Dartmouth College Stands by Steady Immigration Support for Students

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Key Takeaways

• International students on F-1 or J-1 visas must complete SEVIS check-in via iDartmouth portal before arrival to maintain status.
• Travel signatures on SEVIS Form I-20 are valid for 12 months (students) or 6 months (OPT), requestable via iDartmouth.
• OVIS Tax Workshop for 2025 is scheduled for February 11 at Cook Auditorium, with access to Sprintax tax preparation support.

Dartmouth College 🇺🇸 continues to uphold its longstanding immigration policies for international students as of February 2025. The Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) plays an essential role in providing assistance and guidance to students, ensuring that they can fully participate in campus life while meeting all immigration requirements. The college remains dedicated to nurturing a diverse community by sponsoring visas for qualified non-U.S. citizens admitted to or employed by Dartmouth.

OVIS, located at 63 South Main Street, Suite 303, Hanover, NH, serves as the main hub for immigration-related services at Dartmouth. The office operates Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm, while walk-in hours for routine services—such as document drop-offs and pick-ups—are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1 pm to 4 pm. Whether in person or through remote support, OVIS is central to ensuring that international students feel supported in navigating their legal responsibilities and rights in the United States.

Dartmouth College Stands by Steady Immigration Support for Students

All international students attending Dartmouth who hold F-1 or J-1 visas are required to participate in the SEVIS check-in process upon their arrival. This process is mandated by U.S. immigration law to confirm and update their records within the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students are informed of their check-in details via direct notifications and must submit the New Student Check-in e-form through the iDartmouth portal before arriving for their appointments. Timely completion of this process is critical since any failure to meet this requirement could result in losing valid immigration status.

For those students planning to travel internationally during their studies, having the correct documentation is vital. Required documents include a valid SEVIS Form I-20 with an updated travel signature, a passport that will not expire for at least six months, and a valid F-1 visa. A travel signature on the SEVIS Form I-20, which functions as proof of their eligibility to return to the U.S., must be current. For actively enrolled students, the validity of this signature is 12 months; for those pursuing post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics OPT (STEM OPT), travel signatures are valid for six months. Travel signatures can be conveniently requested through the iDartmouth interface.

Dartmouth’s nonimmigrant visa sponsorship policies are available in detail via the Dartmouth Policy Portal. OVIS oversees all aspects of visa sponsorship related to Dartmouth employees, including researchers and faculty members. This sponsorship is limited to full-time, salaried (exempt) academic appointments. The process starts with the academic department or school working closely with the Office of the Dean of the Faculty and other senior administrators. Additionally, Dartmouth sponsors eligible tenure-track and tenured faculty members for permanent residency (green cards). Requests for green card sponsorship for senior researchers and professional staff are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, subject to institutional needs and priorities. Outside legal counsel is not permitted to engage in these matters without prior approval from OVIS, ensuring that all steps adhere to institutional policies and federal regulations.

OVIS’s role extends beyond individual student or staff matters, acting as a bridge between Dartmouth and U.S. government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of State, and Department of Labor. It ensures adherence to complex federal reporting requirements through SEVIS, accurately managing data for students, scholars, and employees to maintain compliance with immigration regulations. By performing this function, OVIS solidifies Dartmouth’s position as an institution committed to upholding federal immigration rules while supporting its international community.

For international students, OVIS also provides tailored informational workshops that are of immense benefit. Examples include sessions on Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows students to gain work experience in their area of study, and Optional Practical Training (OPT), which offers students the opportunity to work in their field for 12 months after graduation. A carefully planned series of workshops is regularly held online via Zoom, making them accessible to students wherever they are. Upcoming workshop details can be found by visiting the Events page on the OVIS website.

Tax season is another area where OVIS extends its services. International students who spent time in the U.S. during the previous calendar year are often required to file federal tax forms, regardless of whether they earned income. In anticipation of this, OVIS hosts an annual Tax Workshop. For 2025, the workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, at Cook Auditorium in the Tuck School of Business’s Murdough Center. Additionally, international students can access the Sprintax tax preparation program, specifically designed for individuals filing as non-resident aliens, thanks to arrangements made by OVIS.

For those who plan to leave the U.S. during academic breaks, OVIS offers resources like the Winter Break Travel Checklist. This checklist helps international students and employees prepare the documents required for a smooth re-entry into the U.S. Students on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT are also guided to ensure they meet additional criteria specific to their status.

To further enrich the experience of international students, Dartmouth has introduced the International Student Pre-Orientation program through its International Student Experience Office. The program is an excellent opportunity for incoming students to get acquainted with on-campus resources, student services, and life in the Hanover area. Experienced international peers, the International Student Mentors, help facilitate this orientation, ensuring that new arrivals start their Dartmouth journey with confidence. For continued academic support, the Office of the Registrar and the Undergraduate Deans Office are reliable resources for international students. The Office of the Registrar supports students by maintaining academic records and offering direction on policies, courses, and enrollment. Meanwhile, the Undergraduate Deans Office provides tailored support and advising to help international students achieve academic goals and maintain eligibility requirements.

Dartmouth has also demonstrated its commitment to addressing broader immigration topics. For instance, the college recently launched a special discussion series, under the Dialogue Project initiative, focusing on critical immigration issues. As part of the series, a panel on mass deportations was held in early 2025, signifying Dartmouth’s broader participation in contemporary immigration conversations. Although this initiative does not directly affect current policies for international students, it reflects Dartmouth’s dedication to deeper engagement with global topics tied to immigration.

Dartmouth actively adapts to new developments in U.S. immigration laws to keep its international community informed. The OVIS website hosts a Federal Immigration Law and Policy Changes section, which is regularly updated to provide the most current and accurate information. This ensures that international students and scholars at Dartmouth remain aware of any changes that may affect their stay or status in the U.S.

In keeping with its stated priorities, Dartmouth remains firmly focused on creating a welcoming, inclusive, and globally-minded environment. The broad range of services provided by OVIS ensures that international students can access resources tailored to every stage of their academic and immigration journey. From essential processes like the SEVIS check-in to support services like workshops and travel resources, OVIS remains a cornerstone of the international student experience at Dartmouth.

International students benefit from an institution that values their challenges and contributions. For those planning to join Dartmouth, it’s worth exploring OVIS’s services further by visiting their official webpage, or by considering additional guidance available through platforms like VisaVerge.com, which highlights immigration support systems at leading institutions.

As of February 2025, Dartmouth continues to build on its strong foundation of immigration policies and support systems while remaining attentive to the changing needs of international students. By addressing the practical realities of living and studying in the U.S., Dartmouth reinforces its status as a leading global academic institution. Those with questions about immigration status or student services are encouraged to consult OVIS for expert assistance.

Learn Today

OVIS (Office of Visa and Immigration Services) → Dartmouth’s office managing immigration services, offering guidance and compliance support for international students and employees.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) → A U.S. government database tracking international students and exchange visitors to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
F-1 Visa → A U.S. visa for full-time international students enrolled at accredited academic institutions, allowing study and limited work opportunities.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) → A program allowing international students to work in their field of study in the U.S. for up to 12 months.
Permanent Residency (Green Card) → Legal status allowing non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the U.S., sometimes sponsored by employers like Dartmouth.

This Article in a Nutshell

Dartmouth College fosters a global campus by upholding robust immigration support through its Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS). From SEVIS check-ins to travel guidance and workshops on Curricular Practical Training, OVIS ensures international students thrive academically and socially. Dartmouth’s unwavering commitment underscores its mission of inclusivity and global citizenship in education.
— By VisaVerge.com