CURRENT STUDENTS
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The International Students Office offers help to international students in applying for the immigration-related processes of social security cards, off-campus employment, practical training, severe economic hardship, reinstatement or change to student’s status and extension of academic programs. We also assist students with travel issues, cultural adjustment, everyday problems, and refer students to other resources when needed. We hold a new student orientation for all new international students each semester. We have workshops on important issues, such as income taxes (1040NRs) or what students can do after they graduate—career options here or abroad. We are willing to hear their requests about seminars or workshops that they would like to see held and take them into consideration.

Here is a quick reference on international students' issues. Please visit our office located in 1109 East Building for more information, or if you have any questions.

International Travel
You should always come to the International Students Office before you leave The United States. This way we can make sure that International Student Advisor endorses your I-20 for the current semester and that your travel documents are in order.

Visa Renewal
If you are planning to travel and your visa is expired you need to come to the International Students Office. We will assist you with preparing the necessary documents for the renewal of your visa.

Change of Status
According to new Immigration and Naturalization rules, individuals are not allowed to attend educational institution unless their status permits them to do so. USCIS considers change of status on a case-by-case basis. You should visit our office to determine whether the change of status is necessary and whether you are eligible for it.

Program Extension
If you need more time to complete your studies than it is indicated on I-20 or DS2019 form, you have to request program extension a month before your I-20 expiration date. We require that you bring a letter from an advisor at your department stating how much more time you need. All other necessary forms are available at our office.

Social Security Number / Cards
Effective October 14, 2004, International students must work on campus before the International Office can issue a social security letter.

Tax Obligations

IMPORTANT 2008 INCOME TAX INFORMATION F-1 & J-1 STUDENTS
If you were physically present in the United States in F-1 or J-1 status for any period of time during 2007, you are required by law to complete the income tax form 8843.  F-1 and J-1 students must complete form 8843 to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS/ irs.gov) how they supported themselves financially as students in 2007. All F-1 & J-1 students must complete this form!!  The deadline to mail form 8843 to the IRS is June 15, 2008. If you did not work at all last year, this is the only form you need to complete. 

F-1 & J-1 STUDENT WHO WORKED IN THE U.S. IN 2007

If you worked in the U.S. in 2007 you may also need to complete an additional tax form, 1040NR, 1040 NR-EZ or IT-201 to report to the IRS the income you earned in 2007. You can download these forms from the IRS website at: www.irs.gov. The deadline to complete and mail your tax form to the IRS is April 15, 2008.

An information flyer has been sent to all F-1/J-1 students via email with more information about this important income tax requirement and where you can go for assistance.  If you have any questions, please contact Xavier Remigio in the Hunter College International Student Office at (212) 772-4864 or (212) 772-4859.  You can also email your questions to: jremigio@hunter.cuny.edu or intlss@hunter.cuny.edu.

Working while Studying in F-1 Status
F-1 International students are admitted to the United States for the purpose of attending school full-time. Still, f-1 students may work with permission from the international student advisor without violating their student status in the following circumstances:

• On-Campus Employment
• Off-Campus Co-op Programs and Internships
• Optional Practical Training

Loans for International Students
Citibank
www.citibank.com
A CitiAssist Student Loan is a private education loan offering students resources to bridge the gap between the money they have, and the money they need. Apply online anytime. The three-minute credit response is for applications submitted from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. E.T. daily. Additional documentation and data verification may be requested for final loan approval.
• Note that this loan is certified at Hunter College once you have applied online.
• Also note that you need a co-signer who is a permanent resident or a U.S citizen with a good credit rating.

TERI
www.teri.org
Through our college information services, we help students and families with career decisions, select colleges, navigate the financial aid process, and find resources. In addition, we realize many people need help filling the financial aid gap. To help meet this need TERI offers loans based on good credit, with no income limitations, for elementary and secondary, undergraduate, graduate and continuing education studies.
• Note that this loan is certified at Hunter College once you have applied.
• Also note that you need a co-signer who is a permanent resident or a U.S citizen with a good credit rating.

Hebrew Free Loan Society
(212) 687-0188
Interest free loans of up to 50% of annual tuition are made to a student or his or her family. The loans are repayable on a monthly basis over a thirty-month period beginning one month after issuance of the loan. Open to students of all ethnic groups.

International Education Finance Corporation (IEFC)
www.iefc.com

Scholarship Links for International Students
www.edupass.org
www.fastweb.com
www.finaid.com

Health Care Links
(PLEASE NOTE: Hunter College is not endorsing any of the insurance companies listed.)
Although health insurance is not required of F-1 status students, it is highly recommended. The following are some health insurance links that International students have found helpful:
www.isoa.org
www.hthworldwide.com
www.wallach.com
www.hginsurance.com


DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is subject to change. For more information regarding your particular case, please consult a legal expert (referrals are available in our office).