The Immigration Advisor is available to help students with questions or problems concerning their visa, passport, or other immigration matters. If you plan to leave the country for any reason, it is very important to inform the Immigration Advisor. Use the online appointment system to schedule an appointment.

Maintaining Your F-1 Visa Status

If you have F-1 student visa status, you must study full time (20 hours per week) at the IEC. You cannot take a break from studying until you have studied for at least four sessions at the IEC. After four sessions, you are eligible to take a vacation session. You must consult the Immigration Advisor before taking a vacation session. Remember, it is your responsibility to maintain legal immigration status.

Change of U.S. Address

If you change your address in the U.S., you must update your U.S. address in MyCUInfo within 10 days of your change of address.

Traveling Outside of the U.S.

If you have plans to leave the U.S. and then return to the IEC, you must bring your Form I-20 to the Immigration Advisor for a travel endorsement signature. Be sure to travel with your valid Form I-20 and passport with a valid visa foil.

Loss of Your Form I-20

If you lose your Form I-20, inform the Immigration Advisor and request a replacement.

Working

International students on F-1 visa status can work on campus for up to 20 hours a week while school is in session. During school breaks, international students can work on campus full-time (more than 20 hours). Please consult with the Assistant Director of Student Services for further details.

Social Security Numbers (SSN)

International students on F-1 visas may only apply for an SSN if they are working on campus. Please see the Assistant Director for Student Services for more information.

Extending Your Studies

You must make sure that your From I-20 does not expire while studying at the IEC. This is not the date on your F-1 visa foil. You can check your Program End Date on the first page of your Form I-20 under PROGRAM OF STUDY. If you are planning on studying at the IEC past the Program End Date indicated on your Form I-20, you will need to request a Program Extension before your Form I-20 expires. You will also need to provide additional financial documentation. Please check with the Immigration Advisor for more information regarding program extensions.

Transferring to Another School

If you plan to transfer to another school after you finish your studies at the IEC, you must do the following:

• Apply and be accepted to the new school.

• Tell the Immigration Advisor that you are planning to transfer to another school.
• Give the Immigration Advisor a copy of your acceptance letter and a transfer request form (if applicable) from your new school.
• Check in with your new school’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services during the first 14 days of class to complete your transfer.

Special conditions apply for students on other visas or on the Visa Waiver Program. Please see the Immigration Advisor for further assistance.