Immigration
SOME IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS THAT AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SHOULD KNOW
It is your responsibility to understand and
follow all the immigration regulations that
affect you. Do not rely on information from
your friends. You should always consult with
an international student advisor to obtain
immigration information if you are in doubt.
You can also find helpful information at the
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.
(Note: the immigration rules outlined below
are subject to change at any time)
1. YOUR DOCUMENTS:
You are required to always keep your passport, I-20 form, I-94 card and
visa current:
- Passport Renewal:
You should renew your passport
at least 6 months before the expiration date.
See the list of Foreign embassies & consulates in the U.S. at
http://embassy.org/embassies/.
- I-20 Form Extension:
If you need an extension of
your I-20 document, you must contact our office at
least 45 days before the expiration date,
(which is listed on your I-20 in section 5).
- I-94 Card:
An I-94 card is a white card issued when you enter the
United States that shows the length of time you are authorized
to stay in the U.S. It should be stapled
in your passport next to your U.S. visa.
- If you are an F-1 student, your I-94 card
should be stamped as "D/S" (Duration of Status).
This means that you may remain in the U.S. in F-1
status as long as you remain in school full time and
are in status (see below).
- If you have a visitor
visa, you should have an expiration date stamped on your
I-94 card; you either need to leave the country
on/before that day or need to file for an extension or
change of status, (45 days before the expiration date
is strongly recommended).
- Visa Renewal:
If you are in the U.S. and maintain
your F-1 status, it is OK if your F-1 visa expires while
you are still in the U.S. You will need to renew it
when you return to your home country (e.g., during the
summer vacation). Most students may still travel to
Canada or Mexico with an expired F-1 visa if the trip is less
than 30 days and you have a valid I-20 form and passport.
This is called "Automatic Revalidation". Please check with the
ISP office to be sure your country
qualifies for the Automatic Revalidation.
- Transferring from another institution to BC:
Please contact ISP Office, (phone: (425) 564-3185 or email: isp@bellevuecollege.edu),
for admission requirements and deadlines. If
you plan to transfer directly from your current school to BC, you should inform
your current school’s International Student Advisor about your plans. Once your current
school releases you to BC, the ISP office will issue you a new transfer I-20.
- Transferring to another institution from BC:
To transfer to a 4-year college or university, you will need to plan ahead. In general, we
recommend our students apply to at least three different universities. Each university
has different application deadlines and admissions requirements. Please conduct your
own research in advance and consult your advisor.
You may take a vacation quarter in the U.S. after
completing three consecutive, full-time quarters.
To take a vacation, you must come to the ISP office
and complete a
"Request to take the quarter off"
form, or "
click here" to download the Vacation Request form.
If you are enrolled in a credit program and
would like to take Summer Quarter off but have not
taken three consecutive quarters, please come and talk
to an advisor at the International Student Programs
office.
