International Student Services
International Students are assigned a secondary advisor to help them navigate their educational experience at Carroll and ensure they remain in compliance with the regulations governing their student visas, as noted below.
Maintaining F-1/J-1 Status
SEVIS
SEVIS stands for “Student & Exchange Visitor Information System” and is a database used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to track international students and visitors in F-1, J-1 or M-1 status. The Global Learning Office uses this database to update your student status each semester. This is why it is so important to inform the International Student Office whenever your situation changes. If we are unable to verify your status, we may have to terminate your record within SEVIS. If this happens, you will have to apply for reinstatement or leave the country and come back in with a new I-20 or DS-2019.
Course Load
You must register for and complete a minimum of 12 credits per semester. The only exceptions to this are when you need fewer than 12 credits to complete your program that semester, or if you request and are granted permission from the Global Learning Office in advance. You must request and obtain permission from the Global Learning Office before you withdraw (officially or unofficially). If you drop below 12 credits, you will be out of status. One on-line or distance education class may count for up to three credits towards your full course of study.
Transferring or Taking Courses from a Different School
If you wish to obtain a degree or certificate from your current school, but want to take courses temporarily at a different school, you should consult with the Global Learning Office to determine if any procedures must be followed to authorize the study. If instead, you wish to cease study at your current school and transfer to a different school, you must follow proper transfer procedures. Consult with the Global Learning Office BEFORE you transfer, to submit a written request to transfer your SEVIS record.
Changing Major or Education Level
If you complete an associate level program and wish to study for a bachelor program or change your major, you should come to the Global Learning Office, after meeting with your academic advisor, to request a new I-20 or DS-2019 listing the new educational level and/or major.
Change of Address
You must report any change of address, name and phone number to the Global Learning Office within ten days of the change. This is a USCIS requirement and is a deport-able offense! Please don’t forget to tell us your new address! Even if you only change rooms in the residence hall, this must be reported to the Global Learning Office.
Global Learning on Moodle
International students are automatically enrolled in the Global Learning course in Moodle. This is a course that is not for credit and does not meet in person, but rather a resource for international students. An International Student Handbook is located on the Global Learning course site.
International Student Employment
On-campus Employment
You may be employed at Carroll College in any job on campus. You may not accept on-campus employment without prior written clearance from the Global Learning Office. The office will provide you with a verification of your legal status for employment purposes and assistance to obtain a US Social Security Number.
Social Security Number
If you do not already have a US Social Security Number, you will need to have a job offer from an on-campus or off-campus employer before you can apply. You will also need authorization from Career Services and/or the Global Learning Office.
Off-campus Employment
With appropriate authorization, you may work off campus, but this requires prior approval from Career Services and/or the USCIS. There are several types of authorization as outlined below.
F1 Students Only: Economic Hardship Work Authorization
If there is an unforeseen change in your financial situation you may be eligible to apply for a Severe Economic Hardship Work Authorization from the USCIS. You must have completed at least one academic year of schooling before you can apply. See Career Services for more information.
Practical Training (CPT/OPT) or Academic Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work which is directly related to your field of study. Most F-1 students are eligible to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) before completion of studies, and/or Optional Practical Training (OPT) during or after a program of study. You may request 12 months of OPT at each program level (Associate’s, Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD).
Please note: OPT after completion of studies must be requested before you complete your studies. The best time to complete this request is typically 6-8 weeks prior to expected graduation.
J-1 degree seeking students may apply for academic training to be done following their academic program. The program sponsor must approve this well in advance of the program completion date. Please consult your program sponsor within 90 days of the completion of your program if you are interested in applying for academic training.
Important Note: On-campus and off-campus employment must not exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session, but may be full-time when school is not in session or during your annual vacation period (off-track). Check your hours worked to ensure you do not go over the 20-hour limit. The Carroll College workweek begins Saturday and goes through Friday evening. This is not the same as your pay period.