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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: Student last name starts with:
Cord Cochran, WDE 1800 Chak-Kaml
Becky Leevey, MIC A - Ank, Kamm-Moh
Jeffrey Couch, MIC Bati - Chaj, Moi-Redc
Keith Harrison, WDE 1800 Anl - Bath, Redd-Z

 

Walk-in/Phone Advising hours: 

Please feel free to walk-in or call-in during the below scheduled advising hours and ask to speak with an International Student Advisor. The front desk will transfer you to talk with an available International Student Advisor when you arrive or call. No prior signup is required to participate in walk-in advising hours.

Monday, and Wednesday - Friday 1-3 pm

Tuesdays 10 am - 12 pm

Warrensburg, MO - Ward Edwards 1800 front desk

Lee’s Summit, MO - MIC front desk

Phone line: 660-543-4092

 

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 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)

Students may apply for an internship program within their degree field while they are still working to complete their degree. Students must enroll in an internship course, and they must have a job offer to apply for CPT. Please review this flier for more information.

Workshop Schedule

Live Webinar (click link to register):    

Please review the following PowerPoint for more information about CPT. 

  • Curricular Practical Training Guide - Covers an overview of CPT, eligibility requirements, how to apply, when to apply, ending/changing CPT employment, travel on CPT, CPT/OPT differences, and maintaining valid status.

To apply for CPT please complete all of the following steps at least two weeks before your CPT start date in order for us to process your request:

  1. Review CPT PowerPoint above and attend a scheduled CPT workshop.
  2. Contact your CPT employer to request that they complete the following CPT agreement form and provide you with an offer letter that meets all requirements.
  3. Complete the CPT Application Form and upload the CPT agreement form and offer letter to the application. To access the CPT Application login to MyCentral. Select student- records and registration- scroll down to the bottom left hand side and select 'CPT Application'. 
  4. Your application will automatically be sent to your academic department for review.
  5. Once your academic department approves your application, it will automatically be sent to your International Student Advisor for final approval.
  6. Once your International Student Advisor approves, you will be issued a CPT I-20. You may only start working on the CPT start date on your I-20 once it is issued.

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.

ISS Information Sessions

Please view the ISS Information Sessions regarding topics related to visa maintenance, travel, enrollment, and more using the links below. 

 

ISS Information Session 1

ISS Information Session 2

ISS Information Session 3

ISS Information Session 4

 
 

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.

Major Changes

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

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

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 STEM Extension

Workshop Schedule

Live Webinars (click link to register):

Eligibility: 

Students currently participating in 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) may be eligible to apply for a 24-month OPT STEM extension. Students must ensure that the following requirements are met to apply.  

  • The major on the I-20 (Program of Study - Major 1) must be in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) approved field
    • Use the following link on the ICE webpage to determine if your major and CIP code are included as STEM eligible: STEM OPT Program Eligibility
  • A job offer must be received for a position that meets the requirements below:
    • Paid position
    • 20 hours of work time per week or more
    • E-verified
    • Bona Fide Employer-Employee Relationship - The regulations state that the employer that signs the I-983 Training Plan must employ the student and provide practical training experience to the individual. Another entity may not be appointed to provide training, etc.
    • Start date with STEM OPT employer either during 12-month OPT or no later than the day after the post-completion OPT end date. Notice, the STEM extension period does not begin until the day after the post-completion OPT end date.
  • USCIS may receive the application no earlier than 90 days before the 12-month OPT end date. Applications are not accepted after 12-month OPT is complete.
    • Students must consider the 7-10 business day processing time in International Student Services (ISS) after all materials received and no further revisions are required.

Application Process:

Students that have verified that the requirements for the OPT STEM extension have been met may follow the following steps to apply. We encourage you to review our pre-recorded STEM OPT Webinar for helpful information.

  1. Review the 24 Month Stem Extension PowerPoint and STEM OPT Reporting Requirements video - These resources cover what the OPT STEM extension is, Eligibility Requirements, How to Apply, Employment Requirements, Reporting Requirements, Additional Information and planning beyond the OPT STEM extension.
  2. Review the I-983 Guide  with your employer - This document provides instructions for completing the I-983 form.
    1. You may also review the STEM OPT Form Training - This is an interactive resource for students and employers to use when completing the form I-983. Link will open if Firefox is used as the web browser.
  3. Submit the STEM OPT Extension Request - This form is used to request an OPT STEM Extension I-20 from our office to send to USCIS with your application.
  4. Submit the I-983 Form and Training Plan - You will need to submit the completed I-983 training plan to ISSS@ucmo.edu.
    1. For quick processing time, be sure to make all necessary edits to the I-983 using the guide in item 2 above prior to submitting the documents to our office
  5. Submit payment for the $100 STEM OPT Case Management Fee. You may submit your payment online here.
  6. You will be notified when your STEM OPT I-20 has been issued by our office.  Processing time is 7-10 business days after all necessary edits have been made.
  7. Once your I-20 is ready, use the following guide to prepare your packet for USCIS: STEM OPT Checklist and STEM OPT Mailing Instructions. This flier provides a mailing option for sending your OPT packet to USCIS if you are interested in using this service. You will use the following forms in your application.  Be sure to review the mailing instructions for information on all documents required.
    1. I-765 Form - USCIS work authorization form, you may review the I-765 guide here.
    2. G-1145 Form - USCIS personal contact form
    3. If you change addresses while your application is with USCIS, be sure to submit the following form: USCIS change of address form

 

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 Employment Updates

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.

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.

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.

12-month OPT

Eligibility:

F-1 students in their final semester before graduation, or just after graduation, are eligible to apply for 12-month OPT work authorization. Students must ensure that the following requirements are met to apply.

  • Currently in good academic standing: minimum 2.0 GPA Undergraduate, 3.0 GPA Graduate
  • Have completed a minimum of one academic year in valid visa status, two full semesters (spring/fall)
  • A job offer is not required to apply for OPT work authorization. After USCIS approves 12-month OPT, students must secure a job within 90 days of the OPT start date.
  • USCIS may receive the application no earlier than 90 days before the date of program completion. Applications are not accepted more than 60 days after program completion. USCIS must receive the application within 30 days of the OPT I-20 issue date.
  • Students must consider the 7-10 business day processing time in International Student Services (ISS) after the OPT I-20 application is received.

Application Process:

Students that have verified that the requirements for 12-month OPT have been met may follow the following steps to apply. We encourage you to review our pre-recorded 12 Month OPT Webinar for helpful information.

  1. Review the Optional Practical Training Workshop - This PowerPoint covers what OPT is, Eligibility Requirements, How to Apply, Travel outside the U.S. and OPT, the I-797 Receipt Notice, EAD Cards, Program End Date, Unemployment Limits, Job Reporting, End of 12-month OPT, and Frequently Asked Questions.
  2. Attend one of our OPT workshops. 

Workshop Schedule:

Live Webinar (click link to register):     
  1. Submit the 12 Month Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application - This form is used to request an OPT requested I-20 from our office to send to USCIS with your application.
  2. Submit payment for the $100 OPT Case Management Fee. You may submit your payment online here.
  3. You will be notified when your OPT I-20 has been issued by our office.  Processing time is 7-10 business days after all required steps have been completed.
  4. Once your I-20 is ready, use the following guide to prepare your packet for USCIS:  12 Month OPT Checklist and 12 Month OPT Mailing Instructions. This flier provides a mailing option for sending your OPT packet to USCIS if you are interested in using this service.
    1. You will use the following forms in your application.  Be sure to review the mailing instructions for information on all documents required.
    2. I-765 Form -USCIS work authorization form. You may review the I-765 Guide for information on how to complete the I-765 form.
      • Please notice that you must enter your personal address for the mailing address in item 5. Do not use a university address for your application.
    3. G-1145 Form - USCIS personal contact form
    4. If you change addresses while your application is with USCIS, be sure to submit the following form: USCIS change of address form 

 

Health Insurance: 

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

12-month OPT Employment Updates

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.

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.

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

Tax Requirements and Forms:

See the U.S. Tax Requirements Guide for information.

Review the following IRS tax requirements for F-1 and J-1 international students. Notice that all students must file for U.S. taxes, regardless of receipt of an income.·        

  • Students must follow federal and state tax filing requirements. Incorrect filing can cause you to owe back a significant amount of funds previously received in a tax return. It can also jeopardize opportunities for future benefits or status (ex. H1-B filing).·         
  • No income: If lived in the U.S. for all or part of the previous year – form 8843. Form 8843 can be completed without the assistance of a tax professional. If you have questions about the form, you will need to contact a tax professional.·         
  • Received U.S. sourced income: If lived in the U.S. and received U.S. funds for all or part of the previous year. This may include, but is not limited to: an on-campus job, CPT or OPT income, interest or investments, scholarships, other financial awards.o  

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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