Visas
Which visa type are the majority of Mac international students on?
*Bonus: How about exchange students’ visa type?
F-1 Visa
True/False?
Int’l students can take classes remotely.
FALSE
They can only take up to 3 credits remotely (back to pre-COVID regulations).
TRUE/FALSE?
Now that weed is legal in MN, int’l students can eat and toke all they want.
FALSE
Still not federally legal. Int’l students must follow federal laws.
What is the work authorization called that students must have to work off-campus?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Bonus 50 points:
What does off-campus work need to relate to?
True/False?
Int’l students need to renew their visa every year.
FALSE: It depends on their home country and if they travel outside the US
On average, what percentage of our int’l students declare a STEM major?
> 70%
TRUE/FALSE?
Int’l students who have a driver’s license from their home country can drive in MN legally.
FALSE
They must get a valid MN license within 60 days of arrival to drive in MN.
True/False?
Students can work at Dunn Bros, Macalester summer camps, be a social media influencer, house/pet sit, tutor, etc.
FALSE
Students are not allowed to work off-campus or remotely unless it is a registered internship (CPT) that relates to their major
AND
Any on-campus employer must provide a service to students (ie: Bon App, Highlander)
Feet on the ground test.
True/False?
A student can remain in the US past their visa expiration date.
True!
A visa is only a ticket INTO the US. It’s okay if it expires while studying at Mac. If student leaves the country on an expired visa, they must apply for new visa before returning to the US.
TRUE/FALSE?
Int’l students can stay in the US during a leave of absence.
FALSE
Int’l students must depart the US within 15 days of the LOA approval.
What would be the consequences of an int’l student being caught with underage drinking or getting a DUI?
Their visa could be revoked.
Could also affect their ability to obtain a future visa, permanent residency or US citizenship.
What is the work authorization called after graduation?
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Bonus 150 points:
How much does it cost to apply?
Where can students get/renew their visa?
Almost any country, except the US.
What is the minimum number of credits an int’l student must take in order to maintain immigration status?
12 credits
Bonus 50 points: Who must int’l students get permission from BEFORE dropping below 12 credits?
An int’l student is applying for a Green Card. Which documents should they have kept?
Hint: 4 documents.
All I-20s (or DS-2019), tax returns, copies of old visas & passports.
Which employment taxes do int’l students not have to pay in their first 5 years in the US?
FICA or Social Security, Medicare
Besides visas, name 3 challenges that int’l students face that don’t affect domestic students.
Being in a new country/culture/language
Currency exchange rate fluctuations
Needing to take at least 12 credits
Cannot work off-campus w/o CPT
Cannot work outside of major field
Not on parents’ health insurance
Navigating new healthcare system
30% taxation
First time being a minority/outsider
Grading system/classroom etiquette
etc.
Who on campus can sign a letter supporting a Reduced Course Load (RCL)?
Licensed medical provider (Dr Steph, MD) or Licensed psychologist (Don DeBoer, PhD, LP)
True/False?
The regulations allow a Mac alum on STEM OPT to do research at Mac (in a paid position)
FALSE
Bonus 150 points:
Why?
How many years does ISP work with a typical int’l student?
7-8 years
~70% int’l students are STEM majors