Top Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions in ISSS

At Auburn the number one reason that a student goes out of status is working too many hours over 20 in any one week). The number two reason is failing to pursue a full course of study (9 hours for Graduate students and 12 for undergrads unless you have gotten PRIOR permission from a DSO before school begins). The third most common reason is failing to make degree progress or being dropped for a program. IF you should find yourself out of status, you must see Sue Ann Balch and/or a DSO/ARO to obtain detailed instructions on how to proceed to attempt to reinstate IF possible. Listed below are all of the reasons for which an international student could cause themselves to drop from status:

• Not reporting to the DSO within 30 days of the program start date
• Failing to pursue a full course of study
• Failing to make normal degree progress -- complete your plan of study prior to the end of program date on the I-20/DS-2019 unless there are extenuating circumstances
• Failing to keep form I-20 valid at all times
• Failing to report all changes of major or levels to your DSO
• Failing to notify your DSO about transfers
• Failing to abide by grace periods
• Failing to report all address changes to your DSO within 10 days
• Failing to abide by rules requiring disclosure of information and prohibition against criminal activity
• Failing to abide by special requirements such as Special Registration
• Working off campus unless authorized by a DSO or the USCIS
• Failing to abide by the unemployment rules and employment rules while on OPT
• Failing to keep your passport valid at all times

If you are in good standing at AU as an international student, exchange visitor, family member of the previous two, or an international employee of the University, you are eligible to obtain an Alabama Driver's license if you meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum of 160 days remaining on the validity of your documents ^*
• Have a valid passport, I-20, and have possession of your latest I-94
• Have a good standing letter from the Office of International Student and Scholar Services
• Either a social security card OR a denial letter from SSN stating that you are not eligible for one

Forms are available on our website under "Forms". Bear in mind that a driver's license is a privilege and NOT a right for both US Citizens and foreign nationals so during peak times of our office's processing be patient and wait for our email saying your letter is ready for pickup. (Not more than 30 days)

^*I-20s and DS-2019s will NOT be extended for the purposes of obtaining a driver's license but ONLY for valid academic reasons.

• Attend one of our OPT sessions. Times and dates are on our calendar
• Complete all the forms in a proper and timely manner including all needed supporting documents. Forms are found under "Forms" on our website
• Schedule an appointment to see your DSO

Although the regulations allow you to apply up to 90 days prior to the program end date and 60 days after, DO NOT wait until the last 30 days to apply. Processing times for obtaining your card vary greatly. You run the risk of having a job offer and no way to work because your card will not have been approved. Your program end date coincides with the date you obtain your certificate of completion. For some people this may be the same as your graduation date.

• Attend one of our sessions
• Complete all forms accurately
• Obtain your offer letter from the company who plans to hire you first. A sample letter for the company to use is included with the forms

• Provide proof of funding to your DSO or ARO for F-2 or J-2 dependents
• Complete the form found on our website
• Give your officer a copy of the dependent's passport
• Otherwise apply for B-2 visas

• Health insurance for international students and their dependents is an Auburn University Board Policy. It is mandatory
• For J-1's and their dependents, it is also Federal Law
• Health care in the USA is astronomically expensive. Without insurance you would not have the funds, should you or your dependents get sick or injured, to remain in school and therefore the USA

NO. They are prohibited from working for pay either on campus or off campus.

YES. But they must first apply for and obtain and EAD card. See your ARO if you wish to apply for one.

Schedule an appointment to see either Sue Ann Balch.---the PDSO/RO or your DSO/ARO.

Schedule an appointment to see Sue Ann Balch.