Academy of Art University Student Portal Guide

The Academy of Art University provides a comprehensive student portal to assist students with their academic journey. This guide will walk you through the resources and information available, focusing on the International Office and other key departments.

Introduction

The Academy of Art University's student portal is designed to be a one-stop shop for students, providing access to important information, resources, and services. This guide aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the portal's key features, with a particular focus on the International Office, which supports international students throughout their studies.

The International Office

The International Office plays a crucial role in supporting international students at the Academy of Art University. Located at 79 New Montgomery Street, 4th floor in San Francisco, the office assists with various aspects of an F1 non-immigrant status, including working, travel, and visa renewal. They provide solutions to problems, refer students to appropriate departments, and generally support students in achieving their professional goals.

Key Services Offered by the International Office

F1 Visa Assistance: Guidance on applying for and renewing F1 visas.
Form I-20 Support: Assistance with obtaining and maintaining the Form I-20, a crucial document for international students.
SEVIS Fee Information: Information on paying the SEVIS fee, which is required for students with a new SEVIS ID number.
Travel Advice: Advice on travel regulations, including automatic visa revalidation for trips to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands.
Work Authorization Guidance: Information on CPT (Curricular Practical Training), OPT (Optional Practical Training), and Economic Hardship work authorization.
Academic Dismissal Support: Guidance for students who have been academically dismissed.
Leave of Absence Assistance: Support for students who need to take a Leave of Absence.
Transfer Out Support: Assistance for students who wish to transfer to another US school.
Social Security Number Information: Guidance on applying for a Social Security Number (SSN).
Letter Requests: Assistance with requesting Enrollment Verification Letters.
Change of Status Guidance: Information on changing to F1 status.
Dependent Support: Assistance with obtaining I-20s for dependents and understanding F2 visa regulations.

Form I-20: A Vital Document

The Form I-20 is a critical document for international students. It indicates the school you are attending and your program of study, and it verifies your legal status in the United States. The SEVIS ID is located on the first page of your Form I-20 in the upper right corner above the bar code.

You will need your Form I-20 when applying for or renewing your F1 visa, entering the United States, filing applications with USCIS, and applying for a Social Security Number or Driver’s License.

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If your personal information on the Form I-20 is incorrect, you should contact the International Office and provide a copy of your passport so that they can verify your information and update your Form I-20 accordingly. Similarly, if you change your legal name, you should contact the International Office and provide a copy of your passport or marriage license.

If your Form I-20 program end date is expiring, but you need more time to complete your degree, you should contact the International Office.

F1 Visa Renewal

You cannot renew your F1 visa in the United States. You must renew it at a U.S. consulate or embassy outside the United States. You can renew your F1 visa in a country that is not your home country.

F1 students who are planning to travel to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island for 30 days or less and have a valid Form I-20 and Form I-94 may qualify for the automatic visa revalidation. However, F1 students from Cuba, Iran, Syria and Sudan will not qualify for the automatic visa revalidation.

If you return home and forget your Form I-20, receiving Form I-515A will allow you to stay in the United States for 30 days. During this time you must come to the International Office and they will submit Form I-515A and other required documents to SEVP. Failure to comply will put you at risk of losing your legal status.

If you receive a new passport, but your F1 visa is in your old passport, you do not need to apply for a new F1 visa for your new passport. However, you will need to travel with both passports, your old and new one. If your F1 visa is invalid, you will need to apply for a new one.

Academic Dismissal and Reinstatement

Academic dismissal occurs if your cumulative GPA does not meet the required minimum standards for two consecutive semesters. If you have been academically dismissed, your student record will become inactive and a notation of "Academic Dismissal" will be noted on the transcript.

If you have been academically dismissed, please contact the International Office immediately. You can enroll in classes while your application for Reinstatement is pending with USCIS. You may transfer out while your application for Reinstatement is pending with USCIS. However, it is strongly discouraged until USCIS approved your application. Should you decide to transfer out while your application is pending, the International Office must withdraw your application with USCIS and you must work with your new school and file a new application with USCIS. You should not travel while your application is pending. In order to re-obtain valid F1 status through traveling, you must receive a new Form I-20, pay the SEVIS fee and apply for a new F1 visa.

Leave of Absence

If you would like to take a break in your studies for one or two semesters, you must depart the United States. In order to qualify for any off campus work authorization, you must be in valid F1 status for one academic year prior to applying for the work authorization. The academic year will be determined by the program start date on your most current Form I-20.

If you are taking a Leave of Absence and you are very close to completing your program, please talk to your academic advisor and make sure that you have enough units left to complete one academic year onsite.

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Transferring Out

To transfer to another US school, you must submit a copy of your Acceptance Letter and the Transfer Request Form. The International Office does not issue an Acceptance Letter for returning students.

Employment Opportunities

F1 students are eligible to work on campus for 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours per week during school breaks; only if the school has an on campus job program available. The Academy of Art University offers on campus job programs with the Housing Department and AAU Dining Services.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is a work authorization option for F1 students. Please contact your academic advisor for guidance on applying for CPT.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is another work authorization option for F1 students, allowing them to work in their field of study. EAD stands for Employment Authorization Document and is issued by USCIS. The EAD looks like a Driver’s License and provides you with a legal right to work for a certain amount of time.

If you applied for OPT and did not receive your USCIS receipt notice, you should contact the International Office immediately. If you applied for OPT and did not receive your EAD, you should contact the International Office and review the OPT tutorial, page 47. If you applied for OPT and received a Denial Notice from USCIS, you should contact the International Office and provide a copy of your Denial Notice.

If you lose your EAD, you will need to apply for a replacement EAD.

STEM Extension

The following Academy majors qualify for the 24-month STEM Extension: Advanced Architectural Design; Advertising; Advertising & Branded Media Technology; Animation & Visual Effects; Architecture; Architectural Design; Art Education; Communications & Media Technologies; Game Development; Game Programming; Graphic Design; Graphic Design & Digital Media; Industrial Design; Interior Architecture & Design; New Media & Web Design.

Economic Hardship

We recommend meeting with one of our International Student Advisors to discuss your situation. Our advisors are trained to determine whether or not your situation qualifies for Economic Hardship. One of our International Student Advisors will guide you through the application process. If you were approved for Economic Hardship and want to apply again, you will need to re-apply and submit a new application with up to date information and current documents to USCIS. The International Office will assist you with this process. If you were approved for Economic Hardship and want to transfer from Academy of Art University to another school, you will lose your EH work authorization with the completion of the transfer of your SEVIS record.

Taxes and Social Security

International Students may have to file taxes. The International Office is unable to assist you with any questions related to filing taxes.

You will not be eligible for the SSN, unless you have a valid work authorization. If you have a valid work authorization, you may apply for the SSN at the Social Security Administration Office closest to your apartment. You may apply for the SSN after you have received your work authorization. Please be aware that you cannot apply for earlier than 30 days before the start date of your work authorization. It usually takes approximately 2 weeks to receive your SSN. If you lose your Social Security Number, you should contact the nearest Social Security Administration Office immediately to report the loss of your SSN and request a new one.

Letter Requests and Change of Status

You can request an Enrollment Verification Letter online.

You must apply for an F1 visa before re-entering the United States. in F1 status. However, having a valid F1 visa is one of the required documents when re-entering the United States as an F1 student.

Dependents

F2 dependents are not eligible to work in the United States. F2 adult dependents can engage in study as long as they are enrolled in less than a full course of study. F2 dependents may file for a change of status from F2 to F1 with USCIS, if the F2 adult dependent would like to study full-time and become eligible for work authorization benefits. F2 minor dependents are required to attend kindergarten through 12th grade full-time.

Housing & Residence Life

The Department of Housing & Residence Life facilitates holistic communities that support student growth, development and learning. Our residence hall communities seek to provide spaces that offer a welcoming, inclusive, and safe living environment. The Department of Housing is located in suite 120 on the first floor of the Richard A.

USCIS

Citizenship and Immigration Services and is part of the Department of Homeland Security. USCIS is the government agency processing your visa petitions, work authorizations, etc.

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