Navigating International Student Visas in Colorado: A Comprehensive Guide

For international students aspiring to study in Colorado, understanding the visa requirements is the first crucial step. This article provides a detailed overview of the F-1 and J-1 visa processes, financial documentation, travel considerations, and other essential aspects for international students planning to study in Colorado.

Introduction: Your Journey to Studying in Colorado

Colorado's universities and colleges welcome students from around the world, enriching campuses with diverse perspectives and experiences. Applying to a university in another country can be both exciting and overwhelming, and higher education institutions are there to support international students every step of the way. This article aims to support you by providing comprehensive information on visa requirements and related aspects.

Types of Student Visas: F-1 and J-1

International students typically pursue their education in the United States under either an F-1 or a J-1 visa.

F-1 Visa: Academic Pursuits

The F-1 visa is for individuals wishing to pursue academic studies at a U.S. educational institution. To obtain an F-1 visa, international students must be accepted into a full-time course of study at an accredited institution. Not all programs are eligible for an F-1 student visa. Some, like fully online degrees or teacher licensure tracks, may not qualify.

J-1 Visa: Exchange Visitors

The J-1 visa is for exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, including educational programs.

Initial Steps: Before the Visa Interview

Before applying for a student visa, prospective students must take several preparatory steps:

Acceptance and the I-20 Form

Once accepted into a program, the educational institution will issue a Form I-20, a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Confirm the accuracy of information on your Form I-20. This document is essential for the visa application process.

Financial Readiness

Before an educational institution can issue an immigration document, students must provide documentation that they have sufficient funds to cover the estimated costs of their program including tuition, living expenses and health insurance.

SEVIS Fee

Bring required documentation, including proof of fee payments and the I-901 SEVIS fee.

Proving Financial Sufficiency

International students must demonstrate their ability to cover all expenses related to their program. Any combination of the following is usually acceptable as proof of finances:

Bank Statements

A bank statement that includes the name of the financial institution, the account holder's name, the type of account (checking, savings, deposit, etc.), the available cash balance, and the currency. The document does not need to list the currency in US dollars (USD). ISSS will do a currency conversion as part of our review process. Note: ISSS may request further details including bank contact information in order to confirm the authenticity of documents submitted.

Sponsor Letter

A sponsor is a company, government, or agency (not an individual) that will financially support you. A detailed letter from a sponsor stating the exact dollar amount being provided, what the funding is meant to cover (tuition, living expenses, health insurance, etc.), and the dates the funding will be provided for. The letter must include the name of the university, the program, and the degree level.

University Awards

Documentation from the University of Denver that details any scholarship, assistantship, stipend, or tuition waiver awards. Scholarships, graduate assistantships, stipends, and tuition waivers awarded by the University of Denver all count toward your required funding.

Education Loan

A detailed letter from the lender that includes your name, the approved amount of the loan, and period of time for which the loan is available.

Important Considerations for Financial Documents

All documents must be:

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Dated within the past 6 months
In English, or accompanied by a certified English translation
Authentic funds for your use as a student

Submission of fabricated or untruthful financial documents is considered to be immigration fraud which could lead to the cancellation of admission to the University.

Using Documents from Family or Individual Sponsors

Yes. That person will need to complete the 'Family or Individual Sponsor' section of the Financial Verification Form, attesting that they guarantee you access to the funding shown on the bank statement.

The Visa Application Process

Expanded Screening

Under new guidance, the Department of State will conduct expanded screening of all student and exchange visitor applicants, including reviewing online presence. Visa applicants will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to “public.” All F, M, or J visa applicants (new or renewal/returning) who are “otherwise eligible,” will initially be refused a visa under INA section 221(g) and referred for further review. This does not mean a visa application will necessarily be denied but it is likely that the processing time will be extended to accommodate the additional vetting.

Visa Interview

"Review "10 Points to Remember when Applying for a Student Visa."

Visa Issuance Delays

Understand that security background screening may cause delays.

Maintaining Your Visa Status

Once in Colorado, international students must adhere to specific regulations to maintain their visa status:

Full-Time Enrollment and Academic Progress

Undergraduate students must enroll for 12 credits each fall and spring semester, following their degree plan carefully. Graduate students must enroll for at least 6 credits each fall and spring semester, and in addition have and follow a degree plan that will enable them to graduate in the amount of time given on the initial I-20. Summer is considered an "optional" semester, and continuing students can be enrolled part-time or not enrolled during the summer. However, a student completing graduation requirements in a summer term must maintain full-time enrollment (and also follow the online course restrictions below) in the summer they graduate, or apply for a reduced course load with your international student adviser. In all cases, student should be making 'normal academic progress' reaching their degree objective. Failure to enroll for the required number of credits will result in the loss of your F-1 immigration status, and can result in serious problems with immigration.

In-Person Enrollment

There are restrictions about which classes international students may count towards full-time enrollment. Undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of nine in-person credits every fall and spring semester (and in summer, if they are graduating) unless authorized for a reduced course load. Graduate students must enroll in a minimum of three in-person credits every fall and spring semester (and in summer, if they are graduating). Online classes are not considered in-person unless there is an in-person component. ITV/cable classes are considered in-person only if the class requires all students to meet in a classroom or with the professor periodically throughout the semester.

Reporting Requirements

All information on your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019) should be kept accurate and up-to-date. or home country address, through your UCCS portal. Do not phone or leave a voice message to report changes. For financial and name changes, you will have to provide documentation proving the change.

Program Extension

You should apply for a program extension at least 30 days before the expiration date indicated on your Form I-20 by filling out a Program Extension Form. Note that the form requires your academic advisor's approval and signature, and for graduate students the Graduate School as well. It is impossible to extend your program of study after your I-20 expiration date.

Travel

Immigration regulations state that you must carry your immigration documents with you at all times. These documents include: Passport, Visa, I-94, Current I-20 (this should be kept current with a valid travel signature from your international student adviser)Furthermore, we recommend you carry photocopies of your immigration documents with you at all times when you are in Colorado Springs. Whenever you leave Colorado Springs, you must carry your original immigration documents with you.

Traveling Outside the US and Re-entry

Be sure your I-20 states your current and accurate information and that page two has a valid travel signature from your international student adviser. You will need to complete a Travel Signature Request form. In addition to a valid I-20, you will need a valid visa and passport for reentry to the United States. It is also highly recommended that you bring: Evidence of financial resources (such as the financial support documents you used to get your I-20 or F-1 visa), Evidence of student status, such as: Recent tuition receipts, Transcripts, The name and contact information of your International Student Adviser.

Employment Opportunities for F-1 Students

The F-1 visa is not an employment visa. are extremely limited.

On-Campus Employment

F-1 students may work on-campus 20 hours or less per week when school is in session. This employment permission is available immediately when students begin a degree program. Students may work on campus more than 20 hours during official breaks (such as summer) if returning for the following semester, but the employment maximum is subject to UCCS rules about student employment. The official breaks are: Summer break, Spring break, Winter break. On-campus employment usually means that you will be getting paid by UCCS. There are a few exceptions, so be sure to check with your international student adviser before beginning any employment. Note that international students are not eligible for posted positions that are 'work-study' or off-campus.

Off-Campus Employment

F-1 students are not generally permitted to work off-campus. The only exception to this regulation is for F-1 benefits that must be authorized before beginning employment. These are not available to students in the first year of a UCCS degree program. The F-1 benefits include: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment authorization for a paid internship/fieldwork experience in the student's field of study for which the student will receive academic credit towards her/his degree, or the internship is a requirement for degree completion for all students in the program. It must be an 'integral part of an established curriculum,' by regulation. It is only possible after completing one academic year in a degree program, and is only possible for degree-seeking students. Students are not eligible for CPT if an internship/employment experience cannot be documented to be part of the academic program/degree.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined in the F-1 regulations as "temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of study." OPT can be during a student's program ('Pre-Completion OPT'), or after graduation. OPT is usually applied for during the last semester of the academic program for a year of work permission following graduation, which is called 'Post-Completion OPT' and must be full-time (more than 20 hours weekly). Note that OPT is not possible until a student completes one academic year in a degree program.

STEM OPT Extension

F-1 students who are currently authorized for OPT employment based on completion of a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Please see our OPT STEM Extension Information handout and OPT STEM Extension Request for more details on STEM OPT and the application process.

Mandatory OPT Reporting

All students with approved post-completion OPT or STEM OPT are required by federal regulations to report employment and address changes within 10 days of any change. The SEVP Portal collects personal and employer information for SEVP. Students should be aware that failure to comply with these regulations could adversely affect future immigration benefit applications, such as an application for H-1B status or an application for permanent residence.

Important Documents

Form I-20

Expiration date in Form I-20 The end date on your I-20 (shown in Program of Study section on your I-20) is the date that your program of study in the United States ends. However, you have 60 days beyond that date before you are required to leave the United States. You may use this 60-day period to prepare for your departure or to travel in the United States. You are not permitted to engage in employment of any kind during this time period. You will not be permitted to re-enter the United States if you travel outside its borders after the date listed on Form I-20, even if it falls within this 60-day period.

Form I-94 (arrival/departure card)

You should always have your current I-94 printout in your possession. with you. You can download and print your latest I-94 here. This indicates how long a student or scholar is allowed to stay in the United States and proves that they arrived in the country legally. It is recommended that you print a copy of your I-94 record immediately after arrival. The I-94 will indicate either a date or “D/S” (duration of status). as long as they maintain their visa status and do not let their I-20 or DS-2019 expire. Each I-94 contains an eleven-digit admission number. This number may be needed at the Department of Motor Vehicles and for employment purposes. A new I-94 admission number will be given each time a student or scholar re-enters the Unites States.

Passport

You must always have a valid passport for at least six months into the future. This means you should renew it about six months prior to the expiration date. To renew your passport, contact your embassy in the United States for instructions.

Visa

F-1 visa in your passport is your approval to request entry to the United States and receive F-1 student status while here. to gain F-1 status, they simply need the valid I-20 and other items. The visa may either be for: Single Entry, Double Entry, Multiple Entries. If your visa expires while you are in the United States, but your Form I-20 and Form I-94 are valid, your legal immigration status in the United States remains valid. You may remain in the United States as long as you are maintaining your immigration status. However, if your visa has expired and you depart the United States, you will be required to obtain a new visa before re-entering the United States.

Additional Considerations

Health Insurance

These insurance companies listed below are NOT endorsed by UCCS nor the International Affairs Office BUT are meant as a resource and starting point for our international students who wish to acquire health insurance with preventative care. International Student Insurance, ISO Insurance, International Student Protection (ISP), PGHGlobal, Compass Benefits Group.

Immunization Requirements

Students will need to turn in a copy of their immunization records to the UCCS Wellness Center. The State of Colorado requires that students have proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) when attending classes at UCCS. In addition the the MMR, all incoming freshmen living in on-campus housing, must provide proof of receiving the Meningococcal Vaccine or must sign a waiver prior to moving in. It is recommended that all other incoming freshmen consider getting the Meningococcal Vaccine.

Potential Scams

Recently, International Student and Scholar Services has learned of a number of new types of scams that may be occurring with some of our international students. These calls are claiming to come from USCIS, DHS, ICE, consulates, attorneys, etc. government will never call to demand some sort of payment. If your government is requesting funds, contact family or friends in your home country immediately and have them work on your behalf. These criminal organizations are extremely skillful at conning people out of money. What they tell you may sound convincing. During this confusing time of immigration changes, scammers are taking advantage of international students who are feeling scared and vulnerable. Before wiring any money, purchasing gift cards, or complying with any request - tell someone.

Visa Revocation

The Department of State or Department of Homeland Security. To date, no specific justification for the visa revocations has been provided to the impacted individuals or CSU. We are working proactively with the students to help them connect with appropriate legal resources and understand their options.

Travel Restrictions and Bans

The Trump administration announced a travel ban that will go into effect on Monday, June 9th, 2025. This ban excludes current visa holders from those countries. Current CSU students from the aforementioned countries with valid visas will not have their visas revoked based on this executive order. Partial restriction on issuing certain types of visas: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. This executive order also indicates that “no immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before the applicable effective date of this proclamation shall be revoked pursuant to this proclamation.” So if you are from of one of the aforementioned countries and you have a valid visa, your visa will not be revoked based on this executive order. It is possible that some travelers may be denied entry if they have visited a country on the travel ban list. In addition, random visa revocations for foreign nationals have been occurring more frequently. If a visa holder is traveling abroad and has their visa revoked, they will not be allowed to re-enter the United States.

Resources at Colorado State University (CSU)

If you are an international student, scholar, or employee at CSU and you have questions about your CSU-sponsored visa, you should contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSS) with CSU International Programs as a first step. 151 W. If you are not comfortable carrying original official documents - photocopies should be sufficient.

Know Your Rights

CSU Student Legal Services (SLS) is available as a resource for all CSU students. SLS is funded by student fees and there is no additional charge for students to use this valuable resource. SLS has a helpful Know Your Rights presentation that details what to do when encountering law enforcement or immigration. If you have specific questions, you may call SLS at (970) 491-1482 or request an appointment online.

University Policy on Immigration Enforcement

As a public university, CSU welcomes members of the public to a significant portion of our campuses. However, access is restricted or limited to certain areas on our campuses due to operational, privacy, safety, and security purposes. Members of law enforcement may not enter limited access or restricted access areas of campus without a warrant or court order.

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