Contact Information Updates
Whether you are an enrolled student or on OPT, you need to update your current address with SFCC. It is mandatory for F-1 visa holds to update SFCC with current address/phone information within 10 days of a move or update.
Enrolled students can update their contact information in mySFCC.
OPT Students must update address and phone information in the SEVP Portal within 10 days of any move or update. You also need to submit the SFCC International Student Request Form.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Students who have the opportunity, or are required, to complete an internship, practicum, clinicals, etc. may apply for CPT. There are several requirements to be eligible for CPT, so make sure to visit with the DSO to determine if you qualify. Students must have an official job offer, and must be enrolled in a for-credit course that applies to the required courses for graduation. Once eligibility is determined, job offer is verified and student is enrolled, the CPT I-20 can be issued.
Please make sure your job offer letter contains your name, how many hours you will be working per week, name of your supervisor, beginning and end date of work and is on company letterhead. When you are ready to begin the process to receive a CPT I-20, please complete the SFCC International Student Request Form.
Driver’s License
To apply for a driver’s license or state ID, as an international student, you must first request a letter of support from SFCC. You can submit this request through the SFCC International Student Request Form.
We will contact you once the letter is ready. You can then take your letter of support and proof of residency to the DMV office. Make sure to study for the driving test!
Extension of I-20 Program End Date
Maintaining a valid I-20 is essential for maintaining valid visa status. You are responsible for monitoring the end date on your I-20. If your I-20 end date is approaching and you will not be completing your degree prior to that date, please submit the SFCC International Student Request Form for an I-20 program extension. If your I-20 program end date is nearing, and you will not be completing your program in the current semester as expected, please submit the following I-20 program extension request form at least one month before your I-20 end date.
Health Insurance
SFCC international students are required to provide proof of health insurance coverage that is equivalent to or better than coverage offered through the college-affiliated International Student Health insurance Plan for the duration of enrollment at SFCC. If a student chooses not to purchase coverage, students must sign a waiver prior to attending class each semester.
I-94
Once you enter the US, you will be issued an electronic I-94. Your I-94 can be accessed and printed here: I-94 website.
If you cannot access your I-94, or if there is an error on your I-94, please use this website to submit your issue. Make sure to select “I-94/Traveler Compliance” as your topic.
Major Changes
To change your major, please complete the form on your MySFCC under the ‘I need to…’ section.
Maintaining Valid Visa Status as a F-1 Student
As an F-1 student, it is your responsibility to ensure you are maintaining valid visa status.F-1 students must ensure that they are maintaining valid F-1 visa status at all times. Below are some general tips to guide you:
- Maintain full-time student enrollment status (at least 12 credit hours) for Fall and Spring semesters.
- Ensure your courses are related to the completion of your degree.
- Continue to do your best as a student and make normal academic progress toward the completion of your program.
- Make sure your I-20 is still valid – contact us immediately if your I-20 end date is approaching.
- If you choose to work on campus, make sure you do not work over 20 hours per week.
- For additional information about maintaining your status, please visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/maintaining-status
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Students who are in their last semester and are graduating with their degree may be eligible to work in the United States after their graduation through 12 month OPT or STEM OPT. Work closely with the DSO to determine if the position you have received meets the requirements of OPT, as well as ensuring maintenance of valid visa status while on OPT.
While on either type OPT, any work site address or employer changes must be updated in the student’s SEVP portal as well as with State Fair Community College within 10 days of the change. In addition, a 6-month reporting is required every 6 months to maintain valid visa status.
To begin the OPT or STEM OPT application and eligibility process to gain an OPT I-20, please complete the SFCC International Student Request Form.
Reduced Enrollment
If you will not be able to enroll full-time, in 12 credit hours, because of a medical reason, it is your final semester, or other valid reason, please submit the SFCC International Student Request Form before. The request should be submitted prior to the start of the semester the reduced course load approval is needed, or at the time of enrollment changes.
Reinstatement of F-1 Visa Status
As a F-1 visa holder, you, the student, are fully responsible for maintaining your visa status. We provide information upon arrival regarding visa maintenance, as well as the section above titled Maintaining Valid Visa Status as a F-1 Student. If you fall out of valid status it is important to meet with your DSO immediately to discuss your options.
Renewing Your Visa
If you need to renew your visa, please consult the ICE/SEVP website and resources. https://www.ice.gov/sevis/students
Social Security
International students can only apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) when they have a job offer. Please complete the SFCC International Student Request Form to request a SSN letter.
Your appointment with the SSN office may be no more than 30 days prior to your employment start date. Please also know that the SSN letter issued from State Fair Community College is only valid for 30 days, so please plan accordingly.
Bring the following to your appointment (recommended) at the Social Security Office:
- SSN Letter from State Fair Community College dated within 30 days
- On-Campus or Internship Employer Letter
- I-94
- Most recent Continued Attendance I-20 signed by a DSO and the student
- Passport
- Completed form SS-5‘Application for a replacement Social Security Card’
Student Employment – On-Campus
Employment on-campus is acceptable while on a F-1 visa, but please make sure to diligently follow the guidance below to maintain valid visa status.
- You may work no more than 20 hours per week.
- Obtain a Social Security Number prior to beginning work, if this is your first job in the U.S.
- Be sure to maintain full-time enrollment.
- You may not work after the program end date on your I-20.
- Visit with your DSO for other information – on-campus employment is different than CPT or OPT.
Travel Out of Country
If you plan to travel out of the country during break (or under special circumstances during the semester), you will need to request a travel signature on your I-20. Please submit the SFCC International Student Request Form for a travel signature. For additional information about travel while on a F-1 visa, please visit https://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel.
Transfer In to SFCC
After being admitted to SFCC, you can transfer from another institution in the U.S. to SFCC.
Please follow the transfer out procedures at your initial institution to transfer your SEVIS record to SFCC. You will need the admission letter from your application portal as well as our campus code (see below) to provide to the initial institution to transfer your SEVIS record.
State Fair Community College
School Code: KAN214F00532000
Please also complete the SFCC Transfer-In Form that can be found in the SFCC International Student Information Packet on the left panel of the International Student webpage.
You are not eligible to transfer mid-semester or prior to the end of work authorization. We must receive your SEVIS record no later than the first day of class for the semester of admission. After your SEVIS record is transferred, your SFCC I-20 will be issued.
Transfer Out of SFCC
If you would like to transfer out of SFCC to another institution please, submit the SFCC International Student Request Form and choose Transfer Out.
