INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

Provide services to assist F-1, F-2, J-1 and J-2 students in their transition to campus and to maintain Visa status throughout the academic experience. A few of the services include: Preparation of paperwork required for optional practical training (OPT) and curricular practical training (CPT), endorsing of necessary documents for travel outside the United States and coordinating workshops to assist students with concerns related to immigration, employment, in addition to social and personal adjustments. It is mandatory that International students meet with the International Student advisors each semester. For a comprehensive website on International Student Services at Rutger-Camden – see below:

International Student Advisors:
International Students (all schools excluding law)
Elizabeth Atkins
Assistant Dean, International  Students
Rutgers University, Camden
326 Penn Street,  Room 324
Camden, NJ 08102
Ph: 856-225-2521
Fax: 856-225-6579
Email: atkins1@camden.rutgers.edu

Danyelle Thurman
(856) 225-6043
dthurman@camden.rutgers.edu
Armitage Hall, second floor
  
International Students (law school only)
Angela Baker
(856) 225-6289
angbaker@camden.rutgers.edu
Law School, East Building, 3rd floor

 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES
I. Welcome
Welcome to Rutgers the State University of New Jersey at Camden International Student’s Web Page. Rutgers has a community of distinguished international students, faculty, administrators, and staff. The purpose of this page is to provide information to assist F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visa students with academic and immigration services at Rutgers University-Camden Campus.
The Camden Campus has an increasing population of F-1 Visa Students. There are approximately 70 F-1 students engaged in undergraduate, graduate study and research on campus. There are an additional 15 students who are engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT). These students represent the following countries:

II. Things To Know Before You Arrive

Travel:
To travel to the United States as a perspective Rutgers student you will need the Certificate of Eligibility, which for F-1 students is your I-20. Do Not enter the United States with a Certificate of Eligibility from a school other than the one you will attend.
Once you arrive at the airport, you may request a cab for transportation to Rutgers-Camden. Please advise the driver to bring you to Rutgers University Camden-Third and Penn Streets, Camden, N.J. There will be a cost for this trip, which will be your responsibility. http://www.camden.rutgers.edu/getting_to_campus.html

Housing:
Living in the residential community at Rutgers-Camden is a rewarding way to prepare to become a contributing, well-rounded member of the diverse society. Students who live on campus and have the opportunity to interact with other students tend to be more active and connected to the University, its traditions, and its rituals.
The Rutgers Camden Apartments are for graduate students. Each resident has a private bedroom in a four-bedroom apartment, with a shared kitchen, dining area, living room, and bathroom.
The Rutgers Camden Towers for undergraduate students is a ten-story brick building housing over 200 students. Each suite consists of three bedrooms (two students per bedroom), a living room, and a bathroom. There are cooking facilities on each floor for the use by all residents.
To secure a housing packet please call (856) 225-6471 or click here

Orientation:
There will be an Orientation Program for all new F-1 international students during the first week of classes. The purpose of the program will be to provide you with valuable information about the campus and the many services available to students. You will receive an invitation with details of the program.

III. Visa & Immigration Information for F-1 Students
There are immigration regulations that you MUST adhere to as an F-1 visa holder
studying at the university. It is important that you know these regulations so that you
maintain your status and are not deported.

SEVIS
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a new tracking system fully implemented by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), and has been in service since January 31, 2003. It is required by all Universities across the United Sates to report information about F, J, and M non-immigrant students. As of August 1, 2003 all F, and J students were issued a new SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 form. The new form has a unique barcode to identify the owner, and each student is assigned a SEVIS ID number, which is located above the barcode on the form.

Academic:
You must attend the school you were authorized to attend.
You must pursue a full course of study.
Make normal academic progress towards completing your degree.
Report a change of address or name to Dean Thurman within 10 days of the change.
Follow USCIS procedures for changing from one program or educational level to another.
Notify Dean Thurman if you plan to transfer to another school so that the appropriate steps can be taken to ensure that the information is reported in SEVIS.
Within 60 days of completing the course of study and any authorized practical training, you must do one of the following:
* Depart the United States.
* Apply for a change of status.
* Transfer to another school.

Employment
F-1 students are permitted to work on and off-campus if they are in good academic standing. There are many places on campus where students can find employment. The following is a list of suggestions:
Rutgers Telefund
Starbucks Coffee
Dinning Services
Camden Campus Center
The Paul Robeson Library
Learning Resource Center
Rutgers University Police Department
Academic Departments and Faculty Members

On-Campus
Students may work on campus if given permission by the International Student Advisor. Students may work 20 hours or less during the academic year and unlimited between semesters.

Off-Campus There are two types of off-campus employment. Employment based on economic hardship, and practical training employment.

Economic Hardship- Students may apply for authorization to work if the employment is needed based on unforeseen economic changes in their personal income. The student must have maintained F-1 status for one full academic year and be in good academic standing to apply for economic hardship. The student must document the severe changes. A formal application must be completed with the approval and recommendation of the International Student Advisor. (Link) The application is sent to the USCIS office for review and approval. A student may not begin work until they have received the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS office. The approval may take between 30 to 60 days.

Practical Training- There are two types of practical training:

Curricular Training
(CPT)- This type of training permits students to work in their field of study or interest and receive academic credit. In some cases, the academic department may require the training. It is available to students in F-1 status who have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year. Approval from USCIS is not needed for this type of training. However, The International Student Advisor must approve curricular practical training. Part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for optional practical training (OPT). However, 12 months or more of full-time CPT eliminates eligibility for OPT. The students major department must verify that the student will be getting credit for any CPT work.

Optional Practical Training
(OPT)- Students may apply for employment off campus that is related to their major or career interest. It is available to students in F-1 status who have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year. Students are permitted to work for 12 months under the practical training program. The 12 months may be used during the school year on a part-time basis, between semesters on a full-time basis, or upon graduation. Periods of practical training taken prior to graduation are deducted from the total available at the time of graduation. An application for practical training upon graduation should be completed 30 days prior to a student’s graduation date. You are not permitted to apply for OPT after completion of studies. Upon completing the application it will be sent to the USCIS office. Approval may take 30-60 days.

Visa
The student visa authorizes you to enter, but not to remain in the United States. The visa has an expiration date and may be valid for a certain period of entries. The visa is considered invalid if you remain in the United States beyond the period of authorized stay. For F-1 students, authorized stay ends sixty days following completion of studies or completion of authorized practical training. You may not renew your visa in the United States, but return to your home country for renewal.

I-20
The purpose of this document is to permit you to re-enter the United States if the International Student Advisor endorses it. This document is a record of your academic standing, transfer of schools, work and practical training permit and other important information. It is important that you keep copies of any I-20’s from previous schools or universities.

Student Number:
All new students are assigned a 9-digit number used for billing purposes. For most international students, who don’t possess a social security number at the time of admission, a temporary 9-digit number is assigned. The purpose of this number is for campus record keeping. It may not be used for employment or financial transactions. Most students, therefore, must obtain a true social security number.

Social Security:
Effective October 13, 2004, if international students do not have an employment authorization document issued by USCIS, they will not be assigned a social security number (SSN)). The following documentation must also be provided to obtain a SSN:

• You must present documentation that confirms you have both authorization from the school to work, AND you must have actually secured employment.
• You must show evidence of age.
• You must prove your identity (visa, passport).
• You must show that you have legal alien status (I-20).

Transportation
The unique size of the Camden Campus permits you to enjoy the comfort of easy access to all of the services and departments available to you.

Campus Shuttle- The Campus Police Department provides a campus shuttle from the various parking lots to the campus. The shuttle will also take you to the Transportation Center and the Hi-Speed Line stations.
There are also many convenient transportation locations for off-campus travel as well.

N.J. Transit Bus & Public Transportation Center
Phone: (856) 1-800-772-2222
website: New Jersey Transit

Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) Train to Philadelphia/South Jersey
Phone: (856) 772-6900
website: Delaware River Port Authority

South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
Phone: (215) 580-7800
website: SEPTA Transportation Website

IV. How To Apply For Admission To Rutgers Camden
website: International Admissions Website
 

V. Important Forms and Contact Information
USCIS Forms and Fees:
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/index.htm
International Student Health Fee Exemption Form:
http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~cifss/studs-scholars/exempt_rqst_new.pdf
International Student Income Tax Forms:
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=129394,00.html
Important Rutgers-Camden Numbers
International Student Services/ (856) 225-6043
Office for Student Affairs
Learning Resource Center (856) 225-6442
Robeson Library (856) 225-6033
MBA Program (856) 225-6216
Campus Police (856) 225-6009
Career Planning & Placement (856) 225-6046
Computing Services (856) 225-6065
Student Health Services (856) 225-6005
Campus Information (856) 225-1766