International Student Advising and Services

I-20 CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY FOR NONIMMIGRANT STUDENT STATUS

Once accepted, you will receive your F-1 I-20 from International Student Services. It’s very important to review the entire document thoroughly to ensure all information is correct. This is a critical step in your U.S. student visa process.

Once you have reviewed the I-20 and confirmed all information is correct, you must print, sign and date the bottom of the first page. For students under the age of 18, your parent/guardian will also sign and date the document.

Note: The Travel Endorsement on the second page does not need to be signed since this is your initial I-20.

If you have any questions or concerns about your I-20 form, please email Mary Ellen Brumley, director of international student services at mbrubley@harding.edu.

Next, you are required to pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Fee to begin your student visa application process.

• Cost is USD 350 (subject to change)
• Nonrefundable
• Valid for 12 months

We highly recommend paying the SEVIS fee with a debit/credit card to prevent any delays. Students from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Gambia must use an alternative method of payment, such as Western Union.

Once your SEVIS fee is paid, print the payment confirmation page for your visa interview and entry into the U.S.

DS-160 NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION

After completing your SEVIS 901 fee payment, you can proceed to apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa. Visit our Visa Application Guide to review the prossess for every country. Please note that citizens from Canada and Bermuda are exempt from completing the Nonimmigrant Visa application. 

• Application (MRV) fee USD 185 (subject to change)
• Nonrefundable
• Valid for 12 months
• Possibility of a visa issuance fee

Please review this detailed list of required documents you must take with you to your U.S. visa interview.

PREPARING FOR TRAVEL

Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for your journey to the U.S.:

• Have at least USD 100-200 in small bills for travel expenses.
• Prepare to pay for checked luggage with your airline.
• Take pictures of your passport and visa with your mobile phone.
• Research your layover cities to ensure you understand the customs process for each country you visit during your travel to the U.S.
• Pack a travel adapter for charging electronics.
• You will need sheets, bath towels, washcloths and hand towel(s). Mattress size is twin for women and twin XL for men.
• Arrange airport pickup:
  • You will fly into Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, Arkansas.
  • Athletes, please coordinate with your coach for pickup.
  • All others, if you need airport pickup, please contact international student services at mbrumley@harding.edu with your flight itinerary.

DAY OF TRAVEL

Traveling is long and exhausting, but it will be worth it once you arrive at Harding University! On the day of travel, make sure you have with you at all times your most important travel documents:

• Passport
• Visa
• I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status
• 901 fee confirmation page
• Harding's official acceptance letter
• Proof of financial support
• Electronic charger and travel adapter
• USD 100-200 in small bills for travel expenses

Once you arrive in Little Rock, a Harding University staff member will be there to greet you. We will provide you with your pickup person’s name and phone number before arrival. This person will have a key to your residence hall or Harding apartment and ensure you are settled before leaving you for the evening. The following day, you will begin international student services orientation.

ORIENTATION: Your First Steps to Adjusting to U.S. Culture

Harding will host a two-day orientation a week before classes start where you will receive crucial information for maintaining visa compliance. You will learn to set up an American bank account, apply for a Social Security number and make a visit to Walmart for any basic necessities you may need. Student mentors will be available to help you adjust to your new home at Harding. After our orientation, undergraduates will attend the University’s orientation, Stampede.

ARKANSAS WEATHER: What to Expect

In Arkansas, we love to say, “give the weather five minutes, and it will change!” When packing your clothes, it’s important to be prepared for anything!

• June to mid-October — Hot and humid
• Mid-October to December — Cool, often rainy and windy
• January to mid-March — Really cold, probability for ice, sleet and snow 
• Mid-March to May — Cool, often rainy and windy

STUDENT INFORMATION UPDATES

As an F-1 student, you are required to notify international student services (mbrumley@harding.edu) of any personal or academic updates within 10 business days. This is crucial for visa compliance for international students. 

Necessary updates may include:

• Program end date
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Program of study
• Finances

Keeping your information current insures compliance with immigration regulations and helps us support you effectively.

COURSE LOAD

To maintain your F-1 student status, you must be enrolled full-time each semester. This is a fundamental F-1 visa requirement.

Undergraduate Students

• Enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester

• Only one fully online course (up to 3 credit hours) is allowed

• Credit hours beyond the minimum may be taken in any delivery format (online or in-person)

• You may only drop below full-time status once during your program of study with prior authorization from international student services.

Graduate and Professional Students

• Enroll in a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester

• Only one fully online course (up to 3 credit hours) is allowed

• Must take courses in person when offered

• Credit hours beyond the minimum may be taken in any delivery format (online or in-person)

• You may only drop below full-time status once during your program of study with prior authorization from international student services.

Always consult international student services before making any changes to your course load to ensure compliance with visa regulations.

REDUCED COURSE LOAD

Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to reduce your course load and maintain your F-1 status. Reduced Course Load authorization must be approved by international student services before dropping below full-time enrollment.

Eligible Reasons for Reduced Course Load

1. Medical Condition or Illness
   • You must provide international student services with a written statement from a licensed medical doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist.
   • The statement should provide that the student is required or recommended to have:
     • An interruption (no course load) OR
     • Reduction of studies (part-time course load)
   • Authorization is limited to a total of 12 months per program level.
2. Academic Difficulties
   • Initial difficulty with the English language or reading requirements
   • Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods
   • Improper course-level placement
3. Final Semester of Study
   • If you need fewer than full-time hours to complete your program, a reduced course load may be granted for your final semester.

How to drop a course

1. Log in to Pipeline
2. Go to the Student section
3. Select Registrar Forms
4. Complete the Drop Course Form

If you have already received a Reduced Course Load authorization for academic difficulties at your current education level (undergraduate or graduate), you cannot receive another RCL for the same reason at that level. However, you may still qualify for an RCL based on medical reasons if you provide proper medical documentation.

F-1 PROGRAM END DATE EXTENSION

You may be eligible to request an extension of your program end date for the following reasons:

• Compelling academic circumstances
• Program of study change
• Unexpected research problems
• Documented illness or medical condition

Extensions will not be approved if:

• The delay is due to academic probation
• You have been suspended from the University
• Your current program end date has already passed

TRANSFERRING YOUR SEVIS RECORD (F-1 I-20)

F-1 international students may transfer their SEVIS record (I-20) to another SEVP-certified school within the U.S.

New Students: If you entered the U.S. using a Harding University I-20 but plan to attend a different school, you must report in person to the international student services office before your SEVIS record can be transferred.

Transferring Your I-20 To A New School (Out of Harding University)

• A copy of your official acceptance letter from the new school
• Request a SEVIS Transfer form from your new school, which you and international student services will complete

Once both documents are received and the transfer form is finalized, international student services will process your SEVIS transfer.

After Your SEVIS Record Is Transferred

• You must contact your new school within 15 days to request your new I-20.
• You may remain in the U.S. as long as you begin classes within five months of your transfer.

Transferring Your I-20 to Harding 

After official acceptance to Harding University, international student services will contact your current school with a copy of your official acceptance letter and our SEVIS Transfer form. You and your current school will complete our SEVIS Transfer form and return it to our office electronically. You must provide your current school with a transfer-out date. Once Harding receives your SEVIS record (I-20), we will provide you with a new Harding I-20.

Please Note: You are not eligible for a SEVIS transfer if you are not enrolled in a full course of study.

Whenever you travel inside or outside the U.S., you should always carry your:

• F-1 I-20 Certificate of Eligibility
• Passport
• F-1 Student Visa

Travel Endorsement on Your I-20

If you plan to leave and return to the U.S., you need a DSO’s signature on page 2 of your I-20 (travel endorsement).

• The signature is valid for 12 months or until your program end date, whichever comes first.
• Be sure to complete the travel endorsement before traveling internationally.
• You do not need a travel endorsement signature to travel to another U.S. state.
• Harding DSOs are Mary Ellen Brumley, director of international student services, and David Collins, dean of international education.

I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)

The I-94 record is your official record of entry into the U.S.. 

It shows:

• The date you entered the U.S.
• The port of entry (airport or border location)
• Your visa status (like F-1 for students)
• How long you are allowed to stay in the U.S.

You’ll need your I-94 for many things, including:

• Applying for a Social Security Number
• Getting a driver’s license
• Proving your legal status in the U.S.
• Applying for work authorization

After you arrive by air, download and print your record from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Click on “Get Most Recent I-94” and enter your:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Country of citizenship

Important Tip: Always check your I-94 to make sure the information is correct. 

It should read:

• Status: "F-1" 
• Admit Until: "D/S" (Duration of Status — until you finish your program)

If something looks wrong, contact international student services as soon as possible.

Passport Rules

• You can’t enter the U.S. if your passport is within six months of expiring.
• You can renew it anywhere your country has an embassy or consulate.

Visa Rules

• If your F-1 visa expires, you can stay in the U.S. as long as you’re maintaining status.
• Those who leave the U.S. with an expired visa will need to renew it before returning — unless you qualify for automatic revalidation.

Automatic Revalidation

You may be able to re-enter the U.S. without a new visa if:

• You visit Canada, Mexico or select Caribbean islands
• Your trip is for up to 30 days 
• You have a valid I-94 and passport
• For more information on automatic revalidation, visit travel.state.gov. 

Renewing Your Visa

• You can’t renew a visa while in the U.S.
• You must leave the country to apply for a U.S. visa renewal.
• You can apply in any country that accepts visa applications.
• You must wait for your new visa to arrive before re-entering the U.S.

60-DAY GRACE PERIOD AFTER PROGRAM COMPLETION

After you finish your studies at Harding, you have 60 days to:

• Leave the U.S.
• Apply for Optional Practical Training
• Transfer to another school

Important Notes:

• Those whose SEVIS records are terminated must leave the U.S. immediately.
• If you leave the U.S. during your grace period and are not starting OPT or transferring, you forfeit your remaining grace period days.

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria that usually affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when someone with TB coughs or sneezes. Some people have latent TB, which means they carry the bacteria but aren’t sick or contagious.

Harding University and many other U.S. universities require TB testing for international students to help keep the campus healthy. This is especially important if you are coming from a country where TB is more common.

Testing is required for students from the following countries::

Afghanistan, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Greenland, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Northern Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Romania, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

If you're from a country with a high rate of TB (50 cases or more per 100,000 people), you must get tested. For more information, view the World Health Organization’s 2024 report. 

Students from countries that require testing will be tested on Harding’s campus at Student Health Services during orientation or the first week of classes. Testing can only be completed in the United States. Those who are transferring from another U.S. school can transfer their test results from within the last six months. A copy of the results is required.

• Cost — USD 15.00 will be billed to your student account.
• Your test will be sent to an outside lab for review.
• You will only be notified if your test results are positive.
• Positive test results require an additional X-ray test that will be sent to and reviewed by the Arkansas Department of Health for further analysis.
• The Arkansas Department of Health will provide the final results.
  • If your results are positive, you can choose a 12-week treatment or opt out.
  • If your results are negative, you’ll receive treatment and quarantine. 

On-Campus Employment for International Students

As an international (F-1) student, you are allowed to work on campus, including with Aramark, Harding’s food service provider. However, off-campus work is not permitted under F-1 regulations without special authorization. On-campus jobs for international students are a great way to gain experience.

There are many opportunities to earn money and gain experience, including roles such as:

• Ticketing or event support for Harding athletics 
• Crowd control or other duties with public safety
• Resident Assistant or desk monitor in the residence halls
• Food service worker with Aramark
• General maintenance with physical resources
• And many others!

Work Hour Limits

• You may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
• You may work up to 40 hours per week when school is out and campus is open, such as during:
  • Summer break
  • Thanksgiving break
  • Christmas break
  • Spring break

Where to Find Job Listings: Browse and apply for jobs online

• Harding Student Jobs – Career Services
• Aramark Job Postings
• Pipeline:
  • Log in > Go to Messages > Click on Student Jobs

After You Apply

• A supervisor will review your application.
• If selected, you’ll be contacted for an interview.
• After the interview, you’ll be informed of the next steps and whether you’ve been offered the job.

Applying for a Social Security Number

You must have a Social Security number to work in the U.S., even on campus. You cannot start work until you receive your Social Security card in hand. Obtaining an SSN for students is a key step.

1. Have a job offer. 
   • You need a job offer first. You can work at:
   • Harding University (Library, bookstore, offices, public safety, athletics, etc.)
   • Aramark (Cafeteria, facilities)
2. Request a job offer letter. It must be on company letterhead and include:
   • Include your:
     • Name
     • Job title
     • Start and end date (if known)
     • Hours per week (max 20)
     • Supervisor’s name, title, phone number
     • Company Tax I.D. number
     • Supervisor’s signature
   • Harding jobs: The international student services office can print a letter for you.
   • Aramark: You must request a letter directly from them.
3. Request a compliance letter from international student services. 
   • Bring your job offer letter to the Holland-Waller Center 104C. They will write a compliance letter confirming your student status.
4. Gather required documents. 
   • Bring these to your appointment:
     • Job Offer Letter
     • International Student Services Compliance Letter
     • I-94 (International student services can print it for you)
     • Passport and Visa
     • SSN Application Form (available from international student services)
5. Schedule your appointment. 
   • Make an appointment at: Social Security Appointment Scheduler The international student services can help with step-by-step instructions.
6. Go to your Appointment
   • 701 Airport Loop, Searcy, AR 72143
   • 1-800-772-1213
7. Bring the receipt to student payroll. 
   • After your appointment, you’ll get a receipt. Take it to student payroll in the Ezell Building.
8. Receive your card. 
   • Your SSN card will be mailed to you. Bring it to student payroll so they can make a copy. International student services can store the card in your file if you’d like.
9. You’re ready to work!

CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING: Internships for F-1 Students

The Department of Homeland Security allows F-1 students in good standing to work off-campus as an integral part of their curriculum, 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i). CPT authorization is designed for practical experience.

CPT Basics

• Must be directly related to your major program of study
• Must be for academic credit (one credit hour or more)
• You are responsible for tuition costs and class fees.
• For programs of study that do not offer an internship course:
  • Undergraduate students can enroll in UNIV 3670–3676
  • Graduate students can enroll in UNIV 5670-5675
• You are allowed more than one CPT at a time. Each CPT request must be for different courses.
• You must complete one full academic year as a full-time F-1 student before qualifying for CPT
• Exception: Graduate students in programs that require CPT in their first semester ( Day One CPT). Please see international student services for more information.

How to Apply

1. Be offered an internship position directly related to your major program of study.
2. Provide international student services and/or your academic advisor with an internship offer letter that includes:
   1. Job title
   2. Start date
   3. End date
   4. Job duties 
3. Request a CPT request form from international student services.
4. Complete the CPT request form with your academic advisor.
5. Enroll in an internship course.
6. Return completed form to international student services for approval and a CPT I-20.
7. Begin your internship!

While on CPT

• During fall and spring semesters, jobs must be within 100 miles of Searcy (unless remote)
• You must stay enrolled full-time and attend in-person classes at Harding during the fall and spring semesters.

CPT Work Hours and Compensation

• Fall/Spring: Part-time CPT only (20 hours or less per week)
• Summer: Full-time CPT is allowed (40 hours or less per week)
• CPT can be paid or unpaid

Note: You may qualify for full-time CPT during the school year in special cases — please see international student services.

One year of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT at the same degree level.

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING: Post-Completion Work Authorization

OPT lets F-1 students work off-campus for up to 12 months after completing a degree. This is known as post-completion OPT.

• You must have completed one full academic year in F-1 status
• OPT must be directly related to your major program of study
• You do not need a job offer to apply
• You must stay in valid F-1 status while on OPT.

Please note that if you have had 12 months of consistent CPT, you do not qualify for OPT.

OPT Basics

• You can apply 90 days before your program end date until 60 days after.
• You can’t participate in OPT and start a new program of study at the same time. You must choose one.
• You must be in the U.S. to apply.
• You cannot work until you receive your EAD card.
• After applying, it may take 3–5 months for approval.
• If you leave the U.S. while waiting, have someone send your EAD card to you.
• Your travel endorsement must be signed every six months now.

How to Apply for OPT

1. Request an OPT Request Form from international student services.
2. Once approved, you will be provided with an OPT I-20.
3. You have 30 days after receiving your OPT I-20 to apply.
4. Visit Walgreens for new passport photos.
5. Apply online at USCIS. International student services has a step-by-step guide on how to apply for assistance.

Timing and Employment

• Once your OPT is approved, you have 90 days to find a job.
  • Example: If your OPT start date is June 1, you must be working by August 30.
• Your start date must be within 60 days after your program end date.

Application Fee and Documents

• Fee: USD 475, subject to change (paid online; not added to student account)
• You’ll need:
  • Copy of your passport
  • Digital photo (passport style)
  • Most recent I-94 (Get it here)
  • Previous EAD cards (if any)
  • OPT I-20 from ISS
  • Proof of past CPT/OPT (if applicable)

Responsibilities While on OPT

• Attend the mandatory OPT meeting (week of or after Dead Week)
• Send a copy of your EAD card to International student services.
• Sign up for the SEVP Student Portal (you’ll get an email the day your OPT starts)
• Report the following changes within 10 days in the portal:
  • Name, address, email, phone
  • Job title, employer info, job start/end dates
  • Job duties and hours worked

Transferring to Another School 

You can transfer during or after STEM OPT ends. Please note that once your SEVIS record is transferred, your OPT ends. Please see Transferring Your SEVIS Record.

After STEM OPT Ends If you’ve used fewer than 90 unemployment days, you get a 60-day grace period to:

• Leave the U.S.
• Start a new program
• Transfer schools

STEM OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING: 24-Month Extension

F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training. This is known as the STEM OPT extension.

STEM OPT Basics

• You can apply 90 days before OPT ends until the day your OPT ends.
• You can’t participate in STEM OPT and start a new program of study at the same time. You must choose one.
• After applying, it may take 3-5 months for approval.
• Your travel endorsement must be signed every six months.
• Report employer violations to SEVP at 703-603-3400 or online: ICE Tip Form
• Any unused days from Post-Completion OPT roll over

Qualifications

1. Check your I-20 for a CIP code under "Program of Study."
2. Look for your CIP code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
3. If your degree is on the list, you may apply for the extension!

Applying for STEM OPT

1. Get a full-time paid job directly related to your major program of study.
2. Must be with a company (not self-employment or temp agency).
3. Your employer must complete a Form I-983 Training Plan (typed only) and submit to international student services.
4. Request a STEM OPT Request Form from international student services.
5. International student services will review your request and provide you with a new STEM OPT I-20 within 3-5 business days.

Filing the STEM OPT Application (I-765)

• File online just like you did for OPT: USCIS I-765
• You must file within 30 days of getting your STEM OPT I-20.

What if my OPT is expiring, but my STEM OPT is pending? No worries! Your work authorization is automatically extended for 180 days while your application is pending.

Responsibilities while on STEM OPT

• Email a copy of your new EAD card to international student services at mbrumley@harding.edu.
• Complete a Validation Report every six months.
  • International student services will have a report form for you to complete.
  • You will need to validate in your SEVIS portal, too.
• Submit a yearly evaluation from your I-983 (due within 10 days of the annual mark)
  • International student services will provide you with a copy of the I-983 yearly validation
  • You will also complete an International Student Services Validation Report
• Submit the final evaluation from your I-983 (due within 10 days of ending)
  • International student services will provide you with a copy of the I-983 final validation
  • You will also complete an International Student Services Validation Report
• Report personal changes within 10 business days to international student services

Changing Jobs or Employment Loss

• Submit a new I-983 to international student services within 10 days.
• No need to reapply with USCIS (no new I-765 required) if you begin new employment.
• You have 60 additional days of unemployment on STEM OPT.

Transferring to Another School 

You can transfer during or after OPT ends. Please note that once your SEVIS record is transferred, your OPT ends. Please see Transferring Your SEVIS Record.

After STEM OPT Ends 

You have a 60-day grace period as long as you haven’t exceeded 150 total unemployment days (OPT + STEM OPT combined).

• Leave the U.S.
• Start a new program
• Transfer schools

• DHS Regulations for F-1 visa requirements
• Transferring Students guidelines
• Study In the States (Official DHS website for international students): 

Don’t forget to have your F-1 (I-20) Travel Endorsement signed once a year by Mary Ellen Brumley or Dr. David Collins!