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International Current Student

Table of Contents

  1. Maintaining Status
  2. Online Classes
  3. Program Extensions
  4. Travel
  5. On Campus Employment
  6. Transferring

 

Maintaining Status

As an F1 student you were admitted to the U.S. for a certain period of time to complete your education.  This duration of time, or duration of status, can be found on your I-94 card and your I-20.  You are allowed to remain in the U.S. as long as you maintain your F1 status.

Somethings to keep in mind to maintain your Legal F-1 Status

  • Keep your passport valid
  • Always carry your I-94 with you
  • Request extension PRIOR to your current I-20 expiration date if you are not finished with your program (see below under Program Extensions)
  • Get a new I-20 for any change in major
  • Do NOT work off campus without prior authorization
  • Do not drop below 12 credit hours (must be in 9 credits face-to-face)
  • Always read your emails

Online Classes

International students may take online courses.  Students are required to be in a minimum of 9 credits hours face-to-face and 12 credit hours total. 

Here are some examples of authorized enrollments:

  • 9 face-to-face credits
  • 3 online credits

12 credits total
  • 9 face-to-face credits
  • 6 online credits

15 credits total
  • 12 face-to-face credits
  • 3 online credits

15 credits total

 

If a student must drop a course for any reason, they may encounter a violation if they drop a course that is being counted towards the face-to-face, or full-time requirements

Program Extensions

  • Extension Qualification

    • Must be in current F-1 legal status
    • The extension request must be completed prior to program end date
    • Must be enrolled and making progress towards degree

  • Accepted Extension Reasons

    • Change of major puts student behind of duration of status
    • Missed course rotation schedules
    • Illness (requires documentation by physician)

**Academic probation or suspension delays are not an acceptable reason**

  • How to request an extension

    • Have a valid passport
    • Request a letter from your academic advisor. Letter must include: anticipated date of degree completion, outline of courses needed to graduate, and reason for the delay
    • Updated financial support: personal bank statement, financial affidavit if needed

Travel

Students who leave the U.S. for holidays must have their I-20 forms properly endorsed by a college official before they leave the U.S. in order to assure their re-entry into the country.

When traveling please have the following items with you at all times:

  • Passport
  • I-94
  • I-20 (F-1 Visa)

On-Campus Employment

Students on an F-1 visa are eligible for on-campus employment.  The employment opportunities may NOT be FAFSA related. International students may work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session.

Here are the steps for on-campus employment:

  1. Find a campus job and fill out application for position
  2. Once a job has been offered, visit the international office for information about getting a social security card
  3. Submit copy of social security card to the Payroll office

Social Security Checklist

The social security office is located in Dodge City, KS 1 hour east of Garden City:

  • Social Security Administration
  • 2204 Summerlon Cir.
  • Dodge City, KS 67801

Transferring

Transferring In:

Students wishing to transfer will need to work with the international advisor to get their SEVIS record transferred.

Transferring Out:

Students transferring out need to provide the new schools SEVIS code along with their acceptance letter.

Requirements:

  • Letter of Acceptance from University
  • Complete and return the Transfer Release Form to admission@gcccks.edu