Immigration Procedures

When you have been accepted into Rochester College and all required financial statements and deposits have been received, the college issues an I-20, a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Students that is used to show reason for entry into the United States and is, in effect, an invitation to attend school. When you have received the I-20 from Rochester College, you must make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate closest to you to apply for an F-1 student visa. It is important to understand that the nature of an F-1 student visa assumes that you will return to your home country upon completion of studies and any authorized practical training. Each country is different in how it processes student visas. It may be possible to make an appointment prior to receiving the I-20 as long as you have it in your possession at the time of the appointment. Please contact the embassy or consulate nearest you for specific details. Also note that in many countries several attempts are required to receive an F-1 student visa, so be prepared to try again if your application is initially denied. When you have been granted an F-1 student visa by the embassy or consulate, please contact us to confirm when you will be starting school and whether you need assistance with travel plans to Michigan.

On-campus work is authorized under the F-1 visa for a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session and full time when school is out of session if a position is available. Off-campus employment is generally not available to F-1 students except through application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.