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Current Students

FALL 2023 ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR F-1 STUDENTS:

PLEASE NOTE: Effective fall 2023, all international students on an F-1 Visa must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits and only 1 online class can count toward the required 12 credit minimum.

For the fall 2023 semester, please adjust your schedule to on-campus and hybrid/blended sections of your classes with no more than 1 online class. Remember that only one (1) online course will count towards the 12-credit requirement. The rest of your courses must be on-campus or hybrid/blended.

If you need help finding and enrolling in on-campus or hybrid/blended courses for fall 2023, please make an appointment with an academic counselor or advisor by emailing: development@kvcc.edu or calling 269-488-4040.

Ten Essentials for International Students:

  1. Keep your passport current.
  2. Maintain full-time enrollment.
  3. Do not accept employment without authorization.
  4. Report any changes in name or contact information to the International Office.
  5. Report any changes in program of study to the International Office.
  6. Do not travel outside of the United States without the proper documents and signatures.
  7. File a program extension if you need more time than allowed on your I-20.
  8. If you plan to transfer to another school, you must notify the DSO beforehand.
  9. Carry health insurance.
  10. Make sure your tuition balance is paid. Failure to pay tuition can result in loss of enrollment and status.

Consequences of Being Out-of-Status:

  • No verification letter stating you are in full-time status.
  • No employment on-campus or off-campus.
  • You may become ineligible for practical training.
  • You may have difficulty obtaining a renewal of your F-1 visa at the American Embassy or Consulate.
  • You may be barred from re-entering the U.S.
  • You may become ineligible to transfer to another university.
  • You risk possible deportation from the United States.
  • You might be denied an extension of stay or reinstatement from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.

Global Student Union

Global student Union group shot

The Global Student Union is a campus organization for all open-minded students interested in meeting new people and learning about other cultures.

It is a great opportunity to participate in activities and network with fellow students to experience Kalamazoo!

To be a part of the GSU contact:

TTC Room 4261

I-20 Resources

Travel Signature

Before traveling internationally all international students must receive a travel signature from the office. Contact beforehand to make an appointment.

Enrollment Verification

Students requiring a letter that verifies their enrollment can contact

Program Extension

To request a program extension students must first meet with an advisor to determine the number of additional semesters needed. Send the advisors recommendations to with a request for a program extension.

Reprint I-20

Need a new I-20? Email and our staff will provide you an updated I-20.

Reinstatement

To apply for reinstatement schedule an appointment with the office. Prior to the scheduled meeting review the reinstatement application and instructions provided by USCIS.

Change of Program

To request a change of program contact the office and confirm that your new program is approved for F-1 students. Next, arrange an appointment with an adviser to plan your program of study and submit your degree plan to .

Change of Contact Information

If your contact information has changed you are required to update it with the International Student Services off within 10 days. Submit the Personal Information Update Form.

Employment & Driver's License

On-Campus Employment

International students holding an F-1 visa are eligible to work on-campus from the start of their program. Students must follow the steps below to be considered for an on-campus job.

  1. Search for on-campus job openings: https://jobs.kvcc.edu
  2. Apply online and submit resume and cover letter
  3. Interview for position
  4. Receive offer and apply for social security number
    • Contact for how to apply for social security number

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is work experience in the form of an internship that counts for academic credit toward your program of study. Students are eligible to apply for CPT after completing one full academic year. View more details and restrictions regarding CPT on the Study in the States web page. To begin the process of applying for CPT arrange an appointment with .

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is work experience that relates to the program of study but does not need to count for academic credit. Students are eligible to apply for OPT after completing one full academic year. Applying for OPT during a program of study is considered Pre-Completion OPT and applying after a program of study is considered Post-Completion OPT. View more details and restrictions regarding OPT on the Study in the States web page. To begin the process of applying for OPT arrange an appointment with .

Driver's License

To learn about the process of applying for a drivers license students should consult the Steps to Apply for a Driver’s License guide sheet. For further questions students should arrange an appointment with office.