Degree-seeking (F-1) Students:

An F-1 visa is issued to international students who are attending a four-year academic program in an institution recognized by the United States government. F-1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. It is not possible to be a part-time student on an F-1 Visa. Students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on their I-20 form. F-1 students can remain in the US up to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes to complete their academic program. In addition, an F-1 student can remain for 12 months after securing a degree to work under the OPT (Optional Practical Training) program.

General requirements for F-1 Students:

A student admitted to the United States as an F-1 student must meet certain obligations in order to maintain status. Under certain regulations, the student must:

  • Have  a passport that is kept valid all the times
  • Attend the school he or she was authorized to attend
  • Continue to carry a full course of study (3 DePauw credits)
  • Leave the United States by the anticipated completion date shown on the their I-20 form
  • Limit employment, both on-campus and off-campus, to a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session
  • Refrain from off-campus employment without authorization
  • Report a change of residence to the international student advisor within 10 days

Exchange (J-1) Students:

DePauw University works with a number of partner institutions to bring J-1 Exchange Students to the United States for short-term study.  Exchange Students typically spend one year at DePauw, where they live and take classes with degree-seeking students.  The length of stay and required fees for each J-1 Exchange Student depend on the pre-existing exchange agreement between the home university and DePauw.

Exchange Students accepted by DePauw are issued a letter of admission and Form DS-2019 with which they can apply for a J-1 US Consular Visa for entry to the United States.  J-1 Exchange Students must demonstrate intent to return to their home country upon completion of the exchange program. 
Students may be subject to a two-year home residence requirement upon completion of an exchange program and should seek legal advice from an immigration attorney if more information about this requirement is necessary. 

General requirements for J-1 Exchange Students:

A student admitted to the United States as a J-1 student must meet certain obligations in order to maintain status. Under certain regulations, the student must:

    • Hold a passport that is valid for at least six months at all times
    • Attend the school he or she was authorized to attend
    • Continue to carry a full course of study (3 DePauw credits)
    • Leave the United States by the anticipated completion date shown on the their DS-2019 form
    • Limit employment, both on-campus and off-campus, to a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session
    • Refrain from off-campus employment without authorization
    • Report a change of residence to the international student advisor within 10 days
    • Maintain valid international student insurance that meets the DePauw’s minimum requirements

    Immigration Forms and Documents

    Social Security: Generally, the term social security describes a program that uses public funds to provide a degree of economic security for the public. The specific social security discussed here is the United States government program established in 1935 that provides senior citizens, the disabled, and spouse survivors insurance, as well as supplemental security income, an income for elderly or disabled people.

    Insurance: DePauw operates a University Health Service Center which provides routine health care and health information to students who have paid the student health fee. The treatment available at the Health Service is limited and the cost of treatment for any major injury or illness must be paid by the student; therefore medical insurance is essential.

    Taxes: All international students who have worked in the United States must fill out Federal Income Tax Returns. You will send these forms with any money you owe to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by April 15 of each year. If you are working on campus, you will receive a record of your earnings, called a W2 Form, in January. The International Center will have the necessary forms and instruction booklets early in the second semester and we will all gather on a specified date in the spring, before April 15, to do our taxes together. Keep in mind that any financial aid you receive above tuition and fees is also considered “income” and is taxable at 14%.

    Driving in Indiana: Any foreign national who lives in Indiana and wants to apply for a learner permit should visit a license branch and ask to apply for a learner permit through the Central Verification Process (CVP). This process allows the BMV to verify the applicant's immigration or residency status.

    Wal-Mart Shuttle: Shopping Shuttles to Wal-Mart Shopping Plaza where students can purchase most items they may need for college.