International Student Services

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) supports the international community at Barry University by providing immigration advising, cultural adjustment support, advocacy, and programming. ISS is dedicated to enhancing the international dimensions of the university through services and resources tailored to the needs of international students and scholars. The office is located on the first floor of Farrell Hall.

Health Insurance and Immunization Requirement

All international students attending Barry University on an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to submit proof of immunizations and either:

Enroll in the University Health Insurance Plan, or
Provide proof of alternative and adequate health insurance that meets university, local, and federal requirements

Failure to comply with the University’s health policy may result in:

A registration hold preventing course enrollment
Ineligibility for campus housing

Refer to the Student Health Services section of the catalog for detailed health policy information and compliance instructions.

Enrollment Requirement

International students in F‑1 or J‑1 status must maintain full‑time enrollment each semester:

Undergraduate students: Minimum of 12 credit hours per semester
Graduate students: Minimum of 9 credit hours per semester
Doctoral students: Minimum of 6 credit hours per semester

Students beginning their program during the summer must also maintain full-time enrollment for that term. At all times, international students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their degree program.

Course Modality Requirements

U.S. immigration regulations limit how many fully online or remote courses may count toward full‑time enrollment.

Eligible Modalities (count fully toward full-time status):

These are considered in‑person or hybrid for immigration purposes:

LEC – Lecture in Person
BLEC – Blended Lecture

Restricted Modalities:

Only ONE course (up to 3 credits) from the modalities below may count toward a student’s full‑time enrollment per semester:

OLC – Online Asynchronous
OCLS – Online Synchronous
FLEX – HyFlex
BOLC – Blended Online

Program-Level Modality Guidelines:

To meet full‑time enrollment requirements, students must enroll in the minimum number of LEC/BLEC courses listed below. Once the minimum is met, any remaining credits may be taken in any modality, including online/remote.

Undergraduate Students

Minimum: 3 LEC/BLEC courses (9 credits)
Total: At least 12 credits
Additional credits beyond the LEC/BLEC minimum may be online/remote

Graduate Students

Minimum: 2 LEC/BLEC courses (6 credits)
Total: At least 9 credits
Additional credits beyond the LEC/BLEC minimum may be online/remote

Doctoral Students

Minimum: 1 LEC/BLEC course (3 credits)
Total: At least 6 credits
Additional credits beyond the LEC/BLEC minimum may be online/remote

Important Note

Only one online/remote course (OLC, OCLS, BOLC, or FLEX) may count toward the full‑time enrollment requirement each semester for F‑1 and J‑1 students.

ISS Advising and Check-In

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) provides advising on immigration, financial, and personal matters. Students can meet with the ISS Designated School Official (DSO) during designated walk-in hours or virtual appointments. Advising schedules and appointment booking options are available on the ISS website at barry.edu/ISS .

All new international students must attend a mandatory check-in and orientation prior to registration each Fall and Spring semester. In accordance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations, students must present the following documents during check-in:

Valid passport
Valid U.S. F-1 Visa
Most recent I-94 printout
Endorsed Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)

Failure to submit these documents will result in an ISS Hold on the student’s record, preventing course registration.

ISS places an ongoing ISS Hold on each international student's record throughout the duration of their studies. This hold ensures students check in with the ISS office before the start of each required term to confirm that no changes to their immigration or academic record are needed.

Reporting Changes

International students are required to notify ISS within 10 days of any changes to their personal or academic information, including:

Change of address
Change in academic program
Change in financial status
Transfer to another institution, etc.

ISS maintains a complete file for each student, including copies of their I-20 or DS-2019, passport, visa, I-94, and other related documentation.

Employment Eligibility for International Students

F‑1 and J‑1 international students may not engage in off‑campus employment unless they receive prior authorization through an approved immigration category such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or Academic Training (for J‑1 students).

However, international students may work on campus if they meet the conditions below.

On‑Campus Employment Eligibility

Employment must occur on Barry University’s premises and must be offered through:

An official Barry University department (with hiring processed through Human Resources),or
A formal third‑party vendor contracted by Barry University to provide direct services to the campus community (e.g., Dining Hall, bookstore, or other approved service providers).

Students must maintain valid F‑1 or J‑1 status at all times, including continuous full‑time enrollment during required academic terms.
Work hours are limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year and may increase to up to 40 hours per week during official university breaks.

Off‑campus employment without proper authorization is strictly prohibited and is considered a violation of immigration status. Unauthorized employment may result in termination of the student's SEVIS record.

Students experiencing severe, unforeseen economic hardship may request special off‑campus work authorization. These applications must be discussed in advance with an ISS Designated School Official (DSO) and require USCIS approval before employment may begin.

For questions about employment eligibility, CPT/OPT authorization, Academic Training (AT), or hardship-based applications, students should contact the ISS office or visit barry.edu/ISS.

Internship Requirement: Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) defines Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as employment or practical experience that is an integral part of an international student’s established curriculum. CPT may include off‑campus internships, externships, clinical placements, cooperative education (Co‑op), practicums, or other field‑based experiences for which the student receives academic credit through a registered course.

To qualify for CPT, the experience must be:

A required component of the student’s academic degree program, or
An approved experiential learning opportunity offered through a cooperative agreement between Barry University and an employer

International students must receive CPT authorization from the Office of International Student Services (ISS) before beginning any off‑campus internship or work activity.

CPT authorization is issued on page 2 of the Form I‑20 and will list the:

Employer name
Worksite location
Start and end dates
Whether CPT is part‑time or full‑time

Important CPT Guidelines:

Part‑time CPT (20 hours per week or fewer) is permitted during the academic year
Full‑time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) is allowed only:

During official university breaks, or
When full‑time training is explicitly required by the degree program requirement

CPT employment must be directly related to the student’s major field of study
Beginning work before receiving CPT authorization is considered unauthorized employment

This is a serious violation of F‑1 status and may result in termination of the SEVIS record

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with ISS well in advance of their intended internship start date to ensure adequate time for documentation, academic approval, and processing.

For full CPT guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, visit the International Student Services office or website at barry.edu/ISS .

Post-Graduation Employment: Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows eligible F‑1 students to gain practical experience in their major field of study after completing their academic program. OPT is granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and provides up to 12 months of employment authorization after graduation.

Key OPT Guidelines:

OPT must be directly related to the student’s major field of study.
Students may apply for:

Pre‑Completion OPT (before graduation), or
Post‑Completion OPT (after graduation)

Any time authorized for Pre‑Completion OPT is deducted from the overall 12‑month OPT total, reducing available Post‑Completion OPT time.
Most students apply for Post‑Completion OPT during their final semester.
Before submitting an OPT application to USCIS, students must obtain an OPT recommendation from an ISS Designated School Official (DSO).

The student must file their OPT application within 30 days of the DSO recommendation.

USCIS must receive the OPT application:

No earlier than 90 days before the program end date listed on a students I-20, and
No later than 60 days after the program end date

Students should expect 2–3 months for USCIS processing of the OPT application.
Students may not begin employment until:

They have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and
The authorized start date on the EAD has arrived
Starting work early is considered unauthorized employment and can lead to termination of F‑1 status.

STEM OPT Extension (if eligible):

Students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing for up to 36 months of total OPT.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, students must:

Hold a degree in an eligible STEM field listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
Have employment that is directly related to the student’s STEM degree field.

The position must involve duties that require STEM‑level knowledge and skills.

Work for an employer that is enrolled in E‑Verify.
Complete the Form I‑983 STEM Training Plan with the employer.

The employer must provide a detailed training plan that outlines learning objectives, supervision, and how the role enhances the student’s STEM competencies.
The I‑983 must be signed by an official with hiring and training authority within the organization (someone who can legally attest to the training plan and compliance obligations).

Submit the STEM OPT extension application to USCIS before the end of the 12‑month Post‑Completion OPT period.
Ensure that USCIS receives the STEM OPT application:

No earlier than 90 days before, and
No later than the end date of the current OPT period.

Obtain a STEM OPT recommendation on a new I‑20 from an ISS Designated School Official (DSO) before submitting the application to USCIS.

USCIS must receive the STEM OPT application within 30 days of the DSO’s recommendation as indicated on the new I‑20.

Advising and Application Support:

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) provides detailed advising and support throughout the OPT process, including:

Application checklists
Timeline guidance
I-20 recommendations for OPT
STEM OPT extension advising
Reporting requirements during OPT

Students must attend an OPT workshop or meet with an ISS advisor before applying. Visit the International Student Services website at barry.edu/ISS for more information.

Programming Component

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) plays a central role in advancing Barry University’s mission of cultivating a multicultural, inclusive, and globally engaged learning community. Through intentional programming, intercultural events, and immigration education, ISS works to strengthen campus-wide understanding and appreciation of diverse global perspectives.

ISS also acts as a key liaison between Barry’s international students and local, state, and federal agencies—advocating for student needs and ensuring access to accurate guidance on immigration regulations, cultural adjustment, and global engagement opportunities.

Signature Programs and Events Include:

Festival of Nations — Barry’s premier cultural celebration showcasing global traditions, performances, and student communities
Immigration Seminars & Legal Forums — Information sessions covering visa regulations, legal rights, and immigration updates
Employment & Immigration Workshops — Including CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, employment authorization , and “Before You Fly” pre‑departure workshops
Cultural Adjustment & Wellness Workshops — Helping students navigate academic, social, and cultural transitions
ISS-Facilitated Campus Collaborations & Awareness Campaigns — Partnering with departments across campus to promote global citizenship, international education, and inclusive excellence
International Tax Compliance Webinars (in collaboration with Sprintax) — Annual sessions guiding students on U.S. tax obligations, forms, and filing requirements for nonresidents

ISS actively welcomes student input and encourages students to share ideas, questions, and concerns regarding international student life, immigration matters, and meaningful global engagement on campus.

International Tax Compliance

All international students in F‑1 and J‑1 status are required to comply with U.S. federal tax regulations, regardless of whether they earned income during the tax year. The Office of International Student Services (ISS) provides guidance and resources to help students understand and meet their tax filing obligations as nonresident filers.

Tax Filing Requirements for International Students

All F‑1 and J‑1 international students are required to file at least one tax form each year, even if they did not earn income in the United States.

Students with no U.S. income must file IRS Form 8843.

Students who earned U.S.‑based income during the tax year (for example, if they received a W‑2 or 1042‑S) may be required to file additional federal and state tax forms.

Most students with income will file Form 1040‑NR (Nonresident Alien Tax Return).

Tax obligations apply to any portion of the year in which the student was physically present in the United States, regardless of visa status changes, graduation, travel abroad, or employment timelines.

ISS-Supported Tax Resources

ISS partners with Sprintax, a nonresident tax preparation service, to provide students with accurate, up‑to‑date guidance on federal tax filing requirements. Through this partnership, ISS offers:

International Tax Compliance Webinars to explain filing requirements, common mistakes, and the nonresident tax process
Step-by-step walkthroughs on completing required federal forms
Discount codes or access links for students using Sprintax (when available) to file their taxes at no cost
Guidance on how tax compliance intersects with employment authorization, including CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT
Clarification on documents such as W‑2s, 1042‑S forms, Form 1098‑T (and why nonresidents typically do not use it), and Social Security/ITIN requirements

Important Notes About Tax Status

Most international students are considered nonresidents for tax purposes during their first five calendar years in F‑1 or J‑1 student status.
Tax residency is different from immigration status; Sprintax can help explain the distinction and direct students to appropriate resources.
ISS staff are not licensed tax advisors and cannot provide individualized tax preparation, but ISS ensures students have access to accurate, compliant, and university-approved resources.

Where to Get Help

For tax-related questions or to register for a Sprintax webinar, students may contact the ISS office or visit barry.edu/ISS for updated tax information, webinar links, and filing deadlines.