Maintaining Your Legal Status

Welcome to Stanford!

Summer 2026

Agenda

• Activity: Updating Your SEVIS (US) Address

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• Introduction:
• International Students & Bechtel International Center

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• Maintaining Legal Status�
• Immigration Documents�
• Duration of Status�
• Travel & U.S. Re-Entry – Student Visa Renewal

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• Bechtel Connect�
• Settling in at Stanford (Honor Code, Taxes, CA Driver’s License)

Updating Your SEVIS (US) Address

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Update your addresses via your Axess Profile

Updating Your SEVIS (US) Address

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Once on the profile page, scroll down to the Addresses section:

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Tips:

• Must be your current physical address
• Make sure to select SEVIS (US)/ Stu Local
• Make sure to click the Save button

Note: “Mail” address in Axess should be a U.S. address

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To add a new address, select the “Add a new address” button. After inputting the address details, select an address type. For the SEVIS address, this will be Student Local (also labeled as SEVIS address for international students):

Building number and street name

Dorm name, room number

May vary for off-campus students

Updating (adding) your SEVIS (US) Address

Updating (editing) your SEVIS (US) Address

Tips:

• Must be your current physical address
• Make sure to select SEVIS (US)/ Stu Local
• Make sure to click the Save button

Note: “Mail” address in Axess should be a U.S. address

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1. Edit address form

2. Confirm address page

3. Save confirmation

Building number and street name

Dorm name, room number

May vary for off-campus students

International Students at Stanford

• Over 5000 international students from 124 different countries

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• Every year over 1000 new international students arrive to Stanford

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• More than 650 student run groups

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• 45+ with an international focus

Introducing the Bechtel �International Center

HOURS& ASSISTANCE

STUDENT SERVICES

REPORTING & COMPLIANCE

Your International Student Advisors

Bechtel International Center

General e-mail: internationalstudents@stanford.edu

• Please do NOT send repeated e-mails. Your e-mail will be answered within 4-5 business days.

Note: Please include your SEVIS ID# (starts with N00…) � and Stanford ID (starts with 005… or 006…)

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Afternoon In-Person Advising via Zoom (by appointment) �and drop-in advising� Monday-Thursday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (until August 28)

Monday-Friday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (beginning week of Sept 3)�

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CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

View and subscribe to our YouTube channel! (@bechtelinternationalcenter6497)

Follow us on Instagram to learn about exciting events! (@bechtelprograms)

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Bechtel International Center Student Services

• Orientation programs for new international students (September 8-19)

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• Advising on regulatory matters, as well as enrollment, employment, travel and personal issues (We will contact you @ your stanford.edu address. Please check that your primary email address is correct in Axess).

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• Workshops on federal regulations affecting international students, including employment, and tax information.

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• Newsletter (International Student Update) concerning important news and events.

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• Social Programs for students and spouses

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Orientation Bus and Dinner Ticket Sales

Dinners ($20 for each dinner per person includes dinner and drink*)

Sold Online Only – One week in advance

Indian Dinner (Thursday, Sept 10) -- Ticket for sale on Thurs, Sept 3 at 10 a.m.

Italian Dinner (Friday, Sept 11) -- Ticket for sale on Friday, Sept 4 at 10 a.m.

*Wine, beer available for purchase at the dinner, 2 drinks for $5

**Food may run out by 6:30 so show up on time!

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Bus ($50 includes lunch)

Sold Online Only – One week in advance

New students only (no spouses or children)

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Saturday, September 12 (Berkeley-Bay Area Bus Tour) –

Ticket for sale on Friday, Sept 4 at 10 a.m.

Saturday, September 19 (Henry Cowell State Park) –

Ticket for sale on Friday, Sept 11 at 10 a.m.

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Join us for these fun free events:

Welcome Reception, Wednesday Coffees, Dish Walk, S’mores

Welcome Reception!

Free Event! Pizza, Beer, and Wine! Live Music!�Tuesday, September 15 - Bechtel International Center Lawn

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Raffle: Bicycle, Campus Bike shop gift certificates, and more

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Social programs at Bechtel

Programs for International Spouses and Families

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Immigration Reporting And Compliance

• The Bechtel International Center �is not responsible for enforcing immigration laws

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• But federal law requires the Bechtel International Center �to inform DHS of your status �and changes to your status

Bechtel is responsible to report to the federal government:

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• Full-time Enrollment
• Reduced Course Load
• Change/Add Academic Program
• Employment
• Leave of Absence
• Extension
• Transferring Out
• Change of Visa Status

How to Maintain Your Legal Status

Do Not Seek Immigration Advice from Your Friends!�[Or Online]

• The quickest way international students can get themselves in trouble!
• Your friends’ immigration situation may be similar but not the same as yours! Gray areas within U.S. immigration rules and your particular situation may change how immigration rules apply to you.
• Your friends do not have access to the same resources or knowledge base as the Bechtel International Center!
• Ultimately, you are responsible for maintaining your immigration status and you should only seek advice from the Bechtel International Center!

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How to maintain your legal status

• Maintain a valid passport at all times.
• Maintain a full course-load of study during the academic year.�
• Report any changes to the Bechtel International Center.
• Follow ALL on-campus and off-campus employment regulations and restrictions.
• File for timely extension of I-20/DS-2019 if needed.
• J-1 visa holders MUST maintain health insurance for themselves � and their J dependents.

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Maintain Legal Status – Report Changes

YOU MUST REPORT ANY AND ALL PERSONAL, PROGRAM, AND FINANCIAL CHANGES TO THE Bechtel International Center

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• Name
• Citizenship
• Address (update in Axess within 10 days after the change)
• Degree Level
• Major
• Graduation date
• School (Transfer Out)
• Source of Funding
• Stolen or lost travel documents

To comply with federal law, Stanford needs to report ALL changes and violations to the federal government

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Updating (editing) Your SEVIS (US) Address

Tips:

• Must be your current physical address
• Make sure to select SEVIS (US)/ Stu Local
• Make sure to click the Save button

Note: “Mail” address in Axess should be a U.S. address

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1. Edit address form

2. Confirm address page

3. Save confirmation

Building number and street name

Dorm name, room number

May vary for off-campus students

Maintain Legal Status - Full Time Enrollment

What is a full course of study?

• 8 units for graduates
• 12 units for undergraduates

Exceptions to Full-time Enrollment

• Final quarter
• Medical reasons approved first by the Office of Accessible Education (OAE)

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Do NOT take less than a full course of study without contacting a Bechtel International Center advisor or you will violate your status.

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Can I take online or distance learning courses?

Sometimes – 1 online course counts towards full-time or additional courses beyond full time

Do I need to be enrolled full-time during summer quarter?

Full-time summer enrollment is not required by the Federal Government (unless it is your first quarter at Stanford).

Maintain Legal Status - Employment

On-campus and off-campus employment is very

restricted by visa regulations.

F-1/J-1 Employment in the U.S.: Thurs 9/17 at 11:30 a.m.

Maintain Legal Status - Employment

F-1/J-1 Employment in the U.S.: Thurs 9/17 at 11:30 a.m.

Frequently Asked Questions (Stanford Edition):

• Can I accept an off-campus employment offer before securing authorization?
• A: Do NOT accept off-campus employment without official permission. Know the regulations about off-campus work AND always consult with Bechtel student advisors before accepting any off-campus employment.
• What about passive income or starting my own company?
• A: Working for Uber, Lyft, or renting out your car; monetizing an app or YouTube channel; creating (incorporating) a start-up; or earning income through Airbnb are examples of prohibited employment, and money earning situations for F and J visa holders.
• What if I currently own a private company?
• A: If you own a company prior to beginning your study at Stanford, you must take a sabbatical or leave while in F-1 or J-1 status.

Have additional questions? Great!

Start by checking our Employment website

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Your �Immigration Documents

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PASSPORT

I-20/DS-2019

I-94 (ELECTRONIC OR PAPER)

Keep your Immigration Documents Safe & Dry!

Immigration documents include:

• Valid Passport
• I-20 for F-1 students / DS-2019 for J-1 students
• I-94 arrival/departure record
• should be printed after entry to U.S. by going to: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/
• Visa stamp (except Canadian citizens)

For safekeeping:

• Make photocopies of ALL your documents and keep the copies and originals in a safe place or
• scan your documents and keep electronic copies
• The passport pages that have your passport number, picture, personal information, and visa stamp
• All pages of your current and any previous I-20s or DS-2019s

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?? June 20??

23 September 2024

23 September 2024

?? June 20??

Check Your Immigration Documents

The visa is used only for entering the U.S. If it expires while you’re here, you do not need to renew your visa. However, if you depart the U.S., your visa must be valid for re-entry.

Visa Type

Number of entries allowed:

• ”S” = single entry
• “M” = multiple entries

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• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will provide a stamp in your passport and an electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure record if traveling by sea or air.
• Check BOTH to ensure you are entered the U.S. in the correct visa status.

F-1 “Duration of Status” Stamp

Entering the U.S. in the Correct Status

J-1 “Duration of Status” Stamp

Entering the U.S. in the Correct Status:

Electronic I-94

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Obtain I-94 record and travel history: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/

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Duration of Status

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Duration of Status F-1 Timeline

In-depth

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Duration of Status J-1 Timeline

In-depth

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Travel �& �U.S. Re-Entry

TRAVEL & U.S. RE-ENTRY

RENEWING YOUR VISA

Travel

Domestic Travel

• Valid Passport
• I-20/DS 2019
• Print-off of electronic I-94 record

Note: do not travel only with your California Driver’s License

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International Travel

• Valid Passport
• I-20/DS-2019

Current and SIGNED (travel signature required)

• Valid F1 visa
• Recommended: �- Copy of transcript and/or confirmation of enrollment

- Financial documents

International Travel & U.S. Re-Entry

What is a Travel Signature?

Page 2 of the I-20

Page 1 of the DS-2019

Do NOT travel outside the U.S., even briefly, without the proper documents signed for travel.

3/24/2026

What if I need to renew my Visa?

• Never enter the United States in anything but the F or J status
• You can only renew your visa at an U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
• Must have a valid visa to re-enter the U.S. after international travel.
• Beware: An alcohol-related offense can impact future visa renewals (including cancellation of nonimmigrant visa by the U.S. State Dept.)
• Panel physician evaluation required if visa applicant
• has a single drunk driving arrest or conviction within past 3 years
• has two or more drunk driving arrests or convictions in any time period
• if there is any evidence to suggest an alcohol problem.
• Marijuana: CA vs Federal Law
• things that are legal can become illegal depending on where you do them
• Canadian marijuana industry
• For more information about Student Alcohol Policy: http://alcohol.stanford.edu/

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NOTE:  Drinking age in the United States is 21 years old.

Review

• Never re-enter the U.S. on anything but the F or J visa status while studying at Stanford or during your OPT/AT.
• Make sure your passport is valid at least 6 months in advance at all times but especially when entering the United States.
• Plan ahead! Obtain a travel signature before leaving the United States.
• If your visa has expired, you should renew your visa from your home country.

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FAM Guidelines Regarding �Use of U.S. Government Resources

Public Charge: A person who is deemed likely to become dependent

on the government for financial and material support.

• Being identified as a “public charge” could be a cause for a visa denial or denial of entry

Although there are public benefits and services legal for international students to obtain, accepting them may make you vulnerable to a public charge determination and the resulting adverse consequences.

International Students should now carefully consider

possible immigration consequences

Digital Footprint and Social Media

• Be mindful of your online presence!

Be aware of the possible impact of posting politically sensitive content that immigration authorities and potential digital surveillance of protest activity could misinterpret.

• Visa application
• Port of entry
• Immigration benefits

Bechtel Connect

Use Bechtel Connect to…

Request changes to your I-20

• Extensions
• Change of degree level
• Funding change
• Add program
• Add dependent
• I-20 or reactivation for a return from an approved LOA

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Employment based requests

• Curricular Practical Training
• Optional Practical Training
• STEM Extension
• J-1: On-campus work authorization

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Request Letters and Reprints

• DMV letter
• SSN letter
• ITIN letter

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Transfer Out/Ending Immigration Status

These requests will become available to you 30 days after the start of the quarter.

Life at Stanford

ACADEMICS-HONOR CODE

SSN/ITIN & TAXES

CA DRIVER’S LICENSE

SAFETY

Academics - Stanford’s Honor Code

The Stanford Honor Code is a VERY important to your academic and social life,

AND your immigration status.

The Honor Code is:

• Stanford’s statement on academic integrity written by students in 1921
• Articulates Stanford’s expectations of students and faculty
• Establishes and maintains the highest standards in academic work

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The Honor Code focuses on:

• Academic Standard (Progressing toward the degree, Plagiarism, Un-permitted collaboration, Cheating)
• Fundamental Standard (Harassing Speech or Behavior)

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Honor Code Violations: even first time, can result in suspension for the student. This can have serious consequences for international students including status termination.

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Culture of the U.S. Classroom: Wed, 9/09 at 11:30 a.m.; Mon 9/14 at 11:30 a.m. Transplants Taking Root: Thurs, 9/10 at 11:30 a.m.�Stanford As We See It: Thurs, 9/10 at 1 p.m.

SSN/ITIN & Taxes

SSN/ITIN needed for tax filing purposes

SSN Eligibility:

• F-1 Students with on-campus work or off-campus work permission
• J-1 Students with work authorization

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ITIN Eligibility:

• Students with taxable funding not eligible for SSN

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Social Security Number (SSN) and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Information: Thurs, 9/17 at 1 p.m.

All international students must file the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 8843, and may also need to file a federal tax return if they earned income

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SPRINTax Prep : tax return preparation software program designed exclusively for international students, scholars, teachers, researchers, trainees, and their dependents who are nonresident aliens to aid in preparing U.S. federal income tax forms ~ will become available around tax season (March/April)

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CA Driver’s License

• Someone who moves to California (CA) and wishes to drive must get a license from the California DMV

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For purposes of obtaining a license to drive, a person may be considered a resident �if he or she moves to California with the intention of staying.

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• If a person who moves to the state and fails to secure a California license within 10 days, but continues to drive, he or she can be charged with "driving without a license" per Vehicle Code 12500 VC

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• California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP)

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• Please check out our website (by scanning the QR code below) for additional information and detailed instructions on how to obtain a CA driver’s license

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Driving in California: Fri, 9/11 at 1:30 p.m.; Wed, 9/16 at 1:30 p.m.

Community Advisors

• Learn about CCIS programs like English in Action, Loan Closet, Windows on the West, and other programs!

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• Get help with non-immigration status questions like where to buy a bicycle, Stanford shuttle services, places to shop for groceries, etc.

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• Pick up a SIM card

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• Please check out the CCIS website (by scanning the QR code below) for additional information

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Meet with a Community Advisor in the Bechtel conference room

After most Maintaining Your Legal Status sessions beginning Sept. 3

Safety

• Protect Yourself: Keep your documents safe (Also make copies of these important documents (NOW) and any future documents issued by the I-Center or the immigration service.) Be also aware of phone scams. Legitimate agencies such as the USCIS, FBI, DHS, IRS, Sheriff, Police, Courts, PG&E, hiring companies will NEVER call you and ask you for money, gift card, money card or to wire money! Read more here: https://police.stanford.edu/pdf/telephone%20fraud%20flyer.pdf
• Learn the area – walking, biking, hiking, public transportation

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• Reach out to Campus Academic & Administrative Departments, Cultural Centers, and Student-Run Organizations

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We’re here to help and advise!

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