Immigration Procedures

When an international student is accepted into Rochester Christian University and RCU has received all required financial statements and deposits, the university issues an I-20, a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Students which is used to show reason for entry into the United States and is, in effect, an invitation to attend school. Once the student receives an I-20 from Rochester Christian University, the student must an appointment at the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate must apply for an F-1 student visa. It is important to understand that the nature of an F-1 student visa assumes that the student will return to the student's home country upon completion of studies and any authorized practical training. Each country has its own process for issuing student visas. Also note that in many countries, several attempts are required to receive an F-1 student visa, so the student should be prepared to try again if the application is initially denied. Once an F-1 student is granted by the embassy or consulate, the international student should contact Rochester Christian University to confirm the start date and whether assistance travel plans to Michigan is needed. International students may not move to the United States earlier than 30 days before the start of classes.

For more information on applying for and obtaining a student visa, please see http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html.

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.