Office of International Education
Information for Current Students
International students studying at Endicott are admitted to the U.S. on F-1 or J-1 Visas and are often referred to as F-1 or J-1 students.
Important documents: If you are admitted to the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student, you will have three important documents in your possession which together are proof of your valid immigration status. These documents are:
- Form I-20 or DS-2019: This document is issued initially by the College Admissions Office prior to your entry into the U.S. It is used to obtain an F-1 visa or J-1 at the U.S. Consulate in your country and is presented to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry when you arrive in the U.S. Your I-20 should be signed by the International Student Services Advisor every semester and you should carry it with you whenever you leave the U.S.
- F-1 or J-1 Visa: This document is a multicolored stamp placed in your passport at a U.S. Consulate. The visa is a "ticket" necessary for entering the U.S. and it indicates your name, classification, the number of times you may enter the U.S. on this visa (in most cases, multiple entries are allowed), and the visa's expiration date. The expiration date on the visa reflects the date until which you are permitted to enter (or re-enter) the U.S. as an F-1- J-1 student rather than the amount of time you are allowed to remain in the U.S.
- Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record: This document is a small white card stapled into your passport at the time of your arrival into the U.S. The I-94 indicates your arrival date, the visa classification, and the length of authorized stay in the U.S. For F-1 or J-1 students, the length of stay is noted as D/S which stands for "Duration of Status". D/S allows a student to stay in the U.S. as long as they carry a valid I-20 or DS-2019.
Maintaining F-1 or J-1 Student Status: As an F-1 or J-1 student, you are responsible for maintaining your legal immigration status while in the U.S. The School of International Education is here to help you comply with all immigration and employment regulations; however, it is ultimately up to you to make sure you stay "in status" throughout your time at Endicott College, and in the U.S.
To remain in status, an F-1 or J-1 student must:
- Be enrolled as a full-time student (at least 12 credits per semester)
- Hold a valid I-20 of DS-2019, i.e. attend the school he/she is authorized to attend
- Maintain a valid passport
- Contact the Office of Undergraduate International Programs if there is a change in his/her major, graduation date, or source of financial support
- Limit on-campus work to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. (You may work on campus full-time during breaks and in the summer)
- NEVER WORK OFF CAMPUS without prior authorization from the Office of Undergraduate International Programs or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Notify the Office of Undergraduate International Programs of any change of address within ten days of moving.
Students who fall out of status by violating the terms of the F-1 or J-1 visa must apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for reinstatement to valid F-1 or J-1 visa status. The Office of Undergraduate International Programs can provide valuable assistance in such cases.
Important Regulations and Procedures
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, enforces immigration law. When you enter the U.S., a USCIS Officer reviews your documents and authorizes your entry and the length of stay in the U.S.
A record of your personal and program information is kept in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a web-based U.S. government tracking system, which is updated by Endicott and USCIS. Your enrollment in a minimum of 12 credits each semester, changes in your major or U.S. address, and any internships requiring off-campus work must be updated in SEVIS or you will be considered "out of status" and required to apply to USCIS for reinstatement or return home.
In addition to the requirements mentioned previously in Maintaining F-1 of J-1 Student Status, it is important to be aware of the following:
- You may not begin continue to attend classes if you entered the country in B tourist status and you cannot change your status from B to F student status while in the U.S. You must return home to do so.
- You may find it difficult or impossible to renew your visa at any U.S. Consulate other than the U.S. Consulate in your home country.
- If your status in the U.S. after dropping out of status, you may become ineligible for any type of visa to enter the U.S. for a three to ten-year period.
- If you remain outside the U.S. for more than 5 months, without being enrolled in an Endicott Study Abroad or Internship program for at least 12 credits or because you take a leave of absence for a semester, you will need a new I-20 to reenter the U.S. and your time in F-1 or J-1 student status will begin again upon reentry. You will have to study full time for another two semesters before you become eligible to apply for curricular or optional practical training.
You are ultimately responsible for abiding by the law. The Office of Undergraduate International Programs is here to help you understand your obligations so you can maintain legal status in the U.S. Neither the Office of Undergraduate International Programs nor Endicott College has the responsibility or the authority to enforce immigration law. We are, however, required by law to update SEVIS with certain changes in your status.
Academic Resources
All Endicott College students have the opportunity and are encouraged to take advantage of Academic Resources to enhance their academic experience at Endicott including Academic Technology and the Diane M. Halle Library.
Academic Resources also offers services to help all students better themselves in the classroom through peer or professional tutoring or the Writing Center. Academic Resources also offers a job opportunity for students who would like to become a certified peer tutor. Academic Resources Homepage
Health and Insurance
Health Services
Health Services at Endicott is made up of the Health Center and the Counseling Center. Both centers are available for students who need to see someone about their health.
The Health Center is open Monday- Friday and offers service at no charge. If you are feeling sick, please make an appointment or drop in to see a Registered Nurse or the Nurse Practitioner.
The Counseling Center is open Monday-Friday and offers both group and individual sessions for Endicott Students. Some common reasons Endicott Students seek out the Counseling Center are depression, addictions, anxiety/stress, relationship concerns, difficulty with transitions/homesickness, conflict resolution, academic problems, anger management and grief and loss. As an International Student, you might feel uncomfortable with the idea of counseling but in the United States it is very common and does not negatively reflect on you as a person or student. All counseling is confidential.
For any emergencies after hours, please contact Campus Safety at ext. 1111 on campus or (978) 232-2222 from off campus.
Health Insurance
In compliance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts program of Universal Health Care, Endicott College is required to ensure that students registered for full time study are enrolled in a qualified health care plan. Endicott Students are offered and required to purchase insurance through Endicott’s partner, Gallagher Koster Insurance if they do not carry other qualified health care. If you are and International Student and do not have a health care plan that is based in the United States, you may not waive the student health care. International travel insurance does not qualify.
Student Insurance is handled through the Bursar’s office. For more information, please refer to the Bursar’s office.
MASSACHUSETTS DRIVER'S LICENSE
If you are on a student visa and plan to drive in the U.S., you may apply for a Massachusetts driver's license. To obtain application, visit your nearest Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office or download from RMV’s website.
You will be required to present your valid passport, immigration documentation (i.e. I-20, I-94 etc.) and proof of residence in the state of Massachusetts such as utility bill, or bank statement, or Endicott transcripts which contains your name and address. For more information about required documentation, go to: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/license/5classd.htm.
You must pass a written test, an eye screening and a road test in order to receive a license. There is a fee of $50.
MASSACHUSETTS STATE ID
If you are on a student visa but do not plan to drive, you might want to apply for a Massachusetts State ID. To obtain application, visit your nearest Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office in Danvers at the Liberty Tree Mall or download from RMV’s website.
You will be required to present your valid passport, immigration documentation (i.e. I-20, I-94 etc.) and proof of residence in the state of Massachusetts such as utility bill, or bank statement, or Endicott transcripts which contains your name and address. For more information about required documentation, go to: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/license/13bMAID.htm. There is a fee of $25.
You must have a valid Social Security number to apply for driver's license or a Massachusetts State ID. If you do not have a valid Social Security number, you must obtain a written denial notice from the Social Security Administration explaining why you can't obtain a Social Security number. To obtain this letter, please see the International Student Services Advisor.
Public Transportation
It is very easy to get to Boston and beyond from Endicott College!
The Commuter Rail and the “T”
The Boston public transportation system is called the “T” and the commuter train has a stop close by in Beverly at the Beverly Depot. Beverly Depot is on the Newbury/Rockport line and this train will take you into Boston in approximately 40 minutes. For a complete schedule, check out the MBTA’s online schedule.
Visit the following links for more information on transportation for beyond Boston:
Amtrak - Discounts are available for students who are holders of a Student Advantage card.
Greyhound - Discounts are available for students who are holders of a Student Advantage card.
Peter Pan - Terminal in Boston is located in the South Station T-stop on the Red Line.
No visa or passport is needed to travel within the United States. However, you may need your passport as a form of official identification.
Summer Storage
When you return home for the summer, you might want to store your belongings for the following semester so you don’t have too much luggage going home. There are a few storage facilities nearby in Beverly. It might help to get together with friends to share the storage unit.
Beverly Self Storage (97 Rantoul St)
Student discount available
Please contact each business to find out the pricing for the size you would need and for the amount of time you would be renting the storage unit.