International Student Services

How many credit hours do I need to take?
F-1 students must maintain a full course of study during required academic terms. Undergraduate students generally must enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester (fall and spring). Graduate students must meet the full-time enrollment requirements established for their academic program and applicable immigration regulations.

Can I take online classes?
Federal regulations limit the amount of online coursework that may count toward full-time enrollment. Generally, no more than one online course or three online credits per required academic term may count toward an F-1 student’s full course of study. Contact your DSO if you have questions about your course schedule.

What if I need to drop a class?
Contact your DSO before dropping below a full course of study.

What if I change my major or need more time to graduate?
F-1 students should notify their DSO before changing their major or academic program so that their SEVIS record and Form I-20 can be updated as needed.

Students who need additional time to complete their degree must contact their DSO to request a program extension before the program end date listed on their Form I-20.

Do I need to report a change of address?
Yes! F-1 students must notify International Student Services within 10 days of changing their U.S. residential address so their SEVIS record can be updated.

Can I take a semester off?
F-1 students should consult their DSO before taking a leave of absence or withdrawing from The Citadel. Taking a semester off may affect your immigration status and eligibility to remain in the United States.

Can I work on campus?
F-1 students may generally work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, provided they maintain valid F-1 status and meet applicable employment requirements.

Students may be eligible to work additional hours during official school breaks. Students should consult their DSO before beginning employment to confirm their eligibility and next steps.

What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of employment authorization for eligible F-1 students participating in practical training that is an integral and required part of their established academic curriculum.

Under The Citadel’s current CPT authorization policy, practical training must be a required component of the established curriculum for all students in the degree program. Optional internships and elective internship courses do not qualify.

Because most academic programs at The Citadel do not require internships for graduation, CPT opportunities are extremely limited. Students should consult International Student Services to determine whether their academic program meets the requirements for CPT authorization.

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows eligible F-1 students to apply for temporary employment authorization directly related to their major field of study. Eligible students may generally receive up to 12 months of OPT.

OPT requires a recommendation from a DSO and approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Students must receive the required employment authorization before beginning OPT employment.

Can I work off campus before graduation through Pre-Completion OPT?
Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows eligible F-1 students to apply for employment authorization directly related to their major field of study before completing their academic program. Employment must be directly related to the student’s major field of study.

Students may generally apply after completing one full academic year of qualifying enrollment. Employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session, although full-time employment may be authorized during qualifying school breaks.

Important: Any Pre-Completion OPT used reduces the amount of OPT available after graduation. Part-time authorization is deducted at half the rate, while full-time authorization is deducted at the full rate.

Pre-Completion OPT requires a recommendation from a DSO and approval from USCIS. Students must receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before beginning employment and should consult International Student Services before applying.

What is the STEM OPT extension?
Eligible F-1 students who complete certain qualifying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT.

Eligibility depends on the student’s degree, employer, and other federal requirements. Students interested in STEM OPT should contact their DSO well before their current OPT authorization expires.

Do I need authorization before starting an internship or job?
Yes. F-1 students must have the appropriate employment authorization before beginning any work that requires authorization, including paid or unpaid internships that qualify as employment under applicable regulations.

Students should consult their DSO before accepting employment or beginning an internship to ensure they meet all applicable immigration requirements.

Can I travel outside the United States while studying at The Citadel?
Yes! F-1 students may generally travel internationally while maintaining their immigration status. However, students should review their immigration documents and consult their DSO before traveling to ensure they are prepared to request reentry into the United States.

Travel during an academic semester may affect enrollment requirements, so students should coordinate any planned absences with their academic department and International Student Services.

What documents do I need to reenter the United States?
F-1 students should generally carry the following documents when returning to the United States:

• Valid passport: Generally valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of reentry, unless an exception applies.
• Valid F-1 visa: Required for most students unless an exception applies.
• Current Form I-20: Must include a valid travel signature from a DSO.
• Supporting documentation: Proof of enrollment, financial documentation, or employment authorization may be requested depending on the student’s circumstances.

Students should carry these documents in their hand luggage rather than checked baggage.

When do I need a travel signature on my I-20?
F-1 students must have a valid travel endorsement on their Form I-20 when requesting reentry into the United States.

For most continuing students, travel signatures are generally valid for reentry within 12 months of the DSO’s signature date.

Students on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT generally need a travel signature issued within the previous six months.

Students who need an updated travel signature should contact International Student Services before departing the United States.

Can I travel if my F-1 visa has expired?
An expired F-1 visa does not automatically affect your ability to remain in the United States while maintaining valid F-1 status. However, most students need a valid F-1 visa to reenter the United States after international travel.

Students with expired visas may need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before returning. Limited exceptions, such as automatic visa revalidation for qualifying travel, may apply.

Contact your DSO before traveling with an expired visa.

Can I travel internationally while on OPT or STEM OPT?
International travel during OPT or STEM OPT requires additional planning. Students should generally carry a valid passport, valid F-1 visa (unless an exception applies), Form I-20 with a recent travel signature, and applicable employment authorization documentation.

Students traveling during approved post-completion OPT or STEM OPT should also carry their EAD and evidence of current employment or a job offer directly related to their field of study.

Important: International Student Services strongly advises students not to travel outside the United States while their OPT application is pending or while waiting to receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). International travel during these periods may complicate reentry into the United States, particularly if the application is approved while the student is abroad.

Students should consult their DSO before departing the United States, particularly if their OPT application is pending or they are unemployed.

What happens to my F-1 status after graduation?
Completing your academic program does not necessarily mean you must leave the United States immediately. Depending on your eligibility and immigration circumstances, you may be able to apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), transfer to another SEVP-certified school, begin another eligible academic program, or prepare to depart the United States.

Students should contact International Student Services before graduation to discuss their plans and any applicable immigration deadlines.

How long can I remain in the United States after completing my program?
F-1 students who successfully complete their academic program generally have a 60-day grace period following their program completion date, provided they have maintained valid F-1 status.

During this period, eligible students may prepare to depart the United States, arrange a SEVIS transfer, or take other permitted steps to continue their immigration status.

Employment is not permitted during the post-completion grace period without separate, valid employment authorization. Students who depart the United States during their grace period generally cannot use that remaining period to reenter in the same F-1 program.

Students should consult International Student Services before graduation to confirm their individual deadlines and options.

Can I transfer my SEVIS record to another school after graduation?
Yes. Eligible F-1 students who have been admitted to another SEVP-certified institution may request to transfer their SEVIS record.

Students must notify International Student Services of their intent to transfer and provide the information necessary to coordinate the SEVIS transfer with their new institution.

Transfer requests must be completed within applicable immigration deadlines, and the new academic program must begin within the time permitted by federal regulations.

Students should contact International Student Services as soon as they are admitted to another institution.

Can I begin another degree program after graduation?
Eligible F-1 students may be able to continue their education by pursuing another academic degree at The Citadel or transferring to another SEVP-certified institution.

Students may pursue a change of education level, such as progressing from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree or from a master’s degree to a doctoral degree. Pursuing an additional degree at the same educational level may also be permitted under applicable immigration regulations.

Beginning another academic program requires appropriate updates to the student’s SEVIS record and Form I-20. Eligibility and immigration requirements may vary depending on the student’s circumstances and current federal regulations.

Students should consult International Student Services before enrolling in another degree program to confirm their eligibility and ensure all required immigration updates are completed.

What if I finish my degree earlier than the program end date on my I-20?
Students who complete their academic program earlier than the end date listed on their Form I-20 must notify International Student Services as soon as possible.

A DSO may need to update the student’s program end date in SEVIS and issue an updated Form I-20.

Completing a program early may change important immigration deadlines, including the student’s grace period, eligibility to apply for post-completion OPT, and timeline for transferring to another institution.

Students should consult their DSO before making travel, employment, or academic plans based on the original program end date.

How do I get a South Carolina driver’s license?
Eligible F-1 students may apply for a South Carolina driver’s license through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).

Students must provide documentation establishing their identity, lawful immigration status, South Carolina residency, and any other information required by the SCDMV. Additional testing and documentation requirements may apply.

International Student Services can provide an enrollment letter to support a student’s driver’s license application. Students may also need an official enrollment verification letter from The Citadel’s Registrar’s Office.

Additionally, students may be required to present either a Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming that they are not eligible for a Social Security number.

Students should review the SCDMV website for current documentation and application requirements before visiting a DMV office.

Can I get a Social Security number (SSN)?
F-1 students are generally eligible to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) when they have qualifying employment authorization. Enrollment at The Citadel alone does not make a student eligible for an SSN.

Students who have secured eligible on-campus employment or received appropriate off-campus employment authorization should contact International Student Services for guidance on the application process and required documentation.

Students who are not eligible for an SSN may still be able to obtain certain services, such as opening a bank account, without one.

Do I need to file U.S. taxes?
F-1 students may be required to submit U.S. tax forms even if they did not earn income during the calendar year.

Depending on their individual circumstances, students may be required to file federal and state tax returns or submit certain informational forms, such as IRS Form 8843.

Tax filing requirements depend on factors including income, tax residency status, and applicable tax treaties.

Students are responsible for meeting applicable tax deadlines and should consult official IRS resources or a qualified tax professional for individualized tax advice.

What should I do if my passport, visa, or I-20 is lost or stolen?
Students who lose their passport, visa, or Form I-20 should contact International Student Services as soon as possible.

A DSO can assist with issuing a replacement Form I-20. Lost or stolen passports should be reported to the student’s home-country embassy or consulate for replacement instructions.

If a U.S. visa is lost or stolen, students should also follow the reporting procedures established by the U.S. Department of State. A replacement visa generally must be obtained at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States.

Students should keep secure electronic copies of their immigration documents in case the originals are lost or stolen.

How do I renew my passport while in the United States?
F-1 students are responsible for maintaining a valid passport throughout their stay in the United States.

Students who need to renew their passports should contact their home country’s embassy or consulate in the United States for instructions. Passport renewal procedures, processing times, and required documents vary by country.

Students should begin the renewal process well before their passport expires and notify International Student Services if their updated passport information affects their immigration records.

Maintaining valid F-1 immigration status requires students to keep International Student Services informed of certain changes to their academic plans, personal information, and immigration circumstances.

Students should contact International Student Services before:

• Dropping a course or enrolling in fewer than the required number of credit hours.
• Changing their major, degree program, or education level.
• Taking a leave of absence, withdrawing, or interrupting their studies.
• Beginning any off-campus employment, internship, or practical training.
• Traveling internationally, particularly if a new travel signature is needed.
• Transferring to another institution or beginning a new academic program.
• Completing their degree earlier than expected or requesting additional time to graduate.

Students should also notify International Student Services if:

• Their U.S. residential address changes. F-1 students must report address changes within 10 days.
• Their passport or other immigration documents are lost, stolen, or approaching expiration.
• They receive a notice from USCIS or another U.S. immigration agency that requires action or affects their immigration status.
• They experience an unexpected change in their enrollment or immigration circumstances.
• They change their legal name or citizenship information.

When in doubt, contact your DSO before making changes that could affect your F-1 status. International Student Services is available to help students understand their responsibilities and navigate immigration-related questions.

Current F-1 students should also refer to the International Student Resources course in Canvas for additional guidance, forms, and document submission instructions.