Frequently Asked Questions

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.  It is the system used by the US government to track all those in F and J status.

What is the SEVIS fee?  Do I need to pay it?

On September 1, 2004, a new United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule went into effect.  This rule requires F-1 applicants to pay a one-time fee of $200 to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange Information System (SEVIS). You can pay your SEVIS fee online at: https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml

What is a Visa?:

Your Visa is your physical visa paperwork in your passport. It is your “key” to get inside of the United States.

What is “Status”?:

Your status is your reason for being in the United States, if you hold an F-1 visa, your reason is to study.

What is an I-94?

The form I-94 is a record of admission to and departure from the United States. It indicates how long a person can remain in the U.S. All non-immigrants are given a form I-94 upon entry to the U.S. The I-94 is a small white card placed inside your passport. The I-94 states the visa classification under which the person entered and how long the person may remain in the U.S. For F-1 students the I-94 should indicate 'D/S’, which means duration of status.  DO NOT lose this card, it is expensive to try to get a new one. If you lose this card, see an International Student Counselor immediately!

What is 'D/S' on my I-94 card?

'D/S' stand for Duration of Status.  This means that you may remain in the U.S. for as long as you are in status.  If you are an F visa holder and your I-94 card says something other than "D/S" (for example, if a date is printed), please bring it to an International Student Counselor so that we can help to fix the problem. 

What if my F-1 student visa has expired?

You are permitted to stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain you student status.  However, if you are returning home or traveling to another country, you must have a valid visa to return to the United States. For more information on this, please visit the following link:  REVALIDATING YOUR VISA) Your visa is like your key to get into the USA. You do not need your key again, until you must re-enter the USA.

My I-20 will expire before I complete my studies:

You are required to have a valid, non- expired SEVIS I-20 at all times.  If the end date on your I-20 is approaching, make an appointment with an International Student Counselor.  We will provide you with a new I-20 if you do in fact need more time to complete your studies, by doing an extension on your I-20. In order to obtain an extension, please bring in an up-to-date bank statement proving the amount of money on your I-20, and if you have a sponsor, you will also need to bring in a signed agreement of support.  For more information, visit this page: EXTENDING YOUR I-20 PAGE)

Can I work as an F-1 Student?:

Yes, you can work 20 hours/week on campus during the fall and spring semesters, and 40 hours a week during the summer break. You may also work off campus through Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training.

Can I Change my Major as an F-1 Student?

Yes, you can! You really should only change your major once, maybe twice, as an F-1 student at the Associate's Degree level. Make sure you change it with an International Counselor, as you will need a new I-20 when you change your major. For a list of majors available at BCC, visit www.bergen.edu/ecatalog. To see what you can do with certain majors, visit the Career Development website at http://www.bergen.edu/pages/2136.asp.