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Current International Students
Student life at Fairfield University supports the Jesuit tradition of caring for the whole person by providing opportunities that engage students in meaningful activities designed for their living and learning experience. Along with meeting lifelong friends, Fairfield provides a rich opportunity to grow as a whole person with the help of mentors, professors and community members.
In this vibrant community with over 100 clubs and organizations, there are countless activities to choose from. Whether it is participating in an intramural sport, Broadway trip, Fairfield@Night event, attending athletic games or quintessential events like Red Sea Madness, Alumni & Family Weekend, Presidential Ball or Midnight Breakfast there is always something to do.
Resources
Work Authorization
There are three ways that F-1 International Students may be employed in the United States: on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training, and Optional Practical Training.
J-1 exchange students may seek employment as a part of their exchange program, on campus or via Academic Training. J-1 students should schedule a meeting with the office to discuss the requirements and limitations.
Reduced Course Load
Under U.S. federal immigration law, all F-1 and J-1 status holders are required to register and complete full-time studies each semester during the student's academic career. Fairfield University considers full-time registration for undergraduate students to be 12 credits. However, a student may be authorized for a reduced course load in certain extraordinary circumstances.
Please contact the Office of Student Engagement via e-mail at international@fairfield.edu or by phone +1-203-254-4110 if you believe you may require a reduced course load for the upcoming semester.
Special Notes and Limitations
- The Office of Student Engagement - International Student Life must receive applications no later than the student's registration date or withdrawal date from a course.
- Failure to receive prior approval for part-time study is a violation of an international student's lawful status in the United States.
- You are only allowed to file for RCL once per degree or academic level
- When filing a RCL due to a certified illness or medical condition, you are allowed to file for a total of 12 aggregate months during any one course of study. You must re-file for RCL before each term, as required.
Immigration Attorneys
If, for any reason, there are questions that the Office of Student Engagement - International Student Life is not able to answer, or you are seeking to change your immigration status, we recommend that you consult an immigration attorney.
Please keep in mind that not all who claim to be immigration attorneys are certified and entitled to advise you. Fraud is very common in this field. Make sure to check credentials and references from the immigration lawyer you are seeking to work with.
While Fairfield University is unable to make specific recommendations on the choice of an attorney, we recommend visiting the lawyer locater service of the American Immigration Law Association (AILA) to find attorneys in the region who are AILA members and who practice in the field of immigration law. Visit www.ailalawyer.com for more information.
These attorneys are neither approved nor endorsed by Fairfield University.
Traveling
Traveling in the United States
Traveling within the United States is unrestricted. However, it is important for you to keep your documents with you when traveling. Make sure you have your passport, Form I-20 or DS2019, and your Fairfield StagCard. Please notify the Office of Student Engagement if you are planning to travel outside of the New England or Tri-State area.
Traveling outside the United States
If you are planning on traveling outside the United States, there are some things you need to keep in mind in order to make sure that you will be able to re-enter the U.S. and resume your studies at Fairfield. Before going abroad you will need to complete the Student Travel Form via OrgSync, and have your I-20 signed by the office on page 2.
The following documents need to be in order:
- Passport - valid at least six months into the future from the time you come back into the country
- Valid U.S. Visa - If your current visa has expired or you have changed your status while in the U.S., you will need to obtain a new visa at the American Embassy in your place of permanent residence with an I-20 or DS-2019.
- Current Form I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature
- Proof of Financial Resources - You should carry a letter verifying your fellowship, assistantship, or private resources which are covering your expenses as a student.
- *Visa to Enter a Third Country - If you are visiting a country other than your own, you may need a visa from the third country to enter it. For details, contact the embassy or consulate of the country in question
Contact Information
The Office of Student Engagement - International Student Life is located in Barone Campus Center: Room 96. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST. You can reach us via e-mail at international@fairfield.edu or by calling +1-203-254-4110.