Immigration

The IEC Immigration Advisor (also known as DSO- Designated School Official) provides students with information on maintaining their F-1 international student status. The immigration advisor answers questions related to program extensions, transferring in or out of the program, term exemptions (when students want to take a session off), reduced course loads, early authorized withdrawals, and on-campus employment regulations. The immigration advisor provides workshops and meets with students one-on-one to ensure that they understand all expectations, requirements, and regulations.The immigration advisor helps to transfer your I-20 from the Pathway Program to your degree at the University of Colorado Boulder after your Academic Advisor confirms you are ready to start your full degree program.

Maintaining F-1 Non-Immigrant Visa Status

The immigration advisor is available to help students with questions or issues concerning their visa, passport, or other immigration matters. If you plan to leave the U.S. for any reason, you must inform the immigration advisor before you leave the U.S. 

F-1 regulations require you to carry proof of your legal status, such as a copy of your I-94 and your I-20, at all times.

If you have an 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 completed 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.

If you change your address in the U.S., you must update your U.S. address in the Buff Portal within 10 days of your change of address, and you must inform the immigration advisor in a timely fashion.


 

If you lose your Form I-20, inform the immigration advisor immediately and request a replacement.


 

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. Please consult with the IEC front office staff for further details.

International students on F-1 visas may only apply for an SSN if they are working on campus. Opening a bank account does not require a Social Security Number. Please see the IEC front office staff for more information.

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.

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.
  • Inform the immigration advisor that you are planning to transfer to another school.
  • Provide the immigration advisor with a digital copy of your acceptance letter and a transfer request form (if applicable) from your new school.
  • Work with the current immigration advisor and at the new school on the timing of transfer. 
  • Check in with your new school’s immigration advisor.

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woman speaking to advisor

Non F-1 Visa Holders

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

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are interested in studying at the IEC, we can sponsor your F-1 visa status. You need to send us a completed application along with the required documentation. Once your application is complete, your Form I-20 will be processed. Please refer to the Apply Now page for details. 

You must email the IEC at ieccu@colorado.edu to request a deferral to the session when you want to start. You may be required to update your financial information. Upon receipt of your request and updated materials, your new Form I-20 with a deferral start date and new admission letter will be sent to you.

Visitors can study on a B1/B2 tourist visa or Visa Waiver for a maximum of 16 hours per week. Visitors from Visa Waiver countries must complete the official Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application before traveling to the U.S.

You will need to bring the following documents with you when you go through U.S. Customs. Please make sure that you keep them in your carry-on bag.

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Printed copy of your Form I-20 (for F-1 visa holders)
  • Printed copy of your Form DS-2019 (for J-1 visa holders)
  • Financial documentation
  • IEC admission letter
  • Printed copy of your SEVIS fee (I-901) receipt
  • IEC contact information:
    Eriko Yatabe Waldock
    International Programs Manager and PDSO/ARO
    1-303-492-2938
    International English Center
    1-303-492-5547

You can look for student employment opportunities at https://www.colorado.edu/studentemployment/.

No. The Estimated Cost of Attendance is a projection, not a fixed bill. While tuition and fees are set, costs for housing, meals, and personal expenses are averages based on typical student spending.

Yes. While the $10,421 is the base amount required for a single student planning to study at the International English Center, you must demonstrate additional financial support for any family members joining you. An additional $1,100 must be included for each dependent to cover their estimated living expenses.

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