Campus Life

F-1 Immigration Status Information

All international students attending Thiel College are in the U.S. on F-1 immigration status.

An F-1 status holder is a non-immigrant allowed to remain in the U.S. for as long as he or she is:

  • A full-time student (enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester) and is making satisfactory progress toward a degree at the school he or she is approved to attend.
  • An F-1 student in a period of post-graduation practical training that is directly related to his or her field of study and has been authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The primary responsibility for maintaining current F-1 status is that of each F-1 student, but the Thiel College International Student Services is here to assist with any immigration concerns or to help you answer any questions you may have.

F-1 Important Student Documents

  • Passport: A document issued by an authority of a particular country providing citizenship status.
  • F-1 Visa: A travel stamp issued by the U.S. Department of State. This does not grant permission to enter or remain in the U.S. It allows the holder of the visa to apply at a port of entry for admission to U.S. Customs and Border Prevention.
  • I-94: Is the Arrival-Departure Record Card used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection intended to keep track of the arrival and departure to/from the U.S. of people who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
  • I-20: Three-page document issued by Thiel College. It is the certificate of eligibility for an F-1 student visa of F-1 immigration status.
  • Financial Support Documents: Generally, bank statement or account information verifying international students' necessary funds for the duration of their program.

The student is responsible for notifying the ISA office of any changes in your program or status, and for understanding the rules and responsibilities associated with your non-immigration status. You are responsible for helping us maintain your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record throughout your period of stay in the United States as an F-1 student. Therefore, you must continue to provide information to the ISA office during any period as an F-1 student, including post-completion OPT. SEVIS is an inflexible system with zero tolerance for those who violate the terms of his or her student status.

To avoid issues with your immigration status:

  1. Provide the ISA office at Thiel College with current copies of all immigration documents (I-20, passport and funding information). Be sure to bring in your documents for copies if anything changes or is renewed.
  2. Do not allow your passport to expire.
  3. Enroll in a full course of study (12 credit hours minimum each semester during the fall and spring semesters). Make sufficient progress toward the completion of your degree.
  4. Report any change in your address within 10 days of the change (i.e. if you switch residence halls or receive permission to move off campus).
  5. Notify the ISA office and the Thiel Records Office when there are changes in your academic program information.
  6. Know your I-20 completion date. Please note: your I-20 is only valid as long as you remain in your degree program.
  7. Keep all original I-20 documents. These forms tell your story as an F-1 student.
  8. Complete an official immigration transfer if you wish to change educational institutions. If you wish to transfer, you will need to notify the ISA office to request that your SEVIS record be released to the new school. You also must obtain a new I-20 for your new school, after the transfer of your SEVIS record.
  9. Work only with proper authorization. Visit the ISA office for more information.
  10. Have your I-20 signed by the ISA office if you intend to travel outside of the United States. When travelling, make sure that your I-20 has been signed for travel (on page three). This signature allows an F-1 student to travel for one full year before needing an additional signature. Please plan ahead, request your travel signature at least one week in advance of your departure date.
  11. Make an appointment and consult with the coordinator when you have any immigration questions. Do not seek immigration advice from friends, family or other academic advisers.
  12. If you are enrolled as a full-term (a non-exchange student) international student and wish to participate in CPT or OPT (Pre-OPT or Post-OPT), you must talk with your International Coordinator. Do NOT accept any work off-campus unless it has been recommended by the DSO and approved by USCIS.
  13.  If you would like to work at an on-campus job, you must talk to your International Coordinator.

International Student Resources

Contact Us

Please email Coordinator of International Student Affairs Jackie Kytchak (jkytchak@thiel.edu) or call (724)-589-2125. We look forward to connecting with you.


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Thiel College
75 College Ave
Greenville, PA 16125
1-800-248-4435