Immigration Issues
Enforcement Of Immigration Laws
(F-1 & J-1 student responsibilities)
Enforcement of U.S. Immigration law is the responsibility of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Kettering does not enforce immigration law. We provide information and advice about "J" or "F" visa immigration regulations. Kettering is required by law to provide information regarding students' status when requested by the USCIS. The United States, as all countries, has laws and regulations governing non-citizens temporarily within its border It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with immigration laws.
SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) is a web-based system for maintaining information on non-immigrant students with F and J visa status. SEVIS is administered by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Up-to-date SEVIS information can be obtained in the International Office.
Contact the Office of International Programs with questions and concerns Room 1-919 AB or email international@kettering.edu
SEVIS enforces a zero tolerance policy to students who violate terms of their visa status. Below are your responsibilities as an international student:
You must have a valid passport and I-94
You must have a valid SEVIS I-20 or DS 2019
Maintain a full course of study (minimum of 12 credit hours for undergraduates and 8 credit hours for graduate students), register each term, be in good academic standing and make progress towards degree. If you withdraw or are asked to leave the university, report to the International Office immediately. You will have 15 days to leave the U.S.
Maintain continuous health and accident insurance including repatriation and evacuation coverage for entire length of program.
Any change of address must be reported within 10 days - Do Not change your address on "blackboard" -- changes are to be made by the Office of International Programs. Students are to email their address change to international@kettering.edu with “Address Change” in the subject line. Special Registration students MUST also submit AR-11 form to the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security - for assistance contact the International Office. Also, if you have a pending case with USCIS you will need to file Form AR-11 And call USCIS to make sure your address gets changed properly. Please check the website for details about this procedure.
During the academic term you may only work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
No off-campus employment during academic term without authorization
F-1 students - SEVIS I-20 for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) required for co-op term in Bachelor Degree Program and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for Master Degree Program.
J-1 students keep International Office advised of co-op employer
Depart the U.S. within 60 days (F-1) or 30 days (J-1) after completion of program
Have your I-20 or DS 2019 endorsed every 6 to 10 months