FAQ

While the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) does allow for some online learning for F-1 and J-1 students, there are restrictions. Contact our office to learn more and then complete the Travel Request Form if necessary.

To learn more about maintaining your F-1 Status visit our F-1 Visa webpage. You can check your J-1 status on the U.S. State Dept. website.

One month before you return to the U.S., contact us via e-mail and we'll give you instructions on how to proceed.

• Check out the Hunter Career Center for advice on writing your resume, cover letter, and get tips on interviewing. Attend a Career Fair or join a Career Workshop!
• Create your job and internship profile on Hunter Career Center Handshake app. Be sure to select your visa type under the section Work Authorization.
• Visit CUNY's Jobs and Internships webpage.

Download and fill out the NY or NJ Driver's License or Non-Driver ID Card Info.

Contact our office to apply for the training that is relevant to your visa status. The ISO will continue to send SEVP updates to you as they occur, to help resolve OPT employment questions. Please email your I-20 or DS2019 form when it has been updated.

If you do not already have a social security number, follow these steps:

1. Apply for a job and get hired.
2. Ask your employer to give you a letter which indicates his/her intent to hire you and describes your position.
3. Bring or send the letter from your employer to the International Students Office.
4. You will receive an introductory letter from the International Students Advisor.
5. Bring or send both letters (described above) to the Social Security Office in your borough of residence. Include your application form, valid passport, I-94 record, SEVIS I-20 form from Hunter College and your Hunter College transcript.
   Please also see the Social Security Application Information for Non-Citizens, and Application to Create an Account. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for more information.
6. Once you receive a receipt for your application for a Social Security number, you may show it to your employer and begin working.

For more information about how to get a Social Security number, please click on the Social Security Information For F-1 Students.

• The Purple Apron Food Pantry is open on our 68th Street Campus for a limited time each week. Before you visit, check the website for hours of operation.
• In addition, the New York City Department of Education has committed to offering three free meals to any New Yorker. See their website for more information.

No. Visas can only be renewed outside the United States at a U.S. embassy or consulate. However, your passport can be renewed at your country’s consulate in New York or Washington D.C. 

No. You do NOT need a valid (unexpired) F-1 visa to remain in the U.S. and continue your studies. The F-1 visa is only required when you enter the U.S.

As long as you are maintaining your F-1 status by enrolling full-time each fall and spring semester, you can legally stay in the U.S. even if your visa has expired. 

• Undergraduate students: minimum 12 credits per semester 
• Graduate students: minimum 9 credits per semester 

Make sure you continue to meet all academic and immigration requirements to maintain your F-1 status. 

No. If you plan to continue studying or use OPT, you must enter the U.S. on your F-1 visa. 
At the port of entry, present the following documents: 

• Your I-20
• Your passport open to the F-1 visa page 

Entering the U.S. on ESTA or another visa type will result in loss of your F-1 status.

No. You can provide approximate travel dates. A ticket is not required to request a travel signature. 

Nothing. It's actually a good idea to get a travel signature ahead of time, in case an emergency arises and you need to travel on short notice. 

That’s normal. The most recent “Continued Attendance” I-20 was issued during your current semester. There’s no need to request a new I-20 just for an updated end date.  

For travel, the only part of your I-20 entry officials evaluate is: 

• The travel endorsement on page 2
• The DSO signature date 

Yes, but only if you are returning before the program start date listed on page 1 of your I-20 (under “Program of Study – Start of Classes”). After the program start date, you must have: 

• A new I-20 issued for “Continued Attendance”
• A valid travel signature on page 2 

No. You do not need to transfer the visa. It is required that you travel with both your old passport, which contains the valid F-1 visa, and your new, unexpired passport. At the port of entry, you must present both documents. The visa in your old passport remains valid as long as it is undamaged and unexpired.