International Students and Scholars

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides immigration information for students with F and J visas through seminars, orientation, individual student appointments, outreach, or other means to inform students of immigration regulations affecting their status. OISS has full-time advisors to assist international students with immigration concerns as well as travel, community resources, cultural adjustment and more.  In addition, this information can be found in the international student handbook which is located on the OISS website www.hpu.edu/oiss.  The OISS website also has many resources, forms, regulations and blogs.  We encourage all international students to review the OISS website.  All international students must comply with all applicable University polices and procedures, including any special requirements as set forth in the international student handbook.

Important Notice to International Students

It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to maintain lawful F-1 and J-1 student status and compliance with all applicable laws and orders, including those related to travel, continued presence, etc. Begin by reading the "Instructions to Students" on page three of the I-20 form for F-1 students, and page two of the DS-2019 form for J-1 students.  By following those instructions, as well as the guidelines listed below, students should be able to maintain lawful F-1 and J-1 student status with little difficulty. International students must maintain lawful student status in order to enjoy the benefits associated with it, such as on-campus employment, practical training, academic training, and the ability to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad. 

1.  Keep I-20 form (for F-1) and DS-2019 form (for J-1) valid at all times. If I-20 and DS-2019 forms will expire before completion of the degree program, the student must apply for an extension by going to OISS at least 30 days prior to expiration.

2. Keep passport valid for at least 6 months into the future. Contact country's consulate or embassy for instructions if need to extend passport while in the U.S. The officials there will provide information of required forms and fees. If required to supply a letter affirming attendance at Hawai’i Pacific University, please request it from the Registrar’s office. 

Maintaining Valid Addresses

It is REQUIRED by federal regulation that F and J international students must provide valid addresses and report a change of address to immigration within 10 days of that change. HPU international students need to log onto MyHPU Portal Account and insert/update addresses. There are two types of addresses international students are required to keep valid throughout their F and J status at HPU:

• Permanent Address (PR) – student’s home country address. Must be a foreign country address.

• SEVIS Domestic (SD) – student’s physical, live-in residence address in Hawai’i

   

Maintain Full-Time Enrollment and Normal Academic Progress towards your Degree or Program

International students are required by U.S. immigration regulations to be registered full-time during the regular fall and spring semesters: 

 International students do not have to be enrolled during summer session UNLESS summer session is the last semester enrolled or starting a new program during the summer session. Full time requirements apply, please see an International Student Advisor to discuss full time requirements during the summer session. 

International students are not permitted to register for any military campus course that is physically located on a military base including hybrid courses (i.e., MCP, MPH, MKB, MHK, MSB, MTR, etc.). 

However, there are some instances where there may be a need to be registered less than full-time. Student must seek less than full-time authorization from the International Student Advisor prior to dropping below full-time status and must be in compliance with all applicable law and orders. Please speak with an International Student Advisor to discuss this matter. To the extent permissible, the reasons below may be considered when requesting less than the full-time status:

• Initial difficulties with the English language

• Initial difficulties with reading requirements

• Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods

• Improper course level placement

• Leave of absence

• Medical reasons

• Final semester with less than a full course load to complete degree requirements.  The last class by itself cannot be an online class.

Students who drops below a full-time registration without OISS prior approval will be considered violating their F-1/J-1 status. Student also need to maintain normal progress toward their degree. The rate of normal progress is the rate at which the average full-time student in your school or department advances toward the degree or program objective. 

Hours, Location and Contact Information
The Office of International Students and Scholars is located at the Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 5A. Students are highly encouraged to email iss@hpu.edu to schedule an appointment. Appointment times are  Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. excluding university holidays . For more information please visit our website at www.hpu.edu/oiss.