International Student and Scholar Services

International Students at CUA

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.

Things to know about studying in the U.S. and at CUA

• 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

Things to know about getting student visa/status

• 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

Things to know about being an international student in F-1 or J-1 status

• Enrollment requirements
  • Reduced enrollment 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)
• 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

Things to know/do when leaving CUA or the U.S.

• 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

Things to know about living in the U.S.

Immigration-Related information