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  4. International Student Information and Forms
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International Student Information and Forms

This is the primary location for all information and application forms related to F-1 international student visa benefits and status maintenance.

Information found on this page will also be helpful to international students currently under other visa types who are interested in changes to F-1 visa status at some point.

Advisor name and location:

(Assigned students are based on the first letters of the last name/family name) 

   

Student last name starts with:
April Cochran, WDE 1800

   A-Chun
Cord Cochran, WDE 1800

Chuo-Donc, Gunu-Kund
Becky Leevey, MIC

  Dond-Gade, Kune-N
Jeffrey Couch, MIC

Gadf-Goll, O-Shah
Aaron Stevens, WDE 1800 Golm-Gunt, Shai-Z

 

 

 

Address Updates

International students are required to update UCM with their current address and phone information within 10 days of any move or update. This is also mandatory for F-1 visa holders due to the SEVIS regulations regarding address corrections.

Enrolled Students

You must update your address and phone information in MyCentral within 10 days of any move or update. 

Follow these steps to update the address details: 

1. Collect your address information.

Make sure you have the format of the address for when you receive mail. Ensure that the apartment number is included (if applicable). 

Note, the name of the apartment complex should not be entered in MyCentral. 

Note, the city and state should not be entered in MyCentral. It will automatically populate when you enter the zip code. 

Address example- (the fields to be entered by you are bolded in the example below)

Address 1: 123 W Main St. Apt 10

Address 2:

Address 3:

City, State: Lee's Summit, MO

Zip: 64081

Phone: (816) 222-4444

2. Login to MyCentral and update the information. 

1) Scroll down to the bottom right corner of the page and select 'Update Address, Phone, Email and Emergency Contacts' 2) Enter your phone and local address information. 3) Click save within each section. 4) Scroll down and check both Address Agreement boxes and click submit. 

OPT Students

You must update your address and phone information in the SEVP Portal within 10 days of any move or update. 

Follow these steps to update the address details: 

1. Collect your address information.

Make sure you have the format of the address for when you receive mail. Ensure that the apartment number is included (if applicable). 

Note, the name of the apartment complex should not be entered in the SEVP Portal. 

Address example- 

Address 1: 123 W Main St. Apt 10

City, State: Lee's Summit, MO

Zip: 64081

Phone: (816) 222-4444

2. Login to the SEVP Portal, update and save the information. 

3. Complete and submit the Change of Address Form for ISS

Change of Major

If you would like to submit a request to change your major, you can use this form to do so.

Change of Visa Status

Students may apply to change visa status from F-2, H-4, or another status to F-1 status.

If you are interested in applying for a change of status, please review  this flier and follow the steps outlined in the Change of Visa Status Guide for more information.

  • Students must be enrolled full-time in valid F-1 status for two full semesters to become eligible for CPT or OPT work authorization.  If students change from H-4 to F-1 status within the country, then time enrolled full time in H-4 status will count toward the enrollment requirement.  If students leave the U.S. to receive an F-1 visa from out of the country, time spent enrolled in H-4 status will not count toward the requirement for CPT or OPT authorization and the student must enroll full-time for two semesters upon their return to become eligible for CPT or OPT.
  • When students are approved for F-1 visa status they will be required to enroll in and pay for the health insurance assigned by UCM.  This is required even if other pre-exisiting insurance is held.

Concurrent Enrollment at Another School

If you would like to enroll part time at another university in the U.S. while pursuing your degree here at UCM, you will need to review and complete the following process to be approved to concurrently enroll:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Application Requirements for CPT I-20: 

Student submission - CPT I-20 request must be submitted by the student. 

** Once the CPT application has been submitted, a second application may not be submitted to change employers.

Academic department approval - Once the CPT request is submitted, it will first go to the academic department. 

ISS Approval and I-20 issuance - Once the department approves, it will automatically be sent to International Student Services for a CPT I-20 to be issued.

At the time of submission, the complete CPT Agreement Form and Employment Offer Letter must be submitted by the student as uploads within the application.

Students may begin work only after the following two events:

    1. International Student Services issuance of the CPT I-20
    2. CPT start date listed on the CPT I-20 has arrived

Upcoming CPT Live webinars (click the link to register):

CPT Resources:

Eligibility Criteria:

  • GPA - Meets minimum GPA requirements on the most recent transcript. Not currently in academic probation status.
    • Undergraduate/Bachelor's: 2.0+
    • Graduate/Master's: 3.0+
      • If a student does not currently meet minimum GPA requirements, they must wait for grades to be released at the end of the semester to apply for CPT.
  • One-year full-time enrollment - Meets minimum full-time enrollment requirement of one year of enrollment within the U.S.
    • By the expected CPT start date, the student must have attended full-time for at least a full fall and spring semester.
    • The student must not have left the U.S. and returned on a new initial I-20 and SEVIS number within the year.
      • Recent travel is okay, as long as the same I-20 and SEVIS ID were held for a year or more.
  • Internship Course Enrollment - CPT  participation is academic in nature. CPT is tied to enrollment in a course that applies to the student’s degree program.
    • The academic department will require at least one in-person class session on the UCM campus as part of the CPT course requirements.

CPT Dates and Deadlines

CPT Dates/Semester Fall (August start) Spring (January start) Summer (May start)
Deadline to apply August 5th December 14th April 29th
Start date options August 29th - 22nd January 8th - 11th May 13th - 16th
End date December 13th May 3rd August 2nd

 

Dependent (F-2) Addition Form

If you are an Active Status F-1 Student and would like to add a Spouse or Child as an F-2 Dependent, you may use this form to do so.

Driver's License

Students may apply for a Driver's License or non-driver's state ID. Submit the following form to receive a letter from our office to support your application: 

Please review the following guide for information on the full process to obtain a Driver's License.

Extension of I-20 Program End Date

If your I-20 program end date is nearing, and you will not be completing your program in the current semester as expected, please submit the following I-20 program extension request form at least one month before your I-20 end date.

F-1 Visa Status Maintenance

  • F-1 students must ensure that they are maintaining valid F-1 visa status at all times. Please review this flier for more information.
  • International Student Policy video - Please watch this short video to ensure that you are informed on the federal requirements for international students studying on an F-1 visa.
  • Status Maintenance PowerPoint -  Covers the basics in your responsibilities as an International Student in maintaining your legal status as well as answers many questions you may have about it. 
  • International Student Workshop PowerPoint - Covers How to maintain F-1 Visa Status, Address Updates, Drivers License/State ID Requests, Social Security Letters, Travel Authorizations, Adding Dependents, and Change of Status.
  • We encourage you to seek legal advice from an immigration attorney on obtaining and maintaining appropriate immigration status, including when and how to complete USCIS application documents. The following links regarding immigration attorneys are provided for informational purposes only. The selection of an attorney is a personal choice. UCM does not endorse or recommend any particular immigration attorney.
     

Full Time Enrollment/Enrollment Verification

Students requiring a letter confirming full time enrollment status at the university may follow the following steps to obtain an enrollment certificate from the university.

  1. Go to MyCentral.
  2. Click student services tab, UCM Student records-Enrollment Verification.
  3. Continue to Clearinghouse.
  4. Obtain an enrollment certificate, then Print.

If you receive an error when following these steps please contact the Registrar’s Office for assistance.

Health Insurance

Please see the following Insurance Fact Sheet for information regarding the UCM Health Insurance plan. 

Choose your below student type for health insurance information specific to your situation. 

Housing

If you are searching for housing in the area for when you attend UCM, please review this Apartment Guide for ideas. 

If you will need temporary housing between your arrival and move-in to permanent housing, please search the Kansas City, Lee’s Summit and/or Warrensburg area for hotels that fit into your travel plans and budget.

I-94

After students enter the U.S., an electronic I-94 is issued.
The I-94 can be accessed and printed from here: I-94 website.

If you cannot access your I-94, or if there is an error on your I-94, follow this process for assistance:

1. Go to the following website: https://help.cbp.gov/s/ questions?language=en_US 

  • Topic - Select 'Traveler Compliance/I-94'
  • Applicable Issue - Select 'I-94 Correction(s)/Travel History'
  • Enter your email
  • Add a detailed description of the issue
  • Upload your passport biographical pages, visa, and I-94 if available

2. If you do not receive a response within 10-15 days, send an email to ISSS@ucmo.edu and provide a short description of what the issue is.

  • Attach scanned copies of your visa and passport bio pages, and your I-94 if you have one.

  • Your advisor will then contact Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on your behalf to assist with the corrections.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) - Initial Request

Application Requirements:

Students may begin work only after the following two events:

    1. USCIS issuance of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD approval card)
    2. OPT start date listed on the EAD card has arrived

Students are not required to have the employer updated I-20 in hand to being work on post-completion OPT.

Upcoming OPT Live  webinars (click the link to register):

OPT Resources:

Eligibility Criteria:

  • GPA - Meets minimum GPA requirements on the most recent transcript.
  • Not currently on academic probation status.
    • Undergraduate/Bachelor's: 2.0+
    • Graduate/Master's: 3.0+
      • If a student does not currently meet minimum GPA requirements, they must wait for grades to be realeased at the end of the semester to apply for OPT.
  • One-year full-time enrollment - Meets minimum full-time enrollment requirement of one year of enrollment within the U.S.
    • By the expected OPT start date, the student must have attended full-time for at least a full fall and spring semester.
      • A reduced course load for the final semester approved by International Student Service is acceptable.
    • The student must not have left the U.S. and returned on a new initial I-20 and SEVIS number within the year.
      • Recent travel is okay, as long as the same I-20 and SEVIS ID were held for a year or more.
    • In final semester of enrollment -  Students must be completing all enrollment requirements in the current semester to be elgible to apply for post-completion OPT.
      • Students applying for OPT must have already submitted the application for graduation.
      • Job offer not required - Students are not required to have a paid or unpaid job offer to apply for OPT. However, once approved for OPT students must begin working within their degree field within 90 days of the approved OPT start date. Work may be paid or unpaid.

OPT Dates and Deadlines

Application Deadlines: 3 months before to 2 months after program completion. Up to 90 days before and 60 days after the Thursday following finals week in the final semester of enrollment.

USCIS must not receive the application before or after the application window.

Start date: Choose a date from one week after finals week to 2 months after program completion.

OPT Dates/Semester Fall (December completion) Spring (May completion) Summer (August completion)
Application dates September 15th - February 13th February 10th - July 8th May 9th - October 7th
Start date options December 15th - February 13th May 10th - July 8th August 9th - October 7th

 

Within 30 days of OPT I-20 issuance:

USCIS must not receive the application more than 30 days after the issue date found on the OPT I-20.

If application is not submitted to USCIS within the 30-day period, contact isss@ucmo.edu to request an OPT I-20 cancellation and reissue.

If a 'rejection notice' is received fro USCIS, contact isss@ucmo.edu to request an OPT I-20 cancellation and reissue.

  • This is especially important if resubmission after the rejection notice will near the 30-day period from when the OPT I-20 was issued.

Health Insurance:

For information regarding enrolling in UCM Health Insurance while on OPT please go back to the forms page and select Health Insurance.

OPT STEM Extension - Request

Application Requirements:

Students may continue working on OPT for up to 180 days after the original OPT end date while USCIS is processing the submitted OPT STEM Extension application.

Upcoming OPT STEM Extension Live webinars (click the link to register):

OPT STEM Extension Resources:

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Degree complete -  The UCM degree must be awarded by the time that the OPT STEM Extension application is submitted.
    • All outstanding U grades must be complete.
    • Degree awarded must be indicated on the final transcript.
  • Degree is STEM eligible - Only students who have completed certain UCM degrees are eligible to apply for the OPT STEM Extension.
    • The following list of UCM degrees are STEM Eligible.
    • If a student's program is not on the list, they may not apply for OPT STEM Extension.
    • Notice: Each school has different STEM eligible programs. One school may have a program that is STEM eligible, but at another school the same program is not STEM eligible.

This is due to the unique CIP Codes assigned to programs at each school.

  • Job Offer - The employer must offer a paid position within the student's degree field. The employer must be e-verified and the position must include 20 hours of work per week or more.

Application Period and Deadlines:

  • 3 months before - 1 day before approved post-completion OPT end date. Up to 90 days before and 1 day before the last day of post completion OPT approval.

USCIS must not receive the application before or after the application window.

  • Within 60 days of OPT STEM Extension I-20 issuance.

USCIS must not receive the application more than 60 days after the issue date found on the OPT STEM Extension I-20.

  • If application is not submitted to USCIS within the 60 day period, contact isss@ucmo.edu to request an OPT I-20 cancellation and reissue.
  • If a 'rejection notice' is received from USCIS, contact isss@ucmo.edu to request an OPT I-20 cancellation and reissue.
    • This is especially important if resubmission after the rejection notice will near the 60 day period from when the OPT I-20 was issued.

Health Insurance: 

For information regarding enrolling in UCM Health Insurance while on OPT please go back to the forms page and select Health Insurance. 

OPT and OPT STEM Employment Updates

 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) - New employer Report

Students approved for OPT are required to update employer details within 10 days each time that they begin working for an employer.  This includes the first employer, even if it is the same employer from previous CPT approval.  Please complete the following form to update 12 Month OPT employment details.

OPT STEM Extension - New employer Report

Students approved for 24 month OPT are required to update employer details within 10 days each time that they begin working for a new employer.  Please complete the following form and submit a new form I-983 to update 24 Month OPT STEM employment details.

Change of Worksite

If you recently changed work site locations or have a new client site and have remained with the same employer, please use the following link to update your work site address information.

H1-B OPT Cap Gap & SEVIS Status Checks

Students who would like for our office to check SEVIS for any updates based on your H1-B application may submit this form. Please notice that checks may only be done by our office every one to two weeks. You may contact the employer that filed your H1-B for up to date updates on application processing.

Beginning on April 1st, students who are currently on OPT and who are in the process of applying for H1-B status may apply to receive their cap gap I-20 to extend the end date of OPT if their current OPT end date is before September 30. Please also submit the following form to request a Cap Gap I-20:

Please note, that the I-797 registration notice from USCIS for online registration cannot be used to apply the cap-gap to your record. You must be able to present proof of a mailed H-1B change of status filing/application to receive the preliminary cap-gap or full cap-gap. 

SEVP has confirmed that the registration notice cannot be used to issue the initial cap-gap extension for students whose OPT/STEM OPT extensions are ending prior to 06/01 and for the cap-gap extension through 09/30. Your employer will need to file the H-1B petition (Form I-129) and submit the form to USCIS. 

In order to receive the initial cap-gap through 06/01, your OPT/STEM OPT extension must be expiring prior to 06/01. Please have your employer email a copy of the H-1B petition and the tracking information that they used to file the petition on your behalf to isss@ucmo.edu. Once we have received the documents, we can extend your OPT end date through 06/01.

If you receive the I-797 notifying that USCIS has received or approved your petition, please submit a copy of that form to isss@ucmo.edu.

Please review the information from USCIS with regards to H-1B Petitions: USCIS H-1B Cap Petitions

OPT Reporting Requirements - 6 month Reporting

Students who participate in OPT are required to report their participation in OPT every 6 months. This reporting requirement is required even if the student has not changed employers or addresses. Failure to report this information in a timely manner will result in failure to maintain valid F-1 visa status.

Please watch our short video on STEM OPT Reporting Requirements to ensure that you are meeting all F-1 visa requirements while participating in STEM OPT.

Report requirements for OPT Report Participation are:

  1. Full Legal Name
  2. Current Mailing and Residential (physical address)
  3. Name of Employer
  4. Employer Address (this is the address where the student is physically working)
  5. Employer Start Date

Please note that if the information reported does not match what is currently in SEVIS, one or more additional forms may be required in order to update the information in SEVIS. OPT Report Participation cannot happen in SEVIS until all forms are submitted. It is in the best interest of the student to ensure they follow the USCIS mandate and report all changes in address and any changes in employment within 10 business days.

SEVP Portal Assistance

Students who are participating in OPT or the OPT STEM extension will receive an email once their OPT is approved and the OPT start date arrives to set up an SEVP Portal Account. 

  • A webinar with more information can be found here: SEVP Portal Webinar. You may view the recorded webinar anytime in the 'Meeting Materials' section of the page.
  • To learn about the new portal and its functions, detailed information can be found here: SEVP Portal Help.
  • Please submit the following form if you no longer have access to the email account listed in SEVIS and you need to update your email. Please also submit this form if you get locked out of your portal account, or if you did not receive the portal email and you need to request it to be sent to you: SEVIS Portal Update Request.

Reduced Enrollment

If you will not maintain full-time enrollment: 6 credit hours for graduate students, and 12 credit hours for undergraduate students, and you have a valid reason for under enrolling, please submit the following request form before the start of the semester, or at the time of the enrollment change. 

Reinstatement of F-1 Visa Status

F-1 International Students must review all information regarding how to maintain status in the F-1 Visa Status Maintenance section of this webpage.  Students are fully responsible for maintaining their visa status, and they must consider their next options if they fall out of valid status. Students may consult with our International Student Advisors anytime for advice on specific situations to avoid falling out of status.

  • If you believe that you have violated your F-1 visa  status, you must set up a meeting with an International Student Advisor as soon as possible.
  • Your advisor will review your options with you including leaving the U.S. and reentering on a new I-20 and visa or applying for reinstatement to F-1 visa status within the U.S.
  • You may review the reinstatement guide for more information.

Reprint I-20/Lost I-20

If you have misplaced your current I-20 and you are requiring a reprint of your I-20 document, please submit the following request. If you would like to request copies of I-20s previously issued, please also submit this request.

Social Security

  • International students can only apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) when they have a job offer. 
  • International students that do not have a job offer, and who need to provide proof that they are ineligible for an SSN can email ISSS@ucmo.edu for a Social Security Exemption Letter. 

This letter is required for students without an SSN to obtain a Driver’s License. 

Students applying for an SSN: 

  • Complete the request form for an SSN letter from our office. 

Please be sure to attend an appointment with your local SSN office within 30 days of the issuance of the SSN letter. You must request an updated letter from our office if it is beyond 30 days. 

You must also attend an appointment with the SSN office no more than 30 days prior to your employment start date. 

  • Collect the following documents to bring to the Social Security Office:

  • Submit the online application to the SSN office.

    o    If you do not complete the online application, then you must bring the Completed form SS-5 'Application for a replacement Social Security Card' with you to the SSN office.

  • SSN Letter from ISS dated within 30 days
  • On-Campus or Internship Employer Letter
  • I-94
  • Most recent Continued Attendance I-20 or DS-2019, signed by an International Student Advisor and the student
  • Passport

Before going to the SSN office to obtain an SSN please be sure that you have already received your SSN letter (mentioned above) and for new students, the Continued Attendance I-20/DS-2019 from ISS.

*New students - please note that the continued attendance I-20s will be issued and available a few weeks after the start of your first semester. 

Office Locations: 

The policy is to contact the field office that services the zip code where you live. However, the Sedalia, MO office mentioned that they help students regardless of address when possible.

Use the following website to identify locations and hours for your local SSN office. Generally, students are required to come prepared with all documents and just walk-in during open hours, rather than calling ahead. 

Student Employment - On-Campus

Please review this information regarding student employment at UCM.  This valuable information will assist you in ensuring you maintain valid F-1 visa status while working an on-campus job.

Taxes

All international students that were emplooyed within the U.S. during 2023 must submit taxes to the IRS by the deadline: April 15, 2024.

  • International Student Services has arranged for free access to Sprintax tax preparation services for all UCM INternational Students.
  • ISS sent an email to all UCM International Students with a unique code that provides access to Sprintax filing services.
    • Please check your email for the subject line 'Ucm International Students - Tax preparation services are now available!' to access your account.
  • Please review the Sprintax Guide for important tax filing information.

Tax considerations:

  • No earned income in 2023 -  You must file a form 8843 with the IRS before the deadline.
  • Received taxable scholarships- 1040-S form provided by UCM (Ex. you received a stipend or housing allowance)
  • Educational credits/1098-T - For U.S. nationals and residents only.

You will not need this form when filing if you are not considered a U.S. national or resident. Sprintax can help you determine your resident status. (If Sprintax identifies that you are a resident, contact Student Financial Services for the 1098-T).

Transfer In

Once admitted to UCM, F-1 international students transferring from a U.S. institution please follow the steps below. 
 
1. Check eligibility: 
  • Transfer students must begin enrollment for classes within 5 months of the final date of enrollment or OPT at the initial school. 
  • Students must wait until finished with all school work and work authorization at the initial school to transfer.
  • The record must be transferred to UCM no later than the start of class at UCM, preferably sooner. Once the SEVIS record is transferred to UCM, an I-20 can be issued soon after. 
  • If a student will not attend the initial school, then the program start date at the initial school may not be more than 30 days before the UCM start date. Students may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the UCM start date. 
2. Request your initial school to transfer your SEVIS record to the correct campus at UCM.
  • To initiate the transfer with a current school, provide your UCM admission letter to the school. 
  • Provide your school with the correct campus code below, based on your major, so that they can transfer the record correctly.
University of Central Missouri - Missouri Innovation Campus 
School Code: KAN214F00100001
MS Big Data Analytics and IT 
MS Computer Science
MS Computer Information Systems
MS Cybersecurity
 
Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport
School Code: KAN214F00100002
BS Professional Pilot 
Airline/Commercial/  Professional Pilot and Flight Crew
Aviation Management 
Aviation Safety 
MBS Aviation Tech and Operations Mgmt
 
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI
School Code: KAN214F00100000
Intensive English
All other programs
 
3. Submit all final transcripts to our office as soon as you have them available.

Transfer Out

 If you would like to transfer out to another university, please submit the following request form:

Please note that if you are on STEM OPT, you are transferring out, and...

  • You have completed 24 months of employment: you must submit the 6 month reporting form and your final I-983 self evaluation to ISSS@ucmo.edu.
  • You have completed less than 24 months of employment: you must submit your final I-983 to ISSS@ucmo.edu. 

Transportation

MIC/Warrensburg Shuttle Services

Many students travel from the Warrensburg campus to the MIC Lee's Summit campus regularly- here is information regarding the shuttle service available: MIC Shuttle

 

Amtrak Train

Student may consider the Amtrak train as a transportation option, as it travels to multiple cities in the area:

Amtrak Flyer- student discounts available

Amtrak Timetable Schedule- schedule of arrivals and departures by city

#amtrakhowto-Youtube- how to board the train, how to handle baggace, etc.

Travel Out of Country

Students may travel out of the country during break periods, or in special circumstances for a short period of time during the semester. Please submit the following form to receive a travel signature on your I-20.  

Please review the following travel tips document if you are traveling outside of the U.S.

Visa Process Out of Country

When students apply for a new visa at their local consulate in their home country, they must be prepared to prove that they meet the requirements for a non-immigrant visa.
  • If you are preparing for a visa interview, or if you need more information about this topic.  Please review the following guide: U.S. Student Visa Guide

Visitor Invitation Letter

If you would like to invite your family or friends to come to the U.S. on a B2 visitor visa, you can provide an invitation letter written by you in support of their application. Unfortunately, we are not authorized to provide a letter from the university to support visitor visa applications, but your personal letter should be sufficient. Please feel free to use the template below as a guide when writing the visitor invitation.

Please review the Visitor Letter Guide from the Registrar's Office for more information.

 

 

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