International Student Services

As a member of the Student Success Center (SSC), the Coordinator of International Student Support serves the international student population at FPU.

Specific services of the office include:

• Advising international students, their dependents, and University departments on compliance with U.S. immigration laws and regulations related to F1 visas
• Verifies, tracks, and submits visa status notifications through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), as required by the U.S.
• Department of Homeland Security
• Provides assistance to international students with working on campus and obtaining a social security number
• Assists students with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• Advises on adjustment to U.S. society and American culture, academic concerns and community resources
• Conducts workshops and orientation sessions for international students

Franklin Pierce University enrolls approximately seventy-five international students from more than twenty-nine countries around the world.

Additionally the CIS provides academic support to our Division II athletes.

Located on the fourth floor of the library in the Student Success Center. The General Email is: internationalstudents@franklinpierce.edu

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Continuing Students

Franklin Pierce is required to confirm your enrollment to the US Department of Homeland Security through the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) at the start of each semester. The International Student Advisor will rely on your academic registration data to update your SEVIS record each semester. You do not need to take any additional steps provided you are registered for a full course of study. 

 

Guide for Maintaining F1 Status

• Enroll full-time every Fall and Spring Semester, Undergraduates 12 credits or more, Graduate Students 6 credits . Only one online course, not to exceed 3 credits, may count towards full-time enrollment.
• If you cannot enroll full time because of academic, medical, or other reasons, speak with your faculty/academic advisor and the International Student Advisor BEFORE dropping classes.
• Make normal progress toward completing your degree, avoiding academic probation, suspension, or dismissal.
• Obtain an extension of your I-20 when appropriate BEFORE the end date on your I-20. Do not remain in the U.S beyond your authorized stay.
• Inform the International Student Advisor of any plans to change academic status such as a leave of absence, change in graduation date, or withdrawal from the university BEFORE the change occurs

 

Requesting An Official Transcript

The Office of the Registrar manages all student records, including transcripts, for all campuses of Franklin Pierce University. Transcript requests may be made online.

Transcript requests take 5-7 business days for processing and are processed only during regular business hours. There is a fee for processing.

Learn more about transcript requests.

Travel Signatures

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., make sure your visa is valid and that you have a current travel signature on your I-20. Travel signatures expire in one year from the date signed (six months if you are on OPT).

 

Transferring to a New School, or for a New Degree (Masters, Doctorate)

If you are planning on transferring to another university you must first be accepted to the new school and you must be eligible to transfer based on having maintained your F1 status at Franklin Pierce. You must meet with the International Student Advisor who will assist you with the SEVIS transfer process.

On-campus Employment for F-1 Students

As an F-1 student, you are eligible to work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session (and up to 40 hours per week during vacations (spring and summer). International student arae permitted to work on-campus as soon as their first semester at FPU.

To work on campus, you must first secure a position. You can find open positions on the FPU Human Resources job openings site.

You must meet with the Internnational Student Advisor who will provide you with a letter to present to to the Social Security office (Keene or Manchester where you will to apply for an obtain a social securty number.

Completing Your Degree After the End Date of Your I-20

If you will be unable to complete your degree by the end date listed on your I-20, speak to the International Student Advisor about a program extension BEFORE your I-20 expires. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months into the future while you are in the U.S.

Returning After a Leave of Absence

All international students beginning a new program and F-1 students returning to campus after a leave of absence are required to complete a check-in when they arrive. You will be required to present copies of your US immigration documents to notify us of your arrival in the US so we can activate your SEVIS record.

Leaving the University After Program Completion

Inform the International Student Advisor if you plan to:

• Transfer to a new school
• Take a leave of absence
• Take a break from school
• Change educational levels – go from a Bachelors to a Masters or a Doctorate

 

 

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