Center for International Services, Syracuse University

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The Slutzker Center for International Services Welcomes all New and Returning International Students!

Regular Office Hours

During the semester, the Slutzker Center for International Services is open daily Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

SCIS Advisors will be available daily for brief walk-in questions from 11:00am. to 3:00pm only. Students are welcome to come in during these hours should they wish to see an advisor without an appointment.
Scholars and students, who cannot come in during student advising hours, please call 315-443-2457 to request an appointment.
If you have a general inquiry, please e-mail us at lescis@syr.edu.

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SCIS Seminars

Seminars begin promptly at time indicated.

Practical Training:
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
CPT – 3:00pm
OPT – 3:45pm

Travel Information:
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month – 1:30pm

On Campus Employment:
Tuesday – 2:00pm
Friday – 9:30am

Life after Practical Training:
1st Monday of every month 2:00pm
By appointment

Off Campus Employment:
By appointment only
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Online Courses and Full-Time Status

For Syracuse University F-1 students, a full-time course load is required only during the Fall and Spring semesters. There is no requirement that students be enrolled during the Summer or Winter sessions, which are optional. Thus, an F-1 student can take as many on-line or distance education courses from Syracuse or from another institution as they wish (with SCIS's approval) during Summer or Winter session. But, during the Fall and Spring semesters, an F-1 student is limited to only one on-line or distance education course that can be counted towards a full-time course load, whether it is a Syracuse University course or a course offered by another school.

If the course requires the student to come to the sponsoring university's location for a class, examination, or some other purpose integral to the completion of the course, then it is not considered “on-line” or “distance education” for the purposes of the federal definition, and is not subject to the federal limit. But, if the course is conducted solely “on-line” with no requirements to come to the sponsoring university’s location, then no more than one such course can be taken in the Fall or Spring semesters, if the student is physically present in the United States.

Graduate students must enroll for at least 9 credits every semester. Undergraduate students must register for at least 12 credits every semester. If it is your last semester and fewer than 12 credits are required to graduate for undergrads and 9 credits for grads; it is acceptable to carry only those credits required to complete your degree.
If a student needs only one course to finish his or her program of study in the final semester, it cannot be taken through online/distance education. There must be a physical presence requirement for the course. If a student remains in the United States without reporting to any class, it becomes a security issue and cannot be allowed.
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Studying or Doing Research Abroad

Planning to Study or do Research Abroad during the Spring or Summer semester? If so, please talk to an international advisor at the Slutzker Center soon. There are steps which you must take in order to insure your continued non-immigrant status for re-entry to the U.S.
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U.S. Immigration Requirements If You Are Leaving Syracuse University Permanently.

SCIS advisers are often asked what the immigration requirements are if a student will no longer be continuing at SU, either because the student is returning to his/her home country, or is beginning Practical Training or Academic Training, or because the student is going to begin study at a new school.

Regardless of your plans, retain your old I-20s (or DS-2019s)! These forms represent your immigration history in the United States and should be kept in a safe place as you would keep any important document in case you might need them in the future.

The immigration regulatory process for transferring your F-1 status from Syracuse University to a new school in the United States requires you to complete a Transfer Out Form with the SCIS so that your federal SEVIS record can be transferred to your new school. The Transfer Out Form and more detailed information may be found on our website:
http://international.syr.edu/transfer_out.htm

Also, follow your new school's instructions for Transfer In forms, obtaining your I-20, and for reporting to that school in a timely fashion.

Students who will be ending their studies this December but have no plans to apply for practical training (F-1), academic training (J-1) or continue at a new school or in a new field or level of study (i.e. Master's, J.D., Ph.D), or seek a change of non-immigrant status must depart the United States within 60 days of their academic program end date if they are in F-1 status (see item #5 on your current I-20), or within 30 days if they are in J-1 status.
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Latest Information on H-1B Visa Processing

On December 22, 2009, USCIS announced that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap for FY 2010. USCIS is hereby notifying the public that December 21, 2009, is the “final receipt date” for new H-1B specialty occupation petitions requesting an employment start date in FY 2010.

The updates can be found on the USCIS’ Web site at www.uscis.gov/h-1b_count
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Beware of false immigration Web sites

Students should be aware that there have been reports of false Immigration websites that strongly resemble the US Immigration Services website and often require payment for access to information and forms. Relevant information and all immigration forms are available free of charge on the US Immigration Services website http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

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STEM Code Update

The CIP (classification of instructional programs) for Engineering Management has been changed by the University. The I-20s for current engineering management students will reflect "manufacturing engineering" (CIP 14.3601) as the program of study with a remark that the student's major is engineering management. Coursework and degree requirements will remain the same for engineering management students. There are many students effected by this change, therefore, your patience is appreciated as we issue new I-20s.
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OPT Extension/ Cap Gap Rule

On April 8, 2008, DHS published the interim final rule that changes several key aspects of F-1 optional practical training (OPT). The rule is effective April 8, 2008.

The new rule published in the Federal Register will allow F-1 nonimmigrant students with certain STEM degrees (i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to extend their OPT by 17 months if they meet the eligibility requirements and also expands cap gap relief to all F-1 students with pending H-1B petitions. More information...

Interim Rule with NAFSA Annotations

SEVIS Policy Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions

USCIS OPT Extension/Cap Gap Relief FAQ's_#1

USCIS OPT Extension/Cap Gap Relief FAQ's_#2

E-Verify

SCIS STEM Extension Webpage (w/ application process)

SCIS OPT Extension/ Cap-Gap Handout

SCIS Cap Gap Relief Webpage (W/ requesting Cap Gap I-20 instructions

USCIS to Allow F-1 Students Opportunity to Request Change of Status

USCIS Reaches FY 2009 H-1B Cap

STEM Extension Information