Frequently Asked Questions
How do I maintain F-1 Status?
Continue taking 8 credit hrs (grad) and 12 hrs (undergrad) each quarter. In case you are about to graduate and you would be taking less than the required hrs then fill the course completion form from ISO and submit it before the sem starts.
What happens when I withdraw any courses?
If you withdraw any courses it is fine unless you fall out of status. If you fall below the required number of hrs then you have to meet the advisors in ISO to get the approval and bring yourself back to status.
My academic advisor told me that my department offers Distance Learning (DL) courses. How many DL courses can I take per quarter?
Only one DL or online course per quarter may be counted toward the full course of study requirement. (Possible scenario: undergraduate student wishes to take 2 DL courses. This is legally possible as long as the student enrolls in an additional 2 traditional courses that quarter. In other words, students may take as many DL courses as they would like, but may count only 1 (4-credit) DL course toward completion of their 8-credit (grad) or 12-credit (undergrad) minimum.
How do I find On-Campus jobs ?
DePaul has an online job application system. DePaul Career Center has a list of all the on-campus jobs. You can get access to it with your CampusConnect ID and apply to the jobs posted there. CampusConnect ID and password will be issued to you once you register at DePaul University.
Can I pay my tuition by working on campus?
The answer is NO. Tuition at DePaul is quite high. The money that you will be earning through on-campus jobs will be enough for your monthly expenses with a little to spare. However, it won't be able to take care of your tuition too.
Can I work off-campus?
Students on F-1 visas are not allowed to work off-campus. Under extenuating circumstances this restriction may be waived, but only with prior permission from the Immigration and Naturalization Services, and that too only after completing nine months of studies here. The Immigration Department is very strict about permitting F-1 students to work off-campus, even if the situation appears desperate from the point of view of the student.
When can I apply for OPT?
The Optional Practical Training(OPT) should start the day the student graduates (comprehensive exams or defense). Students in Thesis can also apply for pre OPT ie OPT before the day they defense and graduate. Please collect the flyers from ISO office and make an appointment with the advisor.
What is my status after graduation?
On the day of graduation if the student does not have OPT then he loses the oppurtunity to apply for his OPT and loses the student status also.
Where can I find apartments to rent and/or roommates?
You can use the DISA MessageBoard to either advertise for/find roomies or apartments in and around Chicago. Another good place to look into would be on Craigslist or on Sulekha Classifieds.
I have just moved to a new apartment. Do I have to notify anyone of the new address?
Yes. You have to make sure that you update the address and phone number information on CampusConnect every time either one is changed. This will automatically update the SEVIS record. If you would like the mail from old address be forwarded to the new address, you can do that by completing the "change of address form" from USPS (Unites States Postal Service) either online or at your nearest postal store.
What should I do when I travel outside USA?
Get the signatures on the last page of the I20 before you travel. The signature would be valid for 6 months from the date signed on. The process takes 3 working days at ISO. So, please make sure you plan in advance! Check with ISO for the Traveling flyers. For further information, please check the travel info on this website.
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