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International Student Immigration | Office of International Education | Ferris State University

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International Student Immigration

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Owner International Office of Education
Contact [email protected] 

Contents

The Office of International Education of Ferris State University supports international students throughout the admission process, their time as students, and after graduation.

A comprehensive International Student Orientation assists new international students with moving into university housing, shopping, becoming familiar with campus, and making new friends. Cultural and social events throughout the year help foster a caring and supportive network. Immigration support and advising keep international students informed about changes, policies, and how to maintain their student visa status. While the Office of International Education provides support and guidance, students are ultimately responsible for maintaining their visa status.

If international students have any questions about immigration rules and policies, they should contact the Office of International Education. On this page, you will find important information, rules, and regulations for international students studying in the United States.

  1. F-1 Students
  2. J-1 Students and Scholars
  3. Maintaining Student Status (Academic & Financial)
  4. Reduced Course Load
  5. Authorized Early Withdrawal (AEW)
  6. I-20 Termination
  7. On Campus Employment
  8. Health Insurance
  9. Taxes
  10. Social Security Number (SSN) and Taxpayer Identification (ITIN)
  11. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  12. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

 

A. F-1 Students

  •  F-1 students are degree-seeking international students who plan to complete their program in the United States.
  • The immigration document for F-1 students is the Form I-20.
  • Students are issued an F-1 visa, which allows entry into the United States in student status. 
  • F-1 students may be eligible for CPT and OPT benefits once certain criteria have been met.

B. J-1 Students

  • J-1 students are exchange students from partner universities.
  • Their length of stay is typically one or two semesters.
  • They are assigned a learning plan, with courses selected by the partner university for the duration of the exchange.
  • They may also be assigned a cultural component as part of the exchange program.
  • Visit scholars and academics may also receive a J-1 visa. The Office of International Education will assist them with relevant J-1 visa documents.

C. Maintaining Student Status (Academic & Financial)

Academic

  • F-1 and J-1 students are required to comply with immigration laws and must meet certain criteria to maintain their student status.
  • Students must be enrolled full-time. For F-1 and J-1 undergraduate students, this is 12 credits, and for F-1 graduate students, it is 9 credits.
  • F-1 undergraduate and J-1 students must be enrolled in at least 9 in-person credits. F-1 graduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 in-person credits. Hybrid courses count as in-person.
  • F-1 students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 to remain in good academic standing.
  • Consecutive semesters with a GPA below 2.0 may result in academic probation and suspension. Suspension will result in the loss of good academic standing and may lead to I-20 termination.

Financial

  • Students must pay their account balance within the timeframe required by Financial Services.
  • Failure to pay may result in being withdrawn from classes, which can lead to I-20 termination.

D. Reduced Course Load

  • A reduced course load allows students to drop below full-time enrollment under specific circumstances. If approved, it is documented on the I-20.
  • This may be approved due to first-semester academic difficulty.
  • This may also be approved for medical reasons with proper documentation from a doctor.
  • Students in their final semester may enroll in fewer credits if it is required to complete their program.

E. Authorized Early Withdrawal

  • Authorized Early Withdrawal (AEW) allows students to temporarily withdraw from the university due to personal matters.
  • A student’s I-20 will be terminated as a result of AEW.
  • Students must depart the United States within 15 days of the AEW to avoid violating their status.
  • If students return to the U.S. within five months, their I-20 may be reactivated.

F. I-20 Termination

The I-20 may be terminated for several reasons, including:

  • Authorized Early Withdrawal, which is an approved absence from the university.
  • Unauthorized drop below full-time enrollment without proper authorization.
  • Failure to enroll in classes on time or not enrolling in enough in-person courses.
  • Change of visa status.
  • Academic suspension.
  • Dismissal from the university.

G. On Campus Employment

  • F-1 and J-1 students are generally limited to on-campus employment.
  • Students may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term.
  • During summer breaks, students may work up to 40 hours per week.
  • Common student jobs include positions in dining services, residence life, and the recreation center.
  • Job opportunities can be found on Ferris360.

H. Health Insurance

  • Health insurance is required for all international students at Ferris.
  • International students are automatically enrolled with an insurance policy form GeoBlue.
  • The policy cost is billed to the student account.
  • 100% of charges go towards the cost of insurance.
  • A new insurance card is issued each semester.
  • Some international students may be eligible for an insurance waiver if they have comparable coverage. Waiver information and application is emailed to all international students before the start of the academic semester.

I. Taxes

  • All students who earn income in the United States are required to file taxes.
  • Income may include wages, scholarships, and investments.
  • Students must file federal, state, and, if applicable, city taxes.

J. Social Security Number (SSN) and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

  • A Social Security Number is a tax identification number required for employment.
  • It may also be needed for opening a bank account, signing a lease, or applying for credit.
  • Most students use their SSN to file taxes.
  • Processing typically takes 5–10 business days in Big Rapids.
  • An ITIN is another form of identification used for tax reporting.
  • Students who are not eligible for an SSN may apply for an ITIN.
  • Students receiving scholarships are eligible to apply for an ITIN.
  • The application process may take several months.

K. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

  • CPT is employment authorization for F-1 students to work off-campus as part of their academic program.
  • Students must complete one academic year before becoming eligible.
  • During the academic term, CPT is limited to 20 hours per week.
  • During summer and winter breaks, students may work more than 20 hours per week.
  • CPT is commonly completed during junior or senior year but may be done earlier depending on the program.

CPT Application Process

  • Students find a job or internship opportunity and meet with their academic advisor.
  • Students must register for an internship or appropriate Ferris course.
  • Students complete the CPT agreement form, turn it into the Office of International Education and receive an updated I-20.
  • Students may only work within the authorized dates listed on page 2 of the I-20.
  • The updated I-20 serves as the employment authorization document. 

L. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Post-Completion OPT

  • OPT is employment authorization approved by USCIS.
  • It post-completion OPT allows F-1 students to work in the United States in a field related to their degree while still on their student visa status.
  • Students are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT per degree level.
  • Most students work at least 21 hours per week during OPT.
  • Students do not need a job offer to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Students must have maintained F-1 status for at least one academic year.
  • Students must not have previously used 12 months of OPT at the same degree level.
  • Students must not have accumulated 12 months or more of full-time CPT at the same degree level.
  • Part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.

OPT Application Details

  • Students may apply up to 90 days before program completion.
  • Processing typically takes 6–8 weeks.
  • Applications may be submitted up to 60 days after program completion.
  • Late applications may reduce the total OPT duration.
  • The application fee is $470.

STEM Extension OPT

  • The STEM OPT Extension provides an additional two years of work authorization for eligible STEM majors.
  • Students must complete Form I-983, which outlines a detailed training plan.
  • The training plan must be completed with the student’s supervisor.
  • Students must report updated personal information every six months.
  • Students must complete a self-evaluation after one year and a final evaluation at the end of the extension.
  • The application fee is $470.

Pre-completion OPT

  • Pre-completion OPT is used while you are still a student, before your program end date.
  • Allows students to work before they complete their academic program in a job related to their field of study.
  • Any time used for pre-completion OPT is deducted from the total 12 months of OPT that could be used post-completion.
  • Pre-completion OPT is not commonly utilized except under some specific circumstances.
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