Last year, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 2.6 million reports regarding scams, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported $12.5 billion in victim losses.

Unfortunately, anyone can be the target for a scammer, including international students. To increase our collective awareness, we at LewerMark have developed a three-part series to describe known scams and their “red flags”—things you can look for that help identify a scam for what it is (click here for Part 2 ). In Part 3, we will provide advice on protecting yourself from, and reacting to, a scam.

Let’s begin with some well-known scams, so you know what to look out for:

Fake Government Call Scams

This scam preys on international students’ fears. Scammers know many international students may be in a financially difficult position due to the coronavirus pandemic. An international student will receive a call or an email from someone claiming to be from the federal government. The fake government person (the scammer) will say there is a problem with the student’s immigration status and threaten arrest or deportation. The scammer will demand immediate payment to correct the situation by depositing a check or cryptocurrency for a large sum of money.

If you receive a call or email like this, hang up the phone or save the email to report to the authorities, and talk to your international student advisor. Your fellow students likely received a similar call or email. If you are concerned about your visa status or immigration documentation, call the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at (800) 375-5283.

Red Flags: How You Can Tell It Is a Scam

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has developed an infographic and full blog post detailing how to spot these kinds of scams. Warning signals include:

Illegal Chinese Passport Scheme

This scam targets explicitly international students from China. You will receive a phone call from individuals posing as Chinese government officials speaking in Mandarin. They will tell you that you’ve been connected to an illegal passport scheme led by a corrupt government official and that your economic status as a “poor student” provides your motive. In another version of the scam, they will say the student’s bank account has been compromised and is being used for criminal activities. They will go on to tell you that, to prove your innocence, you must send them a copy of your passport and a refundable fee. Even if you ignore them, they may continue to call and threaten you, and may also allege that you must return to China and appear in court. They may even say not to contact friends and family because it will put them in danger as well.

These scammers are very savvy, as they spoof an actual government number and will share photos, documents, and badges supposedly proving they are government officials.

Red Flags:

Online Dating Scams

Everyone gets a little lonely at times, and International students are no exception.  Scammers know millions of people use online dating sites, and they are, too – hiding behind fake profiles. If you have an online love interest asking you for money, that’s a scam. Here’s what to look out for:

Red Flags:

The FTC has provided resources on identifying online dating scams, and here are some of the biggest red flags:

Key Takeaway

Scammers can make you feel scared or uneasy, push you to make a decision too quickly or demand that you part with money or personal information. The important thing to remember is to not react in the moment. Instead, take time to look for red flags that indicate you have been targeted by a scammer. If you are a target, don’t worry — you haven’t done anything wrong and are not in trouble. Simply report your experience to your advisor so they can alert other students to the scam.

In Part 2 of our series, we will look at additional scams and their red flags. In Part 3, we will discuss what you can do to protect yourself, and how to react if you happen to fall victim to a scam.

In Part 1 of our series, we identified three scams, including fake calls/email scams, the “Illegal Chinese Passport Scheme,” and online dating scams. We also described the “red flags”—things you can look for to help identify a scam.

In this post, we will continue to identify some of the most common scams and their red flags. If you’d like to know how students and schools can protect themselves from scams, and how to react if you fall victim to a scam, you can skip straight to Part 3.

For now, let’s continue with some other well-known scams, so you know what to look out for:

Student Housing Scams

A scammer will list a rental for a very low, “too good to be true” price. They may include a lot of detail in the listing, as well as photos. However, if you contact the scammer, they will refuse to show the property for any number of reasons. Instead, they will tell you that you must send a security deposit and/or the first month’s rent via wire transfer in exchange for keys to the rental. In a variation of this scam, scammers will reach out to students regarding housing and will push you to secure a rental by sending money right away. You may also experience similar scams on Craiglist and other online marketplaces.

Red Flags:

OPT Scams

If you are an F-1 visa international student looking to enter an Optional Practical Training (OPT) or work program in the U.S., be careful as you weigh your options and do your research. There are a variety of scams targeting you:

  1. Recently, OPT students have received calls from scammers posing as USCIS or SEVP or ICE officials claiming there is something wrong with your application or asking to verify personal information with you. They may also request payment.
  2. Some students have reported receiving communications that appear to come from reputable companies, usually by phone or email. The scammer will discuss how difficult it is for companies to sponsor international students and will suggest that the student self-sponsor their employment for a “refundable” fee.
  3. Some “official” programs are scams in disguise. These kinds of programs usually communicate very aggressively and won’t provide very many details. They may also verbally offer compensation for your work, but exclude it in the final contract.

All three of the scams listed above will specifically try to target OPT students. Whether they ask for personal information or money or try to force you into a shady contract, they are all disreputable. Your best bet is to hang up and block them from your phone and email.

Red Flags:

Scholarship Scams

Most international students are on extremely tight budgets and need scholarships and grants to help pay for their studies in the U.S. Unfortunately, scammers know this and will prey on students and their parents looking for financial assistance by paying for a service to find scholarships.  Some of these scams will “guarantee” finding a scholarship if you send personal information or money to hold the scholarship.

Red Flags:

“You’ve Won!” Scams

These types of scams are usually conducted via phone or email and claim you have won something, like a lottery or free trip. The catch is, you have to pay some kind of processing fee or taxes to claim your prize. They will typically request either a wire transfer or your bank or credit card information.

Red Flags:

Other Imposter Phone Scams

Scams are widely conducted via telephone and usually feature a scammer posing as an authority figure like a police officer or government official. They will attempt to scare you and may threaten civil action or arrest if you don’t do what they tell you. Typically, they offer to let you off the hook if you send money in the form of a wire transfer or gift cards.

Some scam callers will get even more creative and will pretend to know someone you know or claim to be the friend-of-a-friend. The caller will usually claim your “mutual friend” is in trouble and needs money. For instance, they may say your friend has been arrested and needs money for bail. Again, they will want you to send this money to them (not your real friend) in the form of wire transfers or gift cards.

Red Flags:

Key Takeaway

Being caught in a scam can make you feel scared or uneasy. Scammers will try to push you to decide without all the information or demand that you part with personal information or money. Remember, it’s important not to react in the moment. Step back from the situation, take a deep breath, and see if there are any red flags present. If there are, don’t worry. You haven’t done anything wrong. As with any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, report your experience to your advisor. They can help you and alert other students to the scam.

In Part 3, we will discuss what you can do to protect yourself, and how to react if you happen to fall victim to a scam. If you’d like to review the other scams we’ve identified, click here to return to Part 1.

This blog is the final post in our three-part series about scams targeting international students who, like everyone else, can be a victim of identity theft, fraud, or another type of loss. It is the uncertainty of being in a country far from home that makes international students susceptible to these criminals. It’s important to be aware of common scams, and we’ve listed several, as well as their red flags, in Part 1 and Part 2 of our series.

Today, we’ll be looking at how students can take preventative measures to avoid scams, how schools can help protect their students, and how to help when a student falls victim to a scam.

What Students Can Do to Protect Themselves

Protecting yourself from a scam is mostly about taking preventative measures. Everyone, including international students, can easily protect themselves by taking simple precautions like not answering phone calls from unknown numbers, not answering the door if it’s someone they don’t know, and not opening or replying to phishy emails.

If students find themselves on the phone with someone they don’t know, they should never give away any personal information. A scammer may request their social security number, bank or credit card information, or other pieces of personal information. Students shouldn’t give any of it away. If they feel comfortable doing so, they can try to collect more information from them and report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and/or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Both the IC3 and the FTC work to catch scammers and help return lost money to victims.

Finally, international students should understand their rights. Everyone in America, even non-citizens, have rights under the U.S. Constitution. If someone claiming to be a government official or census worker shows up at their door, they are not required to answer or let them in unless they have a signed warrant. If students are unsure about how to react to someone knocking at their door, they can print the ILRC Red Card for quick reference.

What Schools Can Do to Protect Students

Schools can make a big difference by helping students understand scams, red flags, and how to protect themselves. Begin at orientation and continue educating international students throughout the year with materials like handouts, e-newsletters, social media posts, group chats, videos (like this one from UC Davis).

Colleges and universities should consider creating a dedicated webpage warning about scams that international students can easily bookmark and reference. Be sure to include common scams, highlighting scams that have occurred on-campus recently, and list red flags and suggested action items.

Make sure students know they can talk to you about anything, even (and especially) if they have feelings of fear, anxiety or shame. Stressing the normalcy of scams can help to break the stigma.

What to Do if a Student Falls Victim

Millions of people are caught up in a scam every year. If a student, international or otherwise, reports a scam, remember that they may feel scared, frustrated, or ashamed. Before you take any action, take time to comfort the student and let them know there are steps they can take to remedy the situation.

First, make sure the student ends all contact with the scammer. If they need help, assist them with blocking the scammer’s number on their phone and deleting and blocking emails from the scammer. Also, make sure the student has stopped sending money.

Next, it’s time to reach out for help. If the student gave away bank or credit card information, help them contact the fraud or complaint center for their institution. Banks and credit card companies already have processes in place to change account numbers, replace compromised cards, and possibly help them get their money back. If the student is a victim of identity fraud, be sure to help them recover by following steps on the FTC’s website and filing a report with the local police department.

And of course, be sure to share scam information with campus police, resident life staff, the Dean of Students, and your city police department—especially if a student lost money. If the student hasn’t already reported their scam, be sure to help them file a report with IC3 and/or the FTC.

Key Takeaway

There are a lot of ways students can protect themselves from falling victim to a scam, and schools can both educate students and help them recover if they fall victim. Unfortunately, scams are increasingly common. The good news is, our banks and credit card companies, as well as our government agencies, are prepared to help fight back and lessen the loss. Last year alone, the IC3 recovered 71% of reported losses, amounting to more than $538 million, and the FTC is stepping up its efforts to protect the public.

Scams are an unfortunate part of life today, but international students and their schools can work together to limit their effects through preventative caution and shared awareness.

Summer is passing by quickly and many international students may be revisiting the possibility of completing their college education in the United States. The coming semester could be an opportune time to study abroad. The draw to study in the U.S. remains strong, and the timely vaccine rollout means many colleges and universities are reopening in Fall 2021 for the full on-campus experience.

Students who wish to complete a degree in the USA, need to apply for and obtain the proper visa.

 

What visa is needed to study in the USA?

An F-1 visa is a student visa that allows international students to live and study in the U.S. temporarily. This is the correct visa type for any student who is college- or university-bound, whether they will be coming alone or bringing a spouse and dependent children with them. F-1 visa students can work on campus while in the U.S. but hours are limited and working off-campus requires planning and authorization.

Once a student confirms studying at an American university is the right choice, they will need to complete 5 steps to obtain an F-1 visa. These visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of a program’s start date, and it is highly recommended to begin the process early.

 

1. Get Accepted to an SEVP Approved School

Before applying for an F-1 visa, students will need to prove they have been accepted by an institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). International students can find approved institutions by using the school search webpage.

Once an approved institution has been selected, international students will need to follow the school’s admissions process, which will be handled by the school’s own admissions personnel.

 

2. Pay the SEVIS Fee and Receive A Form I-20

When an international student is accepted by a U.S. college or university, a Designated School Official (DSO) will enter their information into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students will need to pay a fee—$350 for most students—which directly supports the SEVP. They will then be issued a Form I-20, which is their Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. This form is a student’s ticket to apply for the F-1 visa.

 

3. Apply for an F-1 Visa

With Form I-20 in hand, an international student can then locate their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and begin the F-1 visa application. The process can differ slightly between embassies, but every student will be required to fill out a Form DS-160.

 

4. Complete Form DS-160

Form DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. This is a detailed form that requires photo identification, so students should set aside plenty of time to ensure it is filled out completely and correctly. The U.S. Department of State provides abundant resources for students filling out a Form DS-160, including a Frequently Asked Questions webpage and a webpage detailing photo requirements. Students who have additional questions can also reach out to their DSO for help.

 

5. Schedule an Interview

When a student’s Form DS-160 is complete, they are ready to schedule an interview. Students should interview at an embassy or consulate in their country of residence to avoid complications. Interview wait times can vary, but students can stay informed by using the Visa Appointment Wait Time webpage. Prior to interviewing, students will need to pay a $160 application processing fee. Some students may also need to pay an issuance fee, but only after their F-1 visa application is accepted.

 

6. (Bonus!) Find Quality Health Insurance

Covid-19 vaccines are quieting a lot of fears, but health insurance for F-1 students is still a necessary precaution. From routine doctors’ appointments and prescription medication to unexpected hospital visits and emergency coverage, a plan from LewerMark will keep students safe and healthy during their time in the States. Take time to understand what health insurance plans are offered at your school and feel free to ask many questions about how it works.

 

Key Takeaway

Getting the full U.S. college experience is a real possibility for international students again, and those looking to enroll in Fall 2021 should follow these five steps to keep their F-1 application moving. But an F-1 visa isn’t all they’ll need. Students can continue to prioritize their health by finding a quality health insurance plan built just for them.

 

A Resource Students Can Share

Last year brought about a worldwide pandemic and a host of anti-immigrant legal changes to the U.S. This year is treating students to unprecedented processing delays and still more legal changes. It’s no wonder many international students are beginning to doubt their futures here.

But before current international students in the U.S. book their flights home, students should consider the long-term. Opportunity still knocks, especially for students looking to graduate this spring. Work experience will always be valuable, and the OPT program remains open to those looking to step confidently onto their career path in the U.S.

 

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT), allows international students to gain on-the-job experience in their field of study. Eligible F-1 visa students qualify for 12 months of OPT, which they can use either before or after graduation. Most will choose post-completion OPT and are able to provide an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) showing start and end dates corresponding to their period of legal employment in their major field of study. However, students who receive a qualifying bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a STEM field can take an additional 24-month extension through the STEM OPT program. For both programs, international students must graduate from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institution.

In recent years, OPT has become an even more popular option than the H-1B visa program. Unlike H-1B visas, the OPT program doesn’t require employer sponsorship, nor does it cap the maximum number of participants. For further reading, we recommend this FAQ page from the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students.

 

Who is Eligible for OPT?

Besides attending or graduating from a SEVP-certified institution, international students who want to apply for OPT must meet the following criteria:

  1. They have completed a minimum of one academic year as a full-time student by the requested OPT start date AND
  2. They maintain a valid F-1 status during the application process AND
  3. They have not previously completed OPT time at the same degree level.

 

What is the Biggest Challenge for OPT Applicants?

The biggest challenge for applicants today is something they have no control over: long processing times.

In January of 2021, USCIS issued an alert indicating the large number of applications received, combined with an overwhelmed postal service and restrictions related to the COVID pandemic, are causing significant delays, especially for F-1 students filing for Employment Authorization.  As of early 2021, students are waiting 4 to 8 weeks for a receipt, and applications are taking anywhere from 3 to 8 months to process.

It is important to remember that these processing delays will not impact the received date, which is postmarked on all applications on the day of their arrival at the lockbox. Lockbox processing times can be found at any time on this USCIS webpage. The USCIS recommends waiting a minimum of 8 weeks before contacting them regarding an OPT case.

 

How Does OPT Benefit International Students?

As many international students take to Twitter to vent their frustrations, others may be left questioning whether the OPT program is even a good fit for them anymore. This is a huge shift in mindset, especially since a 2017 survey showed 73% of students chose to study in the United States because of the opportunity to gain U.S. work experience.

While these delays can be both stressful and scary, there are still a lot of upsides to the OPT program to remember:

  1. Students can use the OPT program to extend their stay in the U.S.
  2. Students can gain paid (or unpaid) experience in their field of study.
  3. Students can negotiate a more permanent job with employers willing to sponsor work visas.
  4. Students in the OPT program pay less in taxes than those with an H-1B visa.

 

When Should an International Student Apply for OPT?

The OPT timeline varies according to the type of extension you will be filing for:

  1. Students filing for pre-completion OPT may apply up to 90 days before completing their full academic year, but only after their designated school official (DSO) enters the recommendation into their SEVIS record. Remember, the OPT cannot begin until after the full academic year has been completed.
  2. Students filing for post-completion OPT may apply up to 90 days before and 60 days after completing their degree, and must do so within 30 days of their DSO entering the recommendation into their SEVIS record.
  3. Students filing for the STEM extension may apply up to 90 days before their current OPT program expires, and must do so within 60 days of their DSO entering the recommendation into their SEVIS record.

International students can use this OPT timeline calculator to calculate their grace period and recommended OPT start date based on their current academic program. Students can also use this timeline as a visual reference:

How Does an International Student Complete Their OPT Application?

As international students close in on Spring 2021 graduation, now is a great time to discuss OPT with their advisors. If OPT is the right option, the DSO begins the application process by endorsing Form I‑20 (Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) and recommending the student for OPT in SEVIS.

Students need to complete Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS), supply the required documentation, and pay the $410 filing fee before their deadline. Students can access detailed instructions on the USCIS website (under “Forms and Document Downloads”) and reach out to their advisors with questions. Once the application is submitted, students can track its progress at the USCIS Case Status webpage using their receipt number.

How Does an International Student Remain Insured When Transitioning to OPT?

As international students move forward with their OPT applications, it is important to have a conversation about health insurance. Many students may not realize that their F-1 health insurance will expire when their time as a full-time student comes to an end. And even if they begin their OPT the day after graduation, many companies enforce a waiting period where new hires remain uninsured for 30 to 90 days. The problem is, students still need coverage and protection during this gap. Going uninsured in the U.S. is highly risky and could result in hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in medical bills.

The solution is OPT health insurance from Lewerglobal. Our plans are built specifically for international students, and the OPT plan is built especially for this gap in coverage. If you have questions or want to discuss OPT health insurance in more detail, you can contact us via email and live chat on our website.

 

Key Takeaway

While legal changes and delays have been making trouble for international students, OPT remains a highly valuable opportunity. As the situation progresses, we are hopeful that students will still choose to move forward with OPT, knowing Lewerglobal OPT Health Insurance has them covered.

 

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader; The Lewer Companies does not recommend or endorse the contents of third-party sites. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and website authors, contributors, or committee members and their respective employees.

Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to a close. As we wrap up the month, we here at LewerMark want to make sure our students and schools know that we’re here to support them. We hope this blog proves to be a helpful tool for advisors working to guide and aid their students. Please also check out our blog about processing grief here.

 

According to a recent Chegg survey, 56% of undergraduate students around the world say their mental health has suffered due to Covid-19. This likely comes as no surprise to school administrators, considering the stress of the last two semesters. But what may cause some surprise—and concern—is a recent University of Hong Kong survey that indicated a whopping 84% of international students reported moderate to high levels of stress. In addition, students who stayed in the host country experienced significantly higher levels of stress than those who went home.

This can be a difficult issue for schools to tackle. Many cultures around the world still stigmatize depression and anxiety, which will cause many students to suffer in silence rather than seek help. Even those students who do want help often don’t know where to turn, since international students are usually less aware of available services and support.

It is up to schools to support their international students who are more susceptible to mental health issues, perhaps now more than ever. Schools and advisors can care for their students by watching for signs of mental health distress, bridging the gap between students and mental health services, and communicating clearly as the pandemic drags on.

 

Watch for Signs

Justin Chen, the co-founder of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Cross-Cultural Student Emotional Wellness and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard University, spoke at a recent NAFSA conference and described signs that can indicate a student is struggling. Those signs include:

 

Bridge the Gap

If a student is showing signs of a mental health struggle, advisors can bridge the gap between the student and the services they need. Sometimes students just need someone to talk to and care about how they’re doing. Other times, students may need help finding a trained counselor and making the call. Advisors can provide a referral or, if resources exist, can direct the student to a counselor who comes from a similar cultural background or who speaks their native language. In bridging the gap, advisors may also need to break down preconceptions and stigmas and assure students that their counseling is confidential and won’t affect their transcript or visa status.

 

Communicate Clearly in Crisis

In the first months of the pandemic, international students were particularly stressed by the ever-changing news and sometimes contradictory messages they received. They were far from home in the middle of a pandemic, working to overcome language barriers, and trying to navigate difficult questions like whether or not they should travel back home and whether or not they would be allowed to continue or complete their degree programs. In addition, there were questions about visa status, graduate and OPT work, and financial support for non-citizens. For some students, these are questions that haven’t been fully answered yet.

So, while vaccines are providing a great deal of hope for the return to normalcy, crisis communications are still ongoing and must be done purposefully. Communication expert Paul Argenti spoke to Harvard Business Review and recommends creating and maintaining a stable team of five to seven people, including representatives from the leadership team, corporate communications, HR, and a medical expert. This team should:

  1. Meet regularly to monitor the situation.
  2. Be the main source of information about the crisis.
  3. Give regular updates.
  4. Be as transparent as possible. Explain what they know, what they don’t know, and provide their sources of information.
  5. Be succinct.

The goal is to communicate with students, especially the international student body, in a way that is calm, proactive, knowledgeable, and transparent. This kind of communication lessens mental stress and tells students where to go for help in a crisis.

 

Key Takeaway

COVID-19 has caused everyone a lot of stress and has hit international students especially hard. Schools can care for their students’ mental health by watching for signs, bridging the gap between international students and the services they need, and communicating clearly as the crisis continues. Contact LewerMark to learn how our unique partnership with LifeWorks and their cutting-edge mental health support system, My SSP (Student Support Program) can help you support your students.

 

Please note, effective May 14, 2021, Morneau Shepell Inc., a leading provider of technology-enabled total wellbeing solutions, has rebranded to LifeWorks Inc.  The rebrand initiates a new chapter for the company and supports the organization’s commitment to delivering a continuum of care that improves lives on a global scale.  Combining technology and talent, LifeWorks provides personalized, digital health solutions that feature the level of support students need, when and how they need it.  The LifeWorks name was selected following an in-depth name evaluation process and extensive market research with clients and prospects in Canada, United States, United Kingdom and Australia to unify the company under one brand, while continuing to be the same trusted partner they have always been.  My SSP (Student Support Program) by LifeWorks provides 24/7 access to mental health and wellbeing support for both domestic and international post-secondary students through app-based technology.  Students may access live counseling support for short-term needs through telephone or text chat (app or web), or they may elect to schedule counseling support over one or more sessions.  My SSP provides guaranteed access to counseling support in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese 24/7, plus students may request many other languages for support for scheduled sessions.  Students may also request lived-experience counselor matching should they wish to be paired with a counselor or a certain faith, gender, religion, ethnicity…etc.  For more information on My SSP, please visit https://myssp.app.

 

As states continue to take up new legalization measures, marijuana has quickly become a major issue for U.S. voters. In spite of these new and quickly changing state laws, federal marijuana laws remained unchanged. The disconnect between federal and state laws—and even the varying laws among the states—can leave international students confused.

In fact, as of this writing, states fall into five different categories regarding their marijuana laws:

 

Source: DISA Global Solutions

 

The most important thing for international students and all noncitizens* to realize is that these various state laws do not apply to them because marijuana is still a federal controlled substance. To use or possess marijuana in any form—and even to work in the legal cannabis industry—is still a crime for noncitizens and could have damaging effects on the college careers of international students.

*For the purposes of this article, “noncitizens” is defined as anyone with an immigration status other than U.S. citizenship, including lawful permanent residents, refugees and asylees, and people with temporary visas or forms of protection.

Prepare International Students for Questioning

When entering the U.S., international students may face questions related to marijuana. For example, immigration officials may ask if they used marijuana back home and whether or not they plan to continue using it during their stay in the U.S. If a student answers “yes” to either question, they may not be allowed to enter the country.

And the questions may not stop there. Even once an international student is through the gates, local authorities may still stop and question them regarding marijuana. Being approached by an officer can make anyone nervous, but this is especially true if a language barrier is present or if the student is unfamiliar with U.S. laws. International students should remember that they do have rights, including the right to remain silent and to choose to speak to an attorney before answering the official’s questions.

It is also important to warn international students to clear their texts, messages, emails, and social media accounts of anything remotely related to marijuana before their arrival.

Help International Students Avoid CBD Products

As medical and recreational marijuana are legalized, the related product offerings for consumers are increasing exponentially. It is important for international students to realize that avoiding leafy greens and buds is not enough to protect them from federal marijuana laws.

For example, a Canadian woman was recently refused entry and subsequently banned from the U.S. because she had Cannabidiol (CBD) oil in her backpack. CBD alone cannot cause a high and is used primarily for medicinal purposes, and some doctors may recommend CBD as part of a treatment plan. However, international students should be warned not to accept CBD products, even if recommended by their doctor, until they receive legal counsel. Similarly, students should avoid any consumer products containing CBD, which can be found mostly in health and beauty products.

In addition, CBD is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (with the exception of one prescription seizure medication), and there are still many unanswered questions regarding its use and side effects.

 

Emphasize Caution to International Students

State marijuana laws are in flux, but federal laws are not. The Immigrant Resource Legal Center (IRLC) continues to recommend extreme caution for international students, who should not allow themselves to be linked to marijuana (or CBD) in any way. This includes never carrying marijuana or CBD products, a medical marijuana card, or paraphernalia like a pipe. Clothing and accessories with a marijuana graphic should be avoided, and international students should not discuss marijuana in texts, emails, or social media.

In addition, international students should not take jobs within the cannabis industry or jobs that require them to handle marijuana or CBD products.

 

Key Takeaway

At present, it would serve international students to ignore the noise surrounding marijuana laws in the U.S. While federal laws remain unchanged, students should avoid the drug in all its forms, understand their rights, and exercise great caution when it comes to marijuana-related consumer products.

 

 

 

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader; The Lewer Companies does not recommend or endorse the contents of third-party sites. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and website authors, contributors, or committee members and their respective employees.

 

Below are our 10 most valuable tips on being prepared to secure a quick turnaround visa:

1.   Complete the visa application Form DS-160 and pay the fee

Completing Form DS-160 is the first step to being prepared for a quick turnaround visa. These forms can be submitted at the U.S. embassy in your home country or online. For help on filling out the form correctly and how to pay the fee, visit the U.S. Department of State’s student visa page and find instructions on your embassy’s website. Some embassies also provide YouTube explainer videos.

2.   Schedule your visa interview

You will need to schedule an in-person interview at your local embassy. Even under normal circumstances, wait times can vary, so expect some delay. You may be able to expedite your interview in order to meet your school’s start date. The process for requesting an expedited interview can vary, so refer to your local embassy’s website and be ready to provide proof of your school’s start date.

3.   Prepare answers to common questions

The F Visa is a non-immigrant student visa. It is designed to temporarily allow citizens of other countries to study in the USA. You should authentically have a study plan to apply for this visa. The interview will include questions about your goals for studying abroad, your reasons for wanting to study in the U.S., and your ties to your home country. It’s important to have a few brief key points ready in answer to these questions, and not to prepare speeches. You must reflect on the reason you want to study in the USA. This is a student visa and it not just a step to a job here or a way to be closer to a loved one. For instance, when asked about ties to your home country, you don’t want to give a memorized recital about your childhood. Instead, you will want to quickly discuss your family’s part in your study plan and how your goal is graduating with skills that allow you to return to your country, listing out larger career goals or any job prospects in your home country.

4.   Practice your English and be relaxed

Your visa interview will likely be conducted in English, not in your native language, so it’s a great idea to practice conversational English beforehand. If you can, practice with a native speaker, but in times of social distancing and isolation, that might be difficult. You can also pick up on conversational English through TV shows and movies, music lyrics, and books—or through a language app like Babbel or Duolingo. Please note that this interview should be treated like a dentist appointment: professional and something that is routine. Flattery is not needed, and big stories are not welcome. Be pleasant and fact-based.

5.   Compile your personal information

When you go to your interview, you may be told you only need your application and appointment letter. However, it is recommended that you bring a binder or partitioned folder where you can quickly and easily access any potentially-necessary documentation. Remember, the goal is to make this process as fast and easy as possible. At least you should bring the following documentation in case the officer wants to see it:

6.   Bring your education documentation

The officer at your interview may also request to see documents regarding your previous education. If you have previously completed degree programs, refer to this more exhaustive list of documentation requirements. Otherwise, at a minimum, bring these with you:

7.   Have your financial documents in order

Lastly, in your binder or folder, bring financial documents that prove your ability (or your parent’s ability) to cover your monetary needs during your time abroad. You can refer to this more exhaustive list, but bring the following at a minimum:

8.   Arrive at your interview early

If you must travel to the consulate or embassy from your hometown using public transportation, it is best to arrive the day before to account for travel delays. Also, we know arriving early only to wait around can be boring, but it’s important to have time to find the location of your interview, settle into your surroundings, and review your interview answers one last time. You don’t want to miss your appointment and rushing in frazzled won’t do you any good. It can also be a bad first impression.

9.   Dress professionally

You’re attending an interview, so it’s sensible to dress like it. Don’t wear anything too casual, like sweats or athleisure clothing, and don’t get too fancy or flashy. It’s best to dress in office apparel. If you have an outfit in mind, you can check it against this full list of dos and don’ts.

10.   Stay Positive

It’s easy to get nervous in an interview setting, but remember, this is just one hurdle to get over, and your incredible study abroad experience is on the other side. Be prepared, be positive, be confident, and you’ll have a successful interview.

Key Takeaway

Securing a visa and attending an interview can feel like daunting tasks, but follow these ten tips and you’ll be ready to sail through the process. Remember to check in regularly with your local embassy or consulate so that you can snag an early appointment and check this to-do off your list. You can track your case status using the links on the Non-immigrant visa page of your US embassy or Consulate.

Amidst this turbulent time, we would like to take a moment to recognize important causes that may receive less attention than warranted. At LewerMark, one such cause that we’re very passionate about occurs each April: Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

There’s a scary truth that we must confront about life on college campuses. One report states 11% of all students will experience sexual assault on campus. Statistics show that while 1 in 5 female students will experience sexual assault on campus, male students are 78% more likely to experience sexual assault while in college versus at other times in their lives. Awareness of sexual assault is increasing, and colleges and universities are increasingly promoting healthy relationships and campus safety through sexual misconduct prevention training.

While campus-wide training is a must, many of these programs do not consider the unique needs, cultures, and religious beliefs of international students. American relationship etiquette that we take for granted will be completely foreign to some students, and many will require greater context and plainer language to grasp the lessons. It is vital we don’t ignore these needs—international students are at an increased risk for experiencing sexual misconduct ​due to their perceived vulnerability.

So, even while international students may participate in campus-wide sexual misconduct prevention training, we encourage you to share the following resources with them, which are in plain, easy-to-understand language:

 

 

What Does a Healthy Relationship Look Like?

International students may have incredibly different expectations for relationships than Americans. This doesn’t mean that an international student’s expectations are automatically bad or wrong, but it does means that they may have to adjust their behavior to be safe while in the U.S. Let’s start by defining what a healthy relationship is in American culture. A healthy relationship should have mutual respect, trust, honesty, support, fairness, and good communication.

 

Healthy Relationship

If you are in a healthy relationship, the following statements will be true:

If some of those statements are not true, it exposes an unhealthy relationship. All relationships require ongoing effort and compassion for your partner; however, even if only a couple of the statements above are not true, there are unhealthy issues that need to be addressed.

 

 

Unhealthy Relationship

When Does an Unhealthy Relationship Become Illegal?

Now that we have properly defined a healthy relationship, we can do a ‘relationship test’ to know if it is healthy or not. If a relationship is unhealthy, one or both partners’ actions may be illegal in the U.S. There are many ways a person can cause illegal harm to their partner, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. For the purposes of this blog, we are specifically focusing on illegal sexual harm:

  1. Sexual misconduct is any inappropriate action or behavior where consent is not informed or freely given. Sexual misconduct can occur between strangers, people who know each other, and current or former partners​.
  2. Sexual assault is actual or attempted sexual contact without consent, including rape.​ Sexual assault can also occur between strangers, people who know each other, and current or former partners​. 

The key word in our definitions is consent. Understanding consent is simple. It means that you have a person’s permission before and during a sexual act​. It is extremely important to understand that consent can be revoked at any time during sexual interaction. There should be clear and ongoing communication between sexual partners. If either party does not consent, or give their verbal permission, then the sexual act is illegal. If consent has been given initially but is then revoked by one person during sex and the partner does not stop, then the sexual act becomes illegal. This includes the following conditions:

 

 

Say no

How to Say “No”

The act of saying “no,” and even the right to say “no,” may be a new concept for international students. First, make sure to understand that you have the right to say “no” to anyone at any time for any reason if that person acts or behaves towards you in a way that makes you uncomfortable or asks you to perform a sexual act you do not want to do.

If you are not sure how to say “No,” there are three different yet effective approaches you can use:

  1. Start with a caring introduction: “Thanks for asking, but…”​
  2. Say the actual no: “No, that’s alright.”​
  3. End with a final or decision statement: “How about…”​

Even if you do not say “no” out loud, there are many non-verbal ways to communicate consent is not given, including silence​, crying​, and body language like squirming, turning away, stiffness, and shaking.

 

 

Bystandard

What to Do as a Bystander

If you see someone who is uncomfortable because of how someone else is acting or behaving toward them, it is ok to want to help them but not to be sure exactly what you should do. Consider helping in one of three ways:

  1. Alert someone else of the situation, like a security guard​, friend​, or bartender​.
  2. Speak directly to the people involved. For instance, ask the person who looks uncomfortable if they are okay and need help or tell the person who is acting inappropriately that their actions are not okay, and they need to stop.
  3. Shift their attention from the current situation by asking a simple question like, “Can you take a pic of my friends and me?​” or “What time is it?​” or “Where is the bathroom?​”

Role-playing specific scenarios can help improve your comfort and ability to react as a bystander (for example, what to do if you see something in a dorm, at a house party, at a bar, on campus late at night in a common area, etc.)

 

 

Key Takeaway

Healthy, safe relationships are for everyone, including you! Some unhealthy relationship issues, including sexual misconduct and assault, are illegal in the U.S. Physical, verbal and emotional abuse of a partner in a relationship are also illegal in the U.S. As a group at increased risk of experiencing sexual misconduct and assault, international students should be educated about cultural norms in the U.S., their individual rights, and how to react in uncomfortable situations.

If you would like additional resources, please reach out to LewerMark. We would love to share learning material for both students and advisors.

 

 

Coming to America: An International Student Perspective

The first time someone hears my accent, they immediately start a guessing game. “Are you from England?” The next one often is,“Are you from Down Under?” “A Kiwi perhaps?”

No, I’m from South Africa.

“Oh?” Eyebrows shoot up and a pause always follows. “But you’re white!”

Yes. Over the years, I’ve gotten really good at smiling sarcastically.

What usually follows is a series of “interesting” questions. No, we don’t ride elephants to work. No, we don’t have chimpanzees as pets. Yes, we speak English. Do you?

I confess, sometimes I have fun with it. I did tell someone that all South Africans know how to climb lamp posts to avoid lions in the streets. I know. I’m sorry. Please don’t judge me.

People’s perceptions are interesting to me. Having been an international student, I know I have a unique perspective concerning the challenges they face. I attended both a community college and a four-year university.

 

What it means to be from South Africa

South Africa has a population of 58 million people, almost the same size as United Kingdom (66 million). I’m from the town of Bloemfontein, a tight-knit community of 250,000 people located 250 miles south of Johannesburg. I like to think of Bloemfontein as a “large” small town since it seems like it is impossible not to run into someone you know while out and about.

The South African school system is quite different from America’s. It is based on your home language of either English or Afrikaans, and whether or not your parents want you to be in a co-ed school or not. I chose an English-based, all-girls school. Regardless of which school you attended, school fees are relatively expensive and school uniforms are a must.

Friday nights are spent hanging out at the mall with your friends or going over to their house for a braai (what Americans call a barbecue). Early Saturday mornings are typically reserved for the “boere” (farmers) market to purchase local produce and enjoy the most delicious pancakes (known elsewhere as crepes), followed by a couple of afternoon beers with your friends and family while watching a rugby or cricket match. Nights usually end with a braai or by venturing out to our only block that has three or four bars to choose from. Sundays almost always start with attending church service, followed by going to our favorite coffee shops for a cup and a tasty pastry or slice of cake.

 

My Perspective of America Before Coming Here

After graduating high school at the age of 17, I chose to forego the “straight to university” route and work as an intern. After a couple of months, I rudely realized hospitality management wasn’t for me. Knowing my career uncertainty, my aunt suggested I move to the United States and stay with her in Kansas. Of course, after seeing American movies portraying college life, I eagerly anticipated joining a sorority, participating in American football-filled weekends, and hailing a taxi to bustling places I needed to go. I applied for a visa and to attend Johnson County Community College, located in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas. I got accepted, and a couple of months later, I packed my bags and boarded my first airplane.

I imagined America in full “Hollywood” view; big tall buildings, expansive city parks like Central Park, brick façade apartments with fire escapes like the ones in the sitcom “Friends,” and a Starbucks on every corner (at least that part was true). I was excited to shop at Whole Foods, walk down the busy streets with my Starbucks in hand, and catch the subway to somewhere new.

I opened the window shade on the airplane and reality shone in the cabin. I saw…cornfields. Lots and lots of cornfields.

 

Experiencing Almost Immediate Culture Shock

I arrived in the middle of summer (July 2nd to be exact) and culture shock hit me hard as I stepped off the airplane. Thick humidity snatched my breath away. Then, on the way to my aunt and uncle’s house from the airport, they took me to my first American store—Cabela’s. It was far from what I had pictured in my mind, but my excitement to be in America was still at an all-time high.

Days later, culture shock really sat in. There were times where I struggled to understand the Midwestern accent. I also had to remind myself which side of the road to drive on, (I still do).

Portion sizes of food and movie popcorn baffle me to this day, as well as the endless soda refills. For comparison, in South Africa, a large popcorn is the equivalent to a medium in the United States. And, eating out was more of a weekend activity before moving to the United States. Also, the taste of food was very different than what I was used to.

Even something as simple as greeting one another in the States took some getting used to. For example, Americans say, “Hey! How are you?” as a greeting. In South Africa, if you ask someone how they are, you opened the door to a quick conversation about someone’s physical well-being. Having access to Wi-Fi 24/7 was another strange concept. In South Africa, the only time you are connected to Wi-Fi is either at home or at work.

Additionally, going to a coffee shop and having a beverage with friends has a different meaning in the States. There are multiple unique coffee shops to choose from in South Africa, not a handful of massive chain stores. Grabbing a drink after work to watch the sunset on a patio at a bar happens more often than not. We even have a name for it: “sundowners.”  In the United States, happy hours are reserved for a Friday night if we get off of work early enough, otherwise working on the weekends has become all too familiar. There are still times where I catch myself explaining to others what I mean when I say a certain phrase or when an American needs to explain to me that the Super Bowl is more than just a concert that centers around a football game.

But one of the biggest cultural shock moments happened when I first used the American healthcare system. In this experience I learned how a careless healthcare selection could change my life from good, to bad, to real ugly…then back to good!

Click here to view my story. 

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