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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to attend Orientation?

Orientation is mandatory for every new international student at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, including undergraduate, graduate, sponsored, exchange, transfer and ESL students. At orientation, you will receive a lot of important information on staying in legal visa status, getting a bank account, working while you are here, safety, staying healthy and many other topics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet other international students, as well as the ISSS advisors and other OGE staff. If you do not attend, a registration hold will be placed on your account.

Do I have to carry medical insurance while I am here?

Yes. As of June 4, 2015, all international students taking at least one credit hour are required to have health insurance that is comparable to the coverage provided with the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø sponsored student health insurance plan. Not only is having medical insurance a requirement when you are studying at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, it is very important to have, as well. If you have questions such as these, please visit DeWeese Health Center or call them at 330-672-8263.

I have questions about immunizations and health requirements for studying at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. Who should I ask?

If you have questions such as these, please visit DeWeese Health Center or call them at 330-672-8263.

Do I have to schedule an appointment to meet with an ISSS advisor?

At times, yes you do. Other times, you are able to meet with an advisor during walk-in hours. Please refer to the advising schedule.

As an international student, can I open a U.S. bank account?

Yes. You may open a bank account at any bank you choose. The most common bank that our students choose is PNC. There is an on-campus branch in the Student Center.
Establishing a U.S. Bank Account

How do I get a Social Security Number (SSN)?

You cannot get a social security card/number without a job offer. As a new international student, it may seem like you need a social security card to open certain accounts (phone, bank, electric); however, most providers WILL allow you to sign up for an account without one. If a company (such as a cell phone provider) will not let you sign up without an SSN, you will be unable to get a phone with that provider. If you have a job offer, you will have to get an Social Security Employment Verification Form and complete an I-9 form. ISSS can help you with these.

How can I use the bus system to get to surrounding cities?

The Portage Area Regional Transit Authority, or PARTA, offers free travel training to anyone who wants to learn how to use the bus system to get around campus and the surrounding area. Please read the Transportation System FAQ for more information.

How many credit hours are required to be a "full time" student?

In order to be a full-time student and meet the enrollment requirements to maintain valid F-1 student status, undergraduate students must be enrolled a minimum of 12 hours and graduate students must be enrolled a minimum of 8 credit hours.

Can I drop below full time?

Only in certain situations. Do NOT drop any classes before coming to the Office of Global Education to speak with an ISSS advisor. If you drop below full time without our approval, you will be considered out of status and your immigration record could be terminated.

Can I take the summer term off?

If you are enrolled full time in the fall and spring semesters, and intend to continue your studies full time, you are eligible to take the summer term off.

I want to travel outside the U.S. What should I do?

If you want to travel outside the U.S., you must have a valid F-1/J-1 visa, a valid I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature on page 2, and a valid passport (valid at least 6 months into the future). If you are planning to travel to a country other than your home country, view this link:  for travel guidelines and visa requirements.

I'm an international student. I have to go to another country for my research during the summer break. What should I do before I go there?

ISSS is not able to give any advice on entering a foreign country; you need to check the entry requirements with that country's embassy. However, to return make sure you have a valid passport, valid entry visa (not expired, issued for multiple entries), and that you have had your I-20 or DS-2019 endorsed for travel by an ISSS advisor. International students are not required to register for summer unless it is their first or last semester so there are no registration issues when traveling over summer. Note: If you plan to be out of the country for more than five months, please see an ISSS advisor.

Do I need a new signature on my I-20/DS-2019 every time I travel?

No. Travel signatures on I-20s are valid for one year, and travel signatures on DS-2019s are valid for 6 months. If you are on OPT or an OPT STEM Extension, travel signatures are valid for only 6 months. We recommend having ISSS review your documents any time you plan to travel outside of the country to make sure that everything is correct. You can leave your documents with ISSS for review and pick them up the following day.

My I-20 was not stamped upon reentry into the U.S. What should I do?

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) no longer stamps I-20s/DS-2019s. You should have received a stamp in your passport indicating your date of entry and visa status. If you do not have this stamp, please contact us.

What happens if my visa expires?

A visa is an "entry document" used to enter the U.S. If it expires in the U.S., there is no need for concern as long as you are maintaining valid F-1 status. However, if you plan to leave the U.S., you will need a valid visa for reentry into the U.S. Visas are issued at the U.S. Embassy abroad. Check with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your home country regarding visa renewal requirements. F-1 and J-1 students must obtain a travel signature less than a year old) on their I-20 or DS-2019, and are advised to take a copy of their next semester's school schedule with them (students on OPT should have their Employment Authorization document and proof of qualifying employment).

What happens if my I-20/DS-2019 expires before I complete my program?

You must come in to ISSS as soon as possible and BEFORE your I-20/DS-2019 expires to have your document extended. If your I-20/DS-2019 will expire earlier than your anticipated program completion date, you may request an extension of your I-20/DS-2019 no earlier than 120 days prior to the end date on your I-20/DS-2019.

I am out of status. What should I do?

If you are out of status, you must make an appointment immediately to review your options for returning to status.

Can I work full time on campus?

You can work up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring terms. During summer, winter break, and spring break, you can work up to 28 hours on campus if you are not taking classes. You do not need any special approval from ISSS to work on campus if you already have a social security number.

Can I work off campus?

You can only work off campus if you have been approved for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or Academic Training for J-1 students. All of these require authorization. You can find more information on CPT, OPT, and Academic Training in the ISSS Guides and Forms Library. Internships are work and, as such, authorization must be obtained if you plan to have an internship at any time. In times of financial trouble, it is possible to apply for off-campus work authorization. If you would like more information, please make an appointment with an advisor to talk about Severe Economic Hardship.

Is it possible to obtain OPT without a job offer?

Yes. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.

How many hours do I need to register for if I am applying for CPT?

PT stands for Curricular Practical Training. Its intent is to be used as a supplement to what you are learning, such as through a required internship in your program. It must also be approved  by your academic advisor. Please read the CPT information found under the Employment and Immigration section. During the spring, summer, and fall, you must be registered for the course in which you will receive credit for the CPT experience. During Fall and Spring semesters, you must also be pursuing a "Full Course of Study", which is at least 8 credits (at least 5 in-person or hybrid) for Master's and PhD students and 12 credits (at least 9 of which are in-person or hybrid) for students at the undergraduate level. Reduced Course Load and Full-time Equivalency (for graduate students working on thesis, comprehensive exams, etc.) may be available in some situations. For detailed information on CPT, visit the and open the CPT Request in the Request Center. 

How can a dependent in F-2 status obtain permission to work?

They cannot. Anyone in F-2 status is not permitted to work under any circumstances.

Are there any programs for which your office cannot issue an I-20?

Yes, there are a few programs we cannot issue I-20s for because the program's curriculum conflicts with current restrictions on online or distance learning coursework for F-1 students. Students are still welcomed to apply to these programs and take the courses from their home countries.

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