The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched the Study in the States initiative to enhance our nation’s economic, scientific and technological competitiveness by finding new ways to encourage the most talented international students to study and learn about expanded post-graduate opportunities in the United States. This initiative includes a focus on streamlining the student visa process, enhancing coordination among government agencies and keeping international students better informed about student visa rules and regulations.
Study in the States serves as an innovative information hub for the international student community by bringing together the various federal agencies that play a role in implementing our student visa and exchange visitor programs, including the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs and Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The site offers the latest information and resources for international students and school officials through blog posts, news articles, interactive guides, and videos. Check out their Study Guide to the States for a concise summary of the steps that you need to take starting with your decision to come study in the states.
International students planning to study at Notre Dame Seminary should contact Ms. Cathy Simoneaux, Notre Dame’s “Designated School Official (DSO) ” if they have any questions.
Remember these important steps:
When arriving to the United States,you must:
- Enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program of study begins.
- Immediately contact NDS’ Registrar and designated school official (DSO)for the SEVIS Program, Ms. Cathy Simoneaux, when you enter the United States.
- When you arrive at school, you need to contact Ms. Cathy again, but no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
While studying in the United States, you must:
- Attend and pass all your classes. If school is too difficult, speak with Fr. Deo or Ms. Cathy immediately.
- If you believe that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, talk with Fr. Deo or Ms. Cathy about requesting a possible program extension.
- You must take a full course of study each term; if you cannot study full-time, contact Ms. Cathy immediately.
- Do not drop a class without first speaking with Ms. Cathy and your academic and formation advisors.
- SEVP Application Process for International Students (graphic)
- SEVP School Certification Cycle
- Orientation Information Sheet for Incoming Students with F-1 visas
- Request to Enroll As a Part-Time Student
- F-1 Extension Request
Revised: May 9, 2016