International Student and Scholar Services

International students are a vital part of the Catholic University community, providing diverse perspectives and cultural insights. These pages are intended to provide information needed by international students in all stages of their academic career at CUA: from application, to graduation, and beyond

 General Application and Research

• Researching U.S. academic institutions
• Who can legally study in the U.S.? (also refer to Immigration's guidance on studying as a tourist/visitor)
• Can undocumented students study?
  • What is CUA's policy on Admitting Undocumented Students?
• Applying to CUA as an international student
• Summer Studies at CUA
• Who issues the Form I-20 or DS-2019?
• Legal requirements for Issuance of I-20 or DS-2019
• Transfering F-1 or J-1 sponsorship from another School to CUA
• English language requirements
• Costs of study in U.S.
  • Tuition & figures used for issuing I-20
  • Actual CUA Tuition and Fee Schedule and
  • documenting financial ability to pay
• Scholarship and student loan sources
  • CUA handout on financing an education
  • International Student Organization's list of scholarships
  • NAFSA list of scholarships

Immigration, Visa and Arrival Information

• SEVIS and the SEVIS fee
• The visa application and nonimmigrant intent
• Entering the U.S.
• Applying for Change of status to F-1 or J-1 within the U.S.
• Returning to CUA after absence of 5 months
• Planning your trip to Washington D.C.
  • How early can you arrive?
  • What can I bring into the U.S.?
  • Immunization requirements
  • Medical insurance requirements
  • Money and initial expenses
  • Hotels
  • Housing
  • International Student Orientation - required of all students in F and J status who are new to CUA
  • Packing for your trip to Washington, D.C.
  • What to expect at the port of entry

International Student F-1 or J-1 Status 

• Enrollment requirements
  • Reduced enrollment options
    
• Extensions of stay
• Changing Majors
• Changing level of study
• Address changes
• Tax Form filing requirements (applicable to all nonimmigrants, even if not working in U.S.)
• Withdrawing from courses or from CUA
• Things to know about bringing family to the U.S.
  • Bringing husband/wife and/or children as F-2 dependents
  • Inviting relatives/friends to visit

Employment Options

• Employment options
  • on-campus employment
  • curricular practical training (F-1 students only)
  • optional practical training (F-1 students only)
  • academic training (J-1 students only)
  • international organizations (F-1 students only)

Transferring to Another Institution

• Transferring F or J sponsorship from CUA to another school

• Transferring F or J sponsorship from CUA to another school
• Predeparture checklist
• Returning to CUA to continue study after 5-month absence outside the U.S.
• Reinstatement after falling out of program status

Life After CUA

• Immigration
• Attorneys