International Applicants
After Acceptance

Obtaining Your Visa
A visa is an authorization to enter the United States. US visas are issued by the US Consulate/Embassy in your home country. Take your passport, letter of admission from Winthrop University, and I-20 or IAP-66 (certificate of eligibility for an F-1 or J-1 visa) to the nearest US Consulate/Embassy to apply for your visa. You will also need to show proof of financial support for your studies at Winthrop University for one academic year.

Your I-20 or IAP-66 was issued by Winthrop University and allows you to study at Winthrop only. You may not use your Winthrop I-20/IAP-66 to enter the US for study at another university. If you decide to study at another university, you must return the I-20/IAP-66 to the Winthrop University International Center.

You are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations relating to your visa classification. Failure to comply with these rules will result in the loss of your legal status and could prevent you from receiving any special immigration benefits. The International Student Advisor will give you more information on your visa classification and responsibilities during the New International Student Orientation. You can also visit the International Center website for more information.

Maintaining Legal F-1 Status
All international students on F-1 visas are obligated to meet certain Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) requirements in order to maintain their legal visa status during their stay in the US. Before you sign your I-20, you should read and understand your responsibilities for maintaining legal F-1 visa status as listed below:

1. Maintain a valid passport.
2. Attend the school you are authorized to attend (as noted on your I-20).
3. Pursue a full course of study (12 undergraduate credit hours, 9 graduate credit hours) and make normal progress towards the completion of your course of study.
4. Apply for an extension of program before the expiration date on the current I-20.
5. Follow INS procedures for changing from one program (major) or educational level to another (from Bachelor’s degree to Master’s degree).
6. Follow INS procedures for transferring from one school to another.
7. Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours a week while school is in session.
8. Refrain from off-campus employment without authorization.
9. Report a change of address to the International Student Advisor within 10 days.

Clearing Immigration at the Port of Entry
Upon arrival at the first airport that you enter in the USA, you will need to clear Immigration Services. Present your passport with your visa in it, the 2 copies of your I-20/IAP-66 along with the I-94 arrival form (the narrow card you will have to fill-out before landing). You may also need to present proof of financial documentation. It is important that you carry these items with you. Do not put them in your luggage, because you will not have access to them before you clear immigration. The officer will check your documentation and admit you into the country. If you have any problems, please call the Winthrop International Center at: 803-323-2133 or 3440.