Legal Documents
Passport
A passport is your authorization to go into a foreign country. It is a government document that identifies who you are and the country that you are citizen of. Your passport must be valid the entire time that you are in the United States .
It is advised that all students renew their passports at least 6 months before the expiration date.
You can access the following website for the U.S. Department of State for more information about passports: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html .
Visa
A Visa is a document that shows you have been authorized to enter the United States for a specific purpose. Think of this like the key for your home. If you want to get into the house, you must have your key. But once you are in your home, you do not need the key again unless you leave, lock the door again, and return at a later time. If you do need to renew your visa, note that you can only do so in your home country. Your visa can expire while you are here at BYU-Hawaii
For more information, you can refer to the following website: http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/obtainingvisa/index.html
I-20
Your I-20 is a document that verifies you are legally in the United States for the purpose of completing an academic degree. Check the following items on your I-20 to make sure they are correct:
- The name on your I-20 matches the name in your passport
- Birthdate
- Country of birth and citizenship
- Degree objective (#4) and program major (#5)
- Funding (#8)
- Start and end date for your program
Students must maintain their status to keep their I-20 active and effective. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following requirements:
- Complete 12 credit hours during Fall and Winter (IWES students must follow the requirements of their contract)
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA each term/semester
- Keep a current I-20
- Apply for program extensions before the expiration date
- Work only the 19 authorized hours
- Report any changes in your status to the ISS office
Travel
If you leave the United States at anytime for a period less than 5 months, and plan to return for school again, come to the ISS at least one week before your departure for a Designated School Official (DSO) to endorse the back of your I-20. This authorization is required for you to re-enter the United States .
IWES students must submit an orange Travel Request/Agreement Form. This form requires students to submit a copy of their travel itinerary before leaving. Here are some guidelines:
- Travel cannot occur within the first 12 months of arriving on campus
- All loans, fees or payment balances must be paid in full before traveling
- Students on academic probation are not eligible to apply
- A 4-year graduation MAP (plan) must be completed, signed by the academic advisor, and submitted with the application for travel
- All travel must be taken during periods of non-enrollment
- Students are responsible to check the expiration dates of their passport, VISA and I-20
Extensions
Students can apply for a program extension by picking up an application at the ISS office. This blue form must be submitted 30 days BEFORE the end date on your most recent I-20 form. If you fail to submit this form in a timely manner, you may be required to file for re-instatement, which includes a $195 fee.
Extension applications require approval from the academic advisor, IWES Director (if the student is on IWES), and a DSO in the ISS office.
Replacement
Any replacement for an original I-20 costs $5.00. However, if there are changes being made to an I-20 that involves a change in major, financial status, program end dates, or employment, students will not be charged the $5.00 fee.
I-94 (Entry/Departure Card):
I-94 (Entry/Departure Card)
Your I-94 is a small white card that is usually stapled on to a page by your VISA when you enter the United States . It has recorded on it the date that you arrived, the port you entered, your VISA status, and a number that tracks your entry. This document is required when you apply for a change in status, or employment authorization. When you leave the country, the office of Customs and Board Control takes this card and gives you a new one when you re-enter.
Before you get too comfortable and forget all about this small white card, please check to make sure that the information your filled out is correct; your name and birth date. Any errors should be taken directly to the airport to be corrected.
