Exceptions include students who are inISEPorSACMas such programs provide insurance coverage
Students may access their health insurance card by visitingLewerMark Student Health Insurance. From this page, students should select “Print Your ID Card.” The Student ID number on this page is the student’s ID number S00…; however, students must submit the S with a 0. The password should be the password the international student has already set, unless it is the first time using the website. In that case, the password is the student’s birthday in the format mmddyyyy.
For specific questions about LewerMark student health insurance, students should contact 1-800-821-7710. If students have questions about their bill, they should contact the Bursar Office atbursar@mssu.edu, 417-625-9381, or visit its staff in Hearnes Hall 105.
Degree seeking students should enroll with their respective academic advisor
If international students have taken the Michigan English Test during international orientation, they should enroll with Aaron Carmichael, Director of the Intensive English Program. Aaron Carmichael may be contacted viacarmichael-a@mssu.edu, 417-625-9573, or in-person in Webster Hall 343.
If international students are exchange or visiting students and were not required to take the Michigan English Test during international orientation, they should enroll with Dr. Chad Stebbins, Director of the Institute of International Studies. Dr. Stebbins may be contacted viastebbins-c@mssu.edu, 417-625-9736, or in-person in Webster Hall 337.
Immigration regulations require international students to enroll in at least 12 credit hours, 9 of which must be face-to-face credit hours (as opposed to online only)
Common letters international students request from International Student Services Coordinator
Obtaining a driver’s license Provide address to DMV: Joplin License Office 1110 E 7th St #6, Joplin, MO 64801 417-623-9700
Getting a social security number Provide address to social security office: Social Security Administration 4102 S Arizona Ave, Joplin, MO 64804 800-772-1213
CPT should be used to meet academic requirements. CPT is academic in nature; it is not to be used for any other reason and directly relates to your major of study.
Each semester international students must meet with the International Student Services Coordinator once they’ve enrolled in their internship class to receive their update I-20.
Internship dates should align with each academic semester of your internship course.
CPT is an opportunity that allows international students to work either on- or off-campus to complete an academic related course such as an internship or practicum that helps them progress towards the completion of their degree.
Attached is theCPT applicationthat must be completed by the student’s academic advisor.
CPT may be paid or unpaid, depending on your academic department and your career field.
If CPT is paid, International students are not allowed to work until they have an official job offer notice and receive their social security card.
International students must meet with the International Student Services Coordinator when they want to apply for OPT
OPT is an opportunity that allows international students to extend their stay in the United States for an additional year (or up to three years for students in a STEM degree program)
OPT is an opportunity that allows international students to work either on- or off-campus after their graduation in a field directly related to the degree they earned
International students may apply for OPT within 90 days prior to their graduation or up to 60 days after their graduation
International students approved for OPT are not allowed to work until they receive theirEmployment Authorization Documentcard and social security card
Check or money order for $410 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (do NOT use initials USDHS or DHS)
OPT Application and supporting documents will be mailed to the following address via USPS:
USCIS Chicago Lockbox Attn: I-765 CO3 P.O. Box 805373 Chicago, IL 60680-5374
After OPT Application is approved and international student has accepted a job offer, they must report the following information to the International Student Services Coordinator:
Official Job Offer
Employer Name
Employer EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Job Title
Start Date
End Date
Full time/Part time
Address
Supervisor’s Name
Telephone Number
Email Address
Job Description (must show proof job description relates to degree earned)
STEM OPT Extension Request
International students who graduated with a STEM related degree are allowed to request for their OPT to be extended up to an additional two years
Forms and documents required to submit a STEM OPT Extension Request:
Form I-983 Completed and signed by the student and their employer
Form I-983 Instructions SEVIS School Code for MSSU is KAN214F00359000 Designed School Official (DSO) is Stephanie Goad, Senior Coordinator of International Recruitment and Admissions, 417-625-9372,goad-s@mssu.edu
Filing Fee Payment of $410 Option 1: personal check or money order, payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” Option 2: credit card payment Form G-1450
Two (2) Photographs 2 inches by 2 inches in size (you can purchase these at Walgreen’s) Write full name and USCIS # (on EAD) on the back of each photograph
Copies of each of the following I-94 F-1 visa stamp Passport personal information page(s) and passport validity page showing expiration date Previous Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), front and back All previously issued Forms I-20 (including newest I-20 recommendingSTEMOPT) Copy of the diploma or an official transcript showing the degree completed
Employment Offer or Verification Letter
STEM OPT Application and supporting documents will be mailed to the following address via USPS: USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 P.O. Box 805373 Chicago, IL 60680-5374
