F-1 Student Regulations
Students arriving for the first time from overseas or transferring to OPSU
must check in with the International Office in order to update your SEVIS
record. SEVIS requires that all students be registered within 30 days of
the first day of classes.
Students beginning a new degree or program at OPSU need to file a change of level with SEVIS if you plan to stay at OPSU for an additional degree at the same level of study (bachelor's degree). A new I-20 will be issued in SEVIS from the International Office. Contact the International Office to inform the staff of this change prior to the start of the semester
Students transferring from another
U.S. university must contact the International Office in order
to obtain a Transfer I-20. You will need your transcript from
the previous school, all original I-20's, passport, I-94, and
a completed OPSU transfer form. The transfer must be completed
in SEVIS within 21 days of classes beginning. You will be required
to obtain a transfer I-20 and a SEVIS registration in order
to be "in status" with BCIS.
Students needing additional time
to complete a degree are required to file for a program extension
if you are not able to complete your current degree by the
date indicated in item number 5 on the original I-20 issued
when you were first admitted to OPSU. The program extension
is based on a justified academic reason for not completing
the degree in a timely manner. This should not be an issue
as each I-20 issued includes a one-year grace period included
in the start and end dates.
Students changing their major need to visit with their academic department and complete the appropriate forms to indicate the change in the OPSU student system. You will need to contact the International Office to report the change. The International Office must list the change in SEVIS and issue a new I-20 indicating the change in major.
Students seeking a reduced course
load must seek permission to drop a class prior to dropping
the class through OPSU's Admissions Office. SEVIS requires
the International Office to give permission to drop the class
prior to dropping the class. If the student drops the class
prior to approval by the International Office, the student
will be "out of status." The International office may approve
a reduced course load only for the following reasons: 1) academic
difficulties within the initial semester 2) improper course
level, and 3) medical condition.
Students who change their addresses
must report their change of address to the International Office
within 10 days of the change of address
