International Students FAQs

Yes. The international student Orientation is mandatory and all international students on F-1 visa are required to attend. At orientation, you will receive information regarding federal regulations affecting your immigration status, as well as have an opportunity to meet other international students and international peer mentors who can assist you with your transition.

Yes. You must make an appointment with a DSO so that you can receive the necessary attention and appropriate advice. To make an appointment, please call 313-496-2552 or e-mail ipgp@wcccd.edu.

No. To maintain your immigration status, you are required to enroll full-time during the fall and spring terms (12 credit hours). Your WCCCD DSO must approve exceptions to the full-time requirement BEFORE dropping below full-time.

If you are out of status you must schedule an appointment to meet with DSO immediately to review your options in returning to status.

If you are enrolled full-time in the fall and spring semesters and intend to continue full-time studies the following term you are eligible to take the summer term off. However, you need to get your WCCCD DSO’s permission first.

Yes. If you are planning to work off-campus in the U.S. you must get authorization for either Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). To apply for either of these F-1 employment benefits, you must view the online employment workshop on the WCCCD website, or attend a live employment workshop hosted by the WCCCD Organizational Development Institute. You must complete the workshop acknowledgement form and set up an appointment to meet with your WCCCD DSO before engaging in any type of off-campus employment.

Working on campus is NOT an entitlement. F 1 students may work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. You can work up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring terms with authorization from your WCCCD DSO. During the summer vacation, spring break and holiday season, you may engage in full-time on-campus employment starting on the Monday of the vacation period and ending on the Thursday before classes begin. This is of course contingent upon availability of positions. Check frequently with your WCCCD DSO.

If you are on OPT after graduation, you are not eligible to extend the OPT end date unless you earned your post completion OPT degree in one of the STEM majors listed in Classification of Instructional Programs codes published by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES CIP codes), that have been designated by ICE as science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) degrees. If you are on OPT following completion of a STEM degree AND working for an employer registered with E-Verify, you may apply for a 17-month extension of your OPT. You may visit http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm for a list of majors that qualify for the STEM extension. You may need to check with the International Student office to find out if your program has a CIP code that is on this list.

You can obtain a social security number once you have obtained employment and authorization from your WCCCD DSO. You must apply for a Social Security number through your local Social Security office. For the location nearest you, please go to https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp and type in your zip code. You may also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10181.html. 

Please allow for two weeks after your entry semester begin before going to apply for your driver's license.

No, the travel signature on page 3 is valid for 12 months.

Generally, your I-20 is only stamped upon initial entry at the port of entry; it is not stamped each time you travel.

A visa is an “entry document” used to enter the U.S. If it expires in the U.S., there is no need for concern as long as you are maintaining valid F-1 status. However, if you plan to leave the U.S., you will need a valid visa for re-entry to the U.S. Visas are issued at the U.S. embassies/consulates abroad. Check with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your home country regarding visa renewal requirements. Students must obtain a new I-20 for visa renewal from the International Student office.

You are considered to be out of status with the Department of Homeland Security if your I-20 expires. DO NOT LET THIS DOCUMENT EXPIRE. If it has expired, schedule an appointment to meet with your WCCCD DSO immediately to discuss how to get back in status.

To maintain status, you must obtain a new I-20 showing a program extension BEFORE your current I-20 expires. You may request an extension of your I-20 no earlier than 120 days prior to the program end date listed on your I-20. You must schedule an appointment to meet with your WCCCD DSO immediately to process the extension.

If your I-20 is lost, damaged, or stolen, you must request a new I-20 from the International Student office by making an appointment to see your WCCCD DSO. If your I-20 is stolen, you should file a police report with the police department as soon as possible.

YES. “D/S” means “duration of status” and all F-1 students must have an I-94 with this annotation. If your I-94 does not reflect this, you must meet with your WCCCD DSO immediately.

If you want to travel outside the U.S. you must have a valid F-1 visa, a valid I-20 with a travel signature (travel signatures are valid for one year), and a valid passport (valid at least six months into the future). If you are planning to travel to a country other than your home country, view this link www.embassy.org for travel guidelines and visa requirements.

No. International student application materials must be submitted by mail or in person. Original documents are required.

The WCCCD I-20 requires all courses to be taken at WCCCD. However, in rare cases, enrollment at another college part-time (no more than 6 credits) can be authorized if a required course has been cancelled or is not offered at WCCCD. Students must obtain written documentation from their counselor and authorization from the DSO.

No. International students are not eligible for Federal or State aid.

Yes. Students should be prepared to pay all fees at the time of registration. However, WCCCD will allow 65% of the tuition and fees to be paid while arrangements are made for the balance.

Yes. Your full semester fees must be paid at the time of registration.

Yes. However, the number of online courses that may be taken is limited. Visa regulations require international students to enroll in and complete 12 credits each semester; only three of the twelve credits can be online coursework. Nine credits must be traditional, in-class coursework every semester.

If you need to change your major, you first need to meet with an academic advisor. During your appointment, you will generate a new academic plan with your advisor. Please bring your new academic plan of work to the DSO. We will make a copy of your new plan, and begin the process of updating your SEVIS record and I-20. Please allow us between 5-7 business days to issue you a new I-20 with your updated major.

Most importantly, do NOT drop your class without consulting with the DSO, especially if your enrollment falls below full-time! WCCCD has resources for students who are struggling in their classes! Your instructor is a valuable resource; he/she may be able to assist you with extra reading, or suggested study tips or resources. If you have tried this method, and still want to drop a class, please come by and speak to the DSO about your desire to drop a class. Please note that you are required to be enrolled in and complete at least 12 credits. You will need to meet with the DSO BEFORE you drop below full-time. Dropping a class and being enrolled in less than 12 credits will have negative immigration-related consequences.