Institute for International Perspectives

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What You Need to Know

Are you Ready to Travel?

For all currently-enrolled students, you will need all of the following documents in order to return to United States form a temporary absence outside of the U.S. for less than 5 months:

• Valid passport and valid F-1 visa
• Signed SEVIS I-20 (within the last 6 months)
• I-94 card [if your I-94 card is removed when exiting the United States, you must receive a new card when re-entering U.S.]
• All previous I-20 issued
• Proof of medical insurance and photo identification
• Proof of registration for current semester

If you are on OPT, you will need the following documents in order to return to the U.S.

• Valid passport and valid F-1 visa
• I-20 form with OPT recommendation printed on page 3
• Employment Authorization Card showing approved OPT
• A letter from your current employer showing you are working in a job directly related to your field of study you completed; or looking for work directly related to your field of study. 

Important Information on Traveling to Mexico - Students who visit Mexico with an "unstamped" SEVIS I-20 must have a valid F-1 visa or they will be denied entry to the United States. An "unstamped" SEVIS I-20 is one that was issued to you by our office, but has not yet been stamped by the point of entry officers. Click here to find out if you need a tourist visa to enter Mexico.

If you have a valid F-1 visa for multiple entries, please bring all of your I-20s with you when you go to Mexico. If you enter with the "unstamped" SEVIS I-20, you will be required to go to a separate line (secondary inspection) when crossing the border to the U.S. and get a new I-94 card which will cost $6, so please bring money with you. If your F-1 visa has expired, please contact our office prior to leaveing.

Click on the link below to learn more travel information posted by the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforecment (ICE):

• http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel/faq_f.htm

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Important Terms

• Passport - This document is issued by the government of your country and is required to depart and re-enter your country as well as the United States. Your passport must be valid at all times during your stay in the United States.
• SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) - An electronic tracking system developed by the U.S. government to track the full-time academic status of all international students.
• U.S. Visa - Stamped in your passport by the U.S. Consulate. It enables you to enter the U.S. anytime the visa is valid. Normally, international students in the U.S. have an F-1 visa.
• Immigration Status - This refers to your visa category, such as F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, B-2, currently in effect for a temporary visitor to the United States.
• I-20 Form - The document sent to you after you have been admitted to the college. The document is used for applying for F-1 visa as well as for entering in the United States.
• I-94 Card - You will be given an I-94 card either on the plane en route to the U.S. or at your point of arrival. It is also known as Arrival/Departure Record. The I-94 card will be completed by immigration authorities and will state how long you are authorized to stay in the U.S. It will also be stamped with your admission number and D/S (Duration of Status).
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - The U.S. government agency which enforces U.S. immigration laws.
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE) - Responsible for immigration investigations, detention, removal, intelligence and SEVIS.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) - Small plastic card issued by Immigration and Naturalization Service to show authorization for employment. The EAD is also called Form I-688B.
• Maintaining Status - See Checklist for Students to Maintain F-1 status

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Checklist for Students to Maintain F-1 Status

Students holding an F-1 visa must do the following to maintain status:

• Have a valid, unexpired passport
• Attend the school that you are authorized to attend
• Pursue a full course of study
• Make normal progress towards completing a course of study
• You must have permission prior to engaging in any kind of employment, practical training, or internships
• Have a valid SEVIS I-20 and apply for timely extensions
• Follow school transfer procedures

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Employment Options

International students that have an F-1 status are eligible to work only when you have special permission.  Working without permission is a violation of F-1 visa regulations and can end your stay in the United States.  See F-1 student employment information posted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The following are a list of work options for F-1 visa students and the permission required:

ON CAMPUS: On campus employment is any job located on the MiraCosta College.  Examples of on-campus employment are:  library assistant, academic tutor, computer lab assistant, student worker at the IIP, clerk at the bookstore and worker at the cafeteria.

Approval to work as an F-1 student

• maintain your full-time student status F-1 student status and have a valid I-20 form
• work no more than 19.5 hours during academic semesters or up to 40 hours during school breaks
• last day of authorized on-campus employment is the graduation day

Here are the steps to follow to find an on-campus job:

• Visit the IIP and request a letter to verify your F-1 student status
• Bring the letter from the IIP to Career Studies and Services.  On-Campus job listings are available at MonsterTrak, however students will still need to contact the Career Studies and Services Center before you can interview with a supervisor on-campus.
• Once you receive a job offer, visit the IIP and request a letter to apply for a Social Security Number.  You need your new supervisor to sign the letter to verify you have an on-campus job. 
• Complete the new employee paperwork required for each on-campus job at Career Studies and Services.  You will need to sign the On-campus Employment Agreement Form.

Off Campus: Any employment outside of MiraCosta College requires special permission.  This permission can take up to 90 days (3 months) to receive.   There are 3 kinds of employment permission you can request:

CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING (CPT):  Students with an academic major that requires an Internship class or Work Experience class can receive permission to work off-campus to meet the requirements for their major. 

Approval to work as an F-1 student

• You must have been an F-1 student for at least one academic year
• Your academic major at MiraCosta must include Occupational Work Experience or Internship as a course meeting a degree requirement
• You must enroll and receive a grade for a Occupational Work Experience or an Internship class during the semester that you are allowed to work
• CPT is granted for a specific job title, a specific company and for only one semester at a time. 
• You must complete Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Form and have your I-20 form approved for CPT by the IIP before you begin working.

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT): F-1 students are allowed to ask the U.S. government for permission to work in a job related to your academic major at MiraCosta.  You are allowed to request a total of 12 months of training.  You can apply for part-time working permission while you attend school, or you can apply for 12 months of full-time working permission that begins after you complete a Certificate of Competence or Associates Degree at MiraCosta College. 

Approval to work as an F-1 student

• must have been in a student status for at least one academic year
• must file application to the Department of Homeland Security (will take up to 90 days to receive permission after filing an application)
• can apply for part-time OPT (no more than 20 hours per week) while  attending school or full-time after graduation.
• must apply for all OPT permission BEFORE you complete your degree or certificate
• can only work in a job directly related to your academic major

ECONOMIC HARDSHIP: Students with a significant financial crisis during their academic studies can request special permission to work off-campus.  An example of a financial crisis includes a significant devaluation of their home currency or an unexpected emergency with a sponsor.  A student must provide proof of the financial crisis but must be able to show that they have some financial support to remain in the United States.

Approval to work as an F-1 student

• Must have been in a student status for at least one academic year
• Must provide proof of their financial crisis
• must file application to the Department of Homeland Security (will take up to 90 days to receive permission after filing an application)

Student interested in working outside campus on economic hardship must document to the CIS reasons why you qualify for economic hardship. The student needs to apply at least 60 days in advance and can not work for more than 19.5 hours a week while school is in session.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I find a job at MiraCosta College?

On-Campus job listings are available at MonsterTrak (http://www.monstertrak.com), however students will still need to contact the Career Studies and Services Center for a referral to the particular department for interview.  To find out more about on-campus work options, contact the Career Studies and Services on the Oceanside campus, building 3700 at (760) 757-2121 ext. 6493.

• If I am paid in cash, can I work at a local restaurant or help a friend? 

No. An international student must receive permission to accept any kind of employment.  Employment is considered anytime you receive money or compensation.  It is illegal to work without permission and it can end your stay in the United States.

• Can I volunteer as an unpaid intern with a company or employer?

Yes. If the internship involves no form of compensation and is truly voluntary, you may volunteer without having to do any paperwork with the Department of Homeland Security. If, however, the internship provides a stipend or any compensation, students must obtain permission for practical training prior to starting their internship.

To know more information about employment in the U.S. as an F-1 student, visit the website hosted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) below.

• http://www.ice.gov/sevis/employment/faq_f_off1.htm

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Opening a Bank Account

If you are planning to transfer money from your country, it is to your interest to arrange the transfer prior to your arrival. Very few banks in the United States have a branch in other countries, so the transfer from your bank to a bank in the United States would be delayed and fairly expensive if not done properly. You should consult with the individual banks about the arrangements for transferring funds as well the different features, services and fees charged.

Most banks are open Monday through Friday from morning until mid-afternoon, and some are open also on Saturday morning. Upon opening an account, an ATM card will be offered in order to get money out of the account at any hour, day or night in the ATM machines. These cards can be used at automated teller machines (ATMs) all over the city, state, and country. ATMs from the Mission Federal Credit Union Bank are available at both Oceanside and San Elijo campus. There will be fees associated with using an ATMs that is not associated with your bank.

The two main types of bank accounts are checking accounts, which allow checks to be written, and savings accounts, which offer a place to keep money and earn interest. Some checking accounts also pay interest. Most people in the U.S. pay their bills with checks. Also checks may be necessary for paying your rent. Cash should never be sent in the mail to pay for a bill or for any other reason.

Requirements for Opening a Bank Account

In order to open an account at most banks, you will need two valid forms of identification. A passport and a MiraCosta College identification card are usually sufficient. Some banks will also require a Social Security Number or a Tax Identification Number. At least $100 is usually required to open an account, and there will be a monthly service charge for the account unless a "minimum balance requirement" (as much as $500 or higher) is maintained. There will also be a charge to have checks printed. Banks often have "hidden" fees so be sure to inquire about all possible fees.

Banks in the Area

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Social Security Number

If you plan to work on campus after you have completed your first semester at MiraCosta College, you must obtain a U.S. social security number, which is used by the U.S. government to identify wage earners for tax purposes. To apply for a social security number you must have a job offer on campus or an authorization for work off campus and a letter from the Institute for International Perspectives confirming your student status. Social Security numbers will not be issued to students who do not qualify with those requirements.

A social security number is not required for opening a bank account, registering for school, filing a U.S. tax form or applying for a driver’s license. If you are required to file a tax return and are not eligible for a U.S. social security number, you will have to apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for a Tax Identification Number (ITIN) on form W-7. This number may also be used for opening a bank account. MiraCosta will also issue to the student an identification number (ID) that is recognized only by MiraCosta College and can not be used as a social security number.

In order to receive a Social Security Number, you should apply in person at the Social Security Administration Office with the following documents:

• Application Form (print out page 5)
• Valid passport
• I-94
• Valid visa
• Signed SEVIS I-20
• Second Identification that has the date of birth and also it has to be one year old
• Letter from the Institute for International Perspectives with information about your on-campus employment or authorized practical training
• If you are on OPT, you also need to bring your EAD card and the I-20 Form with OPT recommendation on page 3.

OCEANSIDE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE

Office Address:  

2160 S EL CAMINO REAL                                                                          

Oceanside, CA 92054             

Phone Numbers: 1-800-772-1213              

Office Hours: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM (Monday to Friday)

Except Federal Holidays

Map:

Directions:

LOCATED OFF HWY 78 & EL CAMINO REAL, NORTH OF THE TARGET SHOPPING CENTER & SOUTH OF FIRE MOUNTAIN RD ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE STREET.THE BUILDING IS SET BACK OFF THE STREET, PARTIALLY BLOCKED FROM VIEW.

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Housing Information

Housing is the responsibility of the individual student and/or sponsor. MiraCosta College does not provide dormitories or college-approved housing for students. Below are listed some web sites and phone numbers of companies/organizations that can assist you with planning your arrival to San Diego County.

• Local Housing Information MiraCosta College provides Housing Information for convenience to those person(s) seeking housing and those wishing to advertise the availability of housing. MiraCosta College assumes no responsibility and has no knowledge of the condition of housing advertised or the character/reputation of those seeking housing.
• Oceanside Chamber of Commerce web site offers information on transportation, local attractions, tours, area map, etc. You can also get information on temporary housing (hotels/motels) options.
• If you are interested in participating in a homestay program, you may contact Homestay Services International at Tel. 619/461-4764, Fax. 619/670-3397 or Home Placement Services, Inc at Tel. 619/423-1449 or by e-mail at hpservices@san.rr.com.
• Housing assistance through FLS Language School, please contact miracostahousing@fls.net              
• http://www.move.com/apartments/default.aspx?poe=rentnet
• http://sdhomessearch.signonsandiego.com/Rentals/SearchIndex.asp
• http://www.nctimes.com/admarket/rentals/

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Transportation

How can you take public transportation from the Los Angeles airport to Oceanside?

1.  Take the Flyaway bus from the airport to the Los Angeles Union Station.  This will cost you $4.00.  For more information go to http://www.lawa.org/flyaway/  

2.  Once you are at the Union Station, you need to take the Orange County Line of the Metrolink train.  This train will take you directly to the Transit Center in Oceanside.  This will cost you $12.75 one way.  See the links to the train station and train schedule. 

•  http://www.metrolinktrains.com/schedules/html.php?id=241
• http://www.metrolinktrains.com/stations/detail.php?id=131

Public transportation is limited in San Diego and below we have listed some modes of transportation that you may use while living in California.

• Bus System

Bus is another mode of transportation used by many of our students. The North County Transit has two bus lines that come to our campuses. Bus number 302 arrives in Oceanside and there is not a bus currently going to San Elijo campus. You may purchase monthly passes and pick up schedules at the cashier’s office at MiraCosta College. For more information on the routes and fares you may visit their web site at: http://www.gonctd.com

• The Coaster

The Coaster is an option for students that want to travel from downtown San Diego to Oceanside. The coaster is a commuter train and monthly passes are available. For more information on the schedule and fares you may call toll free (800) 262-7837 or visit this site:

• Amtrak

The AMTRAK train is available to students that want to do some sightseeing while living in California. AMTRAK fares depend on the time of year, your destination, how far in advance you order your tickets, and whether you want coach or sleeper space.

For more information on San Diego commute you may visit: http://www.sdcommute.com

Bicycling

Bicycling is used by some of our students as the most economical way to get around the MiraCosta College campus. If you plan to ride a bicycle you should be aware of some safety procedures:

• A helmet is strongly recommended. A helmet is mandatory if you are under 18 years of age.
• Reflective clothing is crucial if you are riding at night, as well as a headlight, rear light and reflector.
• Bicyclists must comply with the same traffic regulations as motorists, so you need to obtain a copy of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handbook.

Automobile

The easiest but not the cheapest way to move around is to purchase an automobile. A reliable used car costs at least $2,500. Additional costs having a car are the mandatory insurance as well as necessary repairs.

Driver's License

International students must obtain a California Driving License even if you have a valid international license. Prior to receiving a license the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will require:

• A social security card or a letter of denial from the social security office.
• Your passport, I-20 and a valid I-94 card.
• A written test as well as driving test.

After you have completed this process, a temporary license will be issued until a confirmation on your status is received by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). The actual driving license will be mailed to you as soon as this confirmation is received, and this process may take as long as 9 months.

For more information, please vist the DMV Web site.

Car Insurance

If you purchase a car in California you must purchase insurance as well. The car insurance costs approximately $1,000 per year but it also depends on your driving records. Most insurance companies do require driving records for the past three years so it is advisable that you bring your driving records. In order for you to receive the cheapest insurance rate, you will need to "shop" (call or search through internet for the cheapest rate). Below, we have listed some web site addresses of car insurance companies:

• http://www.aaa-calif.com
• http://www.statefarm.com
• http://automobileinsurances.com - Receive fast auto insurance quote online and compare rates from leading car insurance companies instantly.

Rent a Car

Renting a car is an option for students that want to do some sightseeing and travel to places such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, Magic Mountain, and Sea World. If you consider renting a car, you need to know that most car rental companies require that you must be over 25 years of age, have a valid driving license, and a credit card. Below are listed some car rental web sites:

• http://www.budget.com
• http://www.avis.com
• http://www.dollarcar.com
• http://www.hertz.com
• http://www.nationalcar.com

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Postal Services

The U.S. Postal Service delivers mail to homes and business Monday-Saturday. Mail is not delivered on Sunday or legal holidays. Special delivery and express mail is delivered seven days a week. When mailing a letter in the U.S. make certain to use the zip code as this will speed up delivery.

A few international students that have not yet arranged permanent housing receive a P.O. Box address from the United States Postal Services. The P.O. Box is used for receiving mail in that specific box regardless where you are living. Remember that if you consider getting a P.O. Box for your mailing address, you still must give the Institute for International Perspectives the address of the place in which you are living.

The closest United States Postal Services Office to MiraCosta College Oceanside Campus is located at Avenida del Oro Street next to the College Plaza. The postage rate for sending a letter or a bill within the United States is 39 ¢. The current postal rates can be found at: http://www.usps.com/all/ratesandfees/welcome.htm

1. Sender’s name and address

2. The name of the receiver

3. The business name of the receiver

4. The street address of the receiver

5. The city where the receiver is located

6. The state where the receiver is located (CA for California, NY for New York).  To find the abbreviation of each state in the U.S., go to: http://www.usps.com/ncsc/lookups/usps_abbreviations.html

7. Mailing barcode generated by the U.S. postal service

8. The zip code where the receiver is located.  To find the zip code in the U.S., go to: http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp

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Income Taxes

Who Must File?

All international students, regardless of whether they have U.S. source incomes, must file federal income tax forms. In California, state income tax forms also must be filed if money is earned in the U.S. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code contains special provisions which apply to nonimmigrants in F status for whom certain income may be exempt from tax payment.

When and How To File?

April 15th is the deadline each year for filing a return on income earned during the preceding calendar year. Each year toward the end of January, every U.S. employer prepares a "W-2 Form" for each employee showing the amount earned during the preceding tax year and the amount of taxes, federal and state, withheld. This W-2 Form is used in preparing income tax forms, therefore it is very important that you do not lose or throw the form away. If the amount withheld exceeds the amount of the tax obligation, a tax return must be filed in order to receive the refund.

What Forms To File?

• Form 8843: All international students are required to file form 8843, even if you did not earn any income in United States.  See sample form 8843 here.

• Form 1040NR-EZ: If you earned income in United States, you also need to file form 1040NR-EZ. The instructions for filling Form 1040NR-EZ can be found here.

• Form 540NR:  If you earned income in the United States, you are also required to file 540NR for the California state taxes.  The instructions for filling Form 540NR can be found here.

How to Complete Form 8843?

• First, click here to print the form.
• Enter your name, your SSN (if you do not have an SSN, then leave blank), your home address in your country and the address in United States.
• You will need to complete only Part I and Part III
• In Part I, enter the immigration status you entered United States (for example, F-1 or B-2 if you came as a visitor). Then enter your country of citizenship, passport information and approximately how many days you were in United States (don't worry about being exact).
• In Part III, lines 9 and 10 have been already completed. Please fill out line 11, 12, 13, and 14.
• Sign your name and date in page 2 and mail to the address listed in page 4.
• The deadline for mailing the form 8843 is June 15, 2008. 

Tax Treaty Issues

• The United States has income tax treaties with a number of foreign countries. Under these treaties, residents (not necessarily citizens) of foreign countries are taxed at a reduced rate, or are exempt from U.S. income taxes on certain items of income they receive from sources within the United States. These reduced rates and exemptions vary among countries and specific items of income.  Learn more information on the IRS website.

• Find out if you are eligible for any treaty benifits, click here for the entire tax treaty table.

How and where to get help?

• The Internal Revenue Service has an office in San Marcos, CA.  They provide face-to-face assistance during tax season (from January to mid-April).  You do not need to make an appointment.  The service is on first-come-first-serve basis. 

           San Marcos
           1 Civic Center Dr.
           San Marcos, CA 92069
           Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
           (760) 736-7355

For additional information about tax filing for international students, please click here for more information from the Internal Revenue Service.

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Major Legal U.S. Holidays

The following legal holidays are days in which many businesses, schools, and banks are closed in United States. For specific dates on the current year, please see the class schedule.

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