DePaul University Student Visa Requirements and Termination Policy

For international students aspiring to study at DePaul University, understanding the student visa requirements and the university's termination policies is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of these aspects, drawing upon official university policies and related regulations.

I-20 Application Process

The College of Digital Media (CDM) Admission is available to help international students with the I-20 application process. To obtain an I-20 form from DePaul University, international students must provide the following documents:

A photocopy of your passport or I-94 card.
A permanent international address.
An Affidavit of Support if funds are from a source other than the applicant.
Evidence of available funds, totaling $55,298 US Currency, in Savings, Checking, Certificate of Deposit, or Money Market accounts only. If including dependents on the I-20, the bank statement must include an additional $5,000 for the first dependent and $4,000 for each additional dependent.

All requests for an I-20 will be processed within 10 business days of receiving all the required documents and an admission decision. CDM will notify applicants of their acceptance to the university.

Financial Responsibility and Policies

Before receiving an I-20 form, students are required to pay a $2,000 deposit directly to DePaul University. Students accepted after the billing due date must immediately pay the balance of tuition and fees for their first term upon receipt of the student visa. The program price does not include personal spending money, meal costs during university closures (Thanksgiving, Christmas), textbooks, school supplies, or extra costs for ESL if required. Housing costs for students not residing in GGP housing and all University fees are also not included.

The balance of tuition and fees for the first term must be paid one month before the published arrival date, and for subsequent terms, two months prior to the term start date. Any variation to standard payment terms must be agreed to in writing. Students will not be permitted to attend classes until full payment is made. Overdue payments will result in the student being placed on hold by the University, barring them from attending classes or moving into accommodations until payment is made in full.

Visa Denial and Deposit Refund Policy

The $2,000 deposit is refundable only if a student's visa has been denied, and they can provide official proof of visa denial. Written notification and documentation of the denial must be submitted no later than four weeks after the program start date. If the University cancels a program before the student's start date, all monies paid by the student, excluding the non-refundable deposit, will be refunded.

Maintaining F-1 and J-1 Visa Status

International students with F-1 and J-1 visas must adhere to specific regulations to maintain their lawful non-immigrant status. All students in F-1 or J-1 status are required to be enrolled full-time. Under current government regulations, international students may be enrolled for less than the required full course load only in limited circumstances. Students must consult with their International Student and Scholar Services (ISS) advisor before enrolling in or dropping below a full course of study. Failure to receive authorization from their DSO (ISS advisor) before enrolling less than full-time may result in being considered out of status. Maintenance of lawful non-immigrant status is the student's responsibility.

Termination of Student Visa

Recent cases highlight the potential for student visa termination even in situations where criminal charges are dropped. According to a complaint, an arrest is not a legal basis for terminating a student visa. International students must comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law to retain valid student visas. Violations of such laws/policies will render the Student liable for immediate dismissal from the program and repatriation to the home country, and possible legal prosecution for violation of the laws of the state or federal jurisdictions involved. No refund will be given in cases of suspension, expulsion or administrative separation.

Student Conduct and University Policies

All students are subject to the rules of the University, including the Code of Student Responsibilities. By signing the Acceptance of Offer Form, students agree to adhere to University policies, including housing rules, and payment, withdrawal, and cancellation regulations. Rules governing alcohol, tobacco, controlled drugs, and other serious offenses are strictly enforced.

Withdrawal Policies

Once classes begin, the Student is subject to University withdrawal policies. Students who are suspended or dismissed will not receive a refund for money paid for tuition, housing or other University charges.

Deferrals

If an applicant accepted by DePaul defers to the next intake, all funds received will be applied to the next intake and will not be refunded. Applicants can defer for up to one academic year without penalty. All requests to defer a program must be received in writing by Study Group no later than four weeks after the program start date.

Student Employment Policies

DePaul University has specific policies for student employees, including international students.

Eligibility and Restrictions

International students must stop working upon completion of their degree requirements. Domestic students can work during the break period after their graduation, but must cease working at the start of the next academic quarter. Student employees are not eligible to be employed in a full-time or part-time staff position. International students are subject to restrictions on the number of hours they can work per week.

Required Training and Compliance

Student employees must be familiar with DePaul University policies and procedures. Failure to complete required trainings can result in the department being considered out-of-compliance.

Confidentiality and FERPA

Students may have access to confidential student or university information and are prohibited from using their position to access personal data for their own gain. Information students come into contact with during their employment is not to be discussed outside the workplace or used for publication.

Form I-9

All employees, including students, must complete Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Students are required to complete this form and provide the appropriate identification within three business days of the date of employment.

FICA Taxes

Students who work on campus are exempt from FICA taxes on wages earned during academic terms in which they are enrolled at least half-time.

Work Hour Policy

Student employees can work multiple jobs on-campus as long as they comply with the Work Hour Policy and do not exceed the maximum number of hours they are eligible to work per week.

Break Time

Illinois law requires that any employee working more than 7.5 consecutive hours must be provided a minimum of 20 minutes of unpaid lunch time, with a break being given no later than five hours after beginning work. No work can be done during break periods.

Title IX

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs and activities, including sexual harassment, and sexual and relationship violence. All DePaul faculty, staff, and student employees are considered "responsible employees" and are required to promptly report specific information about sex discrimination to DePaul's Title IX coordinator or other appropriate designees.

Paid Sick Leave and Paid Leave

According to the city of Chicago, "paid sick leave" can be used to recover from illness, take care of a family member, address domestic violence, and account for public health emergencies. "Paid leave" can be used for any reason, but requests to use it may be denied by the employer.

Additional Resources and Contacts

For any questions regarding maintenance of lawful student status, students are encouraged to visit the International Student and Scholar Services (ISS) office or call 312-362-8376. All users who choose to participate in Career Center and/or Office of Student Employment services must abide by the user agreement.

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