SJFC: International Students: Semester Timeline

International Student Services Semester Timeline

Please note the following important dates and reminders for the fall and spring semesters. If you have any questions, contact the International Student Advisor in the Office of Academic Affairs.

Fall Semester
Dates	Reminders
1st Week of Classes	Visit the Office of Academic Affairs with a copy of your transcript showing full-time course registration for the fall semester (12+ credits for undergraduates, 9+ credits for graduates). The DSO will then register you as an active student in the SEVIS system for the semester. *Failure to do so could result in jeopardizing your immigration status, so be attentive to this important requirement!* Obtain a travel signature from the DSO as needed. Reminder: the travel signature on pg. 3 of the I-20 is valid for one year from the date on which it was last signed. Exception: students authorized for optional practical training must obtain an updated travel signature every six months.
October	Completing your studies this semester? Fill out the International Student Departure Form. Optional Practical Training (OPT) - if you are interested in applying to work in the U.S. for 12 months after completing your degree, visit the Office of Academic Affairs or the Student Forms page for an information packet and application requirements. Make an appointment with the International Student Advisor to begin the application process. Please note: if you are completing your studies this semester, all application materials must be received by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Service Center before the program end date listed on your I-20, so do not wait until the last minute to apply!
November	Course registration for the spring semester: unless otherwise authorized, you must be registered for a full-time course load. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - if you are planning on doing an internship in the spring, visit the Office of Academic Affairs or the Student Forms page for an information packet and application requirements. Make an appointment with the International Student Advisor to begin the application process. Traveling home for the Thanksgiving break? Visit the Travel Information page for important information regarding traveling outside of the U.S. Completing your program and/or OPT experience this semester? Keep in mind the maximum *60 day* period for preparation of departure after completing your studies and/or work authorization. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information on departure grace periods.
December	Traveling home for the winter break? Visit the Travel Information page for important information regarding traveling outside of the U.S.

Spring Semester
Dates	Reminders
1st Week of Classes	Visit the Office of Academic Affairs with a copy of your transcript showing full-time course registration for the fall semester (12+ credits for undergraduates, 9+ credits for graduates). The DSO will then register you as an active student in the SEVIS system for the semester. *Failure to do so could result in jeopardizing your immigration status, so be attentive to this important requirement!* Obtain a travel signature from the DSO, as needed. Reminder: the travel signature on pg. 3 of the I-20 is valid for one year from the date on which it was last signed. Exception: students authorized for optional practical training must obtain an updated travel signature every six months.
February	Optional Practical Training (OPT) - if you are interested in applying to work in the U.S. for 12 months after completing your degree, visit the Office of Academic Affairs or the Student Forms page for an information packet and application requirements. Make an appointment with the International Student Advisor to begin the application process. Please note: if you are completing your studies this semester, all application materials must be received by the USCIS Service Center before the program end date listed on your I-20, so do not wait until the last minute to apply!
March	Completing your studies this semester? Fill out the International Student Departure Form. Completing your program and/or OPT experience this semester? Keep in mind the maximum *60 day* period for preparation of departure after completing your studies and/or work authorization. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information on departure grace periods.
April	Course registration for the fall semester: unless otherwise authorized, you must be registered for a full-time course load. Course registration for the summer: you may take part-time course work during the summer. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - if you are planning on doing an internship in the summer or fall, visit the Office of Academic Affairs or the Student Forms page for an information packet and application requirements. Make an appointment with the International Student Advisor to begin the application process. Traveling home for the summer break? Visit the Travel Information page for important information regarding traveling outside of the United States.