International Student Advising

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I get a Social Security Number?

  For F-1 students who have been offered employment (all employment must be within F-1 regulations and authorized by an NEC DSO prior to employment), the Social Security Administration will accept an application for a Social Security Number. Below are important links.

  Instructions: International Students and Social Security Numbers (ssa.gov)

  Application: Application for Social Security Card (ssa.gov)

  Students should read the instructions carefully, fill out an application, collect required documents, and go to a local SS office with the proper documentation, for example, Passport, I-20, I-94, DSO letter, employer offer, etc. Find a local SS Office Social Security Office Locator, SSA Office Locator Social Security Office Locator, Social Security

  For questions and before accepting employment, reach out to your NEC DSO or: international@nec.edu

• What if I don't have a job and I need a Social Security Number?

  For F-1 students who have not been offered employment and have been told they need a SS Denial letter for licenses or other financial business.

  Complete the portions of the application (see links below) that you can complete, gather all your documents, go to a SSA appointment and request a Denial Letter

  Instructions: International Students and Social Security Numbers (ssa.gov)

  Application: Application for Social Security Card (ssa.gov)

  Use the Denial letter for applications that require you to have a SS Number

  Find a SS Office: Social Security Office Locator, SSA Office Locator Social Security Office Locator, Social Security

  For questions, reach out to your NEC DSO or: international@nec.edu

• How can I get a driver's license?

  Driving without a driver’s license in the US is illegal.

  Visitors to the US may use their English Language foreign driver’s license for up to one year.

  After that, you will need a US based driver’s license. However, if your driver’s license is not in English, apply for an International Driving Permit which translates your home country license into English. How to Obtain an International Driver Permit | DMV.ORG

  If you need a US driver’s license, each state in the US has its own Department of Motor Vehicles (often called RMV or DMV). Access the DMV/RMV in the state where you temporarily reside in the US. Follow the specific instructions from your state of temporary residence

  Important information: Driving in the United States | Study in the States (dhs.gov)

  • Talking with your designated school official (DSO) about driving rules and regulations in your state or territory.
  • Confirming with your DSO that your student record is Active in the SEVIS
  • Waiting 10 days after arriving in the United States to apply for a driver’s license so that your Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” information can update in all the government systems.
  • Obtaining a Social Security number (SSN) or SSN Denial Letter, if required by your state or territory.
  • Visiting and submitting the proper documentation to the DMV/RMV.

  Documentation you will need:

  • All signed versions of your SEVIS I-20s.
  • A valid passport and your most recent student visa (Please note that you do not need a visa if you are from a visa-exempt country, such as Canada or Bermuda).
  • Proof of residence. This varies from state to state and you should check your local DMV’s website to ensure you understand what is needed to fulfill this requirement.
  • If your state requires it, an SSN card or a Form SSA-L676, “Refusal to Process SSN Application.”
  • If you are on optional practical training, bring your Form I-766, “Employment Authorization Document.” The DMV will use the A number on this card to verify your status.

  Additional considerations:

  A driver’s license applicant may also need to pass both a driving and written test. Depending on your state, if you have a license from your home country or another state, the DMV may not require you to take the tests. However, not all states accept driver’s licenses from other countries.

  For questions, reach out to your NEC DSO or: international@nec.edu

• Can I get an on-campus job?

  F-1 students are highly regulated for employment. If there is an open position at NEC, On-Campus Employment is an opportunity that you may be qualified for. You do not need special USCIS permission to do On-Campus Employment, but you must discuss it with your NEC DSO.

  On-Campus Employment is not guaranteed to any F-1 student. The US government requires that an F-1 student not displace a US student for on-campus employment.

  You would start by looking for an open position through Career and Life Planning office’s handshake platform. Go through the process for application. If you are offered a position, you must disclose that information immediately to your NEC DSO so that your DSO can ensure you maintain your status and discuss the limits to employment.

  For example, here are some maintenance of status issues:

  • you may only work for an office on campus, not for an office or company off campus
  • You may only work 20 hours or fewer per week while classes are in session
  • You must get a Social Security Number if you do not yet have one
  • You must have a signed offer letter with supervisor contact information, working schedule, signed and dated by both you and the supervisor for your DSOs files

   

  You will need to file a US Tax return for any earnings from On-Campus Employment. You should look up assistance such as Sprintax – Cloud-based Tax Software for US Nonresident Aliens to understand your tax liability.

  For questions, reach out to your NEC DSO or: international@nec.edu

• How do I get an F-1 visa?

  After acceptance, a New England College (NEC) DSO will provide you with an I-20 which provides a SEVIS number that you will need to make a visa appointment at your U.S. Consulate. When you receive the I-20 from your NEC DSO, check all information for accuracy so that you will not have any problems during your visa interview. Check this link for instructions on how to apply for an F-1 visa Student Visa (state.gov). Here is another useful link: Student and Exchange Visitor Program | ICE Be sure to pay the SEVIS fee before you go to your visa appointment: I-901 SEVIS Fee | ICE

• What if I need more information about my F-1 status?

  Reach out directly to your New England College Designated School Official (DSO) who was assigned to you upon enrollment. Check your NEC email for the introductory email. If you are concerned that you did not get that email, contact international@nec.edu

• What is a DSO and how to I contact them?

  You will have your own dedicated DSO at NEC during your studies to help with your questions, requests, and guidance needs. A DSO is a Designated School Official at New England College (NEC) for the Department of Homeland Security’s ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). DSOs are responsible to help F-1 students maintain their status, which means follow the federal regulations required for studying in the states as a non-immigrant. DSOs issue as I-20 in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) after you are accepted to NEC so you can apply for an F-1 visa.

  The best way to get assistance is by email (your DSO will always send you an introductory email. Make note of your DSO’s name and email! Save it and use it as often as you need to get help, resources, F-1 advice, make SEVIS requests.

  • For an arranged Zoom meeting: just email for an appointment!
  • For an arranged face-to-face meeting: just email for an appointment!
  • For an Open Advising sessions: please watch for invitations from your DSO

   

  If you do not remember your DSO, you may use international@nec.edu

  The International Students and programs Office is at 20 Main Street, lower level. Email ahead for an appointment. Drop-ins may not be possible, especially during high volume times!

• What is an I-20?

  An I-20 is a signed paper document that allows you to study in an approved U.S. college or university. It will indicate your degree program’s beginning and end dates (the time given for you to start and complete your degree), along with other identifying information which you will have to keep up-to-date by contacting your NEC DSO for the entire time you are studying with us.

• I'm studying in the US and have an I-20. Do I need a new one?

  If you have an Active I-20 from another school and you have maintained your status as an F-1 student, you may request to Transfer you SEVIS record from your current school to NEC and remain in the US while you wait to transfer to NEC.

• Where do I find my Consulate?

  It is best (but not mandatory) to apply for an F-1 visa from you home country when possible. Check here for local consulates: List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates (state.gov)

• Transferring your SEVIS record

  Every approved SEVP school in the U.S. has its own Transfer Out process. Talk to the DSO at your current school and follow their instructions to request the Transfer Out to New England College. Your SEVIS record must be electronically released by your current DSO before the NEC semester starts. Ask your DSO to set the release date:

  • No later than 60 days after your current program end date
  • Not later than 60 days after your OPT period ends,
  • before the beginning of the NEC semester.

   

  Give your current DSO the NEC school SEVIS code: BOS214F00408000.

• What happens at the border?

  Be sure to keep your passport and the NEC I-20 with your carryon when you travel. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will ask to see your passport, your NEC issued I-20 and possibly proof that you can afford to live and study in the U.S. before you are allowed to enter the U.S. and retrieve your luggage. See CBP link for more information: For International Visitors | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov).

  Follow the links for two very helpful videos for F1 students:

  Know Before You Visit | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)

  You’ve Arrived | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)

• What is an end date in SEVIS, and what do I need to know about program extensions?

  The program end date appears on page one of your I-20. The end date is the date by which you are expected to complete your program of study making “normal academic progress.” SEVIS Program Extensions are strictly regulated by DHS/ICE/SEVP. They may only be granted to F-1 students who are unable to complete their course of study by the program end date on their I-20 due to compelling academic or medical reasons. Department of Homeland Security expects F-1 students to finish their programs on time. Making “normal academic progress” is a condition of maintaining F-1 status.

  In order to be eligible for a program extension a student must:

  • Have continually maintained F-1 status
  • Seek an extension for a delay caused by a compelling (and documented) academic or medical reason, such as: change of major or research topic, unexpected research problems, or documented illness
  • Apply for an eligible extension before the program end date listed on the I-20

   

  To plan ahead from the beginning of your program, be aware that there are reasons that are not eligible for program extensions. Those will be discussed during your Orientation and reinforced through messaging from your DSO.

  Checking final grades at the end of each term to keep track of any unsuccessful courses will allow you to stay on track and plan for your final semesters.

  For questions related to end dates and I-20 extensions, please reach out to a DSO at international@nec.edu

• What does a full course of study mean?

  F-1 students must maintain a full course of study each term to maintain their status. That means a full-time course load. NEC has varied full-time credit configurations which are program specific.

  • For undergraduates (UG), full time is 12-credits, but to finish on time, an UG student must take more than 12 credits. UG students have a built-in winter and summer break during which no enrollment is required to maintain status.
  • For on-the-ground graduate programs (GRAD), each 7-week term is 4–6 credits depending on program for full time studies.
  • For Executive programs (EXEC), each 15-week term is 6-7-credits depending on program for full time studies.

   

  For questions related to full time studies or term/semester breaks, please reach out to a DSO at international@nec.edu

• What happens if my H1B COS is approved while studying at NEC?

  Some F-1 students are H1B visa applicants during their course of study as F-1 students. If approved for Change of Status (COS) to H1B, your SEVIS record automatically terminates. If approved take these next steps:

  • Please send international@nec.edu your I-797A as soon as you are able. Congratulations on your H1B!
  • If you received an I-797B, you need to reach out immediately to ensure restoration of your SEVIS record until you complete Consular Processing outside the US
  • Or, if you think your SEVIS should not have been terminated for a COS please contact international@nec.edu ASAP

   

  If/when you have the I-797A:

  Since you have already paid for the term, we recommend that you continue/finish the semester successfully. However, you will no longer receive I-20s or submit the CPT extension request. On the other hand, you will still have to complete the internship course work (required by your program).

  NEC has an online program option that does not require residencies or an internship component. You may reach out to Student Services if you would like to explore this option in the next term, or if you would like to take a semester break studentservices_gps@nec.edu.

  Finishing a degree you started will always look better for your future endeavors!

  If you have the I-797B:

  NEC strongly recommends that you make no changes to your current enrollment, that you maintain your fulltime F-1 status and compliance, and that you communicate with a DSO, since the final H1B decision is pending your Consular interview.

  Please be aware that if you change your enrollment status before completing the Consular process and without discussing it with a DSO, we will not be able to help you after-the-fact. Please consider it our strong recommendation that you contact international@nec.edu as soon as possible.

• My program requires an Internship / work placement. How do I get CPT approval and authorization?

  Since all NEC Executive Masters programs require a work placement / internship enrollment from the beginning of the program, CPT will be approved and then authorized by your DSO for eligible experiences tied directly to your program of study so that you may work immediately from the beginning of your program.

  Please be reminded that any prior work authorization (if you had it) ends with your SEVIS record transfer date if you are Transferring to NEC.

  Students are not authorized to work again until they receive NEC’s I-20 with a CPT authorization on page 2.  Always remember to safeguard your status: Unauthorized work will jeopardize your SEVIS record, your status, and future applications, such as for H1Bs.

  To be approved and then authorized for your required Internship and CPT, you will complete an EAF (Employment Authorization Form) which will be provided with your Acceptance materials along with the Next Steps documents.

  Your NEC DSO will process your request and send you an I-20 documenting your CPT authorization.

  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with a DSO for more information international@nec.edu

• My program does not require an Internship. Can I do an internship and get CPT as an elective in my program?

  Eligible students may request Curricular Practical Training CPT approval and authorization when internships are not required in a program if there is an option for an internship course in the program of study.

  Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an F-1 student benefit that is regulated by DHS/ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). CPT is permitted after a year of studies have been completed (unless an internship is required before a year of studies have been completed).

  An internship or work placement tied to program learning (CPT) must be authorized in SEVIS by a DSO and appear on the I-20 once it is approval by academic administration. CPT must be directly related to learning in the degree program. Academics must approve it; a DSO must authorize it.

  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with a DSO for more information international@nec.edu

• Will I be eligible for OPT after my Program?

  Any student who has maintained status, will successfully complete their program on time, and who has not done more than 364 days of CPT or OPT at the same level, will be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training through USCIS.

  Students may apply for OPT 90 days before their expected program end date. NEC DSOs can offer resources, advice, and information.

  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with a DSO for more information international@nec.edu