International
Students

You must have an unexpired passport to remain in the United States. If your passport is about to expire, please visit the closest embassy or consulate to renew it before it expires.

This is the most important document for an international student. Keep it updated by reporting any changes to the DSO throughout your stay at AMU. The I-20 form is needed to request your F-1 student visa, to enter the United States, and to make your stay legal. If you are traveling outside the United States while studying, the I-20 must have the "Travel Endorsement Signature" on the second page — without it, you will not be able to re-enter the country.

The F-1 Visa allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student. If you plan to leave and return to your home country, your visa must be valid upon re-entering. If the visa is expired, you will not be allowed back into the country. Canadian citizens do not need a U.S. Visa, but must present proof of Canadian citizenship, your AMU admission letter, I-20 form, and proof of financial support at the border. Always enter as an F-1 student, not as a tourist.

F-1 students with a valid visa are eligible to work on-campus for up to 20 hrs/week during the semester and 40 hrs/week during summer break. Find jobs through your Handshake account or at the Job Fair held at the start of each semester.

If you do not have a Social Security number, your job supervisor must send a letter on department letterhead to the DSO including: department name, start date, weekly hours, job duties, and supervisor contact information. The DSO will then help you complete the Social Security application and gather required documents before your appointment at the Social Security office.

CPT allows F-1 students to participate in internships in their field of study while completing their program.

Eligibility:

• Must be in lawful F-1 status and enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year
• Training must be inside the United States
• Must be in junior or senior year with a 2.5 GPA or greater
• Must be approved by P/DSO and department chair prior to start date
• Must have a job offer and be in good academic standing

Application Process:

1. Meet with your department chair to confirm the program includes internships in the curriculum.
2. Secure a job offer and obtain a company letter on letterhead (job description, dates, supervisor info, hours/week).
3. The department chair provides an approval letter explaining how the training relates to the curriculum.
4. The professor provides a syllabus for the internship.
5. Complete the required form — contact the DSO for the current link.
6. Meet with the DSO, who will enter CPT approval in SEVIS.

OPT allows F-1 students to work in their field of study after completing their program. You can begin applying 90 days before your graduation date. STEM majors may be eligible for a 24-month extension.

How to Apply:

Inform the DSO of your intent to apply. The DSO will update your status in SEVIS and issue a new I-20. Once you receive it, sign it and submit Form I-765 to USCIS within 30 days. Do not submit the form until you have your new I-20 — early submission may result in rejection.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Secure a job within 90 days. You cannot begin work until your EAD card arrives.
• You may only be unemployed for a maximum of 90 days during OPT.
• Report all status changes (address, employment, etc.) to the DSO immediately.
• STEM OPT students must check in with our office every 6 months.
• Keep your EAD card and I-20 together, especially when traveling.