Immigration Information
F1 Students
Some students change from F-1 status to a different nonimmigrant status or become U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders). If you are no longer in F-1 status, notify International Services.
- Submit the appropriate Undergraduate Affidavit of Support or Graduate Affidavit of Support along with your admission application to undergraduate or graduate admissions.
- Transferring from another academic institution in the U.S. as an F-1 student, fill out the Transfer In Form and have the International Advisor at your previous school fax it to the International Services Coordinator at WCSU at (203) 837-3839.
- Contact your previous school to release your SEVIS record to WCSU.
- Your Form I-20 will be issued and mailed directly to you along with your admission packet as soon as your SEVIS record is released from your previous school.
- Submit the appropriate Undergraduate Affidavit of Support or Graduate Affidavit of Support along with your admission application to undergraduate or graduate admissions.
- WCSU does not process change of status on behalf of students, seek legal counsel.
- Submit the appropriate Undergraduate Affidavit of Support or Graduate Affidavit of Support along with your admission application to undergraduate or graduate admissions.
- Once you are accepted to Western Connecticut State University, a Form I-20 will be mailed directly to you along with your admission packet.
- Pay your SEVIS Fee and print a SEVIS fee receipt for your record. The fee must be paid at least three business days before your appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Your SEVIS ID number (N00XXXXXXXX) is located in the upper left corner of your Form I-20.
- WCSU’s SEVIS school code is the last part of School Information box on p. 1.
- Make sure you have a valid passport.
- Book an appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
If you become a U.S. permanent resident, International Services must terminate your electronic F-1 SEVIS record. You are not required to notify us while your adjustment of status is pending (not yet approved) if you will continue to enroll full-time and maintain F-1 status.
International Services advisers are not immigration attorneys and do not have the expertise to advise about how to become a permanent resident. For questions about eligibility and applying for a Green Card, review the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services information and/or consult an immigration attorney.
Students applying for Permanent Residency should notify International Services of the following situations:
- Your permanent resident status is approved.
- You travel internationally and use your advance parole document to re-enter the U.S.
- You have a pending application for adjustment of status, and you want to take a leave of absence or withdraw from your studies. If you do not register full-time and do not qualify for one of the exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement, International Services cannot keep the F-1 SEVIS record active.
In this scenario, you should consult an immigration attorney. International Services advisers are not immigration lawyers. We do not have the expertise to advise you about the possible consequences, if any, of the decision to abandon the F-1 status before your permanent resident status is approved.