Office of International Students and Scholars
OFFICE UPDATES:
Our New Student section is updated!
Please review the New Student section for information on what to expect for your upcoming arrival.
E KOMO MAI I HAWAIʻI NEI,
Aloha and welcome to Hawaiʻi Pacific University and the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The University is home to more than 450 international students and scholars representing diverse cultures and viewpoints from over 40 countries. We believe that international students and scholars at HPU are
A student’s affiliation with OISS begins immediately after the admission process and continues well beyond graduation. OISS staff can advise international students, scholars and faculty on immigration, cultural, financial, academic and personal concerns, and make appropriate referrals when necessary.
For questions regarding your billing statement, scholarship amount, payments, and refunds, please contact the business office.
For questions regarding the following, please contact registrars office:
- How to order transcripts / enrollment verification forms (i.e. - proof of enrollment papers from your home school or government)
- Visiting Student Registration (including class changes)
- Immunization or vaccination records
OISS is not a US government agency and all students must inquire directly with their respective US Consulate/Embassy in their home country regarding visa questions and procedures.
Please note, that it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that your I-20 does not expire in the event you need more time to complete a program or moving to another program at HPU (e.g from one semester visiting to degree seeking, from one semester visiting to two semester visiting, from bachelors program to masters program). Please always refer to the expiration/end date as listed on page 1 of your I-20 and contact OISS IMMEDIATELY way before it expires for those requiring additional time to complete a program or moving to another program here. FAILURE to do so once your I-20 has expired will render a SEVIS violation with dire and costly consequences with Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Information on this page is susceptible to change, with or without notice. If you are unsure of whether or not you are maintaining your status properly, please contact OISS immediately. For additional information regarding enrollment requirements, students can also visit: www.uscis.gov
International Student Handbook
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Review up-to-date COVID-19 regulations regarding your travel into the United States:
As a student or scholar, it is your responsibility to ensure you are adhering to the regulations associated with your visa status. As an F or J visa holder, you must:
- Maintain a valid passport
- Enroll as a full-time student according to your registration regulations and make normal progress toward your degree (students only)
- NOTE: It is also violation of your visa status to make any changes to your schedule that result in less than full-time status without prior approval from OISS
- Inform OISS of address, email, or phone number updates within 10 days of any change
- Notify OISS of changes to your academic major or program (e.g. history to political science or bachelor's to master's degree)
- Always be aware of the expiration date on your I-20 or DS-2019. Request any necessary extensions before the expiration date
- Maintain health insurance for yourself and any dependents. Continuing students must submit a health insurance waiver form every semester or academic year to OISS office based on the insurance coverage policy dates.
- Work only with proper authorization. Contact OISS before starting ANY off-campus career training
- Request a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 before traveling out of the U.S. if you intend to return
- Not participate in illegal activities
- Visit the I-94 website https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/recent-search to ensure that you are currently on an F1 or J1 visa category as per USCBP/USCIS/ICE upon each and every initial entry and re-entry into the US while studying or on OPT/STEM OPT
The purpose of OISS is to:
- Represent the University to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of State, and other government agencies dealing with international visitors
- Provide international students and scholars with advice and documentation necessary to maintain their legal status within the United States
- Guide international students and scholars in their adaptation to American culture and campus life
- Maintain University compliance regarding regulations concerning international students and scholars
- Serve as a resource for University departments who work with an international population
OPT Workshop Date and Information
If you plan to submit an OPT application, it is mandatory that you attend one of the workshops listed in the monthly OISS newsletter in order to obtain OISS approval. Your OPT application will be rejected by USCIS without OISS approval. Students who plan to apply for post-completion OPT cannot begin the application process until their final semester. **Walking does not qualify.
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Dates |
Location |
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Please refer to OISS newsletter for dates and times. |
In-person |
All workshops will be a discussion-based presentation regarding the timeline, process, and regulations affecting students on OPT. Workshops will be conducted in-person, so you must RSVP to schedule.