The International Students Office provides academic support services to international students and help with immigration regulatory matters. Students in the U.S. and abroad may receive information and assistance in the following areas: applying for temporary student status (F-1), exchange visitor status (J-1), extensions of stay, practical training, reinstatement of F-1 status, the social security card, employment in the U.S., changing immigration status and filing petitions for naturalization (citizenship).  Additionally, the office provides referrals on- and off-campus to help students adapt and function well in their new educational and social environment.

In order to help new and continuing students maximize their educational experience, the International Students Office (ISO) holds on-site orientation sessions every semester.  As part of the on-going orientation, we conduct information workshops on a variety of important topics to international students such as income tax requirements and health insurance.  Information is also available on employment options, including but not limited to, Optical Practical Training for F-1 students and Academic Training  for J-1 Exchange Visitors, as well as career options in the U.S. and abroad after graduation.  The ISO also has information fliers available to students on housing options, practical training, scholarships/grants and loan guidebooks. 

Here is a quick reference on international student issues. Please visit our office located in 1109 East Building for any questions or if you would like additional information.

International Travel

If you are in F-1 or J-1 status and plan to travel outside the United States, you must first stop by the International Students Office to secure a signature on your current I-20 or DS2019 form.  Before signing your request for travel,  International Student Advisor must make sure that your travel documents (passport, visa stamp, I-94, etc.) are in order.

Visa Renewal

If you are planning to travel abroad and the visa stamp in your passport is expired you must come to the International Students Office. We will assist you with preparing the necessary documents for the renewal of your visa at the American embassy/consulate in your home country.  Please note that you cannot renew your expired visa stamp in the U.S.

Change of Status

New regulations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) state that individuals are not allowed to attend educational institutions in the U.S. unless their status permits them to do so. The USCIS will consider requests for changes of status (tourist to student, etc.) on a case-by-case basis. You should visit our office to determine whether the change of status is necessary and whether you are eligible to apply here in the U.S.

Program Extension

If you need more time to complete your studies than it is indicated on I-20 or DS2019 form, you have to request program extension a month before your I-20 expiration date. We require that you bring a letter from an advisor at your department stating how much more time you need. All other necessary forms for the program extension are available in our office.

Social Security Number / Cards

International students must have a job offer to work on campus before the International Office can issue a letter of introduction to the social security agency. 

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Tax Obligations

IMPORTANT INCOME TAX INFORMATION F-1 & J-1 STUDENTS
If you were physically present in the United States in F-1 or J-1 status for any period of time during the previous year, you are required by law to complete the income tax form 8843.  F-1 and J-1 students must complete form 8843 to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS/ irs.gov) how they supported themselves financially as students in the year in question. All F-1 & J-1 students must complete this form!!  The deadline to mail form 8843 to the IRS is June 15, 2009. If you did not work at all last year, this is the only form you need to complete. 

F-1 & J-1 STUDENT WHO WORKED IN THE U.S. IN 2008

If you worked in the U.S. in the previous year, you may also need to complete an additional tax form, 1040NR, 1040 NR-EZ or IT-201 to report to the IRS the income you earned in the year in question. You can download these forms from the IRS website at: www.irs.gov. The deadline to complete and mail your tax form to the IRS is April 15.

An information flier has been sent to all F-1/J-1 students via email with more information about this important income tax requirement and where you can go for assistance.  If you have any questions, please contact Xavier Remigio in the Hunter College International Student Office at (212) 772-4864 or (212) 772-4859.  You can also email your questions to: jremigio@hunter.cuny.edu or intlss@hunter.cuny.edu.

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Working While Studying in F-1 Status

F-1 International students are admitted to the United States for the purpose of attending school on a full-time basis.  However, F-1students may work with permission from one of the international student advisors without violating their student status in the following circumstances:

• On-Campus Employment
• Off-Campus Co-op Programs and Internships
• Optional Practical Training

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Loans for International Students

Citibank
www.citibank.com
A CitiAssist Student Loan is a private education loan offering students resources to bridge the gap between the money they have, and the money they need. Apply online anytime. The three-minute credit response is for applications submitted from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. E.T. daily. Additional documentation and data verification may be requested for final loan approval.
• Note that this loan is certified at Hunter College once you have applied online.
• Also note that you need a co-signer who is a permanent resident or a U.S citizen with a good credit rating.

TERI
www.teri.org
Through our college information services, we help students and families with career decisions, select colleges, navigate the financial aid process, and find resources. In addition, we realize many people need help filling the financial aid gap. To help meet this need TERI offers loans based on good credit, with no income limitations, for elementary and secondary, undergraduate, graduate and continuing education studies.
• Note that this loan is certified at Hunter College once you have applied.
• Also note that you need a co-signer who is a permanent resident or a U.S citizen with a good credit rating.

Scholarship Links for International Students

International Students Grants Guide
www.edupass.org
www.fastweb.com
www.finaid.com

Health Care Links

(PLEASE NOTE: Hunter College is not endorsing any of the insurance companies below but rather providing the list for informational purposes only.)
Although health insurance is not required of F-1 status students, it is highly recommended. The following are some health insurance links that International students have found helpful:
www.isoa.org
www.hthworldwide.com
www.wallach.com
www.hginsurance.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is subject to change. For more information regarding your particular case, please consult a legal expert (referrals are available in our office).

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