International Student Essentials

When to contact ISSS:

• Questions about your I-20 or status
• Travel signatures
• Program extension help
• Work authorization questions
• Bringing dependents

Your Responsibilities

If you are uncertain about any of the responsibilities listed below, please contact ISSS.

• Keep your immigration status valid while you’re in the U.S.
• Check your RPI email — ISSS sends important immigration alerts here.
• Update your local address and phone in SIS within 10 days of any change. OPT/STEM OPT students: update your SEVP Portal and MyUSCIS accounts within 10 days of any change.
• Keep your passport valid at least 6 months into the future. Renew through your embassy.
• Never work off-campus without prior authorization. Unpaid internships and "volunteering" may still require approval from ISSS.
• Watch your I-20 Program End Date. Apply for extensions at least 30 days in advance if needed.
• Check your Form DS-160 email address periodically – if there is a visa problem, the Consulate notifies you here.

Required Documents

Inside the U.S., always have paper copies of:

• Valid passport
• Most recent I-94 record
• Current I-20

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) tracks F-1 and J-1 students in the U.S. The I-20 and DS-2019 are created from SEVIS. RPI uses Via International (VI) to manage SEVIS records and student requests.

SEVIS Registration
ISSS must “register” you each semester (fall, spring, and summer if enrolled) to confirm:

• You’re enrolled full-time (unless approved by ISSS to be part-time)
• You have a valid U.S. address (update in sis.rpi.edu)
• You’re maintaining status

Via International (VI)

Every current F-1 RPI student and RPI alumni has an account to submit requests to International Services.

On-Campus Jobs

• Up to 20 hours/week during the semester; over 20 hours during breaks.
  • Discovery Semester (undergraduates only): work up to 20 hours/week, unless pre-approved by ISSS
• RA/TA jobs don’t need special ISSS approval but must appear on your I-20 if used for funding.
• New students: Complete ISSS Electronic Check-In before applying for your Social Security Number (SSN).

Off-Campus Work

• CPT: Paid/unpaid work while studying. Must be part of your degree.
• OPT: Work after graduation, in your field.
• STEM OPT Extension: 24 extra months after OPT for eligible STEM degrees.

All off-campus work must be authorized before you start. Unauthorized work can cause loss of status.

The RPI Experience (formerly, The Arch) lets you blend study and real-world experience. If you’re participating:

• Know your immigration options for Discovery Semester.
• Plan ahead for CPT if your Discovery Semester experience includes work in the U.S.
• Check the RPI Experience International Student Guidelines for visa compliance details

Travel Inside the U.S.

• Carry your passport, visa, I-20, and I-94.
• Domestic flights: Real ID needed by May 7, 2025 — or use your passport.

Travel Outside the U.S.

• Get a travel signature on Page 2 of your I-20 (valid 12 months for current students; 6 months for OPT/STEM OPT).
• Keep your passport valid at least 6 months into the future.
• Do not travel internationally if you have a pending change of status.
• If you forget a travel signature, contact ISSS immediately — you may need Form I-515A at the border.

Check your visa expiry date. Renew at home country if needed (talk to ISSS before leaving U.S.).

F-2 Dependents

• Spouses/children may join you on F-2 visas.
• Request dependent I-20s through ISSS.
• The F-2 status depends on the F-1 maintaining their status.
• F-2s may not study full-time or work.
• Health insurance is needed for all dependents — RPI Student Health and Wellness can help.

Every international student must file U.S. tax forms yearly.

• Earned income? File federal taxes with the IRS and file Form 8843
• No income? File Form 8843 to confirm your U.S. status.

RPI partners with Sprintax, a tax prep tool for international students. ISSS does not handle tax paperwork — don’t send forms to us.

If you leave RPI or transfer to another school:

• Contact ISSS before taking a leave of absence or withdrawing — rules limit how long you can stay or transfer.
• Transfer your SEVIS record to your new school within 60 days of finishing your program or after OPT ends.
• Leaving the U.S.? Keep travel timelines and visa requirements in mind.

• Complicated changes of status
• Denied visas
• Reinstatement after loss of status