Resources for Current International Students

Maintaining your F-1 Visa

You should have these immigration documents:

• Valid Passport
• Valid F-1 visa
• I-20
• Most recent I-94
• SEVIS Receipt
• Financial Documentation
• Menlo College Acceptance Letter

F-1 visa students are required by the U.S. Immigration regulations to maintain a full time status while studying in the U.S. At Menlo College, full time attendance means the student must enroll in and complete at least 12 units of course work which is degree applicable each Fall and Spring semester. If you are enrolled in the Intensive English Program, you must attend all class sessions. You are not required to take any classes in the Summer, Winter or Spring break. If for some reason, you are forced to withdraw from one/more courses or take less than 12 units, you must first speak to the academic counselor and then to a DSO prior to dropping and or withdrawing from class(es).

You must pass your classes to maintain full-time status. Be mindful of academic integrity requirements, including not cheating and no plagiarism.

A benefit of being at Menlo College is that there is a wide variety of academic support. Make sure to speak with your academic advisor and take advantage of services like the library and the tutoring centers.

Employment

On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment is a benefit granted to eligible F-1 visa students who have been in good academic standing and have not violated any F-1 status rules and regulations. You should always consult with a DSO first to check your eligibility before searching for a job.

Check out Career Services for additional resources.

You may accept on campus employment with approval from a DSO. You can work part time up to 19 hours per week. You are required to have a Social Security Number prior to starting your on campus part time employment.

Please see the International Student Advocate for more information on how to get a Social Security Number after you have received a job offer.

Off-Campus Employment

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Available before completion of program. Your CPT has to be authorized by the Career Services office and has to be directly related to your program major. For more information, please read the Internship Student Manual and/or schedule an appointment with Zach Osborne by email (zach.osborne@menlo.edu).

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT): Available after completion of your degree program. You should be applying for OPT in your last semester. Your OPT job has to be authorized by your Career Services Advisor and has to be directly related to your program major. For more information, please schedule an appointment with Jessica Nguyen by email (jessica.nguyen@menlo.edu).

Interstride

Interstride is your go-to platform for exploring global career opportunities! Whether you’re an international student looking for jobs and internships in the U.S. or a domestic student seeking opportunities abroad, Interstride has the resources you need.

• Find international-friendly jobs and internships
• Filter opportunities by work authorization, visa type, and more
• Explore global job and internship opportunities outside the U.S.
• Connect with international and globally-minded peers
• Access valuable career insights and resources, including career and immigration support tailored for international students

Students and alumni can log in using their single sign-on credentials.

U.S. Social Security Number

If you have found a job (on or through INT 399/INT 499), you will be required to obtain a U.S. Social Security Number in order to start working. You must first obtain a job offer letter from your employer, or Human Resources and then a work authorization letter from a DSO. It takes anywhere between 2-4 weeks for the Social Security Administration office to process your application and issue a Social Security Number. Please take the following documents to the Social Security Administration office in Redwood City to obtain a Social Security Number:

• Current I-20 and a photocopy of it
• Job offer letter and a photocopy of it (HR Director at Menlo College, is authorized to issue these letters.)
• Work authorization letter from a DSO and a photocopy of it
• Your passport
• Your F-1 visa
• Your most recent I-94 record

Life in the U.S.

California ID Card & Driver’s License

You can apply for a driver’s license at any DMV in California. Please take the following documents to the DMV office to obtain a California ID or Driver’s license:

• Current I-20 and a photocopy of it
• Proof of residency letter from a DSO and a photocopy of it
• Your passport
• Your F-1 visa
• Your most recent I-94 record

U.S. Bank Account

Opening a bank account for international students is simple and streamlined. A lot of banks accept international students but we recommend choosing a bank that’s in the area which makes it easier for in-person visits, withdrawals, and deposits. You will need the following documents in order to open an account:

• Valid Passport
• Valid Visa
• Social Security Number (if applicable but not required)
• I-20
• Deposit Amount (Check the bank’s website for whatever minimum deposit requirements they have)

Phone

Please get a local phone number and set up your messaging service so that we can contact you. The biggest phone carriers in California are T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T – there are multiple locations nearby in Palo Alto and Redwood City.

Verizon currently offers an International Student Plan. Read more here: https://www.verizon.com/solutions-and-services/international-student/

AT&T currently offers an International Student Plan. Read more here: https://www.att.com/offers/discount-program/international-students/