Enrolled International Students

Maintaining F-1 Status

• Enroll in a Full Course of Study
  • 12 credit hours undergraduate per term
  • 8 credit hours graduate per term
    • Not to exceed online course requirements
• Receive authorized work authorization prior to engaging in on-campus or off-campus employment opportunities.
• Communicate with Designated School Official prior to travel for the appropriate travel signature.
• Report any changes in Address and location within 10-days of the date of change to your Designated School Official.
• Keep all documents, including visa, passport, and I-20, valid.

Work Authorization & Employment

• On Campus Employment
  • On Campus Employment options are available for international students on an F-1 visa while enrolled in a full course of study. On-campus employment refers to work that is located on the school’s premises, such as in the library, cafeteria, bookstore, or administrative offices etc.on a part-time basis.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • OPT is a type of work authorization for F-1 international students studying in the U.S. that allows students to gain practical experience directly related to the program of study.
  • Students must contact their Designed School Official prior to graduation on the necessary steps to apply to USCIS and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before working.
• Curricular Practical Training
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in off-campus training (like internships or co-ops) while still enrolled in school — but only if it’s a required part of their academic program or earns course credit.
  • Must be approved your Designated School Official — student receive a CPT authorization on your I-20.
  • You must have a job offer before applying for CPT.
  • You must have completed at least one academic year

Reinstatement

Reinstatement is the process of regaining valid F-1 visa status after a student has violated the terms of their status: Speak with your Designated School Official to support with the necessary documentation to submit to USCIS to request a status update.

Common reasons for reinstatement include:

• Dropping below full-time enrollment without prior approval
• Failing to enroll for a required term
• Working off-campus without authorization

Driver's License

International students must wait 10 days after arriving in the U.S. so that information is properly updated in SEVIS .

International students will need to gather the following documents:

• Valid passport with your F-1 visa
• I-94 record 
• Form I-20 (signed by your DSO)
• Proof of legal presence, such as a valid visa and immigration status
• Proof of residency (e.g., lease, utility bill, or bank statement with your U.S. address)
• School documents like a student ID or enrollment verification letter

Contact the local Department of Motor Vehicle for further information on how to schedule an appointment and obtain a U.S. Driver’s License.

Social Security

Only F-1 students who have secured on-campus employment or have been authorized for CPT or OPT are eligible for a Social Security Number.

Student will need to secure the following:

1. Obtain a Job Offer

• You must have a written job offer for:
  
  • On-campus employment
  • Curricular Practical Training 
  • Optional Practical Training

2. Receive a Letter from Your DSO

• Designated School Official (DSO) will provide a support letter confirming:
  • Your student status
  • Your employment eligibility
  • That the job is valid under F-1 rules

3. Prepare the following documents for the Social Security Administration

• Passport with your F-1 visa
• I-94 record
• Form I-20
• Job offer letter
• DSO letter
• Employment authorization, if applicable (CPT/OPT EAD Cards)

4. Schedule and Appointment with local SSA Office

Transfer Out Request

F-1 students requesting to transfer to another SEVP-certified U.S. school, must submit a Transfer-Out Request so your SEVIS record can be released to your new school.

Students must be in valid F-1 status, admitted to another SEVP-certified school, and transfer within 60 days of completing your current program or OPT.

Students must contact their Designated School Official with the following:

1. Provide Admission Letter

• Obtain proof of admission in the form of an acceptance letter from the new school.

2. Submit Transfer-Out Request to Your DSO

3. Choose a Transfer Release Date

• This is the date your SEVIS record will be sent to the new school.

4. Receive New I-20 from Transfer-In School

• After your release date, the new school can issue your Transfer-Pending I-20.

Travel

F-1 students planning to travel outside the U.S. and return, must have a valid travel signature on page 2 of your Form I-20.

Students must:

• Contact their DSO and request a signature at least 1 – 2 weeks before you travel
• Submit original Form I-20
• Await DSO notification to receive Signed I-20 for travel
  
  • The original I-20 will be returned with a signature and date on page 2

International Merit Scholarship

South University offers an International Student Merit scholarship awarded to students for academic excellence. Students must be enrolled in specific Graduate Programs and meet the minimum requirements.