PROSPECTIVE
CURRENT
SCHOLARSHIPS
INCOMING
OUTGOING
FULBRIGHT
INTENSIVE
ENGLISH
SHORT
TERM PROGRAMS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MEET
THE STAFF
CONTACT US
SITE MAP
IQ (FRIDAY PARTIES)
SATURDAY EVENTS
INTERNATIONAL WEEK
PHOTO GALLERY
F-1 Student Status and Visa Regulations
A full course of study with few exceptions: F-1 students must maintain full-time student status each semester until they receive their degrees. (F-1 students are not required to register for the summer session if they have maintained full-time status for the semester prior to the summer semester.) International students risk losing their immigration status by taking a leave of absence and staying in the US.
I-20 Endorsement: You need to have a valid CIE staff member's signature on your I-20 ID (page 4) in order to re-enter the US. The signature is valid for 12 months.
F-1 Program Extension: The "completion of studies" date, in item #5 on the I-20 from the University of Northern Colorado is the date the INS expects you to complete your studies. If you are unable to complete your course of study by that date, you must apply for a program extension 30 days before the I-20 completion date expires. Please make an appointment with the Foreign Student Advisor at the Center for International Education.
Transfer of Schools
All school transfers require notifying the INS. You need to complete the procedure to transfer before you will be allowed to enroll in classes. In order to transfer, you must notify the school you are leaving and tell them the name of the school to which you’ve been admitted and wish to transfer so they may enter the information into SEVIS. If you are leaving UNC to transfer to another school, notify the Foreign Student Advisor at the Center for International Education.
Change of Major
All changes of major require notifying the INS. You need to complete the procedure within 15 days of acceptance from the new department. Bring a copy of the paperwork to the Foreign Student Advisor at the Center for International Education.
Change of Degree Program
All changes of degree level require notifying the INS. When you apply for the new program at the Graduate School and International Admissions Office, they will issue a new I-20 or DS2019. Bring the form to the Center for International Education to check in. The Foreign Student Advisor will need to remove your hold and update SEVIS.
Employment
Employment opportunities for foreign students in the U.S. are restricted by law. In general there two types of employment: on-campus and off-campus employment.
On-campus Employment
F-1 students may work on the campus without obtaining permission for 20 hours per week during academic year and 40 hours per week during summer and winter breaks. If an F-1 student fails to maintain status, permission to work on campus will be revoked.
Off-campus Employment
Off-campus "Employment" is any type of work or services performed in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, food or any other benefit. A work permit is required before any off-campus job is allowed. In most cases, working off-campus is not allowed.
Employment Due to Severe Economic Hardship
This type of work permission may be available to F-1 students who have severe and unforeseen economic problems. Ask for further information at the CIE.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular practical training is a type of employment for an F-1 student which is an integral part of the curriculum or program. This employment may be an internship, cooperative education job, a practicum, or any other work experience, provided it is either for credit or required for your degree. Twelve months of full-time CPT will eliminate the availability of OPT. There is no limit on part-time CPT. Ask for further information at the CIE.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) before Completion of Studies
After you have been in F-1 status for at least 9 months, you are eligible for off-campus employment in your field of studies. This could be full-time during the summer and the winter quarter breaks or part-time (20 hours per week, including any on-campus work) during the academic year. The time spent with this type of employment will be deducted from the total 12 months of practical training allowed for F-1 students after each completed course of study.
Optional Practical Training after Completion of Studies
You may be eligible to be employed in a job which is directly
related to your major field of study for 12 months after you complete
a degree program. You must apply before the completion date of your program.
Ask for further information at the CIE.
A Note of Caution: You should consult with the CIE before taking up any
employment. It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations
which apply to F-1 students. If you fail to comply with your responsibilities,
you may not be eligible for benefits granted to F-1 students or you may
lose your valid student status.
