Frequently Asked Questions

F I L I N G   F E E

Q. I am not sure if I will be able to complete my academic program this quarter and I am on filing fee. Can I extend my I-20 for a future date?
A. No. For immigration purposes international students are approved to take the benefit of filing fee ONLY one time during their academic year. Filing fee is only approved when it is the student’s last quarter.
Recommendation: The IC recommends that you and your academic advisor plan your academic program taking in consideration your immigration responsibilities. Early planning of your academic program will ensure that you will not face immigration problems.

L E A V E   O F   A B S E N C E   ( L O A )

Q. I would like to take a LOA for two quarters to do a CPT during that time. Is this possible?
A. No. International students cannot be in the US while on LOA, unless it is a recommended medical leave. A LOA is only approved with the agreement that the international student will be out of the country. This would void your eligibility to do a CPT.

U N D E R / P A R T - T I M E   E N R O L L M E N T

Q. Recently I had a physical injury and I am having a difficult time taking a full load of classes. Can I drop one of my classes?
A. If dropping this class leaves you with less than 12 units, you will need to seek approval from the IC and your academic department. You will also need to get a doctor’s letters stating the general circumstances and the recommendation to not take a full course load. You will need to turn in a Reduced Course Load Request.

Q. This quarter has been very difficult. Can I drop below 12 units?
A. Review our Reduced Course Load Request to see if you can qualify to take less than 12 units. Please note that under certain circumstances, the reasons which are acceptable for academic purposes do not satisfy the immigration regulations.

S U M M E R  G R A D U A T I O N

Q. I completed my academic requirements this spring quarter and will defend/submit my thesis in the summer. Do I have to enroll in summer?
A. In order to comply with immigration regulations, international students at UCI must enroll in summer session if graduation will occur in summer. In this situation, summer is considered the last quarter and will require enrollment for our international students.

Q. If I only need to defend/submit my thesis, do I have to enroll full time?
A. You can enroll part time only if you have not taken this “one time benefit” during previous quarters (this includes filing fee) and with the approval of your academic department and the IC.

Q. I am planning to extend my I-20 for summer. What do I need to do?
A. You will need to complete the I-20 Request Form. Proof of sufficient funds for one quarter must be provided. This includes tuition fees and living expenses. Living expenses for one quarter are $4333, for spouses $4000 and children $3000. Proof of summer enrollment is also needed.

Q. What date should I request for my I-20 extension?
A. It depends on the summer session you will enroll in. For more information visit http://www.summer.uci.edu/calendar

Q. How long it will take the IC to issue my new I-20?
A. The IC’s turn around time are 15 business days assuming that all required materials have been submitted and are correct.

C U R R I C U L A R   P R A C T I C A L T R A I N I N G   ( C P T )

Q. Do I need all original signatures in my CPT application?
A. Yes. The IC must receive a complete CPT application and it should include original signatures from the international student, the academic advisor, and the internship supervisor. The IC will not be able to authorize a CPT a without original signatures

Q. Can you accept electronic signatures from the internship supervisor?
A. No. We need original signatures

C P T - S U M M E R

Q. I will be applying for a CPT this summer as part of my class. What dates should I request?
A. The start and end date of your CPT should coincide with the start and end date of your class as it appears on the Office of the Registrar's Academic Calendar.

Q. I will be applying for a CPT as a requirement for my graduate degree. What dates should I request?
A. You can start your CPT once the spring session has ended and it should end prior to the beginning of fall. For further information check the office for the registrar’s calendar at http://www.reg.uci.edu/uci/calendars/academic/calendar2008.html

Q. I will be graduating this summer. Can I do a CPT this summer?
A. No, CPT is not authorized during your last quarter.

Q. Fall enrollment is a requirement for CPT this summer. Do I have to enroll and pay for classes?
A. You need to provide proof of enrollment for fall. The fees must be paid by the deadline according to the Office of the Registrar.

O P T I O N A L   P R A C T I C A L T R A I N I N G   ( O P T )

Q. I have a STEM degree and want to apply for an extension. What do I need to do?
A. For detailed information view the 29-Month OPT Rule [PPT or PDF].

Q. I am on OPT but I have been admitted to the Ph.D. program at another school next fall. What happens to my OPT?
A. The IC can transfer your record to your future school (see Transfer Out). This will automatically cancel your OPT. You will need to specify by email your SEVIS release date in order for our office to complete the SEVIS to SEVIS transfer.

Q. Can I apply for OPT pre-completion and request immediate continuation for post-completion OPT?
A. Yes. You will need to turn in two applications, one for OPT pre-completion and one for OPT post completion (each application has a processing fee of $340 to the Department of Homeland Security). For more information, please visit the OPT page.

E M P L O Y M E N T

Q. Can I work on campus and do an internship (CPT) at the same time?
A. Yes, as long you don’t exceed 20 hours during the academic year and 40 during school breaks.

C H A N G E   O F   S T A T U S

Q. I need to change my status to F1. What do I need to do?
A. You need to schedule an appointment with an IC advisor to see if you are eligible. The process of change of status takes approximately 3-4 months and it is reviewed by the USCIS California Service Center. Please remember an individual MUST be in valid immigration status to be eligible for the change to F-1 student status.

T R A N S F E R   O U T

Q. I am transferring out to another university/school. What do I need to do?
A. The IC will need copies of:
- Admission’s letter from your new school
- Transfer out form (from future University/school)
- An email from you to the IC requesting for your SEVIS record to bet transferred and the date of the SEVIS release.

T R A N S F E R  I N

Q. I am transferring to UCI. What do I need to do?
A. Turn in the necessary documents to Undergraduate Admissions or your Graduate Academic Department and the Transfer Release Form.

F I N A N C I A L   I S S U E S

Q. I am having difficulty paying for tuition. Is there a payment plan that I can sign up for?
A. UCI has a payment plan program called The PACE Plan. Also, you may set an appt. to meet with one an international student advisor for other options.

M I S C E L L A N E O U S

Q. Can I make photocopies of my documents at the IC?
A. Not at this time, sorry for the inconvenience.