Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are general answers to OIS’ most frequently asked questions. Please also check our Fact Sheets and My OIS for information. If you cannot find the answer to your question on the OIS website, other ways to contact OIS are as follows:

We work as quickly as possible to issue I-20s / DS-2019s. Generally, we can process your I-20/DS-2019 in around 5-7 business days after you provide all of the required information and documentation. Keep in mind that your academic department must first provide OIS with a digital copy of your admission letter and other basic details. Then, you will receive an email from our office about the steps that you need to take to request your I-20/DS-2019. We use an online system called My OIS to collect the documentation. Generally, we need some basic biographical information, a digital copy of your passport, and digital documentation of your financial support. Review our New Student Information webpage for more specific information, particularly about the financial requirements.

The University intends to offer a minimum of two cloth masks, with the Pitt logo, to every student upon arrival. Also, the University positioned numerous hand sanitizer stations throughout campus. They are located at all entry and exit areas, elevators, rest rooms, etc.

As required by the current PA Department of Health requirements, you must quarantine for 14 days every time you enter PA from a different state, OR have a negative COVID test.  As a result, some students may need to attend classes remotely even after in-person classes have begun.

 

 In the event of quarantine, on-campus students will have options for meal delivery to their room. 

Students will be permitted to quarantine in their on-campus accommodation after the official move-in date. Students living in on-campus housing will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test result to enter University housing.  If you arrive prior to the official move-in date, or you have off-campus accommodations that are not immediately available to you, Pitt has an agreement with a local hotel that is able to house students for quarantine purposes at a reduced rate. For additional information, please contact Housing Services at https://www.pc.pitt.edu/housing-services.
Information about Spring 2021 arrival - issued 1/12/2021 - can be found here.

Please review our Travel Considerations During the Pandemic handout to get an idea of the various issues you must think about when traveling during this time.

If you are a continuing student and you enroll in full-time courses through Flex@Pitt, your SEVIS record will be kept active and you will not lose your immigration status.  There is not clear guidance about whether you would be able to apply for OPT while you are outside the U.S. if you are graduating this semester. We will continue to monitor that guidance and update the FAQ as necessary. 

If you wish to take a leave of absence, we would advise that you speak with your academic advisor and make sure that you follow your program's requirements.  In addition, please go to My OIS and complete a “Departure Notification” so that OIS knows what to do with your I-20. 

No, if your visa is not expired, you can continue to use it, even if you are issued a new I-20 before you return to campus. 

Graduate programs have varying start dates.  Please check with your academic program to determine the first day of your classes.

Yes, if you have filed your STEM OPT application before the end date of your 12-month OPT period, you may continue working for 180 days after your current OPT end date. Your STEM OPT application must be received at USCIS before the end date of your current OPT period in order for this 180-day rule to apply.
For more information about OPT and STEM OPT, please visit the Optional Practical Training webpage.

Students may travel internationally while on OPT. It is easier to travel on OPT if you have your EAD card and a letter confirming/verifying your employment. For this reason, we do not recommend that you travel until you have both of those items, especially if you must apply for a new F-1 visa in order to return to the U.S. If you do leave the U.S. while your I-765 OPT application is pending, you will need to make arrangements to have your EAD card mailed to you abroad before re-entering the U.S.
For more information about OPT and STEM OPT, please visit the Optional Practical Training webpage.

If the USCIS Case Status website indicates that your EAD card was mailed, but you did not receive it, you may first submit an inquiry to USCIS about non-delivery of a card. If UCSIS indicates that the card was delivered, check the tracking information provided by USCIS.

If your EAD is lost or stolen, you must apply to USCIS for a new card by submitting a new I-765 and filing fee.

OIS generally processes student casework within 5-7 business days after the case is fully submitted in OIS. Some casework requires an academic advisor to submit/confirm additional information. OIS must wait until all portions of the case are completed before we can begin processing your case. Please allow at least 7 business days before you email OIS to check on the status of your case.

OIS cannot directly assist with applications for a waiver of your 212e home residency requirement. However, it’s important that you consult with OIS if you are planning to apply for the waiver, since your J-1 program cannot be extended after a waiver is approved. We may want to extend your J-1 program before you submit your waiver application, so check with OIS about the timing of your application. More information about the 212e waiver, including a link to application information, can be found here: https://www.ois.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/docs/J-Restrictions.pdf

The employment verification I-9 Form will be completed with the University’s Human Resources Department. An appointment is required can be requested at the following link: https://www.hr.pitt.edu/clearances-training/form-i9

Please work with your new employer to initiate a new H-1B petition for that new job. H-1B petitions are employer-specific, so your new institution must initiate a new H-1B petition before you are permitted to begin work there. Please also email OIS@pitt.edu to let us know of your intended last day of employment with Pitt.

To request a transfer, there is a two-part request in My OIS that you must initiate called the ‘J-1 Scholar Transfer Out’ request. One form will require confirmation from your current supervisor/department. The second form will require confirmation from the new institution and some information from them to be submitted. SEVIS transfers can be scheduled ahead of time, so we recommend submitting the request as soon as you are aware that you will require a transfer.