International Students
International Student Affairs Office (ISAO)
The ISAO guides new international students on how to obtain a Form I-20 from Cincinnati State. The ISAO also supports international students that currently have a F-1 and M-1 visa and helps them to maintain their status with USCIS.
Contact:
international@cincinnatistate.edu
513-569-4769 (please leave a message)
Notice: USCIS COVID Guidance Flexibility Termination (pdf) – SEVP FAQ Regarding Covid-19 (pdf)
If you are an international student interested in attending Cincinnati State, you must apply to the College and be accepted into a program before obtaining an I-20. Please visit the Cincinnati State Admissions website for information on the Admissions process for international students.
Attention all new Students!*
Spring Semester 2024 deadlines for ISEF submission:
New students: ISEF and all documents are due by October 27, 2023.
Students transferring from another US institution: ISEF and all documents are due by November 17, 2023.
Fall Semester 2024 deadlines for ISEF submission:
New students: ISEF and all documents are due by May 2, 2024.
Students transferring from another US institution: ISEF and all documents are due by July 5, 2024.
*Please note that we do not issue I-20s for a start date in summer semesters.
New International Students
Once admitted to the college, the F-1/M-1 international student must submit the International Student Enrollment Form (ISEF) to obtain the Form I-20. The Form I-20 will be issued only if the student meets all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requirements. Receipt of the I-20 does not guarantee that a F-1 or M-1 visa will be issued at the embassy nor does is guarantee that the student will be allowed to enter the USA. Find out more about the Form I-20 by visiting the Study in the States website, an official website of the DHS.
Print and complete these forms before submitting your ISEF:
- Letter of Admission (Required): Locate your proof of admission and upload it with the other documents on the ISEF
- Affidavit of Sponsorship (Required)
- Affidavit for Free Room and Board
- International Student Budget (Required): Gather evidence of financial support of assured finances to cover your entire program and school expenses.
- Transfer-in form (Required only for students within the USA who are attending other SEVIS Schools)
- Dependents eform (Required only if you need an I-20 to obtain an F-2 visa for your dependents)
Current International Students
Important documents and information for current F-1 and M-1 students
How to Maintain your Status with USCIS
It is the sole responsibility of the F-1/M-1 student to maintain their status while in the U.S.A. While we are here to help you, the Department of Homeland Security clearly states that the maintenance and monitoring of your status is the sole responsibility of the F-1/M-1 student. For more information on how to maintain your status, and the importance of enrolling in a Full Course of Study, please visit the official website of DHS, Study in the States.
Importance of the Form I-20
Do not let the I-20 expire. If you need more time to complete your studied, and the I-20 end date is less than 4 months away, fill out the form to request an I-20 extension. It is due 2 weeks prior to the end date on the I-20: I-20 extension form
Working in the U.S.A.
For information about working on campus and off campus while studying in the States, please become familiar with terms such as “Curricular Practical Training” (CPT) and “Optional Practical Training” (OPT). Visit Working in the USA to learn more
I-20 Extension
If you have yet to meet the requirement of your program for graduation, and your I-20 end date is less than 6 months away, you need to extend the I-20. Please fill out the I-20 extension form.
Applying for Reinstatement
In the event that your SEVIS record is Terminated, you will need to apply for Reinstatement. Whether you are a current student at Cincinnati State, or you have a Terminated status at another institution and want to apply for Cincinnati State, the process for applying for Reinstatement with the College is the same.
Learn more about the Reinstatement process by visiting the Study in the States website, an official website of the USA’s Department of Homeland Security.
Gather the following documents to submit the ISEF for Reinstatement
- Letter of Admission (Required): Locate your proof of admission and upload it with the other documents on the ISEF
- Affidavit of Sponsorship (Required)
- Affidavit for Free Room and Board
- Student Budget (Required); In addition to completing this documents, you will need to gather evidence of financial support. See the “Student Budget” for more information on what is needed.
- Transfer-in form (Required only for students that want to transfer their SEVIS record to Cincinnati State)