• Is there any new documentation that I need to have with me when entering the U.S.?
  You must always have a valid I-20/DS-2019, an unexpired passport, an unexpired F-1/J-1 visa, your SEVIS fee receipt, and a copy of your unofficial transcript and/or course registration showing enrollment in a few in-person classes.

• May I apply for or renew my F-1 or J-1 visa in a third country? 
  Applying for or renewing a F-1 or J-1 visa outside your home country is possible but it increases the visa processing time. Please consult with the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are planning to apply for a visa for more information.
• I received an electronically signed I-20 or digitally signed DS-2019, do I need to receive a paper one to apply for a visa or to travel?
  While we will continue sending you electronic I-20 and DS-2019 as permitted by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, please print a copy for your visa interview at the U.S. consulate and also the port of entry officer at the U.S. port of entry on arrival. 

TRAVEL AND IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS:

• My F-1 or J-1 visa is unexpired, but I have been outside the U.S. for more than 5 months. Can I use it to re-enter the U.S.?
  If you have a valid visa with multiple entry based on your previous AU I-20/DS-2019, you can use that unexpired visa with a new AU I-20/DS-2019 if you are able to transfer the SEVIS fee. You may be able to transfer the SEVIS fee from the previous SEVIS ID to the new one within a year of the first payment. For more information about how to transfer your SEVIS fee, please review the website here.
• When do I need to arrive in the U.S. for my classes? 
  Students can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date shown on their I-20/DS-2019. Please contact your academic advisor and ISSS immediately if you anticipate delays. If you are permitted to arrive late by your academic advisor, ISSS will update your program start date on the I-20 or DS-2019 to facilitate your U.S. entry.

COURSE ENROLLMENT : 

• If I decide to take the semester off, what are my options?
  Please consult with your academic advisor for advice about temporary leave. Students will not be issued immigration documents to return from temporary leave.

EMPLOYMENT:

• Does time spent studying outside of the U.S. without an immigration status count toward the one-year requirement for CPT and OPT?
  No. Once you regain your immigration status, you will be eligible for CPT and OPT after one academic year of full-time enrollment .

TRAVEL AND IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS:

• I received an F-1 visa in a previous semester but never used it to enter the U.S. ISSS has now issued me a new I-20 for the current semester. The SEVIS number on my new I-20 does not match the SEVIS number on the F-1 visa I previously received. Do I need to apply for a new visa?
  No. If you have a valid visa based on your previous AU I-20, you can use that unexpired visa with a new AU I-20 if you transfer the SEVIS fee from the previous SEVIS ID to the new one. For more information about how to transfer your SEVIS fee, please review the website here.
• If I defer my admission to the next semester, do I need a new immigration document? Do I need to pay the SEVIS again?    
  If you defer your admission, ISSS will update your I-20 program start date for next semester and you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again. Please contact your admissions office for more information on deferring your admission.

• When do I need to arrive in the U.S. for my classes? 
  Students can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before but no later than the program start date shown on their I-20/DS-2019. Please contact your academic advisor and ISSS immediately if you anticipate delays. If you are permitted to arrive late by your academic advisor, ISSS will update your program start date on the I-20 or DS-2019 and provide it to you.

EMPLOYMENT:

• How will my future off-campus employment benefits (CPT and OPT) be impacted if I enrolled online from my home county and plan to enter the U.S. on an F-1 visa for the fall semester?
  To become eligible for CPT or OPT, students must have had both a valid immigration status and full-time enrollment in a degree-seeking program for at least one academic year (fall and spring semesters). Your enrollment from abroad will not count towards your one year of full-time enrollment requirement for CPT or OPT eligibility.   

OTHER:

• If I defer my admission to a later semester due to visa delays or health and safety reasons, will my scholarhip also be deferred?
  All questions regarding scholarships should be directed to your admission contact at AU. 
• Are there any specific scholarships for international students?    
  AU offers scholarships at the time of admissions and notifies students with the admission decision. You may find more information and sources of external funding opportunities on ISSS' Scholarship page.    
• Do I pay for AU health insurance if I remain in my home country?  
  If you are not in the U.S., you will not have to pay for AU health insurance. Please contact AU Central at AUCentral@american.edu with further questions.   

• I am transferring to AU for the next semester in ACTIVE SEVIS status but currently reside outside the U.S. Is my SEVIS record still valid?
  You can keep your active SEVIS status at AU provided your immigration transfer has been completed in a timely manner and you are enrolled in full course of study.
• I am in the U.S. and will transfer to AU for the next semester. How do I maintain my immigration status?
  To maintain a valid immigration status, you must be enrolled in full course of study and stay in the U.S. for the next semester.