Immigration FAQs

A non-immigrant is an individual that is not a citizen of the United States, who wishes to be admitted to the United States for a limited time period, as well as a specific purpose, and plans to depart the United States after completing said purpose.

F-1 and J-1 are different non-immigrant visa statuses. F-1 status is for individuals coming to the U.S. to be full-time students. J-1 status is for individuals coming to the U.S. as students, scholars, trainees, teachers, professors, research assistants, medical graduates or international visitors. Individuals in J-1 status take part in a wide range of exchange visitor programs sponsored by schools, institutions, and organizations.

F-1 and J-1 are different non-immigrant visa statuses. F-1 status is for individuals coming to the U.S. to be full-time students. J-1 status is for individuals coming to the U.S. as students, scholars, trainees, teachers, professors, research assistants, medical graduates or international visitors. Individuals in J-1 status take part in a wide range of exchange visitor programs sponsored by schools, institutions, and organizations.

The Form I-20 shows that an individual has been admitted to a school or college in the United States as a student. It is issued by the college the individual is authorized to attend and indicates how long the individual may remain in the U.S. to complete a program of study. It also indicates the students’ major field of study. Students in valid F-1 status are allowed to remain in the U.S. until the completion of their studies, plus a 60-day grace period.

The Form DS-2019 shows that an individual is eligible for “Exchange Visitor” status. It is issued by the college (or sponsoring organization/institution) and indicates how long the individual may remain in the U.S. Individuals in valid J-1 status are allowed to remain in the U.S. until the completion of their program, plus a 30-day grace period.

The visa is issued at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the U.S. and is stamped in a passport.  A valid F-1 visa is required to enter the U.S. in F-1 student status. A valid J-1 visa is required to enter the U.S. in J-1 exchange visitor status. The expiration date of a visa does not affect how long an individual may stay in the U.S.

The Form I-94 is an official "Arrival/Departure Record." The Form I-94 is automated and is available online. The Form I-94 indicates an individual’s immigration status (F-1, J-1, etc.) and the expiration date of that status. The expiration date for F-1 and J-1 students is usually “D/S” which means “Duration of Status”. The “D/S” notation refers to the completion date of the program or the end date on the Form I-20/ DS-2019 (whichever is earlier).

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a Department of Homeland Security internet based electronic monitoring system for international students and scholars. Individuals seeking F-1 or J-1 status are subject to a SEVIS fee which must be paid to the Department of Homeland Security before the U.S. Consulate/Embassy interview for the initial visa. Please see SEVIS Fee Facts and Instructions for additional information regarding amounts and procedures for fee payment.

USCIS are the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, one of the branches of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Immigration documents are issued for the period of time it takes to complete a specific program. Section 5 on the Form I-20 and Section 3 on the Form DS-2019 indicate the beginning and ending dates of the individual’s program. If the individual cannot complete the program before the end date noted on the immigration document, they must apply for an extension of stay. If the individual remains in the U.S. after the program end date and the grace period, they will be out of status and ineligible for an extension of stay.

If you entered the U.S. in B-1/B-2 status or with a visa waiver, you must meet with the International Student and Scholar Advisor (ISSA) immediately to discuss your options. You are not eligible to attend classes in a full-time degree program in this status.  You must not begin to attend classes until you have changed your status back to F-1 or J-1.

• A valid Form I-20/ Form DS-2019 signed for re-entry by an ISSA within the past year
• A passport that is valid until at least six months into the future
• A valid F-1/J-1 visa (except Canadian citizens)
• Proof of financial support
• A Wellesley College Acceptance Letter

The Form I-20/DS-2019 is a federal document that verifies that you are a full-time student in valid F-1/J-1 non-immigrant status. The form must be signed by your ISSA to confirm that you are currently maintaining your student status and that you are eligible to re-enter the U.S. to continue your studies.

You can come to Slater International Center during walk-in hours or you can make an appointment. The Slater International Center also holds “Travel Signature Days” during busy travel periods so that students can come anytime during a specified day. You must bring all of your original immigration documents with you when you come to the Slater International Center to obtain a travel signature. You should plan to have your Form I-20/DS-2019 signed well in advance of travel outside of the U.S.

If you have a valid passport, an expired F-1/J-1 visa, a Form I-20/Form DS-2019 with and up-to-date travel signature, and an entry stamp in your passport indicating you have been admitted for Duration of Status (D/S) you can re-enter the U.S. in valid F-1/J-1 status as long as your trip is for less than 30 days. You can tell the border official that you are taking advantage of "automatic visa revalidation." Currently, this benefit does not apply to citizens of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria. In addition, if you decide to renew your visa in Canada, Mexico, or any adjacent island and your visa is denied, you may not re-enter the U.S. on automatic visa revalidation.

You must notify your Wellesley College ISSA prior to starting classes at the new university and request a SEVIS record transfer. You will be sent instructions and a form to complete. If Wellesley College does not release your SEVIS record, your new school will not be able to issue you a new Form I-20.

F-1 Students

Students in valid F-1 status are allowed to work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during the school year and full-time during official college breaks. No official work permission is required. For off-campus employment, authorization from both the ISSA and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is required. In most cases, off-campus employment must be directly related to your field of study and can only be authorized after one academic year in F-1 status.

J-1 Students

Students in valid J-1 status are allowed to work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during the school year and full-time during official college breaks.  Off-campus employment authorization for Academic Training may be granted for a limited period of time during or following your studies at Wellesley. Authorization is required from the ISSA based on a specific offer of employment and a recommendation from your Class Dean.

F-1 and J-1 students may apply for a social security number if they have an on-campus employment offer or off-campus employment authorization. If you have on-campus employment, you will need to complete an “On-Campus Employment Form” to verify your eligibility for a social security number. If you have off-campus employment, you will need to show proof of employment authorization.  See the handout on “Obtaining a Social Security Number" for more information.

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires that anyone who plans to live in Massachusetts for more than one year must obtain a Massachusetts' Driver's license within 30 days of obtaining their car. The RMV will request your social security number when you apply for a license. If you are not eligible for a social security number, the Social Security Administration will issue you a “Denial Letter” which you will include with your application for a license.

An official "International Driver's License" from certain countries may be used for up to one year if you do not plan to live in the U.S. for more than one year. Please visit the RMV website for more details.

Yes! Most students will need to file at least one tax form. Students in F-1/J-1 status who have been in the U.S. for less than 5 years are usually considered nonresidents for tax purposes and must file the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 8843. Those who have had a U.S. source of income or receive a scholarship or financial aid must also file Form 1040NR or 1040NREZ and some may have to file a Massachusetts State income tax return. Slater International Center provides limited resources to international students to comply with U.S tax regulations.