Current F-1 Visa Students

International Student Support

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Once you've officially enrolled at Salve Regina University, the Center for Global Education and Fellowships will help you navigate federal regulations related to your immigration status.

Forms and Information

  • Academic and enrollment status form: To request a reduced course load, take a leave of absence, withdraw from your program or return after a break.
  • Change of address form: Complete this form within 10 days of moving to report a new U.S. residential address, as required by immigration regulations.
  • Departure form: Needed if you are permanently leaving the U.S., completing your program early, taking a break from your studies or not returning next semester.
  • Emergency contact form: Update/add emergency contact information in case of a medical or personal emergency while in the U.S.
  • Insurance attestation form: We strongly recommend you keep Salve's health insurance plan. If you have purchased your own insurance that meets coverage requirements, you may waive Salve's plan by completing this form. Once this is complete, please submit a waiver to the Business Office.
  • Transcript request form: For departing exchange students who need their transcript sent to their home university.
  • Transfer in form: For those currently studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa who plan to transfer their SEVIS record to Salve.
  • Transfer out form: For those leaving Salve and transferring their SEVIS records to another U.S. institution.
  • Visa support request form: To request a letter for obtaining a Social Security number or to invite family or friends to visit you (e.g., for graduation).

Transferring to Salve

If you're an F-1 student currently in the U.S. and plan to transfer to Salve from another institution, you must request a SEVIS transfer of your I-20. This process allows you to maintain your F-1 status without leaving the country. Your current international advisor must release your SEVIS record to us before we can issue your new I-20. Please submit a transfer in form and contact us with any questions about timing or eligibility.

Employment

F-1 students have limited work authorization options and must follow specific rules to maintain their legal status. Before starting any form of employment - on or off campus - you must receive approval from the assistant director of international student services or, if applying for OPT or a STEM OPT extension, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Unauthorized employment will jeopardize your visa status.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT allows eligible F-1 students to participate in off-campus internships that are directly related to their major. CPT must be authorized by the assistant director of international student services before you start working. To participate in an internship, you must have an internship offer in advance, be registered for an internship course and have completed the application form. Authorization will be provided after completion of the form, barring that the internship meets requirements. Authorization must be completed by the final day of the add/drop period for the semester in which you plan to begin your internship. The Center for Global Education and Fellowships hosts information sessions on CPT to support students throughout their application process.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is an immigration benefit that allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after completing their academic program. However, before you can apply for OPT, you must complete the OPT/STEM OPT recommendation request form. The assistant director of international student services will review your request, ensure you meet eligibility requirements and create an OPT recommendation I-20 for you. You will include this in your OPT application to USCIS. You do not need a job offer to apply, but processing times can take several months, so plan ahead. The Center for Global Education and Fellowships hosts information sessions on OPT to support students throughout their application process.

STEM OPT Extension

If you have a degree in an eligible STEM field, you may qualify for a 24-month extension of your OPT. To apply, you must be currently on approved OPT, employed by an E-Verify employer and meet all additional STEM OPT criteria. USCIS approval is required. The Center for Global Education and Fellowships hosts information sessions on STEM OPT extensions to support students throughout their extension process.