International Student Compliance

International Student Compliance provides visa and immigration services to all international students and research scholars throughout their time at Azusa Pacific University.

International Student Compliance staff and students are here to support you during your time at APU. If you have a question or need to meet with us, email us at [email protected].

Maintaining Status

All F-1 and J-1 international students must follow U.S. immigration regulations in order to maintain their international student status. Below are the key student responsibilities:

Maintain a valid, accurate I-20, DS2019 (J1 Visa)
Maintain a valid passport
Maintain full-time enrollment each semester
Report any change of address to ISS within 10 days of moving
Be mindful of program end date
Do not work off campus without authorization
File tax forms each spring
Get an I-20 travel signature before travelling outside the U.S.

Workshops/Seminars (Fridays, 2-4 p.m.)

Employment/Practical Training Workshop (third week of January and September)
Immigration Seminar (February and October)
Tax Workshop (March)

Helpful Links

Employment

On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours a week during fall and spring semesters and 40 hours a week during university vacations and summer vacation. If you’re interested in on-campus employment, follow these steps:

Search for and apply for an on-campus job
Obtain a job offer letter from the hiring supervisor and provide it to the ISS office
Request a letter to the Social Security Administration
Apply for a Social Security card at the local Social Security office
Begin work after obtaining your Social Security card

Off-Campus Employment

In order for international students to work off campus, they must obtain the proper work authorization through ISS and/or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Off-campus work authorization options are:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Academic Training (J1 visa only)

Travel

Students and scholars may travel internationally during scheduled university breaks. Students returning to the U.S. from a temporary break should ensure they have the required documents to reenter the country. Required documents for reentry to the U.S. include:

Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the reentry to the U.S.)
Valid F-1/J-1 visa in passport (except students from Canada)
Current I-20/DS-2019 with a valid travel signature form

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for international students who hold an F-1 or J-1 visa. The health insurance charge is applied automatically at the beginning of the fall and spring terms for international students.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit the APU Student Health Center site or the Gallagher Student Insurance site.

Forms

The following online forms are available for international students to use for any of the issues listed with the respective forms.

Document Request Form

I-20 signature for traveling
Extension of I-20
Replacement of I-20
I-20 for new dependents
Full-time student letter
Letter to Social Security Administration
Letter of permission to study part-time at another school
Graduation invitation letter
Permission to study below full time

Student Information Form

Update contact information (email, phone)
Update U.S. physical address
Update home country address

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application

Apply for pre-completion OPT
Apply for post-completion OPT
OPT Checklist (PDF)

OPT Reporting Form

Update employer name and address

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Application

Some programs require their students to have an internship and/or work outside of campus; use this link to apply.
Curricular Practical Training (PDF)

Transfer Out Request Form

This form is to be filled out when you are planning to transfer out of APU before you finish your program/major.

Transfer In Authorization Form (PDF)

This form is to be filled out by the DSO of your previous school and when you are planning to transfer into APU.

Leave of Absence Form

This form is to be filled out when you are planning to take a leave of absence from APU and return later.

Mary Grams, MA

Associate Director, International Student Compliance

Email: [email protected]

Anita Gunadi, MBA

Senior International Student Advisor, International Student Compliance

Email: [email protected]