Frequently Asked Questions

The Form I-20 is a three-page document issued by a U.S. school to prove that you have been accepted and have met all admission requirements for your program and are eligible for "F-1" student immigration status.  It also indicates how long you may remain in the United States based on your program of study. It may be re-issued over the course of a program for travel or work authorization purposes.

The Form DS-2019 is issued by a U.S. school to prove that you have been accepted and have met all admission requirements for your program and are eligible for "J-1" student immigration status.  It also indicates how long you may remain in the United States based on your program of study. It may be re-issued over the course of a program for travel or work authorization purposes..

An entry visa is placed in your passport at a U.S. embassy or consulate (outside the U.S.).  An F-1 entry visa is required to ENTER the U.S. in F-1 student status (unless you are from Canada or Bermuda). The entry visa stamp may expire while you are inside the U.S.  You will only need a new visa if you leave the U.S. after it expires and you wish to return. 

The I-94 is your official arrival/departure record. It indicates what date you arrived in the U.S.  It also indicates how you were admitted into the U.S. (for example, as an F-1 student). It will also include an expiration date - which for F-1/J-1 students/scholars and their dependents, this should be “D/S”, which means “Duration of Status.” This notation refers to the date you complete your studies or the end date on your Form I-20/Form DS-2019 (whichever is earlier) plus any grace period you may be eligible. 

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a Department of Homeland Security electronic monitoring system for international students. It requires schools to report certain information on each student. F-1 and J-1 students (and any dependents) are assigned a SEVIS ID, which can be found on the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.

Students must always use their Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 to enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status. If you find an error on your I-94 record showing tourist status contact ISSS at isss@babson.edu immediately.

• Maintain a valid passport (best practice is at least 6 months into the future but there are limited exceptions).
• Currently attend the school whose Form I-20/Form DS-2019 you last used to enter the U.S., or complete required transfer procedures.
• Be enrolled in a full-course of study during the academic year (varies by program - at least 12 or 9 credits per semester), unless an acceptable exception.
• Comply with the extension of program procedures BEFORE your current Form I-20/Form DS-2019 expires.
• Comply with procedures for changing from one degree level to another.
• Engage only in authorized employment.
• Report any address change within 10 days of moving.

Visit www.babson.edu/issstravel for information about what is needed to return to the U.S. in valid status and how to obtain travel signatures.

You must meet with an international student advisor prior to starting classes at the new university. If Babson is unaware of your transfer then your new school will not be able to issue you a transfer Form I-20. Learn more about the process to transfer your immigration record from Babson.

Students may take one online course per semester (within their full course of study credits). If enrolled in additional credits, additional online courses may be permitted. 

Any time you leave campus it is recommended that you have all of your original documents. Although uncommon, you may be asked to show your documents by a government official. ISSS highly recommends applying for a legal form of U.S. identification - i.e. state ID, liquor ID, Driver's License. Having digital copies on your phone/laptop is also recommended. 

On-Campus: All F-1 students who are in valid F-1 status are allowed to work up to 20 hours/week on campus. No official work permission is required. You may work full-time on-campus during official college breaks.

Off-Campus: Authorization is required for off-campus employment. Off-campus employment must be related to your field of study, and can only take place after one academic year of full time studies.

A SSN is required only for those who will work in the U.S. and get paid. F-1 students may apply for a (SSN) if they are authorized for employment or have an on-campus job offer. You will need an on-campus employment letter to verify your eligibility. More information can be found about Social Security numbers here.

Obtaining a Driver's License can be a personal choice depending on a student's situation. It can be a lengthy process and a lot of documentation is required. View more information on our Driving in the U.S. page. 

Yes! All F-1 visa holders who have been in the U.S. for less than 5 years are Nonresidents for tax purposes and must file the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 8843. Those who have had U.S. source income must also file Form 1040NR or 1040NREZ and some may have to file a Massachusetts State tax form as well.

 The Glavin Office staff CANNOT advise you on tax issues but we have made some tax resources available to current students.