Facts & Questions
General Questions
If you travel without your I-20 you will not be allowed back into the United States. Make sure you carry your I-20 with you whenever you are traveling (i.e., not in your checked baggage).
Unfortunately, International Services does not allow anyone other than the student to pick up their documents.
Students are advised to plan ahead, as all paperwork will be processed within two (2) weeks.
Contact Information
Yes, call 203-837-3270 to schedule an appointment to meet with the International Services Coordinator.
You can send an email to warnerd@wcsu.edu or call 203-837-3270.
Affidavit of Support
Yes, you can have more than one sponsor.
You can send an email to warnerd@wcsu.edu or call 203-837-3270.
Maintaining Legal Status
You must notify International Services within 10 days of moving from your previous residence.
You are solely responsible for maintaining legal status in the United States. It is your duty to always check the expiration date on your Form I-20 (page 1, Program of Study)
I-20 and other immigration documents cannot be scanned or sent via fax.
Extending I-20
Students who are not able to complete their program by the expected completion date (noted in Program End Date in Program of Study box on their Form I-20) must process an I-20 extension. The extension must be completed before the expiration date on their current Form I-20.
You must submit the following documents to International Services thirty (30) days before your Form I-20 expires.
- Letter/email from your Academic Advisor or Department Chair indicating remaining course requirement for completion of your degree and your expected completion date
- An email from the Registrar’s office
A new Form I-20 will be issued to you within two (2) weeks.
Note: Failure to extend your I-20 will jeopardize your F-1 student status.
Traveling
Yes, you do, in the current semester you intend to travel.
Yes, please refer to travel to Canada, Mexico and adjacent islands.
The recommendation is for you to apply for a student visa in your home country.
No, you will not be allowed back into the United States if you travel outside the country during the grace period.
Student Visa
No, you can only apply for a visa at U.S. Embassies or Consulates outside the United States.
No, to be able to start classes you will need an approval notice from USCIS.
No, studying in the United States on a B1/B2 visa is considered unlawful.
If your visa expires while you are still in the United States studying, it is OK for you to remain in the country. An expired visa does not affect your status in the United States as you only need it at the point of entry to the States. Always make sure you have a valid I-20. You should renew your visa when you travel to your home country during vacation. Click on traveling outside the United States for more information.
Grace Period
F-1 students have 60 days to depart the country after the completion of their program. Grace period does not apply to you if you did not complete your program.
If you fail to maintain legal F-1 status, withdraw from school or interrupt your course of study, you are not eligible for any grace period.
Work
F-1 Students
Students in F-1 status can work 20 hours a week when school is in session and 40 hours during vacation (summer and winter break).
You will need to fill out the On-Campus Employment Authorization Form, along with information provided by the department/office on campus.
You need authorization to work off campus. You can work off campus by applying for Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, or Economic Hardship.
Yes, you do need authorization on your Form I-20 from the International Services Coordinator before you can begin work regardless if it is paid or unpaid. *Remember that working without authorization will jeopardize your immigration status.*
Refer to the Optional Practical Training Extension page.
Refer to Curricular Practical Training Extension page.
It is an off-campus work benefit available to F-1 students maintaining legal status, must have completed an academic year (two semesters) and have at least one class left to complete their program at WCSU. Refer to Curricular Practical Training for more information.
It is an off-campus work benefit available to F-1 students maintaining legal status who must have completed an academic Year (two semesters) at WCSU. You can ap ply for OPT at any time during your program. Refer to the Optional Practical Training page.
Academic Status
Call 203-837-3270 to book an appointment to speak with the International Services Coordinator to discuss your situation and the options available to you.
Call 203-837-3270 to book an appointment to speak with the International Services Coordinator to discuss your situation and ways to cope.
Yes, immigration rules and regulations require students on F-1 student visas to attend school full-time. Undergraduates must have 12 credits, minimum, and graduates must have at least 9 credits.
No, you are not required to attend classes in the summer.
Submit a Reduced Course Form (Academic Difficulty)or Reduced Course Load form (Illness/Medical) to International Services, who will also notify the Registrar.
Department of Motor Vehicles
Refer to Driver's License Checklist.
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, you should have a valid Driver’s license from your home country, along with the International Driver’s Licence/Permit.
Social Security Number
You can only apply for a Social Security number if you have been offered a job either on campus or via CPT/OPT.
Take with you an Employment Verification Form, signed by your employer, a letter from International Services, and a completed Social Security Application Form to the Social Security Office closest to you.
Transfer
You will need to fill out a Transfer In Form and either drop it off or scan it to International Services. Your request will be taken care of within 5 business days.
You need to fill out a Transfer Out Form and either drop it off or scan it to International Services. Your request will be taken care of within 5 business days.