This four-week, self-paced course will enable international student advisers who already have an understanding of the basics of F-1 regulations to take their learning to the next level. Through an in-depth examination of the many gray areas in F-1 student regulations, participants will learn how to consider critical factors on regulations that are subject to interpretation. Participants will gain a more thorough understanding of advising on complex issues, including transfers, change of status, travel, on-campus employment, curricular practical training, optional practical training, and reinstatement.
Along with basic information on essential job responsibilities, course participants will also receive a special bonus—access to the NAFSA Adviser's Manual for the duration of the course.
Who Should Register?
International F-1 student advisers, DSOs, PDSOs.
Course Objectives
- Gain an advanced understanding of F-1 regulations and sources of authority.
- Learn the key considerations and critical factors for advising F-1 students on complex issues.
- Develop a broad understanding of F-1 student advising procedures.
Modules and Learning Outcomes
Nine self-paced modules guide those comfortable with the basics of F-1 to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the federal and state agencies involved, advising students on transfers, change of status, travel, and employment, including curricular practical training, optional practical training, and reinstatement. Participants will also examine how to develop and modify policies and procedures appropriate to their institution as well as the role of communications and technology in F-1 advising. Glossaries, frequently asked questions, a companion workbook, and self tests are also included. In addition, learn where to find and access key resources to continue the learning after the conclusion of the course.
Module 1: Introduction
- Overview of course content
Module 2: Foundations for Building Advising Policies
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a PDSO and DSO
- Balance the regulatory and non-regulatory influences on advising
- Establish a foundation for developing practices that balance both institution needs and government compliance
Module 3: The Ins and Outs of Transfers
- Determine eligibility criteria for F-1 student transfer in SEVIS
- Identify variations in transfer procedures among institutions
- Understand the impact of transfers on employment
Module 4: Weighing Options in Change of Status Cases
- Distinguish options available to students wishing to change to F-1 status
- Determine critical factors in change of status process
- Clarify the role of the adviser in the change of status process
Module 5: Advising Out-of-Status Students
- Determine critical factors regarding reinstatement
- Differentiate when it's appropriate to recommend travel versus reinstatement
- Understand the consequences of reinstatement denial
- Understand the role of immigration attorneys in providing legal advice
Module 6: The Complex Issues of Travel and Re-entry
- Review documents needed for travel and reentry
- Examine issues related to visiting a third country
- Examine the visa application process
- Identify the steps for correcting I-94 issues
Module 7: On-Campus Employment and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Understand complicated issues regarding on-campus employment
- Discuss interpretations of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) regulations
- Apply CPT regulations to real world examples
Module 8: Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Understand the differences between pre- and post-completion OPT
- Explain the 17-Month STEM extension of OPT
- Determine the eligibility criteria for cap-gap extension
- Understand the implications of travel during OPT
Module 9: Bringing It All Together
- Make connections to your work
Available Registration Dates
| Registration Deadline | Course Begins | Course Ends | Registration |
| 4/26/2019 | 5/1/2019 | 6/1/2019 |  |
| 5/10/2019 | 5/15/2019 | 6/15/2019 | |
| 6/10/2019 | 6/15/2019 | 7/15/2019 | |