Welcome to United States University (USU)! We extend our warmest welcome to you as you embark on your educational journey. Studying abroad is exciting, and we understand that there may be unique challenges as well as opportunities that come with being an international student. We want to remind you that you are not alone in your journey. We have a dedicated team here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our dedicated international student services team. We are here to help you succeed academically, socially, and personally.
Once again, welcome to United States University. We are excited you have chosen us to pursue your education and look forward to seeing you thrive in all your endeavors.
United States University Administration
Campus Location & Hours
859 Mt. Vernon Hwy NE, Suite 200, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
1-855-475-0572 ext 1003
International students must maintain full-time enrollment status as defined by the University. In mitigating circumstances, students may be authorized to drop below full-time. This is called a Reduce Course Load (RCL). For acceptable RCL mitigating circumstances under Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations please contact the Designated School Official (DSO).
USU defines full-time status as enrolled in no less than six credits per semester for graduate students. International students must be enrolled in two (2) on ground and one (1) online course per semester (refer to your degree plan). If a student is in their last semester and only needs one (1) course to complete their program of study, the course cannot be completed online. Please note that SEVP does not allow a University to count an online course towards full-time status.
International students are expected to adhere to the University attendance requirements for both on-ground and online courses. Students that do not adhere to the University’s attendance policy may have their SEVIS record terminated.
For more information regarding maintaining status please refer to the International Student Handbook.
You may enter the U.S. within 30 days of the start date listed on your Form I-20. If you are not able to arrive by the first day of classes due to travel or visa delays, you must contact the DSO at dso@usuniversity.edu.
You must carry all of your original travel documents on you at all times. Do NOT put any of them on your checked baggage because you will need to access them when you arrive to the port of entry. List of documents you should carry on you:
Also, make at least one (1) set of copies of all documents you’ve received up to this point and leave with your family in your home country or someone you can trust in case of an emergency.
We recommend flying into San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Step 1: Point of Entry - Meeting With U.S. Customs and Border Officer
Once you arrive in the United States at your point of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will check your documents and determine if you can enter the country. This is where you will need to show your passport, visa and I-20.
Your passport must be stamped by the port of entry official notating F-1 duration of status, date, and location of arrival in the U.S. If this is incomplete or the stamped date or visa classification is incorrect, please bring it to the attention of the CBP officer before you leave so they can make the correct annotation.
While a CBP officer inspects your immigration documents, you may be asked some general questions. Don’t get agitated or nervous; it’s just a routine procedure. Always answer clearly, honestly and politely. If there is a problem, you can provide them with the DSO’s email address.
If the CBP officer admits you into the country, you will be given a Form I-94 Arrival Departure Record. This form shows that you have been legally admitted into the United States, the class of admission, and your authorized period of stay.
Step 2: Customs Checkpoint
After checking your documents and clearing you to enter the U.S., you will proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. You will then need to enter a line with U.S. Customs (or Agricultural Department) officials where they may ask about the contents of your bags or ask to open them. Follow their instructions and answer their questions honestly and politely.
After you collect your luggage, you will go through the customs checkpoint. Here you will turn in the form you were given on the airplane. On this form, you must declare if you have funds exceeding $10,000 (in any currency) and any items that need to be declared. Please visit cbp.gov for detailed information on what you are allowed to bring and what items you need to declare.
Customs and Border Protection officers will ask for your documents (see PREPARING FOR ARRIVAL, Prepare Documents for Travel above) and may ask the following questions:
Answer all questions honestly and politely, even if you’ve answered the question previously.
A few things to be mindful of:
Step 3: Airport Transportation
Once you have cleared the customs checkpoint, you will exit into the international arrivals area of the airport. If you need to catch a connecting flight to get to SAN, you will need to take your bags with you to the proper terminal or check-in counter for your domestic flight. At many airports, you will need to take a free inter-terminal shuttle or tram/train to get to the proper terminal. We highly recommend visiting the website of your destination airport to become familiar with what you will need to do.
To leave San Diego airport, you can use taxis or ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft to get around. You can also pre-plan transportation such as shuttles or private limos online.
Maintaining Your Status
As an F-1 student attending United States University, you will often hear the term “maintain your status.” The term means that you are fulfilling the purpose of your visa and following the regulations associated with that purpose. For more information, please see the section on Maintaining International (F-1) Student Status.
Once you complete your program, there are a variety of options for what you can do next including applying for training, changing your status, or transferring to another SEVP-certified program. If you don’t choose any of those options, you and your dependents have 60 days after your program end date to depart the United States.
Prospective international students are currently eligible to apply for admission into USU’s iMBA and iDAB programs. These programs are certified by SEVP to enroll F-1 international students and adhere to all relevant federal regulations.
To apply for admission as an international student, click here.
Once admitted into an approved program, international students will receive communication regarding how to request their Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
Per federal regulatory requirements, SEVP-certified institutions must demonstrate that F-1 students can meet the financial obligations associated with attending a university/college. U.S. Immigration law prohibits waiver of the financial guarantee, and without certified information, a Form I-20 cannot be issued. Therefore, you are required to certify that you will have adequate financial support for your program of study at United States University.
Complete support for your first year must be guaranteed, and for the subsequent years, it must be estimated. If you are bringing dependents, you must provide an additional $6,000 for your spouse and $6,000 for each child. The Form I-20 may not be issued until you have satisfactorily completed the form and provided all necessary documents to fulfill the financial guarantee requirement.
All international applicants who wish to attend United States University must submit proof of financial support for their studies while in the United States. International students must present satisfactory evidence of adequate funds available to meet financial obligations at United States University.
Please keep the following in mind when submitting financial documents with this form:
Real estate titles, investments/stocks, lines of credit, salary statements, and loans are not acceptable for the purposes of this form.Per federal regulatory requirements, SEVP-certified institutions must demonstrate that F-1 students can meet the financial obligations associated with attending a university/college. U.S. Immigration law prohibits waiver of the financial guarantee, and without certified information, a Form I-20 cannot be issued. Therefore, you are required to certify that you will have adequate financial support for your program of study at United States University.
Complete support for your first year must be guaranteed, and for the subsequent years, it must be estimated. If you are bringing dependents, you must provide an additional $6,000 for your spouse and $6,000 for each child. The Form I-20 may not be issued until you have satisfactorily provided all necessary documents to fulfill the financial guarantee requirement for an I-20 for your program.:
| Tuition and Fees | $39,827 |
| Living Expenses | $14,000 |
| Textbooks and Supplies | $1,800 |
| Total | $55,627 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,490 |
| Living Expenses | $14,000 |
| Textbooks and Supplies | $1,800 |
| Total | $36,290 |
Once you have been admitted into an approved program of study, you will begin to receive communications with instructions for requesting your I-20 document.
If you are outside of the US, then you will be considered an Initial Student.
To request your I-20, you will complete the I-20 request e-form and provide the following documents and information:
If you are currently in the US and hold a valid I-20 from another institution, you are considered a SEVIS Transfer Student. To receive your USU I-20, you will coordinate with the DSO at your current institution as well as the DSO at USU. The DSO at your current institution will assist and provide advising on their specific transfer-out processes as well as help determine an appropriate date for your SEVIS record to be released to USU.
In order to request your USU I-20, you will complete the I-20 request e-form and provide the following documents and information:
If you are currently in the US in any other immigration status and would like to obtain F-1 student status while remaining in the country, you are a Change of Status (COS) Student.
USU will issue you a Change of Status I-20 which you will use to apply for your COS with USCIS. Change of status within the US can be a complicated process, and we advise that you consult with an Immigration attorney for legal advice and assistance during the process.
In order to request your COS I-20, you will complete the I-20 request e-form and provide the following documents and information:
Once the Form I‑20 has been issued, students must complete several important steps before they can enter the United States in F-1 student status. The following requirements apply to all students who will study in F‑1 status who are outside the United States and have been issued an “Initial” I-20. These steps should be completed promptly to avoid delays in visa processing and program arrival.
All new F‑1 students are required to pay the I‑901 SEVIS Fee which is paid to the US government to support the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This fee is separate from the visa application fee and must be paid before a student can schedule a visa interview or enter the United States.
The I‑901 fee can be paid online at the official payment portal. Upon payment, students must print and retain theI‑901 SEVIS Fee Receipt, as they may be asked to present it during the visa interview and at the port of entry.
Students who are currently outside the United States and who are not exempt from visa requirements must complete the DS‑160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application in order to apply for an F‑1 visa. Please note that citizens of Canada and Bermuda are exempt from obtaining a physical F-1 visa stamp and are not required to complete the DS-160 application.
After submitting the DS‑160, students will receive a DS‑160 Confirmation Page with a barcode. This confirmation must be printed and brought to the visa interview, as it is required for scheduling and attending the appointment.
Students who require an F‑1 visa must schedule an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of citizenship or permanent residency. Appointment availability varies by location and time of year. The US Department of State maintains a website with global visa wait times which students may reference for an estimate of when an appointment may be available. Students are encouraged to schedule their interview as early as possible, using the confirmation number from their DS‑160 and their SEVIS ID.
The F‑1 visa interview is a required step for most students applying to study in the United States. The interview is conducted by a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and is intended to verify the student’s academic plans, financial readiness, and intent to comply with U.S. immigration regulations. Careful preparation is essential for a successful interview and timely visa issuance.
Students must bring the following documents to the interview. All documents should be neatly organized and accessible:
Students should review the website of the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they will apply, as additional documents may be required. Additional documents not on the list above may not be reviewed by the consular officer.
The visa interview is typically brief, less than five minutes; therefore, clear communication is essential. Students should respond to questions directly and concisely, providing honest and accurate information at all times. A calm, respectful manner helps create a positive interaction, and students are expected to communicate in English. Preparing a succinct explanation of one’s academic objectives and financial support in advance can help students feel more confident during the interview.
Consular officers may ask follow‑up questions to gain a fuller understanding of a student’s circumstances. These questions can relate to previous study in the United States, prior visa applications, or family members who reside in the U.S. Students may also be asked about their knowledge of the academic program, the institution, or their practical plans for living arrangements and daily life. Being familiar with all aspects of their educational plans helps students respond to these inquiries with confidence and clarity.
Although no formal dress code exists, students are encouraged to present themselves in a professional and respectful manner, as appearance and demeanor contribute to the overall impression they make during the interview. After the interview concludes, the consular officer will inform the student of the next steps in the process. If the visa is approved, students will receive instructions regarding the return of their passport and visa. Travel arrangements should not be finalized until the visa has been issued and the passport has been returned.
Upon arrival in the US, all F‑1 students are required to complete check‑in with the Designated School Official (DSO). The purpose of this process is to verify the student’s U.S. contact information and immigration documentation so that the institution can register the student in SEVIS and activate the SEVIS record for the term of entry. Activation confirms the student’s presence and eligibility to engage in academic study and related F‑1 benefits.
At check‑in, students must provide their current U.S. residential address and U.S. phone number, as well as documentation that confirms their immigration status. Required documents typically include the electronic I‑94 arrival record, the F‑1 visa (if applicable), and the hand‑signed Form I‑20. Students should ensure that all information on their I‑20 is accurate and that their name matches the name on their passport. The DSO will review these materials to confirm lawful entry in F‑1 status and to ensure the student’s record reflects the correct program start date and personal details. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay SEVIS activation.
Students may not work, apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), or apply for a driver’s license until the SEVIS record has been updated to Active status. Employers, the Social Security Administration, and state departments of motor vehicles routinely verify SEVIS status electronically; attempts to begin employment or submit applications before activation will be unsuccessful and may complicate future processing. Students should allow enough time after check‑in for the SEVIS update to be processed and recognized by external agencies.
Failure to complete the initial check‑in by the required deadline can result in serious consequences. Students who do not check in may have their Form I-20 canceled or terminated for failure to report. Students should prioritize check‑in upon arrival, monitor institutional communications closely, and contact the DSO with any questions or anticipated delays.
Maintaining F-1 is about more than simply having an I-20 —it requires consistently following U.S. immigration regulations and staying aware of your responsibilities. Students who do not follow these rules risk losing important benefits like practical training opportunities, and may face serious consequences such as visa denial, loss of legal status, or even removal from the United States.
To maintain status, students must:
Employment rules are especially important in maintaining F-1 student status. Students must receive proper authorization before beginning any work and must follow limits such as working no more than 20 hours per week during the academic term. Unauthorized employment or under-enrollment are common violations that can jeopardize a student’s status
Finally, students should be mindful of program completion timelines and grace periods. F-1 students typically have a 60-day grace period to take next steps such as departing the U.S., transferring schools, or applying for work authorization or a change of status. There is no grace period for students who fail to maintain status.
Ultimately, while ISSS is a key resource for guidance and support, maintaining immigration status is the student’s responsibility. Staying informed, monitoring deadlines, and communicating with ISSS are the best ways to ensure a successful and stress-free experience in the U.S.
USU defines full-time status as enrolled in no less than six credits per semester for graduate students. International students must be enrolled in one (1) ground courses and one (1) online course per semester (refer to your degree plan). If a student is in their last semester and only needs one (1) course to complete their program of study, the course cannot be completed online. Please note that SEVP does not allow a University to count online courses towards full-time status.
International students are expected to adhere to the University attendance requirements for both on-ground and online courses. Students that do not adhere to the University's attendance policy may have their SEVIS record terminated.
Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled weekend and online classes, and missing even one day may result in immediate withdrawal from the university and potential SEVIS termination, with no exceptions. In cases of serious mitigating circumstances (such as medical emergencies or severe weather), students must notify both faculty and the DSO and may be required to provide documentation. Students are expected to plan ahead to attend all sessions, especially if traveling. Being more than 10 minutes late or leaving early is discouraged, and accumulating more than two instances of tardiness or early departure in a course will be counted as an absence, which may lead to withdrawal from the course or university and possible SEVIS consequences for falling below a full course of study.
In some circumstances, a student may be authorized to engage in less than a full course of study for limited reasons as allowed under federal regulations. This reduction in course load is called a Reduced Course Load (RCL) and is reported within SEVIS as "Authorized a Drop Below Full Course." A RCL is authorized for one (1) semester and may be extended, if needed, the subsequent semester if the student is still eligible.
The DSO may authorize an RCL for the following reasons:
Unfamiliarity with the U.S. teaching methods or initial difficulty with reading requirements. A student can only use academic difficulties for the initial academic term and must maintain a minimum six-credit course load (including online course). Must begin a full course load at the next offered term. The RCL will start and end with alignment of the university's start and end dates of semesters.
Temporary illness or medical condition for a period of time not to exceed 12 months while the student is pursuing a course of study at the particular program level. To authorize an RCL the student must provide medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, psychiatrist, doctor of osteopathy, licensed psychologist, or clinical psychologist to the DSO to substantiate the illness or medical condition. The student must provide current medical documentation and a DSO must reauthorize the RCL each semester. A student may not be permitted to be enrolled in any CPT courses during this time.
In a final semester, if the student has fewer courses to complete may be authorized for an RCL. The student must be enrolled in at least one, on the ground, required credit bearing course.
Authorized Vacation Period:
At United States University (USU), international students become eligible for an annual vacation after completing one full academic year (four consecutive 8-week sessions) in good academic standing. Students may take up to two 8-week sessions off per year, though taking a vacation is optional and they may choose to study year-round. During an approved vacation, students may study part-time, travel domestically or internationally, or enroll in approved courses such as a symposium or internship. Students must request and receive DSO approval in advance, and vacations must begin at the start of a semester. Due to scheduling constraints, additional vacation requests beyond the standard allowance are typically not approved.
Travel Endorsement/Signature:
F-1 students planning international travel must notify their DSO at least two weeks in advance to obtain a valid travel signature on their I-20. Before departing, students should ensure all documents are current, including a passport valid for at least six months beyond their return date, a valid F-1 visa (if required), and an endorsed I-20. The travel signature is typically valid for 12 months (or 6 months for students on OPT), and traveling without it may result in delays or denial of re-entry.
Students should also carry supporting documents such as proof of enrollment, financial support, and, if applicable, EAD card. Re-entry to the U.S. is never guaranteed, so students must be prepared to answer questions from Customs and Border Protection officers about their studies and travel. After returning, students should review their I-94 record to confirm it shows “F-1” and “D/S,” and are encouraged to submit it to their DSO. Careful planning and communication with the DSO are essential to ensure smooth travel and continued compliance with immigration regulations.
Extensions:
If an F-1 student cannot complete their program by the end date on their Form I-20, they must apply for an I-20 extension before that date. Extensions may be approved only if the student has maintained status and the delay is due to valid medical reasons, not academic difficulties. Students must provide recent financial documentation and medical evidence, and DSOs typically review requests within 10 days. If the extension is approved, a new I-20 is issued. Requests submitted after the program end date cannot be approved, and the student will be considered out of status, lose employment authorization and benefits, and may need to apply for reinstatement if eligible.
Change of Degree Level:
A change of degree level occurs when an F-1 student completes one program and begins a new program at a higher or different academic level (for example, moving from a master’s to a doctoral program). To maintain status, the student must be admitted to the new program and request an updated I-20 within their grace period and before starting the new degree. The new I-20 reflects the updated program information and allows the student to continue their studies without interruption. Failure to properly request this update or begin the new program on time may result in a loss of F-1 status.
All international students must receive approval prior to beginning any employment or volunteer work whether or not they are being compensated. Students without approval for any type of employment would be considered in violation of their F-1 status because it is illegal to work without authorization. A DSO must report to SEVIS if they find that any student is working without approval. A student may face a loss of legal immigration status in the U.S., possible deportation, and/or an impact on their future visa applications. To maintain an active F-1 status, students must receive work authorization in order to work in the U.S.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization for F-1 students that allows them to participate in internships or employment that are an integral part of their academic program and directly related to their major. CPT must be completed before graduation, requires a job offer at the time of application, and cannot delay program completion. Authorization is granted one semester at a time, and students must apply at least two weeks in advance and reapply each term. CPT may be part-time (20 hours or less) or full-time (over 20 hours), but using 12 months or more of full-time CPT can impact eligibility for OPT. Maintaining strong academic standing is essential, as students who do not meet academic requirements may lose eligibility for CPT, and misuse of CPT can result in serious consequences, including loss of F-1 status.
F-1 students at United States University must be in full-time status for at least one academic year to be eligible for OPT. Students must be seeking employment in the major field of study listed on their current Form I-20 and be completing their program of study at United States University. F-1 students must be physically present in the United States at the time of application to USCIS and not have used more than 1 year of full-time CPT during their current degree level (part-time does not count).
A DSO only recommends OPT in SEVIS; it is the student's responsibility to apply for the work permit with USCIS. Only if the OPT is approved by USCIS can a student begin work after receiving their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Detailed information and instructions can be found in the USU OPT application.
Students on OPT must continue to report any changes to name or address, or interruption of such employment during approved OPT, within 10 days of the change to their DSO, including DHS. A DSO may be required to update the student's SEVIS record to reflect the reported changes for the duration of the authorized training.
USU does not currently offer any programs that are eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in a job directly related to their major before completing their degree program. Students must apply for authorization through USCIS and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before beginning work. Pre-completion OPT can be part-time during the academic year (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time during breaks, but any time used will be deducted from the total 12 months of OPT available. Students must maintain full-time enrollment and good academic standing while participating, and employment cannot interfere with their progress toward completing their degree.
F-1 students are permitted to work on campus at their sponsoring institution; however, USU does not currently have any on-campus employment options available to students.