Frequently Asked Questions
- How many credits do I have to take each semester?
- What do I do if I need to defer?
- What is discontinuing?
- What if I need to leave in the middle of school?
- What does it meant to “maintain legal status?”
- What does it mean to be “out of status?”
- How do I get back in status?
- What is D/S?
- What is the difference between a “passport” and a “visa?”
- How can I renew my passport?
- What is the I-94 card?
- What happens if I marry a US Citizen?
- How do I transfer to another school?
- How can I change status?
- Do I have to take classes during Spring or Summer?
- What do I need to do for my spouse and children to come?
- Can an F-2 visa holder work?
- Can a J-2 work?
- Can I work off campus?
- How many hours can I work a week?
- How do I get a sponsor?
How many credits do I have to take each semester?
F-1 students are required to take at least 12 credit hours during Fall and Winter semesters. IWES students, however, are required to register for 15 credit hours after their first semester. International students who want to continue working on campus during the Spring term must also be enrolled for at least 6 credit hours, or 4 to remain in on-campus housing.
What do I do if I need to defer?
Generally, international students who are planning to leave the United States for more than 5 months must reapply. It is good to visit with an international advisor to discuss your plans if you are unsure about your status.
If students are interested in deferring their student enrollment, they must visit the Admissions for details and instructions. (link to admissions site)
When a student wants to stop going to school, they must see the Discontinuing Officer in the Student Development Center to make it official. The paperwork for this is processed at the Student Development Center in McKay 181. If you plan to return to BYUH, you should check to see if you are eligible for deferment or readmission.
What if I need to leave in the middle of school?
To withdraw from your classes, and the university, you must withdraw. See the Discontinuance Officer in the Student Development Center in McKay 181.
What does it meant to “maintain legal status?”
International students who attend school on an F-1 Visa are obligated to follow specific regulations and policies.
What does it mean to be “out of status?”
A student is out of status if s/he violates any of the regulations required for F-1 visa holders. Failing to follow any of the legal requirements requires a student to return to their home country immediately. Remaining in the country while “out of status” makes that student an illegal alien who loses any rights to work, register, or participate in any school programs. Any student in this situation must see an advisor in the ISS for consideration of regaining status.
There are two ways to get back in status to stay in the country legally. One is to apply for reinstatement through the USCIS, or to return to your home country and return into the United States on a newly issued I-20.
D/S means Duration of Status. This is usually noted on your I-94 card as the expiration date for you in the country. It typically refers to the expiration date on a student’s I-20 form.
What is the difference between a “passport” and a “visa?”
Your passport is your legal document that identifies who you are and where you come from. You must never let your passport expire while you are in the country. Your visa is another legal document that allows you to enter the United States. Your visa can expire while you are in the country. However, if you leave and plan to return, you must have a current visa.
It is recommended that students renew their passport at least 6 months before they expire. Contact your consul for more information on this. You can find contact information for the different embassies by going to http://www.state.gov/misc/10125.html for passport information, or http://www.embassy.org/embassies/.
This is a small white card that is attached into your visa when you go through the Port of Entry at the Honolulu Airport. This indicates your status in the US and t4he expiration date of your permit to be in the US. It also shows the date you entered and the place you entered the US. This document is important, even though you may not hear about it as often as your passport. Make sure you keep it safe and in good condition with other legal documents.
What happens if I marry a US Citizen?
In the eyes of immigration, once you marry a US Citizen, you are no longer considered a nonimmigrant, but rather a prospective immigrant. You may apply for permanent residency in the United States, work authorization, and permission to travel outside of the US while your application is in “pending” status.
How do I transfer to another school?
Two elements must be satisfied before a student can transfer to another institution in the United States: 1) the student requesting the transfer must have maintained status the entire time they were enrolled at the original school, 2) apply and be accepted to the school to which the student wants to transfer to. A student must then show proof of acceptance to the transferring school. Then the original school will produce a letter for the transferring school to verify that the student has maintained status and is eligible for the transfer. Visit the International Student Services office at least 30 days before your intended transfer to complete a transfer request form, and to notify them of your intent to transfer. The transfer will be done in SEVIS when you notify us.
If you need to change your status from F-1 to F-2, F-2 to F-1, or F-1 to R-1, see an advisor in the International Student Services office in McKay 181. Generally, most changes in status require you to complete an I-539 application with a $195 filing fee.
Do I have to take classes during Spring or Summer?
Spring and Summer are optional terms at BYU-Hawaii. However, if an international student wants to work on campus during Spring term, they must be enrolled in classes as a full-time student. IWES students are required to be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours for Spring.
What do I need to do for my spouse and children to come?
To have your spouse and children come with you to the US requires new I-20 with your dependents. You may contact admissions for this, or the ISS office. You must prove you have the financial means to support your dependents the entire time you plan to be in school, in addition to what is listed on your initial I-20. You also need a marriage or birth certificate to prove your relationship with each dependent. These new I-20 forms, proof of finances, and marriage or birth certificates can also be used to obtain F-2 visas at the US embassy or consulate closest to you.
No. Absolutely not, with no exceptions.
Yes, after receiving authorization from USCIS. J-2 visa holders must submit an I-765 application for an EAD card. The filing fee for this application is $175.
Generally, no. The only exceptions for off-campus work are for economic hardship, Curricular Practical Training, or Optional Practical Training. Refer to the employment link for more information.
How many hours can I work a week?
You may work 19 hours a week while school is in session, and 40 hours a week during the summer. However work hours during the summer rotate with three 40-hour weeks and one 19-hour week. Please see your supervisor for specific instructions. NOTE: The work week at BYUH ends 12:00 midnight Friday night and begins at 12:01 Saturday morning.
