For many international students, arriving at OCCC marks the beginning of more than a new academic journey. It also means adapting to a new country, understanding United States immigration regulations and learning how to navigate college life.
At OCCC, International Student Services provides guidance from the time students are admitted through their years on campus, helping them stay on track academically and legally while studying in the U.S.
Brenda Aflleje, coordinator of International Student Services and designated school official (DSO) at OCCC, said one of her primary responsibilities is helping international students maintain their F-1 immigration status. F-1 visas allow international students to stay in the U.S. while attending school full time at academic institutions certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
“My role as the immigration advisor is to help international students maintain their immigration status,” Aflleje said. “That’s just making sure that they stay compliant with their immigration status.”
Aflleje has worked at OCCC for two years after spending 16 years in immigration services at the University of Oklahoma. With 18 years of experience, she now assists international students with immigration compliance, enrollment support and other services throughout their time at OCCC.
International Student Services begins working with students after they are admitted to the college. While International Admissions Coordinator Chris Billing oversees the admissions process, Aflleje prepares each student’s Form I-20, which is required to apply for an F-1 student visa.
Once students arrive on campus, the office helps them enroll in classes, activate their OCCC email accounts and understand immigration requirements that must be followed while studying in the U.S.
According to Aflleje, students entering the country from abroad may arrive no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on their I-20. After preparing each student’s I-20, she sends detailed instructions explaining the next steps, including paying the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, applying for a visa and preparing the documents needed before traveling.
International Student Services also assists students with employment authorization, travel signatures and other immigration-related questions.
“Immigration is specific to the person,” Aflleje said. “One person might say they have employment issues, and another one will come in and say they have employment issues also. But they’re going to be two separate problems.”
Because every student’s situation is unique, some requests can be completed within minutes, while others require additional time and research.
In addition to receiving immigration guidance, new international students attend a mandatory orientation before classes begin. During orientation, they learn about campus resources, student organizations and opportunities to get involved. Students are also introduced to the International Student Association, which hosts activities throughout the semester and encourages connections among students from different countries.
Aflleje said one of the most rewarding parts of her job is seeing students achieve their goals after receiving support.
“There are some nice things that come about,” Aflleje said. “Students will come back and say, ‘You helped me,’ or ‘You guided me through how to get a job here, and now I have a job.'”
Whether students need assistance with immigration documents, enrollment or preparing for life in the U.S., Aflleje said International Student Services is committed to helping them succeed.
“Different students have different stories,” Aflleje said. “But in general, if students are coming here specifically, their need is being met.”
