Immigration and Visa Information

IMMIGRATION AND VISA INFORMATION  

Pace University, as an institution that is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students, is required by US law to maintain accurate and up-to-date records regarding the enrollment status, address, employment authorizations and other information for each international student in F and J status that has been authorized to attend the university.  This information is reported to US government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State, via the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is administered by USICE. Every F and J student and their dependent(s) has a SEVIS record, from which the form I-20 or DS-2019 is created. It is crucial that all information contained in the SEVIS record and printed on the I-20 or DS-2019 is accurate at all times. The Assistant Director and International Student Advisor are responsible for maintaining accurate records, and F and J students are responsible for reporting any change of information to the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS). Changes that must be reported include: change of academic program, change of major, change of address, and legal name changes.

The staff of the OIPS interprets immigration regulations for the Pace community and makes every attempt to remain up to date through government and professional publications, web sites, meetings, conferences, and listservs. The Assistant Director serves as a “Primary Designated School Official” (PDSO) for the F-1 visa program and as the “Responsible Officer” (RO) for the J-1 program; the International Student Advisor on each campus is also a DSO and an “Alternate Responsible Officer” (ARO). The staff has the authority and responsibility to advise and assist students, and to verify, sign and process immigration documents for Pace University and its students (the staff does not work for the immigration service or DOS). Should there be any major changes in immigration regulations or procedures, we will inform you via email announcements. You should always check your Pace email account and be sure to read emails from the International Student Office. You are always free to contact the office with any questions or concerns.