Life and Cultural Center

The International Students Office

The International Students Office is available to assist you during your initial transition to Florida Southern College and in the years to come. The office acts as a resource center for students, faculty and administrators by encouraging and supporting the enrollment of international students within Florida Southern College.  The college is committed to international education and to working with the community to achieve the goal of internationalizing Florida Southern College.

We provide a variety of services for international students enrolled or planning to enroll at Florida Southern College.  Although an international student's first contact is usually through the Office of Admission, the International Student Services Coordinator seeks to have an ongoing relationship with each international student during their time at Florida Southern College. 

The International Students Office provides information to international students before their arrival on campus, sponsors International Orientation at the beginning of each semester, and works with other offices across campus to present a variety of programs and activities throughout the year.  This office strives to be the primary resource and advocate for international students on campus.  The advisor assists students on immigration and employment regulations, legal rights and responsibilities, adjustment to Lakeland and the U.S., and various personal concerns.

The International Students Office is responsible for handling all matters concerning non-immigrant visas and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State (DOS) regulations.  Students should always consult with this office before contacting any of the bureaus of the DHS or an immigration attorney.  For detailed information on immigration and employment regulations relevant to your non-immigrant visa status, please refer to the appropriate sections of the website.

Please note that all international students are required to check in with The International Students Office upon arrival at Florida Southern!
 
Office Location & Contact Information:
    920 Callahan Court
 
International Student Advisor: 

Brenda S. Lewis
The Life and Cultural Center
920 Callahan Court
Lakeland, FL
863-680-6285 
International Student Services

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WELCOME TO FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE!

You will soon be joining the student body of one of the most prestigious institutions in Florida. In order to begin your academic career at Florida Southern successfully, please review the information on these pages carefully and be sure to contact us if you have questions. We look forward to meeting you upon your arrival at Florida Southern

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ARRIVAL ON CAMPUS

Students, who will be living in Florida Southern Residence Halls, please report on August 22 to the Office of Residential Life in the Student Life Building. The Office of Residential Life is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm and is located in the Student Life Office on Callahan Court.  Upon your arrival on campus, please report to that office to receive your residence hall keys and information.  If you arrive after office hours, please report to Campus Security where you will be able to receive your keys in order to move-in to your residence hall.

If you will be arriving in Lakeland earlier than August 22, you will need to make hotel arrangements.  Please visit the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce "Where to Stay" website for recommended accommodations in the local area.

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ENTERING THE U.S.

When you arrive at the airport in the U.S., your luggage will be inspected, as will your passport and your Form I-20. The following documents should be carried with you in person and never left with your checked baggage: your passport, Form I-20, copies of your financial support documentation, your admission letter, Florida Southern contact phone numbers, and this pamphlet which contains travel instructions.

As part of the regular inspection, an officer from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will stamp your I-20 and return it to you.  You will also receive an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, part of which will be stapled into your passport and part will be kept by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer (you usually fill out this form on the plane). This card is very important because it notes the date you entered the U.S., your immigration status (F-1), and how long you are allowed to stay in the U.S.  The I-94 card of an F-1 student should be marked "D/S" meaning "duration of status". Your Form I-20 should be stamped with this same information. Review the documents carefully to make sure that they are stamped correctly.

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FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

OBTAINING YOUR STUDENT VISA

After being accepted to Florida Southern College and submitting statements of financial support, you will receive or have already received a Form I-20. Either form qualifies you to apply for a student visa.
 
Please take a few minutes to review your I-20. Make sure all information printed about you and your program of study is correctly noted. Read the printed instructions on the back of your form and sign it as required. Finally, note that you have been given a "reporting date". This is the date by which you should enter the U.S. with your I-20, although you are allowed to enter up to 30 days prior to this date.
 
If you discover an error on the form, first contact the Office of Admission by phone, fax or e-mail to discuss the situation. Do not return your I-20 by mail unless you are instructed to do so.
 
Although not required, it is best to apply for the student visa in your home country whenever possible. In addition to your I-20 you will need to take your passport, your Florida Southern College acceptance letter and financial documentation to the American Embassy or Consulate. Once there, you will complete Form DS-156 (Application for Nonimmigrant Visa) and possibly be charged a processing fee (Taiwanese citizens apply through the American Institute in Taiwan; Canadian students are not required to obtain a visa). The amount of time needed to obtain a student visa varies. All questions should be directed to the embassy or consulate.
 
Remember, if you have a Form I-20, you will apply for an F-1 visa.

The consular officer may ask you:
Why do you want to study in the U.S.?
Why do you want to study ______________?
Why did you choose Florida Southern?
How will your degree be used in your home country?
What are your employment prospects?

Before issuing the visa, the U.S. consular official must be convinced that you have a residence outside the United States that you have not abandoned and that you have not decided to seek permanent residence in the U.S. It is important to show the officer that you have strong ties to your country of residence, such as family, community or social ties, documents showing membership in professional organizations and religious groups, a family business, ownership of property, bank accounts, a job offer, or evidence that people with the kind of education you are seeking are needed. Government officials like documents. Do not emphasize any ties or close relatives that you have to the U.S. and do not talk about working in the U.S.
 
You must be truthful and willing to answer direct questions. If the consular official thinks you are not telling the truth, you may not get a visa. Rehearse what you plan to say to the consular officer and try to be clear in your presentation. Practice your English! It is important that you always be courteous and never demanding. Just in case a problem develops, you should make copies of any documents submitted. Applications should be made as early as possible.
 
If you are denied a student visa, you have probably not sufficiently proven to the consular officer that you are entitled to student status.  In most cases the denial will be based on failure to prove "permanent residence" or "strong ties" to your home country.  A visa denial is not permanent and may be reconsidered if you can show further convincing evidence.  We strongly suggest that you contact Florida Southern if you are denied a visa so that we can advise you prior to your second application.
 
If you have been accepted to Florida Southern College but have not yet received your Form I-20 and there is little time left before school starts, do not enter the U.S. with a regular B-1/B-2 visitor's visa, as there is no guarantee that tourist status can be changed to student status once in the U.S.  However, if you are already in the U.S. with a visitor's visa, the International Student Services Coordinator can assist you in trying to change your status.
 
Citizens of certain countries are permitted to visit the U.S. without applying for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas. This is the Visa Waiver Program and individuals are issued a green I-94 card usually marked "WT." Entry with a visa waiver restricts you to staying in the U.S. as a tourist for only 90 days. If you enter with a visa waiver, you will not be able to extend your stay in legal status in the U.S. for more than 90 days, and you will not be able to change to student status in the U.S.  If you are a citizen of Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom, you are eligible for the visa waiver, but should not enter the U.S. with this status if you intend to become a student!
 
Keep in mind the following:

• Do NOT enter the U.S. on a visitor's visa or under the Visa Waiver Program.
• Only use the I-20 issued by the school you plan to attend!
• The I-20 is very important - DO NOT lose it!

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SHIPPING INFORMATION

Regardless of the cost of excess weight, it is usually better to bring all personal baggage with you on the plane rather than shipping it separately (check with your travel agent or airline for size and weight limitations). Even if you spend $100 for excess weight, you will save money, since shipments of larger parcels often cost more than that. Also, you will require the services of an agent to arrange for customs clearance and forwarding of unaccompanied parcels. Such services are expensive and can result in considerable delays.

However, any international student wishing to ship personal materials to Florida Southern College may do so. Baggage may be shipped ahead addressed to yourself, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, Fl 33801. Please be aware that there is no summer storage available on campus for residence hall residents.

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TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT

After you clear immigration, your luggage will be inspected at Customs and you can then proceed to ground (local) transportation. It is best to have at least $200 in U.S. currency to pay for transportation and initial expenses. There are banking kiosks at the airports but it is best to have some cash on hand. When in the airport, taxi or limousine, do not leave your baggage unattended at any time.  Also, be sure to know the exact address of your destination, as it will save you time and money.  Each airport will have signs guiding you to the "Ground Transportation," from where you will be able to hire a taxi, car service, or a bus. 

Transportation arrangements from the airport to Florida Southern College will be available for a fee through a college contracted Taxi service. This information will be made available to you in the admissions office acceptance packet.  

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WHAT TO BRING

Florida's climate does not vary drastically during the year.  However, the summer months are extremely hot and the winter months can be chilly, especially in the evening.  Therefore, it is recommended that you bring clothes for layering.  Clothing made from cotton is most comfortable for the summer. In the fall and spring, add heavier cotton and light woolens. You will need raincoats and umbrellas all year long. Your native dress is welcome.

You may wish to bring with you items to remind you of home, such as photographs, CDs, and artwork. It is likely that you will make new friends who will want to learn more about you and your home country, culture and customs. Also, many students find comfort in having familiar objects around them.     

You may also want to bring items you use regularly that may not be readily available or may be more expensive in the United States - for example eyeglasses, cameras, watches or portable radios. When traveling internationally, you may also have the opportunity to visit a duty free shop where such items may be purchased at a reduced cost.

You can obtain a booklet on customs regulations at the embassy or consulate where you apply for your visa. In general, you will not be allowed to pass through customs with food, plants, items for resale, or alcoholic beverages if you are under 21 years old. It is best to purchase electrical appliances after you arrive, since appliances purchased outside the U.S. may not be compatible with the power supply here (120/240A/60 cycles).

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ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT FOR F-1 STUDENTS

As an F-1 student, you may apply for on-campus employment provided that you are authorized by the USCIS to attend Florida Southern College, and you are maintaining full-time studies. You can begin working on campus immediately as there is no minimum time requirement in F-1 status for this type of work. You will need a Social Security Number in order to get paid, so be sure to start that process as soon as you are offered a job on-campus if you do not have a number already!

What is considered on-campus employment?
On-campus employment means that you will be working on Florida Southern College premises (perhaps in the library or your academic department). It also includes working for a commercial firm that provides direct services to Florida Southern College students (such as dining services).

Additionally, work that is performed at an off-campus location but that is educationally affiliated with Florida Southern can be considered on-campus employment. This work must be associated with the school's curriculum and be an integral part of your educational program [8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i)].

How many hours can I work?
You can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. You may be eligible for full time employment during vacation periods and holidays.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FALL "OUT OF STATUS"?

To fall "out of status" means that you have violated an immigration regulation pertaining to your particular immigration status (F-1, J-1, etc.). If this occurs, you may lose the benefits of your status in the U.S., including your eligibility to work. You are at risk of violating your status for any of the following reasons:

1. You allow your passport to expire.
2. You are not attending the school that you are authorized to attend, that is, the one that issued the Form I-20 you used to enter the United States most recently.
3. You do not follow the correct procedures for transferring from one school to another, or for continuing from one educational level to another.
4. You drop below full-time in any semester without first obtaining permission.
5. You do not attend school during the fall or spring semester (during the academic year).
6. You work off campus without proper authorization.
7. You work on or off campus for more than 20 hours per week while school is in session.
8. Your program completion date on your I-20 has passed and you have not filed for a program extension.

IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS

You must bring all the documents listed below to the Office of International Students immediately upon arrival so that copies can be made for your file. You should also become familiar with the following documents and be aware of their importance in relation to your immigration status:

PASSPORT: Your passport should be updated before you depart for the U.S. and must be kept valid at least six months into the future at all times. Your passport can be renewed through your country's consulate or embassy in the U.S., or in your own country during a vacation abroad.

FORM I-20: This is the Certificate of Eligibility for the regular F-1 visa and F-1 student status. It is issued to you by Florida Southern College once you have been accepted and have provided financial documentation showing your ability to pay for your education and living expenses. The I-20 is used to obtain the F-1 student visa at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your country. It is also required for entry to the U.S.

After your initial entry to the U.S., your I-20 must be properly endorsed by a Designated School Official (DSO) in The International Students Office before leaving the U.S. for temporary travel during your studies. Endorsements are required in order to reenter the U.S. and are generally valid for one year, although it is recommended that you have it signed twice a year if traveling. The I-20 does not have to be signed every time you travel.

Please note the date of completion of study in Section 5 on the I-20 is an estimated date. It may take you more or less time to complete your program of study. You must be enrolled full time and making "normal progress" toward completion of your program at all times. If you will not finish your studies by the completion date on your I-20, you need to contact The International Students Office prior to that date to request an extension.
VISA: When you go to the American embassy or consulate in your country and present your I-20 the Consular Officer will place a visa stamp on a page inside your passport. This visa gives you permission to apply for entry to the U.S. It indicates the type of visa you have been given for your stay in the U.S. and when it will expire. Also, it will indicate how many times you can enter the U.S. using that visa (e.g. single/two/multiple). Please read the section entitled "Obtaining Your Student Visa."

Please note that a visa does not determine the length of time you may stay in the U.S. It is basically an entry permit and only needs to be valid at the time of entry or reentry to the U.S. Therefore, you should not be concerned if it expires while you are here unless you are planning to travel overseas and reenter the U.S. The length of time you are authorized to stay in the United States is determined by your approved program of study only, as indicated on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and your Form I-94.

FORM I-94: This is a small white card that will be stapled inside your passport by an Immigration official at the U.S. port of entry. Noted on it will be your admission/departure number, your immigration status (F-1, J-1, etc.), date of entry, port of entry, and the length of time that your status is valid. A notation of "D/S" means that your status is valid for "duration of status" (see more below). This I-94 card will be removed each time you leave the U.S. and a new one will be issued upon reentry to the U.S. Do not accept a green I-94 card (this is issued as part of the visa waiver program - see more below). If you do receive one, however, see the International Student Services Coordinator immediately, as this may be problematic.

All foreign citizens are issued an I-94 card when they arrive at a U.S. port of entry. Therefore, every international student, regardless of visa type, should have this form stapled into his or her passport. It is your most important immigration document - do not lose it!

What is the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?

Each year, 50,000 immigrant visas are made available through a lottery to people who come from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. None of these visas are available for people who come from countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the past five years. The State Department's National Visa Center holds the lottery every year, and chooses winners randomly from all qualified entries. Anyone who is selected under this lottery will be given the opportunity to apply for permanent residence. If permanent residence is granted, then the individual will be authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. You will also be allowed to bring your spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States.
Applications are only accepted during a short time in the fall of each year.  For the application dates and procedures, please visit the U.S. Department of State's website - http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html.  

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WHAT IS SEVIS?

SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a secure internet-based system operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This monitoring system allows schools and ICE to exchange data on the visa status of international students and scholars. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), as well as Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and American Embassies and Consulates overseas also have access to SEVIS. Accurate and current information is transmitted electronically prior to and throughout an F-1 student/scholar's academic program in the United States.

This is how SEVIS works:

After Florida Southern College admits an international student, SEVIS is notified and ICE approves the college's request to issue a Form I-20.  The Office of International Students prints and issues the new bar-coded Form I-20 to the student. The student visits the U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad, and the Consular Officer verifies through SEVIS that the student's I-20 is a valid document. If everything is in order, the Consulate issues the F-1 visa.

An Immigration Officer at the port of entry inspects the student's documents and reports to SEVIS the student's entry to the U.S. The SEVIS system, in turn, notifies Florida Southern that the student has entered the country.  When the student arrives on campus, he/she reports to The International Students Office and registers for classes. The International student office then verifies the student's enrollment through SEVIS.

The International Students Office continues to provide regular electronic reports to SEVIS throughout the student's academic career.  Finally, SEVIS records the student's departure from the United States.
Florida Southern College must report:

• Whether the student has enrolled at the school or failed to enroll.
• A change of the student or dependent's legal name or address.
• Any student who graduates prior to the end date listed on the Form I-20.
• Academic or disciplinary actions taken due to criminal conviction.
• When a student drops below full-time and whether the less-than-full-time study is authorized by a DSO (immigration regulations refer to international student advisers as "Designated School Officials" or DSO's).
• Any form of employment authorization, including Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training.
• Other data generated by standard procedures such as program extensions, school transfers, changes in level of study, and reinstatement.
• Any student who fails to maintain status or complete his or her program.
• Termination date and reason for termination.

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Admission for "Duration of Status"

As an F-1 student you have been admitted to the United States for "duration of status," which is defined by the immigration service as:

1. The time during which you are pursuing a full course of study (as shown on your I-20) and making normal progress toward completion of your degree, plus
2. The time you are engaged in authorized optional practical training (OPT) for F-1s after you complete your studies (if you qualify and are authorized by USCIS, this will be no more than one year), plus
3. A grace period of 60 days (F-1) to transfer schools or depart the U.S.

The immigration service grants "duration of status" to F-1 students by entering the notation "D/S" in the upper right corner of the Form I-20 and on the Form I-94 (white card that is stapled into your passport). The completion of studies date in item 5 of your most recent I-20 is the date by which the immigration service expects you to complete the requirements for your current program. If you are unable to complete your program by this date, contact The International Students Office at least 30 days in advance to discuss applying for a program extension.

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SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

The Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to those individuals who are eligible to work in the United States.  The SSN is required in order to be paid for any work you do in the U.S. whether it is on-campus or for practical training.  Though the SSN is only required to be paid by an employer, many other institutions in the U.S. ask for a SSN (i.e. banks, cell phone vendors, the Department of Drivers Licenses), and it is generally easier to obtain services from these institutions if you already have a SSN.  You are under no obligation to obtain a SSN; however, if you plan to work in the United States, you will need to obtain one. 

Effective October 13, 2004, the SSA now requires that a student secure a job offer in order to qualify to apply for a SSN.  With this new regulation, you will need to obtain a letter offering you a position before you will be able to apply for the SSN.  This may take some negotiating on your part with a prospective employer. 

Please see below for the nearest SSA office locations.

When you go to apply for your number, you will fill out an application form when you arrive.  You will then present the application and the following original documents for their review & copy:

• Valid passport
• F-1 visa
• Form I-94 (the little white card stapled in your passport)
• Form I-20
• Letter from prospective employer or Florida Southern College Human Resources
• If you have been issued CPT authorization for an internship, you may present the I-20 in lieu of a letter from the employer.
• If you have been approved for OPT, you may present the EAD card in lieu of a letter from an employer
• Letter from the International Student Office

It takes approximately 2-3 weeks for the Social Security Administration to issue your SSN and card.  However, it sometimes takes much longer.  The SSA must verify your student status with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) before issuing you a number.  This process can take from 10 days to 12 weeks to complete.  Once you have a SSN, you will use the same number throughout your stay in the United States.
The nearest Social Security Administration is located at 402 S. Kentucky Avenue in the Crown Bank Building. Please contact the International Student Office for applications, etc. 

Where and how do I get a Florida Driver's License?

The best place to find out detailed information on where and how to get a driver's license is directly from the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) web page at http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/faqkeys.html.

There have been new procedures implemented for international students to obtain a Florida Driver's License. It has become fairly complicated.  Many international students have been denied a Florida Driver's License in the recent past because they did not have the newly required documentation.  According to the Orlando US Citizenship and Immigration Services (US CIS) office, all applicants should take the following with them:

• a valid passport and visa
• I-94 Departure Record (indicating F-1 D/S)
• Florida Southern College Student ID Card
• Current Form I-20
• A letter from the International Student Office that the student is maintaining both immigration and academic status

The State of Florida is now only issuing the license for the duration of your status shown on your I-20, but not for more than six years.  When you get to the DMV office, you will fill out some forms, show the above documents and proof of identity (check DMV web page for acceptable forms of proof of identity) take a written or computer test, take a road test, pass the vision test, and pay a fee. Call the nearest DMV to ask if you need an appointment. In order to pass the written or computer test, you will need to know the U.S. safety and traffic laws and the road signs. You can find this information in the Florida Driver Handbook which you can pick up at your local DMV office or access online at:  http://www.lowestpricetrafficschool.com/handbooks/driver/en

If you don't need a driver's license, you also have the option to get a Florida I.D. card for identification purposes.  It is easier than getting a driver's license because you don't need to take any tests. Of course, you cannot use your I.D. card for driving purposes. To obtain a Florida I.D, card, you need to go to a DMV office, fill out paperwork, show the above immigration documents, and pay a fee.  Check the DMV web site for more information on I.D. cards.

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NEWS FROM HOME

It is important to keep in touch with family and friends while studying in the U.S.  Thanks to the internet age, you can do this easily through email and instant messaging.  In addition to keeping up to date on the gossip from your family and friends, you will most likely want to know the news of the politics, lifestyles, sports, etc. from your home.  To help you to keep yourselves informed, please link to your home countries' news sources.  For the most comprehensive listing of news sources, please visit www.world-newspapers.com.

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PROGRAM EXTENSIONS

F-1 STUDENTS:

If an F-1 student is unable to complete his or her studies at Florida Southern College by the completion date on the Form I-20, he or she must file for a "program extension." This must be done prior to the completion date. It is recommended that you allow at least two weeks processing time to complete this procedure. Students must submit new financial documentation and complete certain paperwork at The International Students Office. All extensions must be completed before the current I-20 expires.

RENEWING YOUR VISA

When you initially received the visa stamp in your passport, an expiration date was noted. If your entry visa expires while you are studying in the U.S., there is no need to renew it as long as you stay in the U.S. However, if your entry visa has expired and you wish to travel abroad, you must renew your visa no matter how short a trip you are taking.

It is not possible to complete this procedure inside the U.S. if you are in F status. Although not required, it is best to apply for the student visa in your home country.  Theoretically, you may renew your visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy in any country to which you are traveling, but countries other than your home country may impose stricter requirements or be unwilling to renew a visa for a citizen or resident of another country.  Always consult with the International Student Office before leaving to renew your visa.

Documents you should have with you when renewing your visa include:

• A valid passport.

• A valid, recently signed Form I-20.

• Two current passport-sized photographs.

• Financial documentation issued within the past 6 months, showing your ability to pay for your education and living expenses.

At the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you will complete Form DS-156 (Application for Nonimmigrant Visa) and possibly be charged a processing fee (Taiwanese citizens apply through the American Institute in Taiwan; Canadian students are not required to obtain a visa if entering the U.S. from Canada). The amount of time needed to obtain a student visa varies. All questions should be directed to the embassy or consulate.