Policies

Definition of Certificate Program

Certificate programs are typically short-term education programs designed by Georgia State departments which lead to the awarding of a specialized credential in a particular field of study.

Federal Regulations and Certificate Programs

Per federal regulations [CFR 214.2 (f)(6)], all F-1 students must enroll and complete a "full course of study" during each fall and spring semester in a program that leads to the attainment of a specific educational or professional objective. Most Georgia State certificate (CERG) programs cannot be pursued alone at a full-time (F/T) rate (12 credit hours for undergraduate/9 credit hours for graduate students) due to class registration availability. As a result, ISSS recommends all F-1 students wishing to pursue a certificate program in addition to their normal degree requirements do so concurrently with their primary program of study listed on Form I-20. If a student is pursuing a certificate concurrently with their degree listed on their Form I-20, no further immigration requirements are necessary to pursue this certificate. Students who have completed their primary program of study and seek to obtain a specialized post-completion certificate must be issued a new Form I-20 by International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) for this certificate. To obtain a Form I-20 following completion of degree studies for a certificate program, the student must meet the specific requirements listed below. ISSS will review and approve each request on a case-by-case basis.

Issuance of Form I-20 for Certificate Program

ISSS may issue Forms I-20 to eligible students for a certificate program at Georgia State. However, students issued a new Form I-20 for a certificate program are typically not eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) based on the certificate program, nor for any other previous degree they completed prior to being issued a Form I-20 for a certificate program. If a student passes up OPT based on their prior completed degree program in order to immediately start a certificate program, they may not apply for OPT based on the earlier degree once the certificate is complete.

Eligibility for I-20 Issuance and Maintenance of Status

Prospective students for a post-completion certificate must provide the documentation required of all international students for I-20 issuance (proof of financial support, copies of immigration documents, etc.).

The certificate program must allow for full-time study (9 hours for graduate certificates, 12 hours for undergraduate certificates) each semester of enrollment. Classes taken outside of the certificate program cannot be used as part of the full-time enrollment requirement.

Duration of Certificate Study

Study for the obtainment of a certificate may not exceed twelve (12) months or one academic year. After completing all the requirements for obtaining the certificate, students have a 60-day "Grace Period" to leave the United States, apply for a change of status, or transfer to another school. A student does not receive a grace period if s/he fails to complete the certificate listed on Form I-20.

Full-time Enrollment Requirement

Students who wish to obtain a certificate after completion of their degree must maintain full-time enrollment each semester in order to maintain F-1 visa status. Full-time study is defined as at least twelve (undergraduate) or nine (graduate) credit hours.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Post-Completion Certificate

Students studying on a post-completion certificate can only do CPT if the certificate program requires an internship as part of the curriculum. Students must provide documentation with the CPT request showing an internship is required.

If a student is in a graduate certificate program, they are encouraged to reach out to ISSS to discuss their eligibility for OPT.

How to Change your Status to F-1

Two Methods:

1. Stay in the U.S and submit a Change of Status (COS) application (Form I-539 and Form I-539A) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after receiving a form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status) from ISSS. The COS process currently takes up to 9 months (as of November 2015). See Change of Visa Status for more details.
2. Depart the U.S. and apply for an F-1 visa directly at U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country, then re-enter the U.S. in F1 status. This method is faster. Note: ISSS does not recommend travel to a third country. You are responsible for securing an entry visa to the third country if you do. Further, if your F-1 visa application is denied in the third country, you will be required to return to your home country without re-entering the U.S.

Deadlines

ISSS will not process in-country Change of Status I-20s less than two months before the first day of classes for the next term. We will process I-20s for applicants wishing to travel home to change status via the travel option.

While Your Change of Status (COS) Application is Pending

Travel:

If you have filed a COS application with USCIS and you travel outside the United States while the COS is pending, your application will be considered abandoned. You must obtain an F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the United States in order to reenter.

Study and Work:

Students in certain visa statuses are not eligible to study or work at Georgia State while a COS application is pending with USCIS. Please see the chart below for more information.

If COS Not Approved by Start of Studies:

If your COS application is not approved by the second Monday of the semester and your current status doesn't allow study, you can travel home immediately to apply for an F-1 visa in your home country (see above), or defer to the next available semester. ISSS will defer your Form I-20 to the next available semester. If your COS is still not approved by the start of the 2nd available semester, we can again defer pending COS I-20's since they can now take up to 9 months or more.

* If your current visa status is not listed above, please consult an International Student Advisor in ISSS for more information.

Pending Change of Status and Orientation

Students who have a COS pending should plan to attend the international student orientation for the semester in which they intend to begin their studies. Please see the Mandatory Orientation Program for more information. Once your status has changed to F-1, you must abide by all F-1 regulations in order to maintain your legal status in the United States. Please see Maintaining F-1 Status for more information.

Use of Outside Attorneys

Your Change of Status request is an individual application with many variables and factors. For that reason, you are encouraged to work with a licensed, qualified immigration attorney to file your COS. This is especially true if you are changing to F1 status from A, G or NATA categories. In order for ISSS to keep your I-20 active, please let us know the outcome of your application. If your COS is not approved by the 2nd week of your target semester, it is your responsibility to let us know so that we can defer or cancel your I-20 per your wishes. If we do not hear from you in a timely manner, we will cancel your SEVIS I-20.

For undergraduate and graduate non-thesis students, completion of a course of study is the last day of the final exams of the semester in which they finish all degree requirements. All other graduate students can choose between three dates for completion of study:

1. On the last day of finals in the semester in which the student completes all required coursework.
2. On the date, the student successfully defends the thesis/dissertation/project. (This date is established between the student and the academic advisor or department chair.)
3. On the last day of finals in the semester in which the final degree requirement is met. This is the same for non-thesis students.

Regulatory Reference: 8 C.F.R. 3.23.5

Definition:

A concurrently-enrolled student is a student who is currently on the visa sponsorship of Georgia State and who is also taking classes at another SEVIS-approved institution.

Full-time Enrollment Requirement:

Concurrently-enrolled students must maintain full-time enrollment (at least twelve (12) hours for undergraduate students and at least nine (9) hours for graduate students). If summer is your first semester, you must be enrolled full-time (at least six (6) credit hours for both undergraduate and graduate students) for the summer semester. Continuing students are not required to enroll at Georgia State in the summer semester. Credits to count towards full-time enrollment may come from either school, as long as the total combined credits amount to a full course load. At least one course must be taken at Georgia State.

Documentation Required:

A concurrently-enrolled student must provide the SEVIS school code of the other institution to the Georgia State International Student and Scholar Services office (ISSS). Concurrently-enrolled students must provide proof of enrollment (for example registration record or unofficial transcript, listing credit hours, from the other school where the student is taking classes).

Final Degree Requirement Completed at Georgia State:

University policy states that Georgia State students may NOT complete their final degree requirement at another school; the final degree requirement must be completed at Georgia State. If you have questions about this policy please speak with your academic department.

Additional requirements for Graduate Students:

Graduate students seeking concurrent enrollment must provide written approval from the academic advisor or professor in their major department. The approval must state that classes taken as concurrent enrollment will transfer back to Georgia State and count towards your intended degree.

J-1 Students:

J-1 students participating in an exchange program are not eligible for concurrent enrollment. Home-government or organization-sponsored J-1 students who seek concurrent enrollment must first meet with an international advisor. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Regulatory Reference: 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(10)

Courses Used for CPT Approval:

• Generally, Doctoral dissertation and thesis research hours cannot be used to satisfy the credit bearing course requirement for CPT. Such courses only fulfill the CPT credit requirement if a student’s dissertation or thesis requires gathering data at a particular corporation’s research and development facilities which requires employment or permission for access.
• The student must register for a course that carries academic credit, is listed in the regular bulletin of course offerings and has a faculty member assigned to teach the course.
• The course cannot be a class designated outside the scope and purpose of CPT.
  Example: student signs up for ACCT 21010 (Principles of Accounting 1) and seeks to utilize this class for both CPT and normal course credit.

Examples of appropriate CPT courses:

• CSC 8940-Computer Science Internship: The course will require to document and present the project the student worked on during the internship (1-9 credit hours)
• BIOL 4916-Internships in Biology: Students receive hands-on experience in activities that require knowledge and skills related to the field of biology. Specific topics available each semester will vary. May be taken for credit a maximum of two times (2 credit hours)
• ACCT 8391-Field Study Accounting: Prerequisite-MPA or MBA student with a 2.7 or higher GPA, accounting internship, consent of instructor. CSP: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. The purpose of this class is to provide course credit for students enrolled in the MPA or MBA program who have an accounting internship. Students are required to submit weekly journals describing their internship experience and a paper at the end of the semester. The topic for the paper has to be approved by the instructor. Students can register for this class only with the consent of the instructor.

Hours Per Week:

During fall and spring semesters, CPT is typically approved for part-time employment (20 hours a week or less) while classes are in session. Full time (more than 20 hours a week) will only be approved in limited circumstances such as:

• During vacation periods when school is not in session such as summer, winter and spring breaks*
• Students in programs that require full-time internships (clearly stated in the Academic Catalog)
• Students in their final semester who are taking less than a full course load, which has been pre-approved by an ISSS advisor
• Graduate students who have completed all required course work and are taking less than a full course load while completing their thesis or dissertation, which has been pre-approved by an ISSS advisor

Deadline to Apply

• CPT application deadlines may be found on our CPT webpage.
• Once approved per a specific job offer, the CPT employer cannot be changed that term.
• Plan ahead to ensure that your CPT is authorized in time.

Information Related to CPT Dates:

• CPT is tied to the academic calendar and can only be authorized in conjunction with the academic semester.
• Work may begin as early as the day following final exams of the previous semester and it may end prior to the start date of the next semester. No exceptions can be made to allow work outside these time limits, except on a case-by-case basis in the MPH (Master of Public Health) program.
• Students may participate in CPT multiple times during their program.
• Students may not begin working without final authorization from ISSS.
• CPT authorization ends prior to the start of classes in the next semester. If the student wishes to continue working through the next semester, that student must obtain new CPT authorization (which includes registration for a class in the upcoming semester and all CPT application materials).

Documentation Required:

• Complete the Curricular Practical Training e-form through iStart.
• The e-form will require input by both the student and the supervising faculty who oversees the academic credit.
• The e-form will require an original employer letter uploaded as a PDF file on the employer's letterhead, signed and addressing all points indicated.
• If internship/CPT is not required for your degree program, you must register in an appropriate credit-bearing course prior to applying for CPT. Refer to the information above for details on what courses are appropriate.

On November 20, 2014, changes in US immigration regulations were approved by President Obama. The changes affect all individuals who are unlawfully present in the U.S., including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). View the USCIS guidance on these changes.

Regulatory Reference: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(7)(iii)-(iv)

Overview

F-1 students may apply to ISSS for an extension of program/status if they are not able to complete their degree objective by their current I-20 expiration date. Approval of extension requests is at the discretion of ISSS. In order to preserve the integrity of Georgia State’s federal certification to enroll F-1 students, ISSS may deny extension requests that do not meet the criteria below.

Eligibility

An F-1 student is eligible for an extension or program/status if all of the following criteria are met:

• The student submits all documents for an extension request at least five (5) business days before his or her I-20 expiration date. The I-20 expiration date is listed in section 5 of the I-20.
• The student has continually maintained and is currently maintaining F-1 status. Click here for more information on maintaining F-1 status.
• The delay in the completion of studies is caused by compelling, substantive academic or medical reasons. Such reasons may include changes of major or thesis/dissertation topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented medical illness. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not valid reasons for program extension.
• The student is making normal academic progress towards the degree objective listed in sections 4 and 5 of Form I-20. Normal progress is the rate at which the average full-time student in the degree program completes the program requirements.

Application Procedures

Required documents can be found on the Extension webpage.

Length of Extension Granted

ISSS may extend a student’s F-1 status in accordance with the recommendation provided by the student’s academic advisor on the I-20/DS-2019 Extension Request Form. For example, if the academic advisor indicates that a student only has one semester of program requirements remaining, ISSS will only extend for one semester. The maximum amount of time an extension may be granted is one year from the date of ISSS approval, not from the I-20 expiration date. The end date of the extended I-20 will coincide with the last day of finals of the semester in which the extension period will end.

Financial Documentation Requirements

In addition to the I-20/DS-2019 Extension Request Form, students must provide financial documentation proving sufficient funding for full-time study for the recommended period of extension. Click here for more information on costs of attendance.

Total funding required must be immediately available and shown in the documentation. Financial documents must be issued directly by the funding source and must be original documents. (Photocopies, faxes, scanned documents, computer/Web printouts are not acceptable.)

Multiple Extension Requests

Pending student eligibility and ISSS approval, second and subsequent extension requests will be granted in one-semester increments only.

Effect of Early Completion of Degree/Program on an Approved Extension

If a student completes his degree program prior to the new, extended I-20 end date, the student’s F-1 status and I-20 will be shortened to reflect the earlier date of program completion. For example, if a student is granted an extension through the Fall 2014 semester but completes his degree in Spring 2014, the student’s I-20 end date will be shortened to the end of the Spring 2014 semester. See the Completion of Study policy for more information.

Regulatory Reference: 22 C.F.R. § 62.43

Overview

Program extensions for J-1 students are rare and will be approved on a case-by-case basis by ISSS. In order to preserve the integrity of Georgia State's federal certification to sponsor J-1 students, ISSS may deny extension requests that do not meet the criteria outlined in this policy. J-1 students enrolled in a degree-seeking program may apply to ISSS for an extension of program/status if they are unable to complete their degree objective by their current DS-2019 expiration date. J-1 students studying on a non-degree seeking program may also apply for a DS-2019 extension. Length and approval of an extension request are at the discretion of ISSS. Please note that ISSS cannot process extensions for externally sponsored students (for example, Fulbright, Muskie and USAID -sponsored students).

Eligibility

A student on a J-1 Visa is eligible for an extension of program/status if all of the following criteria are met:

I. J-1 Students on Exchange Agreements

Program extension must be permitted by the official exchange agreement. Please refer to your exchange Program Coordinator and/or the Office of International Initiatives for details about your exchange agreement.

Degree-Seeking:

• The student submits all documents for an extension request at least (5) business days before his or her DS-2019 expiration date. The expiration date is listed in section 3 of the DS-2019.
• The student has continually maintained and is currently maintaining J-1 status.
• The delay in the completion of studies is caused by compelling, substantive academic or medical reasons. Such reasons may include changes of major or thesis/dissertation topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented medical illness. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not valid reasons for program extension.
• The student is making progress towards the degree objective per the exchange agreement. Normal progress is the rate at which the average full-time student in the degree program completes the program requirements.
• The student obtains written permission from the exchange program coordinator/director for an extension. The exchange program coordinator/director must address reciprocity ramifications, fee rate code or university funding if the student will continue the exchange agreement and receive university support.

Non-degree Seeking:

• The student submits all documents for an extension request at least (5) business days before his or her DS-2019 expiration date. The expiration date is listed in section 3 of the DS-2019
• The student has continually maintained and is currently maintaining J-1 status.
• The student obtains written permission from the exchange program coordinator/director for an extension. The exchange program coordinator/director must address reciprocity ramifications, fee rate code or university funding if the student will continue the exchange agreement and receive university support.

II. J-1 Students not on Exchange Agreements

• The student submits all documents for an extension request at least (5) business days before his or her DS-2019 expiration date. The expiration date is listed in section 3 of the DS-2019.
• The student has continually maintained and is currently maintaining J-1 status.
• The delay in the completion of studies is caused by compelling, substantive academic or medical reasons. Such reasons may include changes of major or thesis/dissertation topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented medical illness. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not valid reasons for program extension.
• The student is making progress towards the degree objective per the exchange agreement. Normal progress is the rate at which the average full-time student in the degree program completes the program requirements.

Length of Extension Granted

The approval of and length granted for J-1 extensions is at the sole discretion of ISSS.

Financial Documents Required

The student must provide financial documentation proving sufficient funding for full-time study for the recommended period of extension. For more information on the estimated cost of attendance for J-1 exchange students, please see the ISSS Exchange Student webpage. Total funding required must be immediately available and shown in the documentation. Financial documents must be issued directly by the funding source and must be original documents. (Photocopies, faxes, scanned documents and computer/Web printouts are not acceptable.)

Definition:

For immigration purposes, a Change of Level (COL) usually occurs when an F-1 student has completed or will complete one-degree program before beginning a new degree program. The new degree program may be at the same or different educational level.

• Example 1: Student completes Bachelor’s in English in Fall 2013 and will begin Master’s in English in Spring 2014.

• Example 2: Student completes Bachelor’s in English in Spring 2013 and will begin Bachelor’s in Biology in Summer 2013.

• Example 3: Student is currently pursuing MS in Risk Management and Insurance (MS RMI), and is admitted to the Ph.D. in Real Estate. The student will not have completed the MS RMI when s/he begins the Ph.D. in Real Estate, but the Ph.D. will become the student’s primary academic objective. The student requests a new I-20 for the Ph.D. program, forfeits his eligibility for OPT for the MS RMI program still in progress, and changes level to Ph.D.

When the New Program Must Begin:

COL students must begin their new academic program in the next available semester. If the student completes the first program and cannot begin the new program in the next available semester after admission to the second program is confirmed and made the primary priority, the student must depart the United States within 60 days after completing the first program. The student may re-enter the United States (with a valid F-1 visa and new I-20 for the new program) up to 30 days before the semester in which the new program will begin. If the student requests an I-20 for the new program and will not have completed the first program when s/he begins the new program, no departure from the U.S. is required.

Forfeiture of OPT Eligibility if COL While Still Pursuing First Program

If the student requests an I-20 for the new program and will not have completed the first program when s/he begins the new program, the student must agree in writing to forfeit OPT eligibility for the first program (since creation of the COL I-20 will update the student’s SEVIS immigration record to indicate that the first program is no longer the primary objective). If the student does not wish to forfeit OPT eligibility for the first program, a COL cannot be processed, and the student will not receive an I-20 for the new program.

Issuance of New I-20 Form:

A student who intends to change level must request a new, Initial-status I-20 form for the new program from ISSS. The student must submit original, current financial documents showing funding available to pay for at least one year of the new program before ISSS will issue the new I-20. In order to ensure Georgia State’s compliance with federal guidelines, ISSS will issue COL I-20 forms no later than the first day of the next available semester. The student may request and receive the I-20 form for the new program as soon as admission to the new program is complete. This may occur while the first program is still in progress. In no circumstance will ISSS issue an I-20 form to a student after the first day of classes for the term in which the student has been admitted to the new program. If a student has not completed admission procedures and has not received an I-20 form by the first day of classes for the term in which he was admitted, the student must prepare to defer attendance to begin the new program in the next available semester. Federal guidelines state that Georgia State may only use the first day of classes as the start date on I-20 forms. Any later date cannot be used, as the first day of classes is listed on the Georgia State I-17 Form filed with the Department of Homeland Security. All F-1 nonimmigrant international students at Georgia State must begin studies on a specific semester start date listed on the university’s approved Form I-17. Form I-17 (“Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student") is government approval for Georgia to enroll F-1 international students and it lists specific session start dates and degree programs for which F-1 students may be admitted. These session start dates are listed on each newly-admitted F-1 student's I-20 form ("Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status").

Effective May 29, 2015 Source: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(15)(ii)

• F-2 spouses and children are allowed to enroll in less than a "full course of study" at a SEVP-certified college or university without violating their status, even if that part-time study eventually leads to a degree or certificate. DSOs at the school that controls the F-2’s SEVIS record are responsible for maintaining F-2’s personal information in SEVIS, but no information regarding the F-2’s part-time enrollment.

• F-2 dependents are still prohibited from engaging in employment.

• Pursuing a full course of study outside the scope of the expanded rule still constitutes a violation of status and could put into risk the status of the primary F1 visa holder.

In order to ensure Georgia State’s compliance with federal guidelines, ISSS will issue I-20 forms to newly-admitted students no later than the first day of international student orientation of the term for which the student has been admitted.

In an extreme emergency situation, ISSS may issue an I-20 form to a student after the first day of international student orientation, up to the first day of class for the admit term; however, such situations are rare and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

In no circumstance will ISSS issue an I-20 form to a student after the first day of classes for the term in which the student has been admitted. If a student has not completed admission procedures and has not received an I-20 form by the first day of classes for the term in which he was admitted, the student must prepare to defer attendance at Georgia State to begin in the next available semester. Federal guidelines state that Georgia State may only use the first day of classes as the start date on I-20 forms. Any later date cannot be used, as the first day of classes is listed on the Georgia State I-17 Form filed with the Department of Homeland Security. All F-1 nonimmigrant international students at Georgia State must begin studies on a specific semester start date listed on the university’s approved Form I-17. Form I-17 (“Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student") is government approval for Georgia State to enroll F-1 international students and it lists specific session start dates and degree programs for which F-1 students may be admitted. These session start dates are listed on each newly-admitted F-1 student's I-20 form ("Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status").

Overview

J-1 Academic Training (AT) is off-campus employment directly related to a student's field of study (22. C.F.R. § 62.23 (f)). Appropriate activities may vary over disciplines. AT can involve sequential or simultaneous activities, either paid or unpaid, with multiple employers, provided the application approval procedures are followed for each employer and activity and the time limits are not exceeded. Example: A graduate J-1 student with a Master's Degree in Accounting is employed as an Accountant with a legal business following completion of studies.

Eligibility

A student on a J-1 Visa is eligible to apply for Academic Training (AT) if the student meets the following general conditions:

• The student is in good academic standing.
• The student is primarily in the United States (U.S.) to study rather than engage in AT.
• The student is participating in AT that is directly related to his or her major field of study as indicated on his or her Form DS-2019.
• The student receives written approval in advance from ISSS for the duration of the type of AT.
• AT can only be authorized by the J-1 program sponsor (Georgia State, Department of State, Fulbright, USAID, etc.).

Documentation Required:

Students applying for AT must submit their AT application and supporting materials at least two weeks before his or her program completion date on their Form DS-2019. AT must be approved prior to the expiration of the program completion date to be eligible for employment. In order to apply for AT, the student must submit the following documents:

• Academic Training (AT) Application Form completed by Academic Advisor, Exchange Program Coordinator, Department Head, or Dean.
• A job offer letter from the student's prospective employer on original letterhead which specifies in the body of the letter the following information: salary, location (street address) of employment, the full name of supervisor and contact email and phone number, description of the training program, beginning and ending dates of employment and number of hours per week. The letter must be signed and dated by the prospective employer. If the student will be telecommuting (working at home), the employment letter must note the physical address of the student's work, which would be the student's home address.
• An original bank certification letter showing the student's financial sponsor can cover the cost of living expenses for the period of the requested AT. If the student's salary is outlined in the job offer letter and covers the number of estimated living expenses for the period of AT, no financial bank certification letter is needed. All funding must be in liquid forms such as a checking or savings account.
• Once the student completes AT, you must complete the online Academic Training (AT) Evaluation.

Time Limitations:

The amount of time a student is eligible for AT depends on the type of study (non-degree or degree-seeking) and the length of his or her period of study. AT time limitations are cumulative, meaning that any AT conducted prior to completion of the study will be deducted from the maximum allowable time. Only the months remaining may be used following the completion of the degree.

• Non-degree seeking: AT may be authorized for the same amount of time the student spent studying (a maximum of 12 months). Example: A student on a one-semester exchange may only apply for one semester of AT. Non-degree students are limited to a total stay in the U.S. of 24 months, including all study time plus any authorized AT.
• Degree-seeking: AT cannot be authorized for a period longer than the total period of study for the undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degree levels. The maximum duration of any AT segment is 18 months unless the student's period of study is less than 18 months. Examples: (1) An accounting undergraduate student who studied at Georgia State for 3 years (24 months) and completed his or her degree is only eligible for 18 months total of AT (2) A masters student in marketing who completes his or her degree in 12 months is only eligible for 12 months of AT.
• The exception to the 18-month rule: An exception to this limitation allows additional time beyond 18 months to the extent necessary for the exchange visitor to satisfy the mandatory requirements of his or her degree program in the United States. For example, a master's in social work or psychology might require a period of supervised training for longer than 18 months as a condition of obtaining the degree. If more than 18 months of AT is required for a student's degree program, the student must submit a copy of the current undergraduate or graduate catalog listing the requirement and submit an original, signed letter from his academic advisor detailing this requirement. Non-degree-seeking students are not eligible for this exception.
• Ph.D. students who have been offered an established post-doctoral position may be authorized for two 18 month increments of AT, for a total of 36 months), inclusive of prior periods of training. However, AT can only be authorized for 18-month increments. Any additional period of training beyond the first 18 months, must be authorized in advance by submitting a new AT application prior to the expiration of the student's Form DS-2019.

Start and End Dates of AT

• The student must present a firm written offer of employment before his or her program completion date on Form DS-2019 for post-completion AT. ISSS recommends the employment begin within 30 days of the program completion date. Employment may begin more than 30 days after the program completion date; however, the time between the program completion date and the employment start date will be deducted from the total 18-month eligibility for AT. Therefore, students who delay the actual start date of employment will lose academic training time.
• A student who wants to extend or add a new segment of AT must submit a new AT application prior to the expiration of his or her Form DS-2019. For extensions or new segments of AT, ISSS recommends the employment begins within 30 days of the previous AT experience. The new employment may begin more than 30 days after the last AT end date; however, the time between the student's program completion date and the employment start date will be deducted from the total 18-month eligibility for AT. Therefore, students who delay the actual start date of employment will lose academic training time.

Full Time and Part Time AT

Full-time employment is considered (20) hours or more per week. Part-time employment is considered (20) hours or less per week. Students may engage only in part-time employment during the fall and spring semesters or while engaging in full-time study (12 credit hours or more for undergraduates; 9 credit hours or more for graduates). Full Time AT is permitted during official school breaks, annual vacation time and after completion of the student's program of study or exchange program objective.

AT Approval

AT authorization is at the sole discretion of ISSS and will be decided on a case-by-case basis. If approved, AT authorization will be noted in Section 5 of the student's Form DS-2019. No employment authorization document from USCIS is needed.

Regulatory Reference: 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(10)(ii)

Definition:

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization directly related to a student's primary program of study.

Eligibility:

• The student must be in valid F-1 status at the time of application and must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year preceding the application.
• If not enrolled full-time, the student must have an under-enrollment form completed by his or her academic advisor and approved by an international student advisor in ISSS.
• The student must be in the final semester of his or her academic program (unless applying for pre-completion OPT).
• The student must have no holds on the student record and no balance owed to the university. Having a hold or balance could delay the processing of the OPT request.
• The student must have attended an employment workshop within the last year.
• The student must not have already been approved for OPT for the same education level.
• The student must apply in the time period between 90 days before and 60 days after completion of the study. (See definition of "completion of study" below.)
• Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields who wish to apply for the 17-month OPT extension have additional eligibility requirements. Please refer to the "17-Month STEM OPT Extension" policy for more information.

Definition of Completion of Study:

For undergraduate and graduate non-thesis students, completion of a course of study is the last day of the final exams of the semester in which they finish all degree requirements. All other graduate students can choose between three dates for completion of study:

1. On the last day of finals in the semester in which the student completes all required coursework.
2. On the date, the student successfully defends the thesis/dissertation/project. (This date is established between the student and the academic advisor or department chair.)
3. On the last day of finals in the semester in which the final degree requirement is met. This is the same for non-thesis students.

Dates:

• The earliest students can apply for OPT is 90 days before completion of the study.
• Students do NOT have to have a job offer in order to apply for OPT and are encouraged to apply early.
• Students may also apply within 60 days after completion of the study. However, the OPT application must be receipted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by day 60 in order to be eligible. It may take 2-3 weeks from the time the OPT is mailed for USCIS to receive and receipt it. Students who apply after completion of study should allow sufficient time for mailing and receipting at USCIS.
• Students can choose any date within 60 days after completion of the study as the start date of OPT, but they must complete OPT within 14 months after completion of the study.
  • Example: If your completion of study date is December 14, 2013, you have until February 14, 2014, to complete your one year of OPT.
• Applying on the last day will not extend a student's OPT. USCIS processing times may take up to 90 days. Therefore, students who apply late may lose some of their allotted 12 months of OPT.
  • Example: If your completion of study date is December 17, 2013 and you apply for OPT on January 14, 2014, it is possible that your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card may not be approved and arrive until April 14, 2013 (90 days/3 months processing time.) As a result, you would have lost 3 months of your allotted 12 months of OPT.
• Students may not begin working without receiving the official EAD card in hand.
• Students applying for the STEM extension have different requirements; please refer to the "Optional Practical Training: STEM Extension" policy for more information.

During OPT:

• Students are not permitted to enroll in academic coursework during OPT or Academic Training except on a part-time basis in post-baccalaureate or post-graduate admission status. Such enrollment is not permitted for the purpose of enrollment in a program of study. Transient enrollment during OPT is not permitted at all since it would require full-time enrollment elsewhere, which negates eligibility for OPT. Consult an ISSS advisor for more information.
• If a student transfers to another school or begins another degree program during OPT, the OPT work authorization will automatically end, even though the EAD card still appears valid. Consult an ISSS advisor for more information.
• Students must adhere to unemployment limits (90 days for students on post-completion OPT, 120 days for students on STEM extension).
• Students on OPT must report changes in employment or address via iStart within 10 days of the change. Please refer to the signed copy of the “OPT Statement of Understanding” (completed with ISSS upon applying) for more information.
• Students may travel outside the United States during OPT but may return only if they have a job. Students must have proof of employment, a valid (unexpired) F-1 visa, a valid passport and an I-20 signed for travel in order to return. Travel signature requests must be submitted to ISSS at least two weeks in advance of travel.
• Students on STEM extension have additional reporting requirements; please refer to the "Optional Practical Training: STEM Extension" policy for more information.

After OPT:

During the 60 days after OPT has expired, students must do one of the following:

• Depart the United States,
• Become accepted into and receive, in hand, an Initial-status I-20 form for a new degree program or educational level at Georgia State or another SEVIS-approved school in the United States,
• Transfer from Georgia State to another degree program at a SEVIS-approved school in the United States, or
• Apply for a change of status from F-1 to another non-immigrant visa category.

Regulatory Reference: 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(10)(ii)(C)

Definition:

Students holding a degree in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) majors may be eligible for a 24-month extension after the first 12-month period of Post-Completion OPT period for a total of 36 months of OPT. Note: This new extension went into effect May 10, 2016. Any application that was pending or submitted after May 10, 2016, will be processed under the new STEM regulations.

Eligibility:

• Students must be currently participating in an approved period of Post-Completion OPT and must hold a degree in a STEM-eligible field.
• STEM is not available at the Associate's Degree level, regardless of the degree program.
• Students in the following majors, with the accompanying CIP codes, are STEM-eligible. (To determine your CIP code, look at page 3 of your I-20. The CIP code is the 6-digit numerical code (XX.XXXX) listed directly before your major at the top of the page):
  • Actuarial Science (52.1304)
  • Analytics (52.1399)
  • Astronomy (40.0201)
  • Biology/Biological Sciences (26.0101)
  • Business Analysis (14.3701)
  • Chemistry (40.0501)
  • Computer Science (11.0701)
  • Computer Information Systems (11.0101)
  • Decision Sciences (14.2701)
  • Geology/Earth Science (40.0601)
  • Geosciences (40.0699 and 45.0702)
  • Hydrogeology (40.0601)
  • Information Systems Audit & Control (11.1003)
  • Instructional Design & Technology / Instructional Technology (13.0501)
  • Library Media Technology (13.0501)
  • Mathematics (27.0101)
  • Medical Technology (51.1005)
  • Neuroscience (26.1501)
  • Operations Research (14.3701)
  • Physics (40.0801)
  • Research Measurement & Statistics (13.0603)
• View more information about STEM-designated degree programs or talk to an ISSS advisor.
• Students must be employed by an e-Verify employer.
• Students must work with the employer to fill out Form I-983 and submit it to the ISSS office.
• Students must apply for the STEM extension before the expiration date listed on their current EAD card issued by USCIS. Students may apply no earlier than 90 days prior to their EAD expiration date. ISSS further recommends eligible students apply no later than one month prior to the EAD expiration date, to allow time for processing and receipting at USCIS.

Application Procedures:

For specific application procedures and documents required, view the STEM Employment website.

Dates:

Upon approval by USCIS, the STEM extension period will begin the day after the first OPT period expires (as listed on the EAD card) and will end automatically on the last day of the STEM approval period.

• For example, current EAD expires on 10/01/2017. The STEM period begins 10/02/2017 and will end on 10/01/2019.

Working While STEM Application is Pending:

If the student's current EAD has expired and a STEM extension has been receipted and is pending with USCIS, the student may continue to work for up to 180 days while the extension is pending. Upon approval, USCIS will issue and mail the student a new EAD card showing the extended dates.

During STEM Employment:

Students on STEM OPT employment must:

• Work in a paid position for an E-Verify employer at least 20 hours per week
• Work in a position related to the STEM degree
• Report via the STEM OPT Employment Reporting form in iStart within 10 days of the following:
  • Change of Employer (requires updated Form I-983)
  • Material Change in Current Employment (requires updated Form I-983)
  • Loss of employment
  • Change in the residential or mailing address
  • Personal Changes (such as change of name, citizenship, immigration status, etc.)
• Report via the STEM OPT Employment Reporting form in iStart every 6 months from the start date of the STEM period the following, even if there have been no changes.
• Submit Annual Self-Evaluations via the STEM OPT Employment Reporting in iStart 12 months after the OPT STEM start date and upon the completion of the 24-month STEM period. The Self-Evaluation can be found on the final page of Form I-983.

Students on STEM OPT must NOT:

• Work for any employer who is not enrolled in E-Verify
• Accrue more than 120 days of unemployment during the entire OPT period

During OPT:

• Students may not enroll in classes during OPT. Consult an ISSS advisor for more information.
• If a student transfers to another school or begins another program during OPT, the OPT work authorization will automatically end, even though the EAD card will still appear valid. Consult an ISSS advisor for more information.
• Students must adhere to unemployment limits (120 days for students on STEM extension).
• Students on OPT must report any changes in employment or address via the STEM OPT Employment Reporting form within 10 days of the change. Please refer to the signed copy of the "OPT Statement of Understanding" (completed with ISSS upon applying for OPT) for more information.
• Students may travel outside the United States during OPT but may return only if they have a job. Students must have proof of employment, a valid (unexpired) F-1 visa, a valid passport and an I-20 signed for travel on page 3 in order to return. Travel signature requests must be submitted to ISSS at least two weeks in advance of travel.

After OPT:

Students have a 60 day grace period following the expiration date of their STEM OPT authorization. During this time, students must do one of the following:

1. Depart the United States,
2. Become accepted into AND receive an Initial-status I-20 form for a new degree program or educational level at Georgia State or another SEVIS-approved school in the United States,
3. Transfer from Georgia State to begin another degree program at a SEVIS-approved school in the United States, or
4. Apply for a change of status from F-1 to another non-immigrant visa category.

Definition:

A post-baccalaureate student is one who already holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited foreign or U.S. institution and who wishes to pursue the additional, non-degree track, undergraduate coursework at Georgia State.

Purpose:

To achieve a specific academic or professional objective (example: completing additional courses for admission to a graduate program). ISSS may issue a Georgia State form I-20 for post-baccalaureate, undergraduate study to eligible students.

Eligibility for I-20 Issuance and Statement of Objective:

The applicant must meet all requirements for post-baccalaureate undergraduate admission to be eligible for I-20 issuance by ISSS. In addition to the regular documentation required of all international students, prospective post-baccalaureate students must also submit:

• An official statement of objective written by the academic department of the institution where the student intends to enroll.

The statement of the objective must meet the following requirements:

• Specify the education or professional objective the student wishes to obtain through post-baccalaureate study.
• List all courses required in order to fulfill the objective, including the semester and year to be offered and completed.
• Written by an academic advisor or professor in the academic department where the academic or professional objective will be obtained. Letters from business managers or other non-academic professional staff will not be accepted.
• State the length of post-baccalaureate study required in order to meet the objective, not to exceed 12 months or 1 academic year.

Additional Requirement for International Students Outside the U.S:

• If the post-baccalaureate applicant is coming directly from outside the U.S. to Georgia State, the student must provide an additional letter to explain why the courses at Georgia State are not available or accessible in their home country.

Additional Restriction for International Students Outside the U.S:

• I-20's for post-baccalaureate study are only issued for enrollment at the Bachelor's degree level or higher.
• I-20's for Associate level enrollment is only issued for degree-seeking students; therefore, they are not available for post-baccalaureate study unless the student is already in the U.S. and will be transferring directly from an institution inside the US in active SEVIS status. In that case, the applicant must also satisfy the statement of objections to confirm that the desired prerequisite coursework for the future graduate program can be completed at the Associate level.

Duration of Post-Baccalaureate Study:

May not exceed twelve 12 months or one academic year.

Full-time Enrollment Requirement:

Post-baccalaureate students must maintain full-time enrollment each semester in order to maintain F-1 visa status. Full-time study is defined as at least twelve 12 credit hours.

Recruiting companies that work with Georgia State are required to be transparent and accurate in their representations to prospective international students and to act in the student’s interest.

Prospective International students may contact ISSS to confirm if a recruiter has a contract with Georgia State. Any complaints or concerns regarding a recruiting company may be directed to ISSS.

F1 Students may be under-enrolled in their final term if their remaining coursework is less than full-time enrollment. This type of Reduced Course Load is not automatic and requires submission of the RCL – Academic e-form in iStart before the end of the 1^st week of class. In addition, final term enrollment may not consist of only 1 online course. A final term RCL - Academic with an online course may only be approved in combination with at least 1 regular course.

Regulatory Reference: 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(6)(iii)(B) ISSS may authorize a student to enroll less than full-time due to a temporary medical condition or illness. The request requires an application and approval for the RCL before under-enrollment occurs. Failure to receive ISSS authorization before under-enrolling is a violation of F-1 status and may result in termination of a student’s SEVIS record. In order to apply for authorized medical under-enrollment, the student must:

• Submit Medical Reduced Course Load e-form to ISSS via iStart. The student's academic advisor will also need to approve the request, which will be routed to him or her electronically.
• Upload a qualified letter via iStart for the RCL recommendation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist. The letter must follow the specifications and meet the standards outlined on the Medical Underenrollment Request Form.

If approved by ISSS, the student may drop below full-time enrollment only for the period of time granted by ISSS. To continue the under-enrollment in subsequent terms, the student must again apply and be authorized for the reduced course load before under-enrollment occurs. The maximum amount of time allowed by the regulations for this type of RCL is 12 months per degree level. Be aware that medical RCL approval is at the sole discretion of ISSS.

Regulatory Reference: 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(6)(iii)(B) ISSS does not consider a normal pregnancy and delivery to be a medical condition to justify an RCL. However, a medical complication resulting from pregnancy or delivery can be considered. The student must provide written medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist that recommends the student take a reduced course load for the specific semester in question. This documentation must include the following language: "Other than a normal pregnancy/delivery, [name of student] has a medical condition which precludes her from taking a full course load in [x] semester." Documentation that does not include this language will not be accepted. The application for this type of RCL is made via iStart.

Definition of Study Abroad

Classes taken outside of the U.S. for Georgia State (GSU) credit, including Georgia State exchange agreements and dual degree programs that require full-time study outside the U.S. Study abroad through an external study abroad provider, other universities, or other outside programs that will result in transfer credit will not follow the guidelines outlined in this policy. Please consult with an ISSS advisor if you have any questions about your study abroad program.

ISSS Procedures During Study Abroad

Based on 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(f)(10), ISSS will continue to maintain the student's SEVIS record (including properly registering the student's record each term or session the student is studying abroad), pending that the student provides the appropriate documentation (defined below). The student’s SEVIS record will be annotated in the remarks section that the student is pursuing a full course of study while engaging in an authorized study abroad program.

International Student Responsibilities While Studying Abroad

Maymester or Summer Study Abroad:

Full-time enrollment is not mandated during Maymester or Summer study abroad sessions. Students who wish to study abroad during Maymester or Summer terms need to obtain a travel signature on their I-20 at least 2 weeks prior to their trip abroad.

One or More Academic Semesters Abroad:

Before studying abroad, students must:

• Have been enrolled in a full course of study at Georgia State for at least one full semester prior to the study abroad term.

• At least 1 month prior to their departure, provide written documentation from their academic advisor or program coordinator that they will be studying abroad. The documentation must include the following components:
  • Must be on Georgia State letterhead or from Georgia State email address
  • List program name, location, start and end date
  • State that health insurance will be purchased or has been purchased

• Obtain a travel signature prior to leaving the U.S. (Note: travel signatures are only valid for 6 months.)

• Update Student Accounts with their study abroad status, making sure that health insurance will not be charged during the term they are abroad.

While abroad, students must:

• Remain registered at Georgia State and continue to pursue a full course of study while abroad (9 credits for graduate students and 12 credits for undergraduates).

Note: ISSS does not recommend that international students study abroad during the final semester of their degree program if they intend to apply for OPT. Studying abroad during a student's final semester may endanger their chances of applying for OPT, as they will be unable to apply for OPT from outside of the United States and may not be permitted to return to the U.S. to apply after the last day of final exams.

Georgia State admits all academically qualified undergraduate students, regardless of immigration status.

• However, to be classified as in-state for tuition purposes, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia requires all students to provide verification of their lawful presence (VOLP) in the United States. This requirement is detailed in the following Board of Regents policies at Policy 4.3.4 Verification of Lawful Presence.
• For Transfer students, VOLP is satisfied by the transfer of your SEVIS I-20 record to Georgia State.
• Students who cannot satisfy VOLP may enroll at the undergraduate level subject to full, out-of-state tuition and fees.

Transfer Process:

1. After academic admission to Georgia State and submission of complete financial documents to ISSS, request a SEVIS transfer to Georgia State from your current school. The transfer clearance form must be completed by you and your current school DSO (Designated School Official) before the semester start date. Please refer to the transfer student page for more information.
2. An International Admission (IA) Hold is in effect until VOLP is completed through the SEVIS transfer process.
3. Your current school immigration advisor will set a SEVIS release date based on the last day of the semester of your current semester and the first day of classes at Georgia State. If you are traveling outside of the country during the transfer process, you must request a new I-20 from Georgia State at least 2 weeks before your departure. You cannot re-enter the U.S. without your "transfer pending" I-20/DS-2019 from Georgia State. Once we receive your transfer clearance form by fax or mail, ISSS will remove the IA hold from your account in order for you to register. This complete VOLP for transfer students.
4. After your SEVIS record transfer to Georgia State, your previous school no longer has access to your SEVIS record.

Summer Transfers:

Transfer students admitted for the Summer semester must register in and maintain at least 6 credit hours in order to maintain F-1 status at Georgia State.