FAQ

FAQ's ON IMMIGRATION ISSUES

BRINGING VISITORS

My relative wants to come for a visit. What do I need to do?

First, you will need to write a letter of invitation to them. Then, you need to set an appointment to see an advisor at CIP. Bring to the appointment their name (written exactly as it appears in their passport) and their date of birth.

DEPENDENTS

I want to bring my spouse. How can I do that?

Information about the procedure to bring dependents can be found on our website at F-2 Dependents.

Can my dependents enroll in IEI classes?

IEI classes are only open to students who are admitted to BSU. Learn more about IEI classes here.

Can my spouse or child work?

J-2 dependents are allowed to work anywhere, as long as they have applied and received authorization from USCIS.

H-4 status and F-2 status does not allow employment.

Is my dependent allowed to enroll full-time?

Full-time enrollment is allowed for elementary and secondary dependent students, no matter the status.

F-2 dependents are only allowed to enroll in one or two classes "incidental to their status" at the university level, but not as degree-seeking students. They will need to apply and be admitted to the university as non-degree students.

H-4 and J-2 dependents, if admitted to BSU, may enroll full time or part-time, provided they have applied to and been admitted to the university.

DRIVERS LICENSE/BUYING A CAR

I want to buy a car. What will I need to do?

Once you buy a car, you will need to go to the License Branch in order to register your car and to get the vehicle title.

Prior to purchasing your car, you will probably need to get adrivers license or a learner's permit

When is the License Branch open?

Tuesday: 8:30-7:00
Wednesday: 8:30-5:00
Thursday: 8:30-5:00
Friday: 8:30-5:00
Saturday: 8:30-12:30

Where is the License Branch in Muncie?

The License Branch is located at 2904 E McGalliard Meadowview Farm, Muncie IN 47303.
Their phone number is (765) 289-0002

EMPLOYMENT

May I work off-campus?

YES. But in very special circumstances and only after the authorization has been granted. You should schedule an appointment with the foreign student advisor to discuss your particular situation.

What if I work off-campus without first obtaining authorization?

Working off-campus without proper authorization from INS or the foreign student advisor is a violation of your status. If you violate your status, you are not eligible for certain benefits granted to F-1 and J-1 students, such as optional/academic training

I want to apply for hardship work authorization. Is bringing my family or wanting to buy a car valid reason for requesting this?

NO. Unforeseen and unexpected financial situations inlcude such things as losing a sponsor, losing departmental funding, etc. There are many things not considered valid reasons. These include bringing your family, buying a car, spending savings on a vacation, etc.

For more answers or specific questions, please contact the international student advisor at CIP.

Can I work on-campus?

Yes. F-1 and J-1 students may work on-campus if they are degree-seeking and if they have done the necessary paperwork at Career Services, with an international student advisor, and at the Social Security Office, before the work begins

Hardship Employment Authorization

In some cases, off-campus employment is allowed, once the permission is granted. More information on hardship employment can be found here.

Practical Training

Students, depending on their specific situation, may apply for a period of practical work experience during or after completion of their studies.

Click here to read more about OPT

What if I work-off campus without permission?

This is prohibited by immigration law. Students are only allowed to work once they have obtained permission. Students who work off-campus without permission would be considered out-of-status and will lose all other benefits associated with their visa status.

ENROLLING MY CHILD IN SCHOOL

Are there elementary schools near campus?

Yes, there are many private and public schools in the area. Most of the children living on or near campus attend either Mitchell Elementary School or Storer Elementary School, Northside Junior High School, and Central High School.

How do I register my child? What forms do I need to bring?

Information on how to register your child in school is located on our webpage.

EXTENSION STATUS/TRANSFER CREDIT

How do I transfer credits from BSU to another university in the US?

Students transferring from Ball State to another US institution should obtain a Form I-20 from the new school, and complete the transfer procedure at that school.

Can I transfer from my former university to BSU? If so, how?

Beforehand, a SEVIS release form must be completed by an International Advisor at your old (current) school.

F-1 students who are transferring from another U.S. educational institution (including a high school or language center) to Ball State must visit the Center for International Programs to do a transfer completion process. The process must be completed within two weeks of the first day of class of the student's first semester at Ball State.

The following documents must be submitted in order to complete the transfer:

Ball State issued Form I-20
Form I-20 from previous schools

GETTING SETTLED

What type of clothing will I need?

Muncie is about 20 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to 7 degrees Celsius). in the Winter. You will need heavy jackets, gloves, hats, etc. during this time of the year.

The weather is an average of 70 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 35 degrees Celsius) during the Summer. Sunglasses, shorts, and sandals are typical clothes you will need.

Any clothing items you do not currently own can be purchased here after you arrive.

Will I have computer access?

Ball State has many computer labs throughout the campus. It also has wireless accessibility for people with laptops.

How can I get a credit card?

There are many vendors on-campus and at the local banks. You may apply for credit cards after you arrive at Ball State.

Where can I find international food?

Some of the supermarkets in town carry a limited amount of international food items. However, food can be ordered online or purchased when visiting larger cities.

HEALTH INFORMATION

Should I do a Health Exam and fill out the forms in my country or after I arrive at BSU?

When you are admitted to BSU, you are sent several documents. One of them is a health form. This form has a listing of the required immunizations. This form needs to be filled out by your doctor in your country. Upon arrival to BSU, you will be required to have a physical examination. This examination can only be done after you arrive to campus.

Do I have to do the immunizations?

Yes. It is required by law.

Do I have to take the health exam?

Yes. It is required in order to register for subsequent semesters of study.

HOUSING

As a future student, you may have many questions about where you are going to live while studying at Ball State University. The following information is intended to answer such questions before your arrival. Please take time to read this very carefully.

Are the apartments/dorm rooms furnished?

Residence Halls will give you a bed, desk, and dresser when you move in. Some Apartments come with furniture and some do not. You will be able to specify which type of apartment you want when you apply for your University Apartment. All Apartments come with a stove and refrigerator.

Can I have a single room or apartment?

The Residence Halls offer single room options, however most of these rooms are reserved for returning students.

University Apartments also offer single apartments, however these apartments fill up quickly and may be full by the time you receive your contract.

Can I live in a University Apartment?

You can live in the University Apartments if you are over the age of 21, if you are married, or if you have children.

How can I find a roommate?

BSU Roommate search offers a great way to find a roommate. You must already have a Ball State username and ID to access this system.

How can I find an apartment off-campus?

Once you arrive to campus, you will be able to explore the nearby neighborhoods to look for vacancies. You can also visit the Daily News website. This is the Ball State Newspaper where you can look for advertisements students may have posted.

How much is the cost for a residence hall, university apartment, private apartment?

Residence Halls: Room and board cost for the nine-month academic year is from US$4,800.00 to US$5,200.00 (estimated cost). Double and single rooms with adjoining baths, four student apartments, and ten student suites are the various types of accommodations available in the graduate hall; however, the single rooms are usually reserved by returning residents.

University Apartments: You must make an application and receive a contract from housing to receive a university apartment. There are a few furnished apartments, at slightly higher costs. The apartments cost approximately US$380.00 to $480.00 per month. Assignments are given by application for housing dates.

Private Apartments: You may choose to live in an apartment in the community. It is not possible to reserve off-campus housing prior to your arrival and for this reason finding a place just before the opening of school is difficult. You must expect to stay in a hotel until you find a place to live. The cost of staying in a hotel is approximately $50 to $75 per person per day.

Is there any temporary housing available before the semester begins?

You can stay on campus at the University Hotel, or you can stay at a local area hotel

Where can I find furniture?

There are used furniture stores in Muncie. Also, furniture can be found in discounted shops like Goodwill, the Muncie Mission, etc. Many times, students who are leaving the university sell their furniture to new students who are arriving.

INCOME TAXES

Do I need to pay income taxes……even if I didn't work?

It is rare that students have to pay taxes. However, immigration law requires everyone (including all dependents) to fill out the income tax forms.

When are the deadlines?

The deadline for filing taxes is in mid-April each year.

Who can help me fill out the form?

The Center for International Programs arranges a time each Spring for a tax information session with people who can help you. An announcement is sent by e-mail to all international students.

When will forms arrive?

Forms usually arrive to the Center for International Programs around mid-March. An e-mail announcement is sent when the forms arrive. Forms are also available online at www.irs.gov

In addition to the tax forms, the e-mail will list other necessary documents that you will need in order to fill these forms.

INSURANCE

Do I have to have BSU insurance?

It is not required that you have BSU insurance. However, Ball State University has a great agreement with Collegiate Risk Management (CRM) to provide appropriate health insurance for our international students and their families. Click here to go to the CRM signup page for a year-long policy. Or click her to read more

Does J-2 need it, also?

Yes, it is required by law.

Why do I have to have it for the whole family?

All new international students at Ball State are required to have adequate health insurance coverage. Because medical services in the U.S. are very expensive, it is extremely important for all international students and accompanying dependents to have health insurance. Click here to read more.

MAINTAINING STATUS

How do I maintain my status?

At all times your passport and immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019) must be valid. Your I-94 card should also have D/S marked on it.

Immigration law requires that you report your address to your international student office within 10 days of any move.

You must register for and complete a full course load each semester. For undergraduate students the minimum number of credit hours per semester is 12. For graduate students it is 9 hours, unless you have a graduate assistantship in which case 6 hours is the required amount.

For more information, please read the webpages listed below.

Prior to traveling outside of the USA, you must get a signature on your immigration document from one of the International Student Advisors at CIP.

You are required to show proof of insurance coverage for the duration of your study period. If you have any dependents, they must also be covered for the same period of time.

What is the I-94 card and is it important?

The I-94 card records your entry/departure and is usually stapled inside of your passport. It must be in your possession at all times. If you lose it, you must replace it immediately.

What is I-20/DS-2019?

This is the Certificate of Eligibility issued by a U.S. school to an alien. The I-20/DS-2019 shows that the international student is eligible to study at the school that issued the I-20/DS-2019. A student is admitted to the United States for the time shown on the I-20/DS-2019. Generally this is the time it takes to pursue a full time study in one degree program plus 60 days following completion of the program. An international student's status is conditional upon the student keeping his/her passport valid for six months into the future. The I-20/DS-2019 is an extremely important document. It should be kept with the student's passport, visa and I-94. The student should never let his/her I-20/DS-2019 expire.

Any student wishing to reenter the U.S. after temporary absence for vacations, travel, going home, etc. will need to have the appropriate Center for International Program's staff signature on the card.

The I-20/DS-2019 is the only document the student needs to show within the country if he/she is ever asked about authorization to be in the U.S. Recorded on the I-20/DS-2019 are transfers from one program to another, transfers from one school to another, approved employment and extension or change of status.

Please note: A visa and an I-20/DS-2019 form are different. The Form I-20/DS-2019 says that a student has permission to stay in the U.S. for the duration of his/her status as a student. This is different from the visa. A visa shows that the student has permission to apply to enter the U.S. If the student does not plan to leave the U.S. for a temporary absence, it does not matter if the visa expires; the Form I-94 and the I-20/DS-2019 are more important documents while a student is in the U.S. However, see the paragraph below about travel outside of the United States.

Learn more about F visa status

Learn more about J visa status

NEW MAJOR/APPLYING/TOEFL/ other tests

I'm a current student and I want to add another major. What do I do?

You will need to contact the Center for International Programs and make an appointment with Trinity, our International Admissions Assistant.

What standardized tests are available on campus?

The TOEFL, the GRE and the LSAT are available on campus at the Testing Center.

ORIENTATION

Do I have to attend?

Most of the events will be mandatory. This means you must go to them to receive information. Many meetings are also important. A hold may placed on your ability to register if you fail to attend mandatory sessions.

What is the agenda for the New Student Orientation?

Each semester CIP runs a mandatory new student orientation program which is designed to assist you in adjusting to life in the United States, at Ball State University and to the surrounding Muncie community. Immigration regulations, local housing opportunities and registration and academic advising are just a few of the many topics that will be covered. LINK TO SCHEDULE

When can I register for classes?

At a certain point you will be able to register for classes during the orientation week.

When will I get a BSU e-mail account?

During the International Student Orientation, you be able to activate your BSU e-mail account.

When will I get my BSU ID Card?

During the International Student Orientation, BSU ID cards will be received.

RELIGION

There are many religions represented in Muncie, including Catholic, Christian, Islamic and Jewish, and other places of worship. For more information, please click on the links below.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

What is a social security number?

This is a nine digit number, issued by the Social Security number. It is required for anyone who is employed in the USA.

How can I get a Social Security number and how long does it take? Where is the office located?

In order to apply for a Social Security number you must have documentation proving that you have been hired by an on-campus office or department. Once you file your application at the Social Security Office, it usually takes 2 – 3 weeks to get the card. The Social Security Office in Muncie is located at 600 N. Walnut Street.

Click here to learn more

Now that I have a Social Security number, what do I do with it?

This card is important, so you should keep it in a safe place. Usually employers will need to see the card in order to record the number for tax purposes. As soon as you receive your number please visit the payroll office so that they can make a copy for their records.

How can I replace a lost Social Security card?

You should contact the Social Security Administration immediately for instructions on replacing it.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

What student organizations are available at BSU?

There are many student organization availed on campus. You can see a listing at http://www.bsu.edu/soa/, or to get involved with the International Center, go to http://www.bsu.edu/immigration/getinvolved/

There are also International student organizations at BSU. You can contact them at:

African Connection email at wmucherah@bsu.edu
Chinese Student Association email at csa@bsu.edu
Indian Student Association email at isa@bsu.edu
Korean Student Association email at ksa@bsu.edu
Muslim Student Association
Taiwanese Student Association

THINGS TO DO IN MUNCIE

There are some interesting things to do in Muncie in your free time. In addition to short trips, eating out and hanging out in "the village", you can vist go to the movies, visit museums, participate in various outdoor activities, go camping, hiking, shopping and more.

TRAVEL/TRANSPORTATION

How can I extend I-20/DS-2019?

Your I-20/DS-2019 and your passport must always be valid during your studies.

F Students click here to learn more.

J Students click here to learn more.

How do I get a new passport?

If you passport needs to be extended, you will need to contact you country's embassy and find out the required procedures.

I want to travel outside of the USA, what do I need to do?

Travel Abroad with F status

Travel Abroad with J Status

My visa has expired and I plan to travel outside of the U.S. and then return, what do I need to do to renew my visa?

You will need a new I-20/DS-2019, Make an appointment with the international student advisor at least 2 months in advance to discuss this. es. A visa stamp can only be extended at a US embassy or consulate. If you make a trip outside of the US, prior to reentry, you will need to follow the same procedure for getting a visa that you followed when you first came to BSU. You will need to talk with the international student advisor at least 2 months in advance, in order to begin this process.

I want to visit Canada/Mexico? Can I do this?

Traveling outside the country requires a valid passport, a visa and an endorsed I-20/DS-2019. If you plan to visit Canada, depending on the treaty agreement your country has with Canada, you may need a Canadian entry visa. Please click here for the country list.

F Students click here to learn more

J students click here to learn more

My visa is expired. Do I need to get it renewed if I am not planning to travel outside of the United States?

NO. Once you have entered this country, your visa does not have to remain valid. However, if you plan to travel outside of this country and then return, you will need a valid visa (unless you are traveling to Canada, Mexico or contiguous territories).

SOME USEFUL LINKS