Office of International Student Services

International Student Services (ISS) provides immigration advising for undergraduate and graduate international students. The office primarily serves F-1 visa holders but is open for all non-residents of the United States. ISS maintains up-to-date policies and government immigration records and is the primary campus liaison to agencies regarding immigration issues including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

Maintaining Status

International students must register for and complete a full course-load each semester (not including summer). Students who drop below a full course-load without International Student Services (ISS) approval will be reported to SEVIS. If this occurs, your SEVIS record will be terminated. Full-time enrollment (during fall and spring semester) minimums are below:

Undergraduate Students –12 credit hours
Graduate Students – 9 credit hours*
Summer Enrollment – 12 credit hours** for undergraduate students, 6 credit hours** for graduate students

*Note: In order to maintain your immigration status, you cannot be enrolled in only GRD699, as this enrollment is only used for administrative purposes.

**Note: Summer enrollment for continuing students is optional and considered a vacation. However, if summer is your first or last semester, you must be enrolled full-time or have an approved reduced course load from ISS. Summer includes May I, May II, Summer I, and Summer II terms.

Online Courses

Online courses are noted by a blank computer icon in MyBradley. (Computer icons with H are hybrid courses and are not considered online for immigration purposes.) An international student is limited to how many online courses can be counted towards their full-time enrollment. An international student cannot be enrolled in only online courses during their duration of study, including during their final semester.

An F-1 student can only count 3 credit hours of online course work as part of the full-time enrollment requirement listed above.

Reduced Course Load

All international students must be approved for a reduced course load each term by ISS before dropping below or enrolling in less than full-time, including January or summer terms if they are your first or last semester. In order to be approved, student must first submit a completed Reduced Course Load Request. If you have questions regarding how a course drop will affect your tuition bill, please refer to the Student Financial Services’ webpage.

The reasons for a possible reduced course load include the following:

Final Term – to complete your course of study requirements in the current term (must be enrolled in final requirements for program and complete within the term)
You will not be allowed to enroll in only online courses during the final term.
International Student Services does not recommend that you take a zero credit course during your final term. You should work with your advisor to make sure you are completing a credited course during your final term.
Medical – documented illness or medical condition (may be enrolled in nothing if recommended and approved; maximum of 12 months for degree program)
Academic Difficulties – improper course level placement, initial difficulty with reading requirements, initial difficulty with the English language, unfamiliarity with American teaching methods (first semester only; must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours)
You must be enrolled full-time upon request of a first semester RCL and a first semester RCL will only be considered after the 3rd Wednesday of the semester.
If you transferred directly from another U.S. institution, you are not eligible for a first semester RCL.

Documentation required for reduced course load:

Reduced Course Load Request
Initial Semester RCL Advisor Form – will be an online form automatically sent to the advisor email you input.
Make sure to speak with your academic advisor or graduate coordinator about your Reduced Course Load before complete the request, so they know to expect the online advisor form.
Final Semester RCL Advisor Form – will be an online form automatically sent to the advisor email you input.
Make sure to speak with your academic advisor or graduate coordinator about your Reduced Course Load before complete the request, so they know to expect the online advisor form.

Concurrent Enrollment

Regulations allow an F-1 student to be enrolled in two different institutions at the same time (concurrent enrollment) as long as the enrollment at both schools amount to a full-time course of study and the majority of the course work is taken at Bradley University. If you wish to take a course at a different university, while still being enrolled at Bradley, you and your academic advisor/graduate coordinator will need to complete the Concurrent Enrollment Form and return it to ISS.

Healthcare in the U.S. may differ from what you are used to as there is no universal healthcare nor nationalized health insurance. The cost of medical services can be expensive and each person is expected to pay for the cost of their own treatment at the time of service. It is essential that international students have adequate health insurance to help offset the potential enormous costs of medical care. Due to this, all international students attending Bradley on an F-1 visa are required to maintain insurance year-round until you graduate.

Prior to being able to register for classes, F-1 students must enroll in the university-approved comprehensive insurance plan. This is provided by LewerMark Student Insurance and is paid for by each student the time of enrollment. International students will not be able to register for classes until International Student Services (ISS) has verified that you have successfully enrolled in the mandatory plan. There are no exceptions to this policy. Waivers might be considered only for certain government-sponsored arrangements, and for students with a parent or spouse who has a U.S. employer-based policy that covers the student.

Students may visit the plan website at www.lewermark.com/bradley to view a full plan description, plan benefits, exclusions, limitations, and terms of coverage.

Enrollment

LewerMark Coverage Dates & Costs 2024-2025
Coverage	08/01/2024 – 01/21/2025	01/22/2025 – 07/31/2025
Cost	$760.43	$834.73

Please follow the instructions on this Payment Portal Guide to purchase your student health insurance.

To waive the LewerMark insurance, your policy must meet one of the following criteria:

Your parent/spouse is employed by a United States based company that provides Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant coverage that you are covered under.
You arrived in the United States with health insurance because you participate in a government exchange student program, such as SACM.
You are currently covered by a plan provided in your home country. This plan must meet or exceed the LewerMark plan and be valid in the United States. An emergency-only and/or travel plan will not be accepted.

If you meet one of the above criteria, you can submit the completed Waiver Request directly to LewerMark at [email protected] and they will review your qualifications. The deadline for submitting your Waiver Request to LewerMark is the 3rd Friday of each semester.

Things to Consider about U.S. Health Care

One of the most important things to know about your insurance coverage is which in-network provider your insurance company works with.
The LewerMark Student Insurance Plans covers you for both of the major Peoria hospital systems: OSF Saint Francis Medical and Carle Health – Methodist.
Different insurance companies work with different hospital and medical networks. If you go outside the medical network your insurance uses, you can accrue major medical expenses even if you have insurance.
While enrolled as student at Bradley, list Bradley University as your Primary Care Physician if you are seen by a medical professional outside of campus and within the United States.
In general, even if you have insurance, you still need to expect to have a “coinsurance” or “copay” for some medical expenses.
With the LewerMark plan, most covered benefits are paid 100% after a copay. So if you visit a doctor, you would have to pay $20 for the copay, but then the insurance plan would cover you for 100% of the visit if it is deemed medically necessary.
For coinsurance, this would be if an insurance plan has 70% coinsurance, then the plan only would cover you for 70% of the costs, and you would be responsible for paying the remaining 30% of the medical expenses.
Some health insurance plans do not cover prescriptions, so if you have medicine that you need to take regularly, make sure you have a provider that covers it.
Pharmacies within walking distance of campus are: CVS in Campustown and Walgreens or Alwan Pharmacy on Western Ave.
Pharmacies within driving distance or the CityLink line are: Target, Walmart, or Kroger in East Peoria and Walgreens or Walmart on University.
Most health insurance plan will not include dental or vision coverage.
If you wear glasses, you will want to make sure you pack an extra pair with you. If you need a new prescription, you should have this done at home.
If you wear contacts, you will want to make sure you have a supply of contacts for the time you are in the U.S. If you need more, you should purchase them at home.
If you need a routine dental exam or a dental procedure, you should have this done at home.
Some health insurance plans will not cover sports-related injuries, so if you wish to play intramural or intercollegiate sports, make sure you have insurance that covers it.
Some health insurance plans do not cover preventative medical care such as a yearly routine doctor’s visit or vaccines/immunizations or a woman’s wellness check-up.
Some health insurance plans do not cover maternity benefits. Others only cover pregnancy if the conception is during the period of insurance coverage. Others will cover the delivery but not the routine pre- or post-natal care.

International students are expected to complete their program by the end date on the I-20. However, if you are unable to complete your program by your end date, you can apply for an extension of your immigration document. In order to apply for an extension, you will need to have a compelling academic or medical reason that has been reviewed and approved by your graduate coordinator/academic advisor.

You must apply for an extension at least 2 weeks before the program end date on your I-20. Additional details and requirements can be found on the Immigration Status Extension Request form, which must be submitted in order to apply for an extension.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an immigration document extension, you must have:
Maintained your immigration status (this includes making normal progress towards your degree)
A compelling academic or medical reason for extending such as one of the following:
Change of major
Change in research topic or unexpected research delays
Loss of credits upon transfer to Bradley
Documented illness or medical condition

Proof of Funding

In order to request an extension of your immigration status, you must show proof of funding to cover the extension period. See the Immigration Status Extension Request form for minimum funding requirements.

If you plan to have a Reduced Course Load Request for your extension period, then you will not need to show the full cost of tuition, only the tuition and fees for the courses you will be enrolled in. However, in order for us to consider a waiver for any part of the total amount, you will need to submit the Reduced Course Load Request in addition to the Immigration Status Extension Request.

Documentation Required

Immigration Status Extension Request
Immigration Status Extension Advisor Form – will be an online form automatically sent to the advisor email you input.
Make sure to speak with your academic advisor or graduate coordinator about your extension request before completing the request so they know to expect the online advisor form.
Proof of Financial Support – must cover full expenses of the student for the length of the requested extension plus any dependents
Affidavit of Support for Immigration Status Extension – must provide if the financial documentation is not in your name

The following information is related to your immigration status only. For your academic status, you will need to speak with your academic advisor or Student Support Services.

First, please see this direct guidance from SEVP for your own personal records about taking a leave of absence.

You need to be aware that there is not a way to take a “Leave of Absence” for your immigration status and SEVIS record. Due to this, you need to take the time to carefully read over the following information before making a decision.

Immigration Process for Reactivation

This immigration process is for students that are trying to request reactivation and plan to return to their studies within 5 months:

ISS will terminate your SEVIS record/immigration status for authorized early withdrawal. We will make a note in your record that you plan to return for the following academic semester.
You need to email [email protected] with a formal request for a leave of absence at some point after the current semester ends but before the academic semester of your leave begins. This allows us to process the termination as late as possible in terms of regulations. The date that you email us is the termination date that you would base your 5 months off for when you need to return.
Please be aware that you should not email us for a leave of absence request after the semester has already begun as this is a huge risk for denial of your SEVIS record reactivation.
The 5-month rule is how long your SEVIS record can be terminated before you would need to reapply for a new I-20. Before the 5th month, ISS can request SEVP to reactivate your record. After the 5th month, you would have to request a new initial I-20 and repay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
For example, if ISS terminates your record on August 16th, you would have to be back in the U.S. by January 16th. You would need to let us know at least one month before your planned return so that we can contact SEVP to request that your SEVIS record is reactivated.
The request for reactivation carries a risk since it is up to the government to approve reactivation of your record. There is history of both approval and denials and we cannot predict which requests will be approved or denied by SEVP so you need to be aware of the risk that the request could be denied..
You need to make sure that you will be enrolled in classes for the academic semester for which you will return in order to maintain your immigration status. Guidelines state “the student will be able to resume his or her studies in less than 5 months” [which is considered a “temporary absence”]. For undergraduate students, you must enroll in at least 12 credit hours and for graduate students, in 9 credit hours.
You must be enrolled in the upcoming academic semester before we request reactivation of your SEVIS record. If we cannot show the government that you will be enrolled upon your return, it is a risk for denial of reactivation.
If you are able to enroll in the next academic semester and your SEVIS record is reactivated then you can travel back into the United States with your current record and valid visa.

Immigration Process for a New SEVIS Record

Due to the risk of your SEVIS record reactivation request being denied, you need to know what might happen if you are either unable to return within the 5 months or if the reactivation request is denied. The immigration process is as follows:

Apply for an initial I-20. A new SEVS/immigration record will be created for you. This process includes checking to make sure you are academically qualified to return and you sending your proof of financial support for one academic year.
Once you have a new I-20/SEVIS record, you will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again. However, if you hold a valid visa, you do not need to redo the visa interview as direct guidance from SEVP has stated that as long as your visa is valid, you can travel with that visa and a new I-20.

Congratulations on completing your program!

You may not work on campus after completing your program. Even if your I-20 shows a future date, your SEVIS record will be updated to reflect your program completion. Any on campus work after that date would be considered a violation of your immigration status.

There is a 60-day window for F-1 students following your program called the “grace period.” During the grace period, you can:

Prepare to leave the country
Transfer to another U.S. institution
Start a new degree program at Bradley University
Apply for OPT work authorization
Change visa status (if eligible)
Travel within the U.S. (do not travel outside of the U.S., as students cannot re-enter the U.S. as a F-1 student during the grace period)

For students preparing to return to their home country, some items you will want to take care of at Bradley University are:

Make sure your MyBradley is cleared of grade holds
Return library books
Pay any outstanding university bills
Update your address in MyBradley
Request copies of your Bradley transcript

A SEVIS transfer allows International Student Services (ISS) to transfer your SEVIS record held by Bradley University to a different U.S. institution. ISS can only transfer your SEVIS record, as we do not handle transcript or grade transfer requests. If you wish to send your transcripts to a different institution, you will need to request this through the Registrar’s Office.

In order to transfer your SEVIS record from Bradley University to another institution, you must complete the SEVIS Transfer Out Request, which will include uploading your new institution admission letter (if your new school has a transfer in form, upload it also).

Some items to consider before transferring your SEVIS record:

If you are currently enrolled in classes, you will need to make sure that you withdraw from your classes and academically withdrawn from the University. Please contact Student Support Services for this process.
If you have already graduated from Bradley and are currently on OPT, you must stop working on the same day that your SEVIS record is transferred.
If you are on STEM extension when you request your SEVIS transfer, you are required to complete a final self-evaluation with your employer and upload that into the request form.
You will need to choose a date that you want your SEVIS record released to your new school. Once ISS has processed the transfer request, your SEVIS record will automatically transfer on the date requested.
On the date of your transfer, Bradley University no longer has access to your SEVIS record.

Documentation Required

SEVIS Transfer Out Request
Copy of letter of admission from your new institution
Transfer-in form for new institution (if applicable)

Your immigration status must align with the purpose of your stay in the U.S. Students or scholars at Bradley University may be eligible to change status. If the purpose of a visit to the U.S. has changed, a change of status may be necessary. Changing your visa status can be a complicated process. International Student Services (ISS) can advise you on F status maintenance and help you understand the change of status process. ISS cannot assist you with your change of status application to the U.S. government. In some cases, ISS will recommend that you seek the assistance of a licensed immigration attorney/lawyer.

A change of status can be done in one of two ways:

Apply outside of the U.S.—Return to your home country and apply for a new visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This option is generally much quicker.
Apply within the U.S.—Apply for a change of status from within the U.S. This process can take several months. Current USCIS case processing times can be found on the USCIS website.
In order to complete a change of status within the U.S., you will need to complete the Form I-539 and provide the necessary supporting initial documentation as shown on the I-539 evidence checklist.
Applicants applying from F-2 status may not study full-time until the change of status has been approved.
Applicants applying from B-2 status may not begin classes until the change of status has been approved.
When applying for a change of status within the U.S., individuals must prove that they are currently “in status” (not in violation of their current status) and that they are eligible for the requested status.

Documentation Required

In order to change to F-1 visa status, you must first receive an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility from International Student Services. To receive this document, email the following documents and information to [email protected]:

Copy of your passport photo page
Proof of financial support
For F-1 status: must cover expenses for one year or the remainder of your program (whichever is less)
Completed Affidavit of Support
Permanent address in home country
Confirmation of whether you will apply for a change of status from within the U.S. or by returning to your home country

Once the documentation has been received and approved, International Student Services will email you when your I-20 is ready.

Students with active F-1 status may request an F-2 I-20 for their dependent(s). Dependents are defined as a spouse or an unmarried, minor child (below 21 years of age) of the primary visa holder. The dependent must have their F-2 I-20, and will need to apply with the local U.S. consulate for their own F-2 visa. At the visa appointment, the F-2 applicant(s) will likely be asked for proof of relationship (e.g. marriage or birth certificate) and appropriate financial support.

F-2 dependents may join the F-1 visa holder in the U.S. after their receive their F-2 visa. While in the U.S., the following regulations will apply to the F-2 dependent(s):

Study – an F-2 minor child can study full-time in an elementary or secondary (grades K-12) institution
Study – F-2 dependents can study part-time at a local post-secondary institution; an F-2 dependent looking to study full-time will need to apply for and be approved for an F-1 student visa
Travel – F-2 dependents may travel with or without the F-1 student as long as they have a valid passport, a valid visa, and an I-20 properly endorsed for travel on page 2
Work – F-2 dependents may not work

Documentation Required

In order to request to add a dependent to your immigration record, you must email copies of the following documents to ISS:

F-2 Dependent Affidavit of Support
Dependent(s) passport photo/biographical page
Proof of relationship with dependent(s)
If dependent is a child, you can use the child’s passport if it lists you as the parent
Proof of funding to support dependent(s)
Must show liquid assets
Must be less than 6 months old

Employment

In order to qualify as on-campus work, your employer must be Bradley University. Bradley has different on-campus work opportunities for students, but there is no guarantee that you will find a job on-campus. Be aware that some on-campus positions may require “work-study eligibility” which does not apply to international students.

To see what part-time jobs are available on campus, visit the “Student Worker” section of the HR webpage. For advice on what to expect when looking or interviewing for a part-time job on campus, set up an appointment with a career advisor at the Smith Career Center.

Eligibility

You can start working on campus your first semester, provided all employee onboarding steps are completed. Once your onboarding is complete, you will receive a work permit from HR. You will be cleared to work with a new permit issued every semester.
You can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
You can work over 20 hours per week during winter and summer breaks when allowed by HR.
Bradley must be your employer and issue your paycheck.
You must complete all employee paperwork with the Human Resources Office.
If you do not have a Social Security Number you must apply for a SSN once you have an offer of employment.

Human Resources/Payroll

Human Resources is located in Sisson 239. They handle all new employee paperwork online within the ADP application/payroll system, international student paperwork packet and work permits.

You must complete the onboarding steps online in the ADP system as well as complete the paperwork packet with the HR Office. You will not be able to complete any of the documentation until you have your Social Security Card in hand. HR will not accept a receipt as proof of a Social Security Card and will not issue temporary work permits.

Students are required to enroll in classes full-time or be approved for a Reduced Course Load before you will be approved to work on campus. If you have a Reduced Course Load, you will have received an approval email from ISS that you will need to print and bring to HR.

Payroll is located in Sisson 229. They handle student timecards, issue paychecks and distribute W-2’s for tax purposes.

Reminders

Jobs are limited. There is no guarantee that you will find a department that will be willing to hire you.
You may not begin working in any department until your new employee onboarding and paperwork is complete and approved. There will be no exceptions to this guideline.
Hours are restricted. Government regulations only allow for international students to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Once school is on winter or summer break, you can work over 20 hours per week on campus when allowed by HR. If you do find a job on-campus, you will likely only be able to work a small amount of hours.
Bradley must be your “boss”. In order for employment to qualify for “on-campus”, Bradley must be your employer and pay you. Some examples include resident assistant, graduate assistant, dining services, library, maintenance, etc.

When you apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), your work authorization is granted on a semester basis and is employer specific. If you wish to work for more than one semester or change employers, you will have to reapply with a new CPT application. You are authorized to work at the employer and specific dates listed on your I-20 only. You may not work before you receive your I-20 and you may not work for any other company than the authorized employer.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for CPT, you must have been enrolled full-time for one academic year (a fall and spring semester) and have maintained your F-1 visa status. In addition, regulations state “an eligible student may request employment authorization for practical training in a position that is directly related to his or her major area of study”. So your internship must be related to your major and be approved by your major academic advisor or graduate coordinator. Your CPT will only be approved if you are enrolled in an internship course and if you have gone through the procedure below.

Reminders

In order to receive CPT, you are required to enroll in an internship course. If you drop the internship course, your CPT is no longer authorized and you can be terminated for unauthorized employment.
The deadline each term for adding an internship course is two months after the add/drop deadline for regular courses. Please see the Smith Career Center for more information regarding the deadline.
Students may be charged a registration fee for their internship course. You should contact Student Financial Services for any questions regarding billing.
As part of your registered internship course, you will be given assignments. Be sure to complete all assignments to receive a pass grade for the course.
CPT is time and employer specific, you are only allowed to work for the employer listed on your I-20 for the dates specified and you can only begin to work on the start date listed on your I-20 which may be different from what you have requested. We are not able to “backdate” a CPT start date so you will need to plan for your CPT application appropriately.
If you are authorized for full-time CPT, be aware that if you accumulate 12 months of full-time CPT, you will be ineligible for OPT.
If you are in your last semester and you wish to have an internship, your site of employment must be within 200 miles of campus.
Remote work while on CPT does carry a risk for future USCIS applications. Speak with ISS if you have questions regarding this.
If you are in your last semester, you cannot be enrolled in only CPT. For Graduate Students, if you need to enroll in a zero-credit course, please speak with the Graduate Education about the appropriate course.
If you wish to have CPT over multiple semesters, your CPT dates can go beyond the semester as long as it ends before the next major semester.
Once you have completed all of your course requirements at Bradley, you are no longer eligible for CPT unless you start a new degree program.

CPT Authorization Dates

If you wish to have CPT over multiple semesters, you must apply for CPT authorization each semester. CPT dates can start before and end after a major semester, as long as they do not include dates which fall in a different major semester. Again, you must be enrolled in an internship course for each semester of CPT authorization.

Enrolled for Fall Semester 2024

Earliest Date CPT can begin	Final Date CPT must end*
August 17, 2024	January 21, 2025

Enrolled for Spring Semester 2025

Earliest Date CPT can begin	Final Date CPT must end*
December 15, 2024	May 20, 2025

Enrolled for Summer Semester 2025

Earliest Date CPT can begin	Final Date CPT must end*
May 18, 2025	August 26, 2025

Enrolled for Fall Semester 2025

Earliest Date CPT can begin	Final Date CPT must end*
August 23, 2025	January 20, 2026

*If you are graduating in the semester of internship enrollment, then your CPT would end the day before the end of the semester.

Procedure

Follow the steps below to complete your CPT Application.

1. Receive offer letter:

Must be printed on company letterhead, signed by the employer, and include the following:
job title and description of job duties
start and end dates of employment
supervisor’s name, title, phone, and email address
company website

2. Submit your internship request* using your Bradley netWORK account:

Bradley netWORK is operated by the Smith Career Center; if you have any questions on how to use Bradley netWORK, you can see their info guide.
Click on the “Register Internship” tab and then the red “+ New Experience button”. Once you have read through the agreement, you will be able to choose CPT as an option for the internship.
ISS will be notified when you submit your internship application. Once notified, ISS will contact your major academic advisor or graduate coordinator with an online advisor form that they must complete within 7 days for approval of your internship.
We recommend that you speak to your advisor about your internship offer and make them aware of the online form that will be sent to them (from [email protected]) after you meet with the SCC.

3. Make and attend an appointment with David Schwartz in the Smith Career Center:

Take both your offer letter and make sure you have begun your application in your Bradley netWORK account.

4. Receive an email confirmation from ISS, once your CPT application has been reviewed and processed.

5. Pick up your CPT approved I-20 from ISS:

Your CPT employment authorization will appear on the second page of your I-20.

6. Begin work on your approved start date:

Again, you will not be able to work for your internship until you have been approved for CPT and you have received your CPT authorized I-20.

*Please note that with the Bradley netWORKand online advisor form process, there will be a period during which you need to wait for the SCC and ISS to work together to get your internship application and CPT processed. This process includes: ISS notifying the SCC about your advisor approval, the SCC and Registrar completing your internship course registration, and ISS reviewing and processing the final CPT authorization. It can potentially take up to two weeks from the time your academic advisor approves your internship for the CPT process to be finalized so make sure you take this into account.

Documentation Required

Internship Application through Bradley netWORK
Internship Offer Letter (uploaded into your Bradley netWORK application)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 international students to engage in temporary employment in order to gain practical experience in their field of study. While OPT is recommended by International Student Services (ISS), it is an application that is sent to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for processing and approval.

There are multiple types of OPT:

Pre-Completion OPT – granted before your degree completion, counts against your post-completion OPT allotment. ISS does not recommend using pre-completion OPT.
Post-Completion OPT – granted after your degree completion, eligible for 12 months of post-completion OPT for each degree level earned.
STEM Extension OPT – granted to students who have earned a STEM qualified degree, eligible for an additional 24 months of STEM extension OPT but only twice per lifetime. View the list of current “STEM eligible” degrees that Bradley offers.

STEM OPT

STEM Extension OPT allows F-1 international students with a qualifying STEM degree to apply for an additional 24 months of OPT work authorization. View the list of current “STEM eligible” degrees that Bradley offers. While STEM Extension OPT is recommended by International Student Services (ISS), it is an application that is sent to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for processing and approval.

STEM OPT Eligibility

In order to be eligible for STEM Extension OPT, you must:

Have maintained your F-1 status.
Have completed a STEM approved degree (based on the CIP code on your I-20).
Currently be on approved post-completion OPT.
Have an employer who is e-Verified.
Have not been approved for STEM extension two other times or at the same degree level.
File your application with USCIS before your OPT end date.
File your application with USCIS no more than 90 days before your OPT end date.
File your application with USCIS no more than 60 days after the DSO recommendation on your new I-20.
Have completed the Form I-983 “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students” with the employer you are requesting to work for on the extension.

Reporting

Even while on Post-Completion OPT or STEM Extension OPT, regulations require that F-1 students check-in with International Student Services (ISS) to ensure that the information in your SEVIS record is accurate. Even during your period of work authorization, you are still on a student visa and need to maintain your immigration status with Bradley University by reporting any changes.

Any student on OPT must report any changes to the following within 10 days of the change happening:

Contact information: phone number, email address, residential address, mailing address
Legal name
Employer information: supervisor’s name, phone number, or email address; company’s name or address
Employment information: change of employers, job title, start or end dates of employment, interruptions of employment
Visa status: change to a different status, early completion of current status or OPT, leaving the U.S. with no plans to return

While on Post-Completion OPT

You can report any changes in either of the following ways while on Post-Completion OPT:

1. Access your SEVP Portal and input your updated information directly into the Portal.

ISS usually pulls a list of new changes every Monday.
If you report a new employer, ISS will review the information and process an updated I-20. If additional information is needed, ISS will reach out before the I-20 is processed.

Complete the OPT Reporting Form with your updated information.

If you report a new employer, ISS will review the information and process an updated I-20. If additional information is needed, ISS will reach out before the I-20 is processed.

While on STEM Extension OPT

You can report any changes while on STEM Extension OPT using the OPT Reporting Form. If you have a material change to your Form I-983, you will need to upload an updated form when you complete the OPT Reporting Form.

Employer Change

In order to change your employer while on STEM Extension OPT, you will have to submit the OPT Reporting Form. You will also need to provide a new Form I-983 from your new employer in addition to the “final evaluation on student progress” from your former employer. You will upload these documents into the OPT Reporting Form.

If you report a new employer, ISS will review the information and process an updated I-20. If additional information is needed, ISS will reach out before the I-20 is processed.

Mandatory 6-Month Reporting

While on STEM Extension OPT, there will be a mandatory reporting period every 6 months of your STEM extension even if no changes have occurred. You can see your specific reporting deadlines when you log into your SEVP Portal and you will receive two emailed reminders. The first email will be a reminder from SEVP’s email [email protected]. The following Monday, you will receive a second email from ISS with the reporting instructions.

For your 6^th and 18^th months of STEM Extension OPT, you will be expected to complete the OPT Reporting Form.
For your 12^th and 24^th months of STEM Extension OPT, you will be expected to complete the OPT Reporting Form and provide the appropriate self-evaluation.
For your 12^th month of STEM extension, you will need to submit the “evaluation on student progress” which is the top of page 5 of the Form I-983.
For your 24^th month of STEM extension, you will need to submit the “final evaluation on student progress” which is the bottom of page 5 of the Form I-983.

Reminders

For all OPT Periods:
Full-time employment in terms of your immigration equates to at least 20 hours per week; anything below 20 hours is part-time.
You have access to the SEVP Portal to review your employment history and current employer information. Information about the SEVP Portal can be found here.
If you need to reset your SEVP Portal password, email ISS with your SEVIS ID number and a request to reset your password.
You are responsible for keeping track of your unemployment; you are granted 90 days of unemployment while on Post-Completion OPT.
For STEM Extension OPT:
Save a copy of your Form I-983 so that you can easily edit or make changes in case of any updates to your employment. A full Form I-983 must be turned in even if you are only making a couple of changes.
Make sure the information on your Form I-983 reflects your employer information and follows the Form I-983 Sample. Any I-983 that has been submitted with incorrect or missing information will not be accepted.
The mandatory 6-month reporting is only for your STEM Extension OPT period and does not include the Post-Completion OPT period.
You are granted an additional 60 days of unemployment while on STEM extension to be added to the unused unemployment days from your post-completion OPT.

Documentation Required for OPT Reporting

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for post-completion OPT, you must:

Have maintained your F-1 status.
Have been enrolled for at least one academic year (fall and spring semester).
Have applied for graduation at Bradley by the time of application.
Have not been approved for 12+ months of full-time CPT.
Have not been approved for OPT at the same degree level.
File your application with USCIS no more than 90 days before your program completion and no more than 60 days after your program completion.
File your application with USCIS no more than 30 days after the DSO recommendation on your new I-20.

Reminders

You are responsible for your own OPT application and making sure you submit a complete and correct application. International Student Services can only provide guidance to help you apply.
If you don’t believe you will complete your degree requirements (i.e. passing a class, finishing research) by the end of the term then you should not apply for post-completion OPT.
You need an “OPT recommended” I-20 in order to apply for OPT. Failure to have an OPT recommendation will result in USICS denying your application.
Double-check your application before submitting. Make sure to keep a personal copy of your entire application before final submission to USCIS.
If you mail anything to USCIS, make sure that you use a tracking number. When the packet has been received, make sure you have proof of the delivery saved (i.e. taking a screenshot of the delivery).
Expect that it will take USCIS at least 90 days to adjudicate your application, but you can check current processing times on the USCIS webpage.
Once USCIS receives your OPT application, you cannot change your requested OPT start date. Please see the application timeline for your OPT Start Date Range.
If you wish to withdraw your OPT application once it has been received by USCIS, then be aware that the withdrawal request is not a guarantee.
You cannot start employment until you have been approved for OPT by USCIS and the start date of your approved OPT has passed. You will receive proof of your approval through your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
While on OPT, you must maintain your F-1 visa status; this includes reporting any changes to International Student Services within 10 calendar days.
For immigration purposes, full-time employment equates to at least 20 hours per week; anything below 20 hours is part-time.
You are responsible for keeping track of your unemployment; you are not allowed to accrue more than 90 days of unemployment while on post-completion OPT.

Application Timeline

The earliest you can apply for OPT is 90 days before your program end date. The processing times for the USCIS Service Centers can vary greatly, but you can check the USCIS webpage for the latest approximate processing times. It is recommended that you apply early.

The absolute latest you can apply for OPT is 60 days after your program end date and it is your responsibility to ensure that all application materials are received by USCIS prior to the end of your grace period. Please note that students who wait to apply until this time may be rejected or will lose time on their OPT authorization.

Fall Semester 2024

Earliest Date to Apply for OPT	Program End Date	OPT Start Date Range
September 15, 2024	December 14, 2024	December 15, 2024 – February 12, 2025

January Interim 2025

Earliest Date to Apply for OPT	Program End Date	OPT Start Date Range
October 22, 2024	January 20, 2024	January 21, 2025 – March 21, 2025

Spring Semester 2025

Earliest Date to Apply for OPT	Program End Date	OPT Start Date Range
February 16, 2025	May 17, 2025	May 18, 2025 – July 16, 2025

May Interim 2025

Earliest Date to Apply for OPT	Program End Date	OPT Start Date Range
March 8, 2025	June 6, 2025	June 7, 2025 – August 5, 2025

Summer Semester 2025

Earliest Date to Apply for OPT	Program End Date	OPT Start Date Range
May 24, 2025	August 22, 2025	August 23, 2025 – October 21, 2025

Fall Semester 2025

Earliest Date to Apply for OPT	Program End Date	OPT Start Date Range
September 21, 2025	December 20, 2025	December 21, 2025 – February 18, 2026

Procedure

As of April 2021, USCIS allows for online filing of the Form I-765 for international students looking to apply for OPT. Due to this, there are two ways for students to apply for OPT: the USCIS online filing system and mailing the paper application. However, USCIS encourages everyone to use the online application, so that it the only checklist listed below.

Online Application Filing

There are two steps to apply for post-completion OPT using the online application process:

1. Apply for an OPT recommended I-20 with International Student Services —

Apply for graduation
Speak with your Academic Advisor or Graduate Coordinator regarding your degree completion. Once you have confirmed with your advisor that you are on track to graduate, you can continue with the request.
Complete and submit the Post-Completion OPT I-20 Request

2. Apply for OPT authorization with USCIS —

Create an account with USCIS at https://myaccount.uscis.gov
Email address you use to create the account must be unique and cannot be shared with another person
You can learn more about your USCIS online account at www.uscis.gov/file-online
Choose the “File a form online” button
Choose the “Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)” option
Make sure to choose the (c)(3)(B) option for Post-Completion OPT
Make sure you read the form overview before you begin the application. Some tips from USCIS are:
You are allowed to save a draft of the form, but be aware that the draft will be deleted after 30 days.
The online form has the same legal parity as the paper form.
The form is logic based, so start at the beginning and answer as many questions as you can.
If you idle for more than 15 minutes, you will need to log out and sign back in.
Complete the form by answering the questions when prompted.
The different sections are: Getting Started, About You, Evidence, Additional Information, and Review and Submit.
The form automatically saves when you move to a different section.
Make sure you are carefully reading the questions! For example, when the form asks for a date, it will want the Month-Day-Year.
Gather the documents you will need to upload
Passport-style photo
I-94
Passport
OPT recommended I-20 from within 30 days
If applicable, I-20 that show previously approved CPT or OPT
If you have been approved for CPT or OPT at the same degree level, then you would need to provide the I-20 that shows the approval – you would upload this in the evidence section when it asks for any previous CPT or OPT.
If you have never participated in CPT or OPT, then leave the section blank. It will have a yellow warning, but will allow you to pass without uploading an I-20.
Upload the necessary evidence. Some tips from USCIS are:
Make sure you have a clear image of each document and the text is readable
Maximum size for a document is 6MB per file
Acceptable forms are: PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIF or TIFF
Only use English letters, numbers, spaces, periods, hyphens, underscores or parentheses when naming your document files
Special characters are not allowed in the file name
Review your application
Once you have completed the form, you will be allowed to review the information. If the application has a red alert, you will not be able to submit the form, and will need to make a correction.
Make sure you click the “view draft snapshot” for a PDF copy of your I-765. You should download and save this for your personal records.
Submit your application
Read the Applicant’s declaration and sign
After you agree to the applicant statement, you will be directed to pay.gov, which is a secure government portal maintained by the Treasury.
Select your payment method, which can be either a debit or credit card or an ACH withdrawal
Once you hit continue after you pay the fee, your application will be submitted. Once the payment has been submitted, certain changes cannot be made, and it is much harder to update your form.

Documentation Required for Post-Completion OPT Recommended I-20

All students and scholars and their dependents who have been present in the United States within the past calendar year are required by law to file taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). However, even if you are required to file taxes, this does not mean that you will have to pay the U.S. government unless you have earned an income from working. Even if you have worked in the U.S., you may not have to pay due to exemptions or tax treaties.

The tax filing deadline each year always falls on or around April 15th.

International Student Services is not able to assist you in filing your taxes as tax law in the United States is complicated; it’s always best to consult with a non-resident noncitizen tax filing expert.

Filing taxes with no income

Even if you have not worked in the U.S. within the past calendar year, you are still required to file a Form 8843. You can complete this form by yourself, or use one of the many online guides for assistance.

The deadline for mailing in your Form 8843 always falls on or around June 15th.

Filing taxes with income

If you have earned income from within the U.S., you will need to file your taxes either as a non-resident noncitizen or as a resident noncitizen (depending on certain conditions and how long you’ve been in the U.S.). The information below is for students who are filing as non-resident noncitizens.

You can file your taxes by:

Using Sprintax: this is a web-based tax prep software that is specifically designed for international students and non-resident noncitizen tax filing. This is a paid service.
Using a CPA service: CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant and they are experts in filing taxes. This is a paid service and it is important to note that not every CPA is able to handle non-resident noncitizen taxes. Always check before using this option.
Using a VITA service: VITA stands for Voluntary Income Tax Assistance and they are volunteers certified by the government to provide tax filing help. This is a free service and it is important to note that not every VITA location is able to handle non-resident noncitizen taxes. Always check before using this option.
Doing it yourself: all forms are available online from the IRS and while it is possible to complete forms by yourself, it is not recommended. Some guides are available to help, but it is best to consult with an expert when filing income taxes.

Reminders

Even if you did not earn any income, you are still required to file a tax form to the IRS each year you are in the U.S.
International students and scholars cannot use U.S. citizen tax prep software (e.g. Turbo Tax, HR Block, etc.) as they are not able to handle non-resident filings.
It is always best to file your taxes early, but you are required to file before the deadline.
Certain countries have income tax treaties with the U.S. and individuals from those countries may be eligible for federal income tax exemptions or reduced federal income taxes. If you want to claim a tax treaty benefit, you may have to complete additional tax forms; consult with a tax expert that understands international tax treaties.
Federal taxes differ from state taxes; you will need to check the tax filing laws for non-resident noncitizens in the state you are residing.
If you have lost or need your W-2, you will need to contact the HR department of the company you work for.
If you have lost or need your W-2 from Bradley University, you will need to contact Student Payroll.
If you have questions about the 1098-T, please see the Financial Services page.
If the IRS needs additional information, they will contact you by mail only. A common scam is phone calls/emails/texts from someone saying they are from the IRS and need you to pay or you will be arrested/deported. Always report any suspected IRS scams to ISS.

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine digit number issued to you by the Social Security Administration in order to report your wages to the government. Your Social Security Number is tied to your identity so to avoid identity theft, take care to keep your SSN secure and private. Do not carry your Social Security card with you (keep it at home in a safe place) and do not list your SSN on forms or share it with others unless absolutely necessary. Your SSN stays with you for life — anytime you are in the U.S. in the future, you will use the same number for employment purposes.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for a SSN, you must have completed the check-in procedures with ISS, been in the US for at least 10 days, be registered for classes (if on a student visa), have your latest I-20, and have an offer of employment.

If you are a student who is on Curricular Practical Training, you will need to apply for an SSN no earlier than 30 days before your scheduled employment start date. Make sure to bring your CPT approved I-20 in additional to the documents below.

If you are a student who is on Optional Practical Training and did not use the I-765 to apply for your SSN, you will need to apply on or after the start date on your EAD. Make sure you bring your OPT recommended I-20 as well as your EAD in addition to the documents below.

Procedure

Follow the steps below to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

1. Receive employer letter:

For students with an on-campus employer, the on-campus employer can use the sample here.
For students with an off-campus employer, your employer letter should be on letterhead and include:
Identity of student employee
Job description
Employment start date (anticipated or actual)
Number of hours working per week
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Employer contact information and name of student’s immediate supervisor
Employer’s ink signature
Title of signer
Date

2. Submit your employer letter to International Student Services (ISS):

Email a copy of the employer letter to [email protected].
You will receive an email confirmation from ISS once your SSN letter is created and ready to be picked up.

3. Completed the Form SS-5 with ISS when you pick up your letter:

You should be able to answer all questions listed in the Sample of the Form SS-5.

4. Visit the local Social Security Office:

Information regarding the Peoria location is listed below

5. Present your required documents to the SS Administration representative:

Completed Form SS-5
Original Passport and Visa
Printed Form I-94
Latest I-20
Employer letter
ISS Letter

6. Wait to receive your Social Security card in the mail:

Once you have applied, the average time it takes to receive the SS card in the mail is about 2-4 weeks. Some students may experience extended processing times that can be up to 14 weeks.
The SS card will be sent to the address that you have listed on your Form SS-5, so you need to make sure the address is correct.
When you receive your SS card, make sure you check that your name has been spelled correctly. If your name is not spelled correctly, you will need to return to the Social Security Office with all of your documents and a new Form SS-5 to get your name corrected.

7. Complete your employer’s hiring process:

If you plan to work on campus:
Contact Bradley’s Human Resources (HR) at [email protected] and let them know you have received your SS card. Follow the instructions that will be sent to you and complete the necessary paperwork using the SSN you have received.
Complete the new employee paperwork online in ADP using the SSN you received and then take the completed paperwork packet to HR in Sisson 239 for review and approval.
If you plan to work off campus:
Contact your supervisor or the HR of the employer you are working for to let them know you have received your SS card.
Complete the Form I-9 and any other necessary paperwork the employer gives you using the SSN you have received.

Peoria Social Security Office

Address: 815 W. Pioneer Parkway, Peoria, IL 61615

Hours: Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday & Sunday – closed

The office is also closed during federal holidays.

The CityLink bus has a route that runs directly by the Social Security Office, which is the #4 Sheridan Line outbound towards Knoxville Square. The #1 University Line outbound towards Allen Road is a more direct route from campus, but requires additional walking from the stop at Pioneer Parkway. CityLink day and month passes are available for purchase at the Cashier’s Window in Swords Hall.

APPLY Visit/TOUR request information Give

Additional Links

Sisson Hall 115
(309) 677-3980
[email protected]
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Travel

If you are planning to travel outside the United States, you need to plan accordingly and take the proper documentation with you to allow for an easier re-entry into the U.S. If you have a question about travel, always ask International Student Services (ISS) before you travel outside the United States. Be aware that ultimately the decision for your re-entry into the United States is made by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent.

For F-1 students currently studying

Required documentation:

Valid passport
Needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date
Valid visa
If you have an expired visa stamp, then you will need to consult the Visa Renewal page for more information.
Not required for Canadian or Bermudian citizens
Travel endorsed I-20
For I-20: needs to have a valid travel signature on the 2^nd page from the past 12 months

CBP recommended documentation:

Contact information for ISS during work hours or Bradley University Police after work hours
Evidence of current student enrollment
Evidence of financial resources to show funds to cover expenses
Evidence of SEVIS (I-901) Fee Payment

For F-1 students currently on OPT/STEM

Required documentation:

Valid passport
Needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date
Valid visa
If you have an expired visa stamp, then you will need to consult the Visa Renewal page for more information.
Not required for Canadian or Bermudian citizens
Travel endorsed I-20
Needs to have a valid travel signature on the 2^nd page from the past 6 months
Valid Employment Authorization Document
This is the card you received when your OPT or STEM extension was approve

CBP recommended documentation:

Contact information for ISS during work hours or Bradley University Police after work hours
Letter of employment verifying employment start date and confirming work continuation upon return
Evidence of financial resources to show funds to cover current living expenses
Evidence of SEVIS (I-901) Fee Payment

For F-1 students with a pending OPT application

Traveling while you have an OPT application pending with USCIS should be taken with extreme caution. If your OPT application is approved while you are abroad, and you do not have the approved EAD in hand, there is a greater risk of denial when attempting to re-enter the U.S.

If you decide to risk traveling while your OPT application is pending, you should have the following documents with you:

Valid passport
Needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date
Valid visa
If you have an expired visa stamp, then you will need to consult the Visa Renewal page for more information.
Not required for Canadian or Bermudian citizens
Travel endorsed I-20
Needs to have a valid travel signature on the 2^nd page from the past 6 months
Proof of visa eligibility
If OPT application is not approved, Form I-797 receipt notice
If OPT application is approved, valid Employment Authorization Document
Letter of prospective employment
Should verify employment start date and confirm work offer upon approval of OPT
If you have an OPT application pending, you may not have an employment letter yet, however, the CBP agent may still ask for proof of your employment

Need a travel endorsement?

Email [email protected] with your SEVIS ID number and the date of your anticipated return to the U.S.

Reminders

When traveling, you should always keep your important documents with you or in your carry-on luggage, never in your checked bag.
If you are currently studying, you should always return to campus before the start of each term. You can see when classes begin on the academic calendar.
If you are on your grace period following your study or OPT, you cannot re-enter the United States on your F visa.
While it is never recommended to try to re-enter with an expired visa, if you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean for less than 30 days, you may be able to re-enter the U.S. even with an expired visa due to “automatic revalidation”.
If you travel without a travel endorsed I-20, the CBP officer may use their discretion to issue you a Form I-515A which will allow you temporary admission into the U.S. If you receive this form, you need to inform ISS within 15 days of your return as additional steps will be needed to process the I-515 Form.

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry have authority to permit or deny admission. You can learn more about procedures for entering the U.S. on the CBP website. You aren’t permitted to enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days before your program start date. Be sure to carry the following documents while you travel. Do not pack them in your luggage:

Passport
I-20
Acceptance letter
Transcripts, marksheets, or degree certificates
Financial proof including the Bradley Affidavit of Support
Bradley University health form and proof of immunizations
Medications in their original containers and the doctor’s prescription
Money,^* internationally accepted credit card, and other valuables

*Note: We advise you to have at least half of your annual estimated expenses (approximately $15,000) available when you arrive. We strongly suggest you don’t carry more than $2,000 in cash since it can be stolen. In addition, you can’t carry in more than $10,000 in cash into the U.S.

Plan to arrive on campus before the Program Start Date on your I-20, which lists the date international orientation will begin. Orientation is mandatory. You will want to make your arrangements for travel to Bradley as soon as you can to insure you get the best rates. If you are a first-year student who plans to attend the final university orientation, you should make your travel arrangements so you arrive on campus in time for the beginning of the session. If you will be arriving early, you must contact the Housing Office to request an early check-in.

Be aware it may take you quite some time to get through both immigration and customs when you arrive. If Customs and Border Protection wishes to speak to Bradley University when you arrive or any emergencies occur, please contact the Bradley University Police at (309) 677-2000.

Purchasing Tickets

Several airlines provide service into Peoria’s General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA). PIA is a 10-minute drive from campus. If you’re arriving at PIA, we recommend you take a taxi or ride-share service from the airport to campus.

Many international flights come in through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), which is approximately 3 hours by bus/car to the Bradley campus. If you’re arriving at ORD, we recommended you book a ticket through Peoria Charter, a coach bus company that picks up passengers at the international terminal. Peoria Charter provides twice a day shuttle service from the ORD International Terminal directly to our campus outside of the Michel Student Center. Before booking your flight, check the Peoria Charter schedule to be sure you know what bus will be available for your arrival. Check Peoria Charter’s website for the bus schedule and rates.

We do not recommend students to use a taxi, ride-share, or car rental if arriving at ORD. If an option is available, the cost can be very expensive due to the time commitment and gas costs. We also do not recommend the Amtrak train, as the pick up is not at the airport and the drop off is not in Peoria.

If you want to invite your parents/family/friends to the United States, there is technically nothing you nor Bradley University needs to provide to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Your visitor will likely be applying for a B-2 visa in order to visit the U.S. for a short period of time. If so, it is up to the B-2 visa applicant to provide the necessary documentation.

Eligibility

In order for your visitor to be eligible for a visitor’s visa they will need to:

1. Schedule a visa appointment at their U.S. Embassy or General Consulate

2. Provide the necessary documentation which includes:

A completed DS-160 online with a printed confirmation page
A photo if it fails to upload during the DS-150 application
A passport valid 6 months past the visitor’s period of stay
An application fee payment receipt

3. Additional documents can include anything that shows:

The purpose of the trip
Intent to depart the U.S. after the trip is complete
Ability to pay for the trip

Invitation Letter

You need to be aware that the Department of State specifically states “A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.”

If you still want to send your visitor an invitation letter, please note that ISS will not provide any invitation letter for the purpose of a tourist visa application. If you would like to write an invitation letter, please reference the template provided and replace any information in the brackets “[…]” with information regarding you and your visitor.

If your visitor is coming for graduation, you may request a “Commencement Ceremony Verification” letter from the Registrar’s Office. You can send this request to [email protected] along with your Bradley ID number. This is only applicable for students that have applied for graduation.

Your visa stamp is your “key” into the United States and is for travel purposes only. Once you are in the U.S., you do not need to worry if your visa in your passport expires as it is not an indicator of your status.

However, if you plan to travel outside the country, you will need to make sure that your visa stamp is valid upon your return. If your visa has expired and you wish to travel outside the U.S., you need to make sure that you plan accordingly to allow for time to renew your visa.

Process

In order to renew your visa, you will need to apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Some U.S. Embassies or Consulates will allow for mail-in renewals while others will require certain documents. Some countries even allow for a visa interview waiver if you are renewing your visa. It is always best to check with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to see what you need before your visa renewal.

Some documents you may need to prepare for your visa interview can be seen under the “Gather Required Documentation” and “Additional Documentation May Be Required” sections of the Department of State webpage here.

Reminders

If your visa stamp does expire, you can only renew your visa from outside the U.S.
It is highly recommended that you renew your visa from your home country.
If you are not able to travel to your home country, then you need to contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to check if they process third country nationals.
If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime within the U.S., you are at risk for having your visa revoked.
While it is never recommended to try to re-enter with an expired visa, if you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean for less than 30 days, you may be able to re-enter the U.S. even with an expired visa due to “automatic revalidation”.

Advising Students

International students are required to maintain their immigration status by following U.S. Department of Homeland Security. International Student Services (ISS) is here to help students, advisors, and graduate coordinators. Below is information that we believe will be helpful to you. If you have questions, contact our office. Failure of students to properly maintain their status may result in termination of their immigration record and additional consequences.

Any forms that require signatures should only be completed and signed by the student’s academic advisor. The majority of these forms are digital, and they will be sent to the advisor’s Bradley email and then submitted online. Any paper forms the student gives you that require a signature should be returned directly to the student.

On this page, any reference to a student or an international student means a student that is an F-1 visa holder. This may differ from the general university definition, which includes any student that holds a visa.

Students must be registered full-time each fall and spring semester.

Undergraduates: 12 credit hours
Graduates: 9 credit hours
Summer Term Start: 12 credit hours for undergraduates, 6 credit hours for graduates

Hybrid courses (computer icon with an H) are considered on-campus and do not count towards the following online restrictions.

F-1 students can count up to 3 credits of online coursework towards their full-time requirement
F-1 student cannot be enrolled in only online coursework during their final term.

Continuing students are not required to be enrolled (but can be) during these terms. They are considered vacation periods. Other restrictions do not apply
If one of these terms is the student’s first or last semester at Bradley, they must be registered full-time and are restricted by online enrollment regulations.
Full-time for Summer: 12 credit hours for undergrads, 6 credit hours for graduates

Students can only be allowed to drop below full-time for specific immigration reasons. They must be authorized by ISS for a reduced course load BEFORE dropping below full-time.
All first semester students applying for a reduced course load must be enrolled full-time at the time of their application to ISS. First semester students are also not allowed to request a reduced course load until after the 3rd Wednesday of the semester. This means that the department must assist the student to enroll full-time upon arrival.
International Student Services does not recommend an international student take a zero credit course during their final term. Advisors who are allowing their students to complete a zero credit course will need to sign an acknowledgement form that will come with the Reduced Course Load Advisor Form

If a student doesn’t complete their program of study by the date listed on their immigration document, they must have an academic or medical reason for failing to complete.
Delays to a program of study caused by undergraduate academic recovery, graduate academic probation, or an internship, is not a compelling reason.

Students can be enrolled less than full-time in their last semester if they are completing all requirements for their degree. They must be authorized by ISS for a reduced course load.
The student will then be expected to complete their program in the approved term.

F-1 students can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during school and over 20 hours per week during winter and summer breaks when approved by HR.
F-1 students must be enrolled full-time for one academic year and must have authorization from ISS before performing any work off-campus.
All off-campus work must be directly related to a student’s major program of study.

Inviting Visitors

International visitors here for business and professional purposes may be invited to Bradley University’s campus. The department inviting the visitor should give the potential visitor a letter of invitation detailing the purpose of their visit. International Student Services (ISS) is not involved in the invitation of visitors to campus.

Visitors may come to campus through one of the following:

B-1 Tourist Visa for Business Purposes
WB or WT Tourist Visa Waiver
B-2 Tourist Visa
ESTA Visa Waiver

Purpose of Visit	Visa Requirements
Share technologies in a particular field or train Bradley on equipment	B, J-1
Collaborate with Bradley regarding a particular field or participate in a joint research project	J-1
Consult with Bradley subject matter experts or conduct research with no benefits to Bradley	B
Teach or lecture to Bradley students	B, J-1, H-1B
To consult with business associates as a subcontractor to Bradley	B
To volunteer at a lab at Bradley	J-1
To attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention/conference or seminar program	B
To visit campus as a prospective student or postdoc	B

Resources

Bank Account

It is important to make sure you open a United States bank account once you have arrived. Our current International Students have had an easier time getting a bank account without a Social Security Number at PNC Bank and Chase Bank Chase Bank, as both offer Student Banking options to all Bradley students. You can schedule a meeting at either bank in order to open a new bank account.

Please see the list below of the required documents for opening an account:

I-20
Passport
Bradley Student ID
I-94

Click here to schedule an appointment at Chase Bank to open a Student Checking Account.

When conducting a bank transaction, you need to carry an ID (passport or US driver’s license).

Mobile Network

Obtaining a new mobile network is simple for an international student who is traveling to the US. Start by looking at major carriers that have decent coverage in the area of your campus, such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Mint mobile. Select a suitable plan that meets your needs, then go to a nearby store or buy a SIM card online. Before purchasing the SIM card, Make sure your phone is compatible with the carrier’s network before activating the SIM card by following the steps provided. Create an online account to control your payments and plan.

Driver’s License

You can get your driving license in Peoria by scheduling a new Driver’s License appointment for the test. Students can get their Driver’s License without providing a Social Security Number (SSN). You need to arrive at the DL office at least 15 Minutes prior to your appointment. You will be required to take a paper test and a driving test (bring your own vehicle). Please make sure that you review the Rules of the Road before taking your test.

Additionally, you will need to bring documents to get your license. Please review this chart provided by the Secretary of State for documents required for a license– you will need to bring items from sections A, B, and D to provide proof of your written signature, date of birth, and residency.

Please use this link to schedule your appointment at the Peoria Department of Motor Vehicles.

Markets and Restaurants

Please see below lists curated by current students of places where you can buy all kinds of groceries and go out to eat near University in Peoria. These lists contain local grocery stores and internationally focused grocery markets, the majority of which are accessible by CitiLink Bus, and both international and local restaurants.

Examples of Internationally Focused Grocery Stores

Devon Food & Groceries (802 W Pioneer Pkwy, Peoria, IL 61615)
German Specialties (3439 N University St Ste A Peoria, IL 61604)
Masala Groceries (9915 N Knoxville Ave Ste H Peoria, IL 61615)
Mediterranean Mart (2328 W Willow Knolls Dr, Peoria, IL 61614)
Swagat food & Grocery ( 6926 N University St, Peoria, IL 61614)
Fresh Asian Market (3016 N University St, Peoria, IL 61604)

Local Grocery Stores

Walmart (3315 N University St, Peoria, IL 61604)
Aldi (3420 N University St, Peoria, IL 61604)
Schnucks (4800 N University St, Peoria, IL 61614)
Costco [Requires Membership] (301 West Washington Street, East Peoria, IL 61611)
Kroger (3311 N Sterling Ave, Peoria, IL 61604)
Haddad’s West Peoria market (2407 W Rohmann Ave, West Peoria, IL 61604)
Sam’s Club [Requires Membership] (4100 W Willow Knolls Dr, Peoria, IL 61615)

International Focused Restaurants

Rice & Spice [Indian Restaurant] (1200 W Main St Ste 10, Peoria, IL 61606)
El Gordo Mexican Bakery [Mexican Restaurant] (841 W Main St Peoria, IL 61606)
Thanh Linh [Vietnamese Restaurant] (1209 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606)
Jimador [Mexican Restaurant] (1200 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606)
Tawa Kitchen [Indian Restaurant] (816 W Pioneer Pkwy, Peoria, IL 61615)
Jerusalem Restaurant [Mediterranean restaurant] (2027 W Farmington Rd Ste B, Peoria, IL 61604)
Indian Tadka [Indian Restaurant] (7815 Knoxville Ave Unit #12, Peoria, IL 61614)
Olive Garden [Italian American Restaurant] (3915 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL 61615)
Masala Cafe [Indian Restaurant] 2118 Knoxville Ave, Peoria, IL 61603)

Locally Known Restaurants

One World Cafe (1245 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606)
Obed & Isaac’s (321 NE Madison Ave, Peoria, IL 61603)
Blue Duck Tavern (212 Southwest Water Street Suite B, Peoria, IL 61602)
Kelleher’s Irish Pub (619 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602)
Fieldhouse Bar and Grill (1200 W Main St #24, Peoria, IL 61606)
Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe (305 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602)

Citylink is Peoria’s principal public transportation provider, offering bus services all over Peoria that cover various parts of the city, including residential areas, shopping malls, and key attractions such as Bradley University. Whether exploring the city, attending class, or seeing local sights, Citylink buses are a dependable and convenient way to travel. You may quickly plan your trip using their Citylink official website or the My Stop app, where the bus location and arrival timings can be tracked easily.

As a student, you can purchase convenient fare alternatives such as daily or monthly passes. These passes can only be purchased at Swords Hall with your student ID, which is located right on the Bradley University campus, allowing you to easily access economical transit throughout your stay.

To get to know Citylink and make the most of your transportation experience in Peoria, download the My Stop app and visit the Citylink website for complete route maps, schedules, and other information.

Citylink Bus services

My Stop Play store app for tracking Citylink bus

My Stop App Store app for tracking Citylink bus