A scam is a dishonest scheme or a fraud in which the "scammer" hopes to trick/deceive others for monetary gain. Unfortunately, international students and scholars can be the target of sophisticated and convincing scam attempts. If a member of Emory's international community receives an email, text, or phone call requesting something strange or demanding large sums of money or gift cards, SLOW DOWN. Do not rush to act. No legitimate government agency (in the US or in another country) will demand money (or payment of any kind) to maintain immigration status or prevent arrest.

On rare occasions, students are faced with a sudden change to their financial situation completely beyond their control, such as the outbreak of war, a dramatic devaluation of the currency in their home country, or the death or loss of employment of their primary supporter.

Students facing these types of unforeseen financial difficulties can apply for off-campus work authorization. 

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is an internet-based system operated by the US Department of Homeland Security that tracks and monitors international students and exchange visitors who enter the United States on F, M, and J immigration categories.

Per federal regulations, all prospective F-1 students and J Exchange Visitors are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee that is used to fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This fee is separate from visa processing fees. After receiving their Emory issued I-20 or DS-2019, students and scholars should visit FMJfee.com to pay the fee. Once paid, they may proceed with applying for their visa.  

For more information: 

Students: Visit ISSS' Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee page

J-1 Scholars: Visit ISSS' J-1 Exchange Visitor Requirements page

Occasionally scholars leave their Emory employment/program before their original end date. Regardless of the reason for the early departure (personal, resignation, termination, etc.), ISSS must be informed if a scholar's program or employment will end early. Depending on the scholar's nonimmigrant status, the scholar may need to be issued a new immigration document or ISSS may need to notify the US government. 

Occasionally students are able to complete their academic program earlier than expected and/or before their I-20/DS-2019 end date. Students who need less time to complete their program should first speak with their academic advisor or dean to confirm the new end date, and if necessary, have the university information system (OPUS) updated. Once the student has confirmed their new expected end date, they should log into ISSS Link and complete either the "F-1 Student Shorten Program" e-form (F-1 students) or the "J-1 Shorten Program Request" e-form (J-1 students sponsored by Emory) to request an updated I-20 or DS-2019. J-1 students who are sponsored by an agency other than Emory (i.e. Fulbright) should contact their sponsor regarding their procedures.

According to the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), a site of activity is the "physical, geographic location(s) where an exchange visitor participates in his or her exchange program." At Emory, J-1 scholars are limited to no more than 2 sites of activity at a time. 

H-1B/E-3/TN/O-1 scholars may work at multiple worksites, but each worksite must meet the standards set by the regulations and an amended petition may need to be filed with USCIS before the scholar can begin working at the new site.

All scholars must receive ISSS approval before adding or changing a worksite. 

A social security number (SSN) is a 9-digit number assigned by the Social Security Administration to individuals who are authorized to work (provide services for various forms of compensation) in the United States. The SSN keeps a record of income for tax purposes. Even though an SSN is only required if employed, SSNs are also used to check one's financial credit history and as a form of identification. International students and scholars receiving compensation for their services from an employer in the US, including Emory, will need to apply for a SSN.

F-1 students have a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a designated STEM field conferred by an accredited, SEVP-approved US college or university and are in a period of post-completion OPT, may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their employment authorization. Students wishing to apply for the 24-month STEM extension must work least 20 hours per week in a paid position related to their STEM degree and have a employer who is registered in E-Verify.