International Student Information

This section contains information that is particularly relevant to international students. While this section is important, international students need to become familiar with the materials and important information contained throughout this Guilford College Student Handbook. For additional information, contact the campus international student adviser located in the International Center (ext. 2128).

SEVIS. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an online database implemented by the U.S. government in January of 2003. The system enables the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to maintain updated biographical and programmatic information on F-1 students living in the United States. SEVIS tracks all exits and entries to the United States of F-1 students.

The following types of information are tracked in SEVIS:

  • Arrival at Guilford and ongoing program participation
  • Name and address changes
  • Change of field of study
  • Program end dates including extensions and early terminations
  • Practical training and other off-campus employment requests

The international student adviser is required to register all F-1 visa-holding students in SEVIS at the beginning of each semester. Students must report to the international student adviser at the beginning of each semester to confirm class registration and attendance at the College. The international student adviser will contact students to remind them of this responsibility and to schedule times to meet.

Maintaining Your Student Status. As an international student you must maintain your F-1 student status while studying in the United States. To maintain your student status you must:

  • report to the international student adviser at the beginning of each semester.
  • maintain a full course of study (at least 12 credit hours per semester). An exception is made for those seniors who need less than 12 credits to graduate during their final semester.
  • not work off-campus without prior approval of immigration and the international student advisor. Students are not eligible for such approval during the first academic year.
  • attend the school on whose I-20 you entered the United States.
  • complete your degree within the time limit as specified on your initial I-20. Should you require additional time, you must apply for an extension or you will be considered out of status.
  • have the back of your I-20 endorsed by the International Student Adviser to allow you to reenter the U.S. after leaving the country.
  • keep your passport valid at all times.

*Failure to maintain status can result in the termination of your visa*

Your Passport. Keep your passport in a safe place. It is your most important document. The passport must be valid at least six months into the future while you are enrolled as a student. It is your responsibility to know when your passport will expire and to contact your home country's nearest Consulate or Embassy for renewal.

Your I-20. This I-20 serves as your international student identification document while on the F-1 visa and must be carried at all times. You must keep all copies of the I-20 issued to you. When leaving the United States, you must get the international student adviser 's signature on page 3 of the document to reenter. Any additional benefits obtained through the Department of Homeland Security are recorded on this I-20.

Your Visa. The visa stamped in your passport at the U.S. Consulate gives you permission to enter for a specific purpose and period of time. Since the stamp is important only for entry and reentry into the United States, you need not worry if it expires while you are in the U.S. You must get a new visa to reenter the United States if you leave and the existing visa has expired. If your visa has expired and you plan top travel outside of the United States, please contact the international student adviser. Visas cannot be renewed within the United States.

Your I-94. The Form I-94 is the paper card attached to your passport and officially determines how long you can remain in the United States. Most F-1 visa holders have their I-94 stamped "D/S" (Duration of Status) indicating that the student can remain to complete studies as long as they maintain student status.

Employment. If you are in the United States on a F-1 visa, you are expected to have sufficient funds so that you will not have to work. With approval of the international student adviser, you may work on campus as long as it does not interfere with your academic work. You may not work more than 20 hours per week when college is in session. You can work full-time during holidays and summer vacation. You cannot work off-campus without permission from the Immigration Service and a recommendation from the international student adviser. Under extreme circumstances, you are eligible for employment based on economic hardship. This program requires an application procedure. Please check with the international student adviser regarding all employment questions.

Practical Training. You are eligible for up to 12 months of optional practical training. Such training must be directly related to your college major. Training can be part-time (20 hours a week) if done prior to graduation (designated as curricular practical training and includes internships) or full-time during the summer and upon completion of your degree. Check with the international student adviser for details.

Vacation Periods and Temporary Departures from the United States. After completing your first academic year (two consecutive semesters), you are eligible to take vacation breaks while remaining in the United States. When temporarily leaving the United States, you must have your I-20 endorsed by the international student adviser.

Transferring to Another College. If you are an F-1 student and have maintained valid legal status and full-time study, you are eligible to transfer if you intend to pursue full-time study elsewhere and are financially able to attend the new college. See the international student adviser if you plan to transfer.

Your International Student File. Immigration regulations require the International Office to maintain records on all international students attending the college. Therefore you must maintain regular contact with the international student adviser and update your file when changes are made, such as renewal of a passport, visa, time and point of reentry, change of major or a change of address.

College Closings. You should be aware that at the present time residence halls are closed during the semester break December-January for all students. If you are without resources or a place to stay during these times, please contact the international student adviser.