Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I travel without my I-20 or DS-2019?

If you travel without your Form I-20 or DS-2019 you will not be allowed back into the United States. Make sure you carry your Form I-20 or DS-2019 with you whenever you are travelling.

Can I pick up my friend's/relative's documents?

Unfortunately, CIE does not allow anyone other than the student to pick up their documents.

How long does it take to process my document?

Students are advised to plan ahead, as all paperwork will be processed within two (2) weeks.

Is there an International Student Advisor to assist me with my questions?

Yes, you can send an email to ayenio@ccsu.edu

Can I have multiple sponsors?

Yes, you can have more than one sponsor.

How do I report change of address?

Fill out a copy of the Change Of Address form and bring to CIE within 10 days of moving from your previous residence.

Who is responsible for maintaining my F-1 student status?

You are solely responsible for maintaining legal status in the United States. It is your duty to always check the expiration date on your Form I-20 (page 1, item #5).

Can Form I-20 or DS-2019 be sent by fax to a student?

Form I-20 and DS-2019 cannot be sent via fax.

How do I extend my Form I-20?

Refer to resources on Form I-20 Extension.

What do I do if my I-20 expires?

Refer to resources on Reinstatement.

How do I extend my Form DS-2019?

Refer to resources on Form DS-2019 Extension.

Do I need a travel Signature?

Yes. Travel Advisory dates will be emailed to you every semester.

Can I still use my expired visa to travel to Canada, Mexico or one of the islands (except Cuba)?

Yes, please refer to travel to Canada, Mexico and Adjacent Islands.

Can I apply for a new visa in a third country?

The recommendation is for you to apply for a student visa in your home country.

Can I travel outside the U.S. during the "Grace Period"?

No.

Can I renew my visa in the United States?

No, you can only apply for a visa at United States Embassies or Consulates outside the United States.

Can I study in the United States on a B1/B2 visa?

No. Studying in the United States on a B1/B2 visa is considered unlawful.

What do I do if my visa expires while I am studying in the U.S.?

If your visa expires while you are still in the United States studying, it is okay for you to remain in the country. An expired visa does not affect your status in the United States as you only need it at the point of entry. Always make sure you have a valid I-20. You should renew your visa when you travel to your home country during vacation.

How many days of grace do I have to depart the U.S.?

F-1 students have 60 days to depart the country after the completion of their program. J-1 students have 30 days to depart. Grace period does not apply to you if you did not complete your program.

Do I have 60-days grace period, if I only take a few classes or withdraw from school?

If you fail to maintain legal F-1 status, withdraw from school or interrupt your course of study, you are not eligible for any grace period.

Do I need a letter of invitation from CIE in order to invite my parents for my graduation?

No. Contact the Registrars Office for an Enrollment Verification Letter. ccsu.edu/registrar/forms

Can I work on campus?

Refer to On-Campus Employment.

Can I work off campus?

You need authorization to work off campus. You can work off campus by applying for Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, Academic Training or Economic Hardship. Intensive English Language Program (IELP) students are only eligible to work in the bookstore and Sodexo.

Do I need authorization to work during CPT (paid/unpaid)?

Yes, you do need authorization on your Form I-20. * Remember that working without authorization will jeopardize your immigration status.* 

How do I apply for OPT Extension?

Refer to the Optional Practical Training page.

How do I process Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Extension?

Refer to Curricular Practical Training Extension page.

What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

It is an off-campus work benefit available to F-1 students maintaining legal status, must have completed an academic year (two semesters) and have at least 1 class left to complete their program at Central. Refer to Curricular Practical Training page.

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

It is an off-campus benefit available to F-1 students maintaining legal status who must have completed an academic year (two semesters) at Central. You can apply for OPT at any time during your program. Refer to the Optional Practical Training page.

How do I apply for H-1B Cap-Gap?

Refer to Optional Practical Training.

How do I apply for Academic Training?

Refer to Academic Training.

Who do I talk to if I am having academic difficulty?

Email: ayenio@ccsu.edu

Who can I talk to if I am having difficulty adjusting to my new environment?

Email: ayenio@ccsu.edu

Do I need to attend school full-time?

Yes, immigration rules and regulations require students on F-1 Student visa or J-1 Student visa to attend school full time undergraduates must have 12 credits and graduates must have 9 credits.

Am I required to attend classes during the Summer Break?

No, you are not required to attend classes in the summer.

How do I change to part-time status in my last semester?

Submit Reduced Course Load form along with Registrar’s Change of Status form to CIE.

How do I apply for a Driver's License?

Refer to DMV checklist.

Can I use my International Driver's License?

According to Department of Motor Vehicles, you should have a valid Driver’s license from your home country, along with the International Driver’s License/Permit.

Can I apply for a Social Security number?

How do I apply for a Social Security number?

What do I need to apply for a Social Security number?

What do I need to transfer to CCSU from another Academic Institution in the United States?

You need to fill out a Transfer In Form and drop it off at CIE. Your request will be taken care of within 5 business days.

What do I need to transfer from CCSU to another Academic Institution in the United States?

You need to fill out a Transfer Out Form and drop it off at CIE. Your request will be taken care of within 5 business days.

What do I need to change my level from IELP to Undergraduate or graduate?

Refer to Change of Level information.