CURRENT STUDENTS

The University is committed to empowering international students from all over the world to thrive in all aspects of their lives while at Avila. International Student Services (ISS) provides assistance to international students, aiding them in their transition to life at Avila University and in the United States. Moreover, ISS support our international population and campus units through advising, immigration services, programming, community-building, initiatives, advocacy and outreach. Through these programs we ensure that from the planning stages to their arrival and throughout their entire experience as international students at Avila, they are equipped with the resources and support necessary for success

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Visa and Immigration Services:

Maintaining F-1 Status

Maintaining your F-1 status is crucial to continue studying in the U.S. as an international student. It requires compliance with specific regulations, such as enrolling in a full course load, keeping your documents up to date (including your I-20), and completing SEVIS registration each semester. Regularly check with your designated school official (DSO) to ensure you are meeting all visa requirements and avoid potential issues that could affect your legal stay.

Sevis Registration

The SEVIS registration cycle begins on the first day of classes and ends after all F-1 International students are registered successfully.

Student Responsibilities

It is the F-1 student’s responsibility to be enrolled and attend check-in. Any student who is not registered for classes or has not checked in with their DSO will not be registered into SEVIS

2024-2025 Term Deadlines – Avila University

TermStartReport to DSO – TransferReport to DSO – Initial and ActiveDSO required to register before:SEVIS auto termination – Initial StudentsSEVIS auto termination – Active Students
Fall8/26/20248/11/20248/26/20249/24/202410/25/202411/24/2024
Spring1/6/202512/22/20241/6/20252/4/20253/7/20254/6/2025
Summer5/5/20254/20/20255/5/20256/3/20257/4/20258/3/2025

Reduced Course Load

A Reduced Course Load (RCL) is an authorization to enroll below the full-time requirements for a given semester.  Federal regulations provide limited circumstances for when an F-1 student may be authorized for an RCL.  These include medical reasons, academic reasons, and completion of studies during the final term.  In some cases, a graduate student enrolled part-time may be considered pursuing a full course of study for immigration purposes. Each request requires review by an advisor before it is approved. Approval is granted on a semester basis.

Dropping below full-time without DSO permission is a deportable offense. If the DSO has not approved the RCL by the deadline or before dropping below full-time, you will be considered violating your legal status.

RCL Eligibility Reasons

Academic Reasons

  • Initial difficulties with the English language (usually only 1st semester)
  • Initial difficulties with reading requirements (usually only 1st semester)
  • Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods (usually only 1st semester)
  • Improper Course Level Placement (can apply if student is unprepared or in jeopardy of failing a course).

Medical Reasons
Sometimes a student will need an RCL due to a temporary medical condition.  

Students will need to submit a letter on letterhead signed by an appropriate licensed medical doctor, psychiatrist, doctor of osteopathy, licensed psychologist, or clinical psychologist recommending the RCL for the specific semester.

The following wording is suggested:

As a “licensed medical doctor” (or psychiatrist, or doctor of osteopathy, or licensed psychologist, or clinical psychologist), I recommend “Student’s full name and DOB” reduce his/her course load (or withdraw from all classes) due to a temporary illness or medical condition for the “appropriate semester.”

Approval for medical reasons must be obtained each semester requested.

Approval cannot exceed an aggregate of 12 months per program level.

Students in their final semester of study

Students who need less than a full course load to complete degree requirements in their final semester may qualify for a final semester RCL.  A final semester RCL is available even if a student has previously been authorized for a medical or academic RCL.

Steps to request a RCL

  • Make sure you are eligible for a reduced course load.
  • For a Medical RCL, you will need medical documentation to submit with your request.
  • For a non-medical RCL, meet with your DSO before submitting the form.
  • Fill out the RCL request form
  • DSO emails RCL decision to student and the academic advisor
  • You will receive a new I-20 indicating DSO’s approval of your RCL request.
  • You will receive an email with the denial reasons listed.

On-Campus work Authorization

There are two types of limits on the employment. The work must take place either on Avila University Campus or at an educationally affiliated (associated with the school’s established curriculum or part of contractually funded research projects at the postgraduate level) off-campus location:

  1. On the school premises
    • Work that takes place at your school location could be for an on-campus commercial business, like a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students.
    • Employment located on-campus that does not directly involve services to students (such as construction work) does not qualify as on-campus employment.
  2. Educationally affiliated off-campus location
    • Work with an employer that is contractually affiliated with the school is on-campus employment even if the work site is not located on the campus (such as a research lab affiliated with your school).

Employment-related guidelines

  • May work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a U.S. citizen or LPR.
  • May work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the annual vacation)
  • Should report their work to you and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration in order to be able to receive a Social Security number.
  • Need-Based Work Permit

Students experiencing a Severe economic hardship

Students may be eligible for employment authorization if they can demonstrate that they are experiencing severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances:

  • They have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year 
  • They are in good academic standing 
  • They are taking a full course load 
  • They can prove that on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient 
  • They can get a letter from their academic department stating that employment will not interfere with their studies 

Leaving Avila

If you’re leaving the university for travel, transfer, or immigration reasons, you must submit a Leave of Absence request. Ensure compliance with visa regulations and notify relevant university offices.

Health and Wellness:

Student Services and Information:

Housing

Campus Life

Cultural Support:

Additional Information

  • Transportation
  • Driver’s License or State ID
  • Taxes
  • Immigration Lawyers
  • Social Security Number

Events and Announcements:

Stay updated with upcoming events and announcements for international students! Join us for cultural celebrations, workshops on academic success, visa and immigration support, and networking opportunities. Don’t miss important deadlines for health insurance, course registrations, and student services. Check the calendar regularly to stay informed about valuable resources and events designed for your success!

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