8 CFR 214.3 (J) – This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

Application Requirements:

This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. 

International students are always welcome and we are committed to provide the same quality education to help them become successful in their endeavors. International students wishing to attend our school must meet the international students’ admission standards and meet the following requirements in order to obtain their I-20:

1. Applicants must prove that sufficient funds are available from source to defray all living and school expenses during the entire period of study in the United States. The last three bank statements of the sponsor or the student must be presented along with a letter from the sponsor or student.
2. Present to school a photocopy of passport and I-94 if applicable
3. Persons applying for F-1 visa with the initial I-20 will require payment of SEVIS fee of $350. The check or money order should be made payable to the Immigration and Naturalization Service
4. Make a processing fee payment of $800.00 or $400.00 which will be applied to tuition once your I-20 is active
5. If you are changing your status, you must fill out form I-539 and pay a fee of $370. The College will assist you in the process. Change of status processing fees may apply. 

Students who wish to extend their F-1 status will be granted extension only if they are in good academic and financial standing with UIC.

F-1 Visa/Status Laws

From https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/maintaining-status

While studying in the United States, it is important to maintain your F student status. Your status relates to the purpose, or reason for why you want to come to the United States. The U.S. Department of State issues you your visa based on your intended purpose. 

If the Department of State issues you an F or M student visa, this means that you are coming to the United States to study. You should not take any action that detracts from that purpose. 

Maintaining your status means:

• Fulfilling the purpose for why the Department of State issued you your visa.
• Following the regulations associated with that purpose.

Below are actions to take in order to properly maintain your status.

Arrival
When arriving to the United States, F students must:

• Enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program of study begins.
• Immediately contact your designated school official (DSO) when you enter the United States.
• When you arrive at school, you need to contact your DSO again, no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

Education
While studying in the United States, F students must:

• Attend and pass all your classes. If school is too difficult, speak with your DSO immediately.
• If you believe that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, talk with your DSO about requesting a possible program extension.
• You must take a full course of study each term; if you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately.
• Do not drop a class without first speaking with your DSO.

Work and Practical Training for F Students
An F student may only work when authorized by a DSO in some cases, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in others. If you choose to work without authorization, you will be forced to leave the United States immediately, and you may not be able to re-enter the United States at a later date. 

Associate and Bachelor degree students are eligible for optional practical training during or following the program of study. OPT is a form of temporary employment that directly relates to your program of study. 

For more information about employment and training options available for F-students, visit the Working in the United States page and talk with your DSO.

Upon Program Completion

F students must take action to maintain legal status or depart the United States after completing your program of study.

Once you complete your program of study and any authorized period of practical training, F students have 60 days after completion of your program (the program end date on your Form I-20) to leave the United States. If you wish to extend your stay in the United States, talk with your DSO to learn more about doing one of the following:

• Transfer to another school.
• Change your education level (e.g. associate’s to bachelor’s).
• Apply to change status to another visa status (e.g. H-1B-temporary worker; O-extraordinary ability in science, art or business; P-athlete).

Talk with your DSO first

If you are an F studying in the United States, your DSO should be the first person you talk with if you have any questions regarding the legal requirements of your stay in the United States. Your DSO can assist in answering your questions or help you find someone who can help.

F-1 students should speak with their DSO if you are planning to do any of the following:

• Change your major, program, or degree level.
• Change your education level.
• Transfer to a new school or take a leave of absence.
• Take a break from school.
• Travel outside the United States.
• Move to a new address.
• Request a program extension.

F students may contact SEVP by email at sevp@ice.dhs.gov if your DSO is unable to assist you or if you would prefer to ask someone else. In your email, please describe your situation and include any questions you have. SEVP provides responses on a first-come, first-served basis. Answer times may vary depending on the current number of inquiries.

1. Applicants must prove that sufficient funds are available from source to defray all living and school expenses during the entire period of study in the United States. The last three bank statements of the sponsor or the student must be presented along with a letter from the sponsor or student.
2. Present to school a photocopy of passport and I-94 if applicable
3. Persons applying for F-1 visa with the initial I-20 will require payment of SEVIS fee of $200. The check or money order should be made payable to the Immigration and Naturalization Service
4. Make a first payment of $800.00 as part of tuition
5. If you are changing your status, we fill out the form I-539 and you pay a fee of $290.

Students are eligible to apply for an Optional Program Training (OPT) Status, which allows them to work for a period of one year in the United States after completion of the Associate and Bachelor Programs.

Changing your status to F-1 when you are already in the USA is a simple process. (E.g. from B-1/B-2 tourist to F-1 student). UIC assists our students  with this process. Students who are in the United States and would like to change their status to F-1 must meet the following requirements:

1. Present all documentation mentioned above
2. Present a photocopy of your current I-94
3. Fill out the Form I-539 and pay a fee of $290.00 to USCIS. School will assist you in this process

Once the student fulfills these requirements and is admitted into UIC, the school will issue an I-20 and send all the documentation required to the USCIS for visa approval. When F-1 status is granted the student must begin classes immediately. USCIS may or may not grant the petition for F-1 approval. Please contact us for more information.