Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered an International Student?

International students are students who are not citizens of the United States and do not have a Permanent Resident Card issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In general, you're considered an international student if you have a visa or intend to obtain a visa for study in the United States .

Are International Students eligible for In-State fees?

All "non-resident" applicants (international applicants and domestic non- residents) will be automatically charged an out-of-state fee. Any other questions regarding tuition fees, please contact the bursar's office directly at (203)392-6821

Are International students eligible for financial Aid?

International F1 students are not eligible for financial Aid. For further information please contact the Financial Aid office at (203)392-5222.

Do I need to translate my transcript before sending it to admissions?

Any transcript issued from a university outside of the United States should be evaluated by an evaluation agency preferable by WES before sending it to the admission office. For information about transcripts evaluation process please visit the WES evaluation agency at www.wes.org. For a list of other acceptable evaluation agencies, please contact the admission office at (203)392-5656.

Do I need to take TOEFL?

As an admission requirement, all international students except students with an ELS certificate are required to submit their TOEFL or SAT scores.

I am an F1 student who received a job offer, can I work?

International students are only permitted to work on-campus during their first year of study. After the first year of study any job offer needs to be directly related to the student's major and require authorization from the International Advisor. Please contact the international office at (203)392-6821 for further details.

How can I get a social security number?

Social security numbers will only be granted by the Social Security administration after an International student receives a job offer. A letter from the employer and the International advisor is required to show evidence of the student's job offer and school attendance.

Can I drop below a full time course load?

International students are not permitted to drop below a full time course load. If you are unable to register full time for any reason, please contact the International advisor prior to the beginning of the semester.

My program end date is expiring but I still need to take classes, what should I do?

If you will not be completing your degree program by the end date shown on your I-20 form, it is urgent that you visit our office to apply for an extension of  your program end date at least one month prior to the end date.

How does my spouse/child under 21 join me in the U.S. as my dependent?

To obtain F-2/J-2 DS-2019 documents for your spouse and/or minor children under 21 years, please contact the International Office at (203)392-6821 to schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor. If eligible, we will issue an I-20 for your spouse/children to obtain an F-2/J-2 status. Then, your family member will need to apply for and obtain the appropriate visa to enter the U.S. (except Canadians) as your dependent. Please contact the American Embassy in your native country to check for any additional requirements.

I'm planning to travel outside the United States. What do I need to do to re-enter the United States?

If you are planning to travel outside the U.S., you should check that your I-20 form will not be expiring soon, and that the I-20 has a travel signature dated less than 5 month from your planned date of re-entry to the U.S. If you need to obtain a new travel signature, you should submit a request form with your original I-20 to the International Office at least 2 weeks before your travel date. You should also make sure your passport and visa are valid.

How can I renew my F or J visa?

The U.S. visa (stamp or sticker in your passport) is a travel document which allows entry into the United States with a valid I-20.You may remain in the U.S with an expired F1 visa as long as you have a valid I-20 and maintaining a Full time student status. If you plan to travel and re-enter the U.S. from abroad after your visa has expired, you need to apply for a new visa before you re-enter. You can only apply for the visa outside the country at a U.S. Consulate.

Am I required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee?

The Department of Homeland Security requires a fee of $200 for all new F-1 and J-1 program applicants to cover the costs of the operation of the SEVIS program.  If you are issued a new I-20 or DS-2019 for "initial attendance" or "beginning a new program" you are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. Change of level to a new degree program, transfer, extension, or other updates do not require a SEVIS fee. You can read more information on the official website for SEVIS fee information and payment. You can also pay the SEVIS fee online at the same web site. You should print a copy of the receipt and take it to your visa interview and when traveling to the U.S.

Do I need to have health check/immunizations before getting my visa or coming to the United States?

Southern Connecticut State University requires health check/immunizations before attending the University. The U.S. government does NOT require you to have immunizations or tests in order to obtain your F-1 or J-1 visa. However, the University Health Services does require certain immunizations. Please check with the University Health Department for additional information (203) 392-6300.

I moved. How do I report my change of address?

When you change your address, it is crucial to provide the International Office with your new address. You can do so by submitting an update form found here or by dropping by the office. In addition, International students are required to fill out an AR-11 change of address form.

I would like to attend a different academic institution in the United States. What is the procedure to move/transfer to a new school?

In order to transfer to a different school, an international student needs to be in valid F-1 status and get accepted to the new school. The student must provide an original acceptance letter to the International Advisor at SCSU and complete a transfer out form.

Can I get a driver's license?

In order to get a driver license, an international student needs to show proof of legal status to the department of Motor Vehicle. The student must submit a letter of enrollment issued by the International Office in addition to the I-20 form, passport, I-94, proof of address and a letter from the social security department ( if a social security card has never been issued to the student).

How do I invite family members to visit?

In order to invite a family member to visit, an International Student needs a letter of invitation issued by the International Office. To receive this letter, a request form must be filled and returned to the International Office. The Request form can be found online at www.southernct.edu/internationalstudents. Please check with the American Embassy at you native country for other requirements to obtain a visitor visa for the family member.

I need my I-20 and acceptance letter sent by express mail, is that possible?

If you wish to receive your I-20 by FedEx/DHL, you need to contact your local FedEx office at your native country and pay for your I-20 shipment in advance. Please note that your acceptance letter is issued by the admission office and not the International Office. If you prefer your acceptance letter mailed by express mail, please contact the Undergraduate or Graduate admissions.