Certificate Programs
Definition of Certificate Program
Certificate programs are typically short-term education programs designed by Georgia State departments that 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 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
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.).
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.
Contact Us
Location:
Sparks Hall - Room 252
ISSS, Georgia State University
33 Gilmer St. SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Telephone: 404-413-2070
Fax: 404-413-2072
Email: isss@gsu.edu
Mailing Address (please use our physical address above for express mail):
International Student and Scholar Services
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3987
Atlanta, GA 30302-3987
USA
Georgia State-sponsored H-1B, TN, O-1, J-1 Scholar and Permanent Residency Petitions
Any advising for employment-based visas, green cards or hosting a J-1 Scholar (Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Student Intern, Specialist) which are sponsored by Georgia State needs to be set up by appointment after the hiring department has requested the immigration process they wish to sponsor.
Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday
Advising Hours (F-1 & J-1 Students) are as follow:
Monday: 1-4 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-noon
Wednesday: 1-4 p.m.
Thursday: No Advising Hours.
Friday: 1-4 p.m.
ISSS is committed to serving you in the safest and most efficient way possible.
QLESS: F-1 and J-1 students wishing to speak with an ISSS advisor at the Atlanta Campus over the phone or in-person must access the QLESS system during advising hours in order to get into our virtual queue. Once in the virtual queue you will receive instructions regarding a call back from one of our available advisors or instructions on when to come into the ISSS lobby to meet an advisor.
If you wish to speak with an ISSS advisor, please click the QLESS link below during advising hours and get into the virtual queue.
Clarkston Campus
Location & Mailing Address:
Building CN 2230 (Student Center)
ISSS, Perimeter College, Clarkston Campus
555 N. Indian Creek Dr.
Clarkson, GA 30021
Telephone: 678-891-3235
Fax: 678-891-3068
Email: issspc@gsu.edu
Dunwoody Campus
Location & Mailing Address:
Building NB
Room 1200
ISSS, Perimeter College, Dunwoody Campus
2101 Womack Rd.
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Telephone: 770-274-5570
Fax: 770-274-5253
Email: issspc@gsu.edu
Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday
Walk-in Advising Hours (F-1 & J-1 Students):
9-11:30 a.m., Monday and Wednesday
1:30-4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Occasionally it may be necessary to make emergency cancellations of advising times last minute. We apologize for any inconvenience.