPT). An F-1 student may work off-campus in any of
these types of employment if granted authorization by DHS and upon receipt
from DHS on an EAD.
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING
•
For an F-1, OPT is allowed only after an F-1 student has been enrolled
on a full-time basis for one full academic year.
•
OPT may be authorized for up to 12 months and may not begin until the date
indicated on the EAD.
•
OPT may be authorized during the student’s annual vacation, at other
times when school is not in session, while school is in session, after
the course of study is completed or after completion of all course requirements
for the degree being pursued. In the latter case, OPT must be completed
within a 14-month period following the completion of study at the school.
HARDSHIP
•
In cases of extreme economic hardship, the F-1 student must present documentation
to DHS as to why it is critical to be allowed to work off-campus (i.e.
loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part
of the student).
•
Substantial fluctuation in the value of currency or exchange rate.
•
Inordinate increase in tuition and/or living expenses.
•
Unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student’s source
of support.
•
Medical bills.
•
Other substantial and unexpected expenses.
INTERNSHIP
•
If offered employment in an internship with a recognized international
organization, an F-1 student must have a written certification from the
international organization that the proposed employment is within the scope
of the organization’s sponsorship.
NOTE:
•
International students are not authorized to work in the United States
without an approved social security number.
•
To be assigned an SSN and issued an SSN card that is valid for work purposes,
an F-1 student must also provide evidence of work authorization.
•
A current valid I-20 from the school the F-1 student attends serves to
show the student is maintaining status and is permitted to work on-campus.
•
International students planning to travel outside of the USA during school
breaks should have their I-20 signed by a Myers Designated School Official
(DSO) at least on an annual basis.
HEALTH RECORDS
In the United States, proof of immunization against diphtheria,
measles, poliomyelitis, and rubella, is now universally required for entry into
school. In addition, the school entry requirements of most states include
immunization against tetanus (49 states), pertussis (44 states) mumps (46
states), and hepatitis B (26 states). Myers University requires all international
students to submit the appropriate health and immunization records prior
to arrival in the United States. For additional information you may visit
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control
and Prevention at: www.cdc.gov/travel/namerica.htm
Other helpful information:
International Student Office (ISO)
Significant Increase in USCIS Filing Fees Effective July 30, 2007
USCIS has recently finalized a significant increase in its filing fees
beginning on July 30, 2007. All non-immigrant and immigrant applications
processed by USCIS are to be affected.
This means that the new filing fee for Optional Practical Training will
be $340 instead of $180 and Reinstatement or a Change of Status will increase
to $300 instead of $200.
For more information and a more complete listing of forms affected, go
to http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/FinalUSCISFeeSchedule052907.pdf
OHIO Drivers License
Documents necessary to show at the DMV when applying for a drivers license
include:
•
Valid passport
. Social Security Card
•
Valid I-20 or DS-2019
•
Visa (can be expired – Canadians exempt)
•
Proof of residency (either a utility bill or letter from the Registrar’s
Office with your address on it)
•
Proof of car insurance
Travel outside the U.S
•
To re-enter the U.S. after a temporary absence you must carry the following
documents:
Valid and updated I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature from ISO staff
within last year
Valid passport
Valid U.S. visa* (some exceptions may apply for travel to Canada or Mexico)
Current proof of financial support
Unofficial transcript
Also, you will turn-in your I-94 card at the port of exit and obtain a
new one when you re-enter the U.S.
*NOTE: If your F1 visa has expired or if you’ve changed your status
within the U.S., you will need to apply for one at a U.S. consulate outside
the United States. At your interview, you will need to provide all of the
information above as well as a letter of enrollment, which you can request
from the ISO.
NOTE: If you entered the U.S. under “special registration”,
you must meet with an immigration official at one of the designated ports
of exit (despite any advice to the contrary from any airline official!).
If you have any questions, please ask in the ISO prior to your departure.
To travel within the U.S. you must carry:
passport
I-94
I-20 or DS-2019
Use your @myers.edu email account
The ISO will notify all F1 and J1 students of any immigration-related reminders
or updates by sending an email to his/her @myers.edu email account. It
is the student’s responsibility to read these emails if they want
to have the latest, most accurate information.
New Immigration Regulations for International Students in F and J Visa
Status
As a service to our international community, we are providing this information
to update you on the new regulations that went into effect on January 1,
2003 regarding students and exchange visitors (those in F and J status).
It is very important that you read this information carefully, making sure
you understand how it affects you, your dependent family members and your
stay in the U.S. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate call
the ISO at (216) 361-2780 or stop by the International Student Office (ISO).
What is SEVIS?
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the new mechanism
employed by the U.S. government to track the arrival, enrollment and departures
of international students and their dependents. As of January 30, 2003,
Myers University, and every other university in the United States, is now
required to use SEVIS.
SEVIS is an internet-based system that requires schools and the U.S. Citizenship
and Immigration Services (USCIS) to exchange data on the immigration and
academic status of international students.
Data schools must report
How does this affect you as an international student?
Enrolling full time: Undergraduate students MUST be enrolled for at least
12 credit hours per semester. Graduate students must be enrolled 9
credit hours, 6 with assistantship, or register for "Thesis Only" course
if you’ve completed coursework and are working on thesis work.
Dropping below full time: If for some reason, you are unable to enroll
full time during a semester (medical problem, initial difficulties,
or final semester) you MUST talk to the ISO before you drop below full
time.
We must approve this action prior to it happening or you will fall
out of status.
Changing your degree program: If you change your degree program, you
will receive a new I-20 and your record will be updated in SEVIS.
Transferring to another school: If you plan to transfer to another
school, you must first come to the ISO. Once you decide which school
you will
transfer to, we must complete an immigration transfer procedure. This
will allow
the new school to issue you a new I-20 or DS-2019.
Updating your address: You MUST update your address within 10 days
of any move. If you live on-campus and off-campus, make this change
by email
to
ISO.
Graduating and Applying for Optional Practical Training
Apply BEFORE graduation: Now, students MUST complete the application
and send to USCIS by graduation day. Those who have completed at least
one
full academic year of study (fall and winter semesters) may begin the
application process up to 120 days before graduation.
Get a second degree at a higher level, get another 12 months: Another
amendment to the regulations state that you are eligible for an additional
12 months
of practical training if you have completed a second degree at a higher
level. If you got your bachelors degree, applied for and received 12
months of OPT, and then complete a masters or PhD, you are now eligible
to apply
for another 12 months of OPT.
Dependents
Full-time study: Dependents of F students (those holding F-2 status)
are no longer able to study full time at the university level.
Immigration documents for dependents: All F-2 and J-2 dependents will
now have to have their own I-20/DS-2019.
The ISO is a Myers University office and NOT part of the USCIS or other
government agency. Our staff is dedicated to the University's mission
and assisting our international students and exchange visitors. We
want to
assist you in achieving your educational goals; however, we must also
follow federal regulations in order to ensure our ability to continue
to bring
international students to Myers University. We hope you will assist
us in this goal by reading, understanding and abiding by the code of
regulations
governing your stay in the U.S. as an F or J visa holder.
Documents & Definitions
1. Passport - The passport is a document issued by your home country
government giving permission to travel outside the country. It is renewed
through
your embassy. For passport renewal purposes, letters verifying enrollment
can be requested from the ISO.
2. Visa - The visa is a multi-colored stamp or designated page in the
passport, which is issued by a U.S. consulate abroad. It allows the visa
holder to enter the U.S. for the time designated on the visa and need only
be valid on the day you enter the U.S. If your visa expires or you change
your status, you need to obtain a new visa at a U.S. consulate abroad,
as it is not possible to obtain or revalidate the visa in the U.S.
Types of Visas
•
F1 student: permits an individual to enter the U.S. for fulltime study
at a designated institution. Form I-20 is used to obtain an F1 visa at
an embassy outside the U.S.
•
J1 exchange visitor: permits an individual to enter the U.S. for study,
teaching, research, and training. Form DS-2019 is used to obtain a J1 visa.
•
I-94 Card (Arrival/Departure Record) - This small, white card is usually
stapled in the passport at the port of entry. It indicates the authorized
period of stay in the U.S. by the marking, “D/S” (duration
of status) as long as the student is maintaining valid F1 status. If there
is anything other than “D/S” marked on your I-94 card, please
see the ISO.
•
I-20/DS-2019 - The I-20 is the immigration document for F1 students, and
the DS-2019 is the immigration document for J1 exchange visitors. They
should reflect your current academic program and personal information.
They should be kept with your passport and when signed by a Designated
School Official to serve as a travel document.
Maintaining Your Immigration Status
•
Keep passport valid for six months beyond expiration date
•
Maintain full-time academic student status, which is a minimum of 12 hours
for undergraduates; 9 hours for graduates or 6 hours with assistantship
•
Obtain appropriate permission to work on or off campus
•
Apply for program extension if more time is needed PRIOR to expiration
of I-20 or DS-2019
•
Keep local address up-to-date
•
Follow procedures for transferring to another U.S. institution
•
Complete Federal and State income tax forms for employment for the previous
year
Transferring- Out of Myers University
You must notify the ISO of your intent to transfer prior to the end of
the current semester and make a decision of which school you intend to
transfer to within 60 days of the last date of being registered. The ISO
will then “release” your SEVIS record to the new school and
they will issue you a new I-20/DS-2019. See the ISO for more information.
On-Campus Employment/Off-Campus Employment
All employment for students enrolled in academic courses is limited to
20 hrs./week during the academic year and full-time during vacations and
holidays.
A social security number is required for payroll and tax withholding purposes.
A. On-Campus Employment
•
Immigration authorization is not required.
•
Financial need is not necessary.
•
Application for employment is made with the department.
•
I-9 and tax withholding forms are done in the ISO.
B. Off-Campus Employment (By Visa Type)
•
F1 students must be in student status for one academic year.
•
J1 student eligibility is determined by type of exchange.
•
Evidence must be presented that shows unexpected severe economic hardship.
•
Application is made in the ISO.
C. Practical Training
•
Optional Practical Training (OPT) - available during and after completion
of an academic program
•
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - available during program of study.
This applies to Master degree student only.
•
Academic Training (J1 only) - available during and after completion of
study
Social Security Number
Students on F1 or J1 visas who will be employed are eligible for a social
security number and must apply in person at the local Social Security Office
at least 10 days after their SEVIS registration, performed by the ISO.
Proof of visa status is required and will include passport, I-94 card,
I-20 or DS-2019, a letter of eligibility from the ISO and a letter from
the employing department (if on campus). For off-campus work, you will
need to show page 3 of your I-20 for CPT or your EAD for OPT/economic hardship.
Applications and directions to the Social Security Office are available
in the ISO.
Myers Student Identification Number
The Myers University student numbers (000-xx-xxxx) are issued to students
who do not have a social security number. They are used on campus for
record and identification purposes but cannot be used when a social security
number is required for work or getting a driver’s license.
Taxes
•
Social Security & Medicare — Students with F1 or J1 visas are
exempt from withholding Social Security and Medicare taxes if they have
been in the U.S. in that status for 5 years or less. See the ISO for more
information.
•
Income tax-all students who work are required to file federal and state
income tax forms. Tax seminars to assist students are conducted by the
ISO each spring prior to the tax-filing deadline.
•
Property Tax – anyone residing in Cleveland areas and owning property
(car, house, etc.) is required to pay annual property tax. Students are
responsible for registering cars and other major property and paying assessed
taxes.
Safety Tips
Myers University is a safe campus; however it is always a good idea to
be aware of your surroundings and walk with another person, especially
at night.
Travel
To re-enter the U.S. after a temporary absence you must carry the following
documents:
