Before placing a request, please note:
- ISSS does not guarantee turnaround times; however, we strive to complete each request in the order that it is received and within 15 business days or within government deadlines.
- Our DSOs do assess for urgency as well, but please note that certain requests may take longer than expected for research or further inquiry to government agencies.
- We update students via mix once the request is complete or the issue is resolved. We do welcome follow up inquiries, however, multiple inquiries will slow down processing and we do not expedite requests.
- All requests are given the time and attention they deserve with the resources and staffing available. We thank you for your patience and cooperation.
- It is the student's responsibility to understand the regulations that govern their visa and to place a request in a timely manner to ensure that it is processed by established deadlines.
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
A
Academic Report - Used to request information to verify information for Embassies or Sponsoring Agencies.
Academic Training (J-1 students only) - The primary purpose of academic training is to expose participants to the operations of their field in areas directly related to the their major area of study.
Please note: Students must have a specific job/internship offer to apply and must commence no later than 30 days after completion of his or her studies. More information found here J-1 Academic Training.
Addendum to CV (template) – See U.S. Permanent Residency
Affidavit of Support (students only)
Appointment with Advisor (students only) - Used to request an appointment with an advisor for complicated or ongoing matters. After a request is sent, please monitor your MIX e-mail for confirmation of the request and for further instructions. Be sure to explain thoroughly the reason for the appointment with your request. An advisor will then determine if an appointment is needed as some questions may be answered via e-mail. We are unable to offer in-person appointments at this time and ask that you monitor you e-mail for information about your requested appointment time and to make sure that your U.S. phone number is also up to date with our office.
C
Change of Address (for F-1 and J-1 students only)
Please note: all other immigration statuses (H-1B, TN, O-1, Green Card, etc.) must submit their change of address to USCIS. J-1 scholars, please see your scholar advisor or email isss-scholars@mail.wvu.edu.
Change of Major - I-20 Update - Used to request an updated I-20 after you have changed your major or added a second major.
Please note: J-1 students may not change their major in the US as this is considered a change in objective and requires a new J-1 visa.
Change of Status – See Form I-539.
Please note: we may advise you as a courtesy on a change of status, we strongly recommend seeking out an immigration attorney to assist with this process.
Concurrent Enrollment - Used for permission to enroll concurrently at another US institution.
CPT Application - Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid/unpaid off-campus academic internships during their degree program. The purpose of CPT is academic, not just for employment purposes, and the internship must be considered an integral part of an established curriculum and directly related to the student's major area of study. Students must have a specific job/internship offer to apply.
Please note: you must apply well in advance of your CPT. You may not work until your CPT is approved.
D
Dependent: Add a Dependant (students only) - Used to request the addition of a spouse or child to your I-20 or DS-2019.
Dependent: Remove a Dependant (students only) - Used to request the removal of a spouse or child from your I-20 or DS-2019.
Please note: you will be required to evidence departure and divorce/death of spouse if you wish to request this. Dependent children may only be removed in the event of death. Otherwise, we will not remove them as this could adversely affect their future status plans.
Driver's License (Applying for a West Virginia Driver's License) – Please plan to arrive at the DMV Office before 2:00 pm for testing and licensing because of the additional time required to verify documents and legal presence status, check with Help Desk, enter the unique license term information to sync license expiration and length of legal stay and the longer period of time it will take you to complete the testing.
Please note: if you are on an F-1 or J-1 visa, your will be required to have a "good standing" letter from our office (see "G" below for the request). This letter must be requested well in advance as it may take us time complete your request. The good standing letter for F-1 students is only valid for 20 days per WV DMV rules. The good standing letter for J-1 students is only valid for 30 days per WV DMV rules. J-1 scholars must request this letter via their scholar advisor or via email at isss-scholars@mail.wvu.edu and is only valid for 30 days. More general info about driving in the US can be found here - https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/driving-in-the-united-states.
DS-2019 Extension - Extension of DS-2019 (students only) – Follow the extension instructions and upload your new documents. You must complete this request before your DS-2019 expires.
Please note: due to federal regulations, you are required to provide new financial documentation for an extension if you cannot complete your program by the date currently listed on your DS-2019, you must also obtain approval from your Academic Advisor giving a compelling academic or medical reason as to why you need an extension. (To get your academic advisor's approval, in lieu of a paper form, you will need to click on "Request Electronic Recommendation," look up your academic advisor, and complete the steps.)
DS-2019 Financials Update (students only) - Used to update financial information.
Please note: financial evidence must be less than 6 months old and requires an explanation as to why you wish to update your financials.
DS-2019 Lost/Replace - Replace a DS-2019 (students only)- Used to request a replacement I-20 or DS-2019 due to loss, theft or damage.
Please note: Do not use this for a Change of Education Level. If you are changing from one degree level to another (ex. Bachelor's to Master's or Master's to another Master's), you must use the student on-boarding link in your official admission email.
DS-2019 Name Update (students only) - Used to update your name to be changed due to an error or official name change.
Please note: a request to update an official name change will require a passport with the new name or an explanation of the error on our part.
DS-2019 Request (departments only) – department must execute the attached Request for J-1 Visa Document and send it to isss-scholars@mail.wvu.edu. For more information on all the required documents, please visit our webpage on Inviting a J-1 scholar.
E
Exit Form (students only) – If you are graduating and do not plan to return to WVU or the United States, please fill out the exit form and submit, so we can give you a "Completed" status in SEVIS after your departure from the US. It is important for your future travel that your status in the SEVIS database receives this update.
Please note: if you complete this form, you are stating that you: 1) have returned to your country (or will soon depart), 2) are not interested in pursuing Optional Practical Training (OPT), and 3) not interested in pursuing further studies in the US at this time.
Extension of DS-2019 - SCHOLARS (Link is for departments only to complete) – to be completed by the exchange visitor’s (scholar's) supervisor. Do not click on the link if you are a J-1 STUDENT. Please see below.
Extension of DS-2019 - Students only – Follow the extension instructions and upload your new documents if you are a J-1 Student. You must complete this request before your DS-2019 expires.
Please note: due to federal regulations, you are required to provide new financial documentation for an extension if you cannot complete your program by the date currently listed on your DS-2019, you must also obtain approval from your Academic Advisor giving a compelling academic or medical reason as to why you need an extension. (To get your academic advisor's approval, in lieu of a paper form, you will need to click on "Request Electronic Recommendation," look up your academic advisor, and complete the steps.)
F
Flag request form - You may use this form to borrow international flags from ISSS for legitimate events. Please allow plenty of time before your event to make the request.
G
Good Standing Letter (students only) - This letter is most often used for verification of your student status with the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or with a funding source, such as your government. Requests may take up to 10 business days turnaround time. J-1 scholars, please email isss-scholars@mail.wvu.edu to request a good standing letter.
Please note: be sure to submit your request well in advance of your driver's license expiration.
H
HomeStart Closet Request - Used to request household items to assist in furnishing your apartment.
I
I-20 Extension - Extension of I-20 – Follow the extension instructions and upload your new documents. You must complete this request before your I-20 expires.
Please note: due to federal regulations, you are required to provide new financial documentation for an extension if you cannot complete your program by the date currently listed on your I-20, you must also obtain approval from your Academic Advisor giving a compelling academic or medical reason as to why you need an extension. (To get your academic advisor's approval, in lieu of a paper form, you will need to click on "Request Electronic Recommendation," look up your academic advisor, and complete the steps.)
I-20 Financials Update - Used to update financial information. Please note: financial evidence must be less than 6 months old and requires an explanation as to why you wish to update your financials.
I-20 Lost/Replace - Replace an I-20 - Used to request a replacement I-20 or DS-2019 due to loss, theft or damage.
Please note: Do not use this for a Change of Education Level. If you are changing from one degree level to another (ex. Bachelor's to Master's or Master's to another Master's), you must use the student on-boarding link in your official admission email.
I-20 Name Update - Used to update your name to be changed due to an error or official name change.
Please note: a request to update an official name change will require a passport with the new name or an explanation of the error on our part.
I-20 Major Update - Used to request an updated I-20 after you have changed your major or added a second major.
Please note: Do not use this for a Change of Education Level. If you are changing from one degree level to another (ex. Bachelor's to Master's or Master's to another Master's), you must use the student on-boarding link in your official admission email.
I-539 Form – Application to Extend / Change Nonimmigrant Status.
Please note: we may advise you as a courtesy on a change of status, we strongly recommend seeking out an immigration attorney to assist with this process.
I-94 Form - Arrival/Departure Record. Please note: You should check this record for errors each time you arrive/depart the US.
Immigration Status Update (students only) -Used to update our office of your change of status to another nonimmigrant status or immigrant status. You will need to upload your I-797 (approval notice), front and back of green card, or other evidence of status change.
Insurance Requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors
J
J-1 End of Program Report Form (department only) – The department must complete the End of Program Report and send it to isss-scholars@mail.wvu.edu if the exchange visitor leaves more than 15 days before the program end date on the most recent form DS-2019.
Please note: in some cases, the visitor may be transferring to another institution to continue the same activity. If this is the case, the visitor will need to notify ISSS of the program they intend to transfer to, and the intended transfer date, at least 30 days before his/her intended transfer date or current DS-2019 expiration date, whichever comes earlier.
J-1 Visa Document Request (departments only) – See DS-2019 Request.
L
Less than Full-time Enrollment (see Reduced Course Load ) – Permission to enroll in or drop below full-time
Please note: We strongly suggest you enroll in more than the minimum full-time course load (12 credit hours undergraduate; 9 for graduate) so that if you drop a course, you will still have a full-time course load to satisfy your F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant status. If you intend to drop below full-time, you must be approved prior to dropping any classes or enrolling for less than the minimum hours for any reason. (To get your academic advisor's approval, in lieu of a paper form, you will need to click on "Request Electronic Recommendation," look up your academic advisor, and complete the steps.)
Please note that some university scholarships may require full-time enrollment.Be sure to speak to the appropriate office managing your scholarship(s) for more information on how it may be impacted by dropping below full-time.
Lost I-20 or DS-2019 - Replace an I-20 or DS-2019 - Used to request a replacement I-20 or DS-2019 due to loss, theft or damage.
Please note: Do not use this for a Change of Education Level. If you are changing from one degree level to another (ex. Bachelor's to Master's or Master's to another Master's), you must use the student on-boarding link in your official admission email.
M
Major - I-20 Major Update - Used to request an updated I-20 after you have changed your major or added a second major.
Please note: J-1 students may not change their major in the US as this is considered a change in objective and requires a new J-1 visa.
N
Notice of filing for Permanent Residency applications Form – See also U.S. Permanent Residency
O
OPT - Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Please note: There is no "expedited" request. Be sure to apply early as OPT applications are issued in the order they are received.
OPT - I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS
OPT Employment update - Use for updates to the regular, first-year OPT.
P
Permanent Residency - Request Form
Permanent Residency - Notice of Filing
Permanent Residency - Recruitment Summary
R
Reduced Course Load - Permission to enroll in or drop below full-time
Please note: We strongly suggest you enroll in more than the minimum full-time course load (12 credit hours undergraduate; 9 for graduate) so that if you drop a course, you will still have a full-time course load to satisfy your F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant status. If you intend to drop below full-time, you must be approved prior to dropping any classes or enrolling for less than the minimum hours for any reason. (To get your academic advisor's approval, in lieu of a paper form, you will need to click on "Request Electronic Recommendation," look up your academic advisor, and complete the steps.)
Please note that some university scholarships may require full-time enrollment. Be sure to speak to the appropriate office managing your scholarship(s) for more information on how it may be impacted by dropping below full-time.
Replace an I-20 or DS-2019 - Used to request a replacement I-20 or DS-2019 due to loss, theft or damage.
S
SEVIS Check-in - (for F-1 and J-1 students only) Students and Exchange Visitors must report to ISSS within 30 days of the program begin date identified on your I-20 or DS 2019 to have their participation in the program activity validated.
SEVP Portal Reset - Used to request the reset of your SEVP Portal while on OPT or STEM OPT. Please note: If you use the portal, you must also complete an OPT Employment Update.
Social Security Card/Number - Information on obtaining a Social Security Letter and also a Social Security Card/Number for payroll processing.
STEM OPT - Application for an I-20 with Recommendation for STEM OPT Extension by ISSS Please note: you may apply up to 90 days prior to your EADcard expiration; however, USCIS must receive your application with your new I-20 before your EAD card expires or you will not be eligible for a STEM OPT Extension. There is no "expedited" request. Be sure to apply early as OPT applications are issued in the order they are received. Also see STEM (OPT) Extension Procedures page.
STEM OPT - I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS
STEM OPT - Employer Verification Form - Necessary for the application for an I-20 with recommendation for STEM OPT by ISSS.
STEM OPT - STEM OPT Employment Update
T
Tax Returns – West Virginia University has licensed income tax return preparation software for use by international students, scholars, teachers, researchers, trainees. This software is provided free of charge to aid them in preparing U.S. federal income tax forms. It is designed to take the time and confusion our of filing a U.S. tax return – it takes only about 20 minutes to complete, print and file a tax return.
Transfer In Form – for International Students transferring from other universities to WVU
Transfer Out Request – for International Students transferring from WVU to another institution
Travel Signature (students only) - for International Students (and dependents) who plan on traveling abroad and need a travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 to return to the US to complete their program.
V
Visit Letter Template - Family members of International students may enter the United States using a B Visa or ‘Visitor for Business or Pleasure’ Visa.
Please note: the United States Department of State (DOS), which issues all visas to the United States, has indicated that visit letters from universities are not reviewed as part of the decision-making process for granting a visa. Though a few schools continue to write letters for guests of their international students, most institutions have discontinued this process. WVU does not provide invitation letters; however, we have provided a letter template that a student or scholar may use to write their own visit letter that a family member can have with them during the visa interview. For more information about the B visa, you can visit our B-1 & B-2 Visitors Visas page.
W
Withdrawing from school – You must notify ISSS before withdrawing from school. For instructions on withdrawal procedures, see F-1 students or J-1 students.