For International Students

We strongly urge you to consult the Office of Admission and Records and speak to Nusha Shishegar, International Student Coordinator, for complete guidelines on compliance with visa and Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) requirements.  She can be reached by emailing nusha.shishegar@cgu.edu or by calling (909) 607-3371.

New Students

Prior to arrival, students must show proof of the ability to meet the following costs:

• tuition
• other expenses
• living expenses
• dependent expenses (and explanations)

All international applicants must prove their ability to support themselves financially for at least the first year of study.  For the current academic year (2007-2008), we estimate that the  total amount required for a student taking 12 units per term will be approximately $53,092 a year (including the cost of tuition, living expenses, books and supplies, and medical expenses).  For a student taking 16 units per term we estimate that the total amount required will be approximately $64,100 for a year.  Please note that these figures may change annually, so refer to the CGU website www.cgu.edu/international for the most current amounts.  Students who are being sponsored by an organization or government agency must be aware of their sponsoring agency's regulations on payment of tuition and fees; the University will bill sponsoring agencies after registration at the student's request.

Also, please note that if you are awarded a CGU Fellowship by your department, it will reduce your costs by a percentage of the tuition amount only (and not by a percentage of the full amounts estimated above).

Upon arrival, the following guidelines apply:

• You may enter the country no more than 30 days prior to the start of the term.
• You must be enrolled in a minimum of 8 units at the end of the add/drop registration period. Failure to do so will result in you losing your F-1 status (you will be considered a "no-show").
• If you cannot register for a minimum of 8 units you must fill out a Less Than Minimum form (please see section under Continuing Students)

Continuing Students

Registration

You must be enrolled for a minimum of 8 units at the end of the add/drop registration period and must retain all 8 units throughout the semester. This must occur every semester until you complete the degree program (unless you are in doctoral study or continuous registration). Audit units do not count as units towards the 8 units for registration. Failure to do so will result in you losing your F-1 status.

Change of Degree or Field

The change of degree takes effect the semester following submission of the Change of Degree or Field form, available on the Registrar’s web page. The form must be filled out by the appropriate departments and then filed with the International Student Coordinator in order to approve the change and receive a new I-20, if needed. Please be aware that you may be required to submit a new Affadavit of Financial Support and its supporting documents.

Dual degrees

International students who wish to obtain a dual degree will not be able to obtain one degree then continue to the next. Both degrees must be completed before a degree can be conferred from CGU.

Program extension

SEVIS requires that students needing additional time to compete their degrees (2 years for M.A. students, 6 years for Ph.D. students) submit program extension documentation. This is not the same process as filing for an extension with CGU's Student Records Office.

• You must obtain the Program Extension Form (www.cgu.edu/pages/411.asp) and complete it with your academic advisor.
• Submit the new form along with a new Affadavit of Financial Support (also at www.cgu.edu/pages/411.asp) with updated supporting documents (no more than 7 months old)
• The International Student Coordinator will then make the necessary changes in SEVIS and provide you with a new I-20.
• Extensions are granted by the INS one year at a time.

Graduation

From the last day of classes or the day you complete your M.A. thesis or Ph.D. Dissertation, you will have no more than 60 days to remain in the U.S. During this "60-Day Grace Period" you may:

• Leave the country.
• Transfer to another university.
• Begin Optional Practical Training (OPT). You will need to apply no later than the last day of classes.
• Be granted a change of visa status (ex: F-1 or J-1 Student to an H-1B working visa).
• Begin a new program (must be completed before the start date of the new program and cannot start more than 60 days from the end of the previous program).

Students graduating in the Fall who leave the country (i.e. do not transfer or change to another program) may return to the U.S. for the Spring commencement ceremonies only if granted a tourist (B) visa.

Leaves of Absence

Leaves of absense may only be granted to F-1 students for medical leaves. Medical leave may only be granted one semester at a time, for up to one year. To be authorized, you must first obtain approval from the Dean's Office then inform the International Student Coordinator for final authorization. For all other reasons you must leave the country (note: if you leave the country for more than 5 months you must obtain a new initial I-20 to reenter the country.

OTHER Reporting to SEVIS:

Past Due Balances
 
All past due balances must be cleared though the Student Accounts Office by the end of add/drop registration period. If you are having financial difficuties make sure you talk to Student Accounts instead of avoiding them, as they may be able to provide you with options of which you were previously unaware. Reminder: you cannot register with a Past Due Balance. If you are not registered for at least 8 units by the last day of Add/Drop, you will fall out of status.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

You may be authorized for up to 1year of post-graduation off-campus employment. You may obtain application materials online at www.cgu.edu/pages/411.asp or from the International Student Coordinator. Please make an appointment to meet with the International Student Coordinator to complete your OPT application. If approved, please remember to report any change of address while on OPT to the International Student Coordinator as you will still be considered a CGU responsibility.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

You may be authorized for off-campus paid employment while studying at CGU. You may obtain the form online (also at www.cgu.edu/pages/411.asp) or from the International Student Coordinator. Your academic department must first approve this training before the International Student Coordinator can provide you with final authorization.

Economic Hardship

You may be authorized for off-campus paid employment while studying for up to one year at a time for reason of economic hardship. This process is a lot like OPT and may also be denied - please see the International Student Coordinator for more information about this authorization.

If you fall Out of Status

If you fall out of status you can be arrested and/or deported. In some cases you will be able to apply for reinstatement. You wil need to do this in person by visiting the USCIS in Los Angeles, CA. Your International Student Coordinator can assist you with this process. Depending on the length of time that you have been out of status it may take up to 10 working years to be legally admitted back into the U.S.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT COMPLIANCE OF THESE LAWS IS REQUIRED BY USCIS (FORMERLY INS) AND THAT NO EXCEPTIONS TO IMMIGRATION RULES/REGULATIONS CAN BE GRANTED BY CLAREMONT GRADUATE UNIVERSITY.

  

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For more information specific to international applicants, please visit our International Student Page or contact the International Student Coordinator, Nusha Shishegar by emailing nusha.shishegar@cgu.edu or by calling (909)-607-3371.

If you any questions or would like more information about one of our departments, please contact us at:

School of Arts and Humanities
Claremont Graduate University
121 East Tenth Street
Claremont, CA 91711
Tel.: 909.621.8612
Fax: 909.607.1221
Email: Humanities@cgu.edu