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International Student Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a social security number and how do I get
one?
A social security number is assigned only to people who are eligible
to work in the U.S. and is granted by the U.S. Social Security Administration
(SSA). The purpose of a Social security number is to post wages for social
security records. Please be advised that a social security number is
not an employment authorization and does not entitle a foreign person to
accept a job without prior approval. Please see the information below
for the nearest Social Security Administration office and information on
what to bring to the appointment.
Address:
Social Security Administration
Suite 1400
100 Chestnut Street
Rochester, NY 14604
1-800-772-1213
How to get there:
The SSA is located in the HSBC building behind Midtown Plaza
and adjacent to Xerox Tower. There are parking garages and surface lots
available. The SSA is on a bus route and is handicapped accessible.
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
What to bring with you:
- Valid Passport
- I-94 card (small white card stapled to your passport)
- Valid I-20 or DS-2019 form
- Work authorization letter from the International
Student Advisor (very important - please request this in advance
of appointment at the SSA)
What happens next?
Once approved and unless otherwise indicated, you should receive your
social security card in approximately 3-8 weeks.
For more information, please visit the
Social Security Administration website.
How long can I stay in the U.S. after I complete
my studies, finish my optional practical training, withdraw from the College,
etc.?
Completion of Studies
A student in valid F-1 status will be allowed an additional 60-day
period from the program end date listed on the I-20 to prepare to depart
the U.S. after completing the program of study.
Example: Orelia will complete her studies on May 1, 2007, the
same program end date listed on her I-20. She will have until
July 1, 2007 (60 days) to depart from the U.S.
Please note: "completion of studies" and "graduation" are two
different things. If you are completing your studies (all program requirements)
in the fall and would like to attend the graduation ceremony in the
spring, you will be unable to do this with the F-1 visa because your
60-day grace period will have expired by then.
Completion of Studies + Optional Practical Training
Once a student in valid F-1 status completes his or her studies and
any subsequent optional practical training experiences, the student
will have a total of 60 days to prepare to depart the
U.S. after completing his or her work experience.
Example: Dikembe will complete his studies on May 1, 2007, the
same program end date listed on his I-20. He has been approved for OPT
and requested to start work on June 1, 2007, 30 days after his program
end date. After his approved 12 months of work, he will have only 30
additional days to prepare to depart the U.S. because he chose a 30
day break period between his completion of studies and the start of
OPT.
Withdrawal from St. John Fisher College
An F-1 student authorized by the DSO
to withdraw from classes will be allowed a 15 day period
for departure from the U.S.
Failure to Maintain Status
An F-1 student who fails to maintain a full course of study without
prior approval by the DSO or otherwise fails to maintain status is
not eligible for an additional period of departure. He
or she will have to make immediate arrangements for departure.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS (the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the Department
of Homeland Security's web-based system for maintaining information on international
students and exchange visitors in the U.S. Designated School Officials use
the SEVIS system to enter and process the information contained on a student's
Form I-20.
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