Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 General Catalog 
    
2022-2023 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG–FOR INFORMATION ONLY]

Immigration Requirements


Person IconInternational Student and Scholar Services
Email – ST 169 – (435) 586-1995
Website IconWebsite
 

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) facilitates a wide array of support services designed to promote the academic and personal success of SUU’s international students and scholars. ISSS manages the international admissions process and operates the federally mandated Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to ensure that all international students and scholars at SUU maintain their proper legal status under federal statutes and regulations.

ISSS supports student and scholars through cultural and academic adjustment by providing in-depth orientation programs, student support courses, and individual advising sessions. The department functions as a point of contact to help international students and scholars navigate SUU’s campus and connect with other departments on campus. ISSS offers a variety of additional support services to students and scholars including airport shuttle transportation, housing arrangements, and local shopping trips and excursions. ISSS also develops interactive programming to highlight the international cultures on campus and engage campus and community members.

Immigration Check-In

When first arriving at SUU, all new international students and scholars are required to check-in with International Student & Scholar Services, located in the Sharwan Smith Student Center, and provide the following within 30 days of arriving in the United States:

Insurance

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and SUU require that every international student and scholar obtain and maintain personal health insurance throughout the duration of their time at SUU. The following coverage minimums have been established by USCIS to ensure students and scholars are financially protected in the event of sickness or injury:

Coverage Minimums*

  • Medical Benefits: $200,000
  • Maximum Deductible: $500
  • Medical Evacuation: $50,000
  • Repatriation: $25,000

*Note: USCIS coverage minimums are subject to change. Please visit www.suu.edu/iss for the most current information.

Immunizations

International students and scholars must provide official record of at least two (2) doses of the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). The MMR vaccine can be administered in the home country or shortly after arriving in the U.S.

Note: The second dose of the MMR vaccine must be administered in the home country at least 30 days prior to arrival at SUU.

Tuberculosis Testing

All international students, exchange visitors, and their dependents from high-risk TB regions (determined yearly by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) are required to be tested for TB within 30 days of arriving at SUU.

High-risk regions:

  • Asia
  • Africa
  • Eastern Europe
  • Russia
  • Latin America
  • Caribbean

Proof of TB vaccine and other medical proof indicating the individual is TB is accepted.

Maintenance of Status

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires international students and scholars to abide by the following in order to maintain their non-immigrant status:

Immigration Documents

International students and scholars are required to have a valid passport at all times. A valid visa is only required to enter the United States and does not need to remain valid for the duration of stay. All I-20s or DS-2019s should be retained by the student or scholar as USCIS can request them at any time.

Minimum Enrollment Requirements (Students Only)

NOTE: These requirements apply during required enrollment periods, not the designated vacation semester for continuing students.

  • Intensive English Program: Must enroll in at least 4 credits per session (there are two sessions per semester).
  • Dual Enrollment Program: Must enroll in 6 Intensive English credits and 6 undergraduate credits.
  • Undergraduate: Must enroll in at least 12 undergraduate credits, of which 9 must be face-to-face.
  • Graduate: Must enroll in at least 6 graduate credits, of which 3 credits must be face-to-face. Continuous enrollment in a semester is mandatory. Students must enroll in at least one (1) class each session in the semester. There are two (2) sessions per semester for some programs.

Employment Restrictions

Employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Undergraduate and IEP international students are limited to on-campus employment during their first two (2) semesters. Off-campus employment (CPT, OPT, Academic Training) must be approved in advance by International Student & Scholar Services.

Personal Information Updates

Current address, email address, and phone number must be kept on file with International Student & Scholar Services at all times and with Division of Homeland Security within 10 days of change.

Miscellaneous

All international students are required to attend International Student Orientation. All new international students are required to complete an Acculturation course offered by International Affairs as an extension of the International Student Orientation program. Failure to complete the course in the first term of enrollment will withhold class registration for the upcoming semester for the student.

Failure to maintain legal status may result in termination of F-1 or J-1 status. For more information please visit www.suu.edu/iss.