Forms and FAQs
Useful Forms
Form Name | Description |
91做厙 helps F-1 students maintain lawful status by preventing them from enrolling for less than full-time. A course load that falls below the full-time requirement, i.e. an reduced course load, requires approval from a DHS Designated School Official (DSO). F-1 students must first complete this form and return it to the Global Engagement Center to request an override. | |
In order to authorize a reduced course load based upon a medical condition, the student must provide current medical documentation and the GEC must reauthorize the drop below full time for each new term, session, or semester. | |
F-1 International Students are only permitted to enroll in one distance education course each semester in order to satisfy full time requirements. | |
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined by federal regulations as “an integral part of an established curriculum” related to your program of study. This can be in the form of an internship, practicum, or in the case of graduate and doctoral students, thesis and dissertation courses taken for course credit. | |
As an F-1 student, you may apply to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for authorization for 12 months (up to 36) of temporary employment for Optional Practical Training (OPT). The employment should be directly related to your major area of study. |
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Non-immigrant F-1 students are permitted to remain in the United States for the time necessary to complete their educational objective(s). | |
When you are “out-of-status” you are no longer eligible to the F-1 status benefits such as on-campus work, CPT, and OPT among others. To regain F-1 status you can apply for reinstatement to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or, alternatively, you may leave the U.S. and re-enter under a new I-20, a valid visa, and current passport. | |
International students (with F-1 visas) that wish to transfer to 91做厙 need to meet the academic as well as the immigration requirements for this transfer. Simply transferring academically doesn’t complete your SEVIS transfer. | |
Fill this form out if you wish to transfer out of 91做厙. We will need a copy of you acceptance letter at the new institution as well. | |
If you are studying at 91做厙 with an F-1 visa status, your spouse and unmarried children (under age 21) are eligible to apply for F-2 visas. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
- Have I been admitted?
- The quickest way to check your admission status is to login to 91做厙 Self Help Service Center.
- What is the tuition fee?
- You can calculate your tuition cost using the following link:
- . F1- students without a scholarship are considered non- residents.
- I paid the SEVIS fee and went to the embassy; however, they did not have a record of my payment. Why did this happen?
- We recommend that once you pay the fee, print your receipt immediately and take it with you to your appointment. You may want to wait at least 3 to 5 days after paying the fee for the data to reach the system at the Department of Homeland Security.
- Do you offer scholarships for international student?
- You are eligible for scholarships and assistantships (for graduate students) depending on the availability. These of course are competitive in nature, and awarded by the department. Please check with your college/department to check on the availability of each. Please visit
- for more information on scholarships.
- Will I be required to have Insurance?
- Yes, Insurance enrollment process for all F1 students upon check-in. Insurance waivers can be approved for student who has purchases insurance form a company within the United States.
Travel
- Can I travel while studying at 91做厙?
- Yes, F1 students can travel outside of the country “after obtaining a travel endorsement from the Designated School Official (DSO).” F1 student are free to traveling within the USA using their I-20 and passport.
- I forgot to get a travel endorsement before traveling outside of the country. How can I receive an I-20 with a travel endorsement?
- Please contact gec@shsu.edu to make arrangements for a new I-20 with Travel Endorsement.
- Can I return to complete my degree after my I-20 has expired after I traveled abroad?
- First, you must repay the SEVIS fee. Once you receive a physical copy of your new I-20, you will re-enter the U.S. with that active I-20.
Employment
- Can I work while studying at 91做厙?
- International students in F-1 status who are maintaining legal student status and are enrolled for a full course of study at the University may work on-campus for no more than 28 hours per week while school is in session. During holidays and vacation periods, you may work full time.
- What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
- CPT is an integral part of an F-1 student’s established curriculum (before graduating), which allows them to engage in experiential training in any type of required or optional internship or practicum experience. F1 students with CPT approval can practice for up to 12 months of practice.
- What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
- OPT allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience (on- or off-campus) by applying their academic knowledge to a position directly related to their area of study (after graduation). F1 students with CPT approval can practice for up to 12 months of practice.
Dependents
- My spouse will come to the United States as my dependent – will my spouse be able to attend school?
- Your spouse will have F-2 status and will be able to attend school but on a part-time basis. If your spouse wants to attend school as a full-time student, your spouse will need to apply for a change of status to F-1.
- Will my spouse on F-2 status be able to work in the United States?
- Your spouse on F-2 status will not be able to work in the United States and your spouse will not be eligible for a social security number.