Frequently Asked Questions

2. What is an I-20?
The I-20 form is a Certificate of Eligibility issued to prospective students who meet admissions and financial requirements for SLCC. Students present this form to the nearest United States embassy or consulate in order to receive the F-1 (student) visa. I-20 Forms are prepared by International Student Services upon receipt of completed applications.

3. What is a Visa?
A visa is a permit to apply to enter the United States. It is normally obtained at an American Embassy or Consulate outside the United States. There are both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. A nonimmigrant visa is given to someone who is a citizen of another country and wishes to come temporarily to the United States for a specific purpose. Nonimmigrant visas are given to people such as tourists, business people, students, temporary workers, and diplomats. An immigrant visa is given to someone who intends to live and work permanently in the United States.

4. Who Needs a Visa?
Anyone who is traveling to the United States to become an immigrant must have an immigrant visa. In addition, most people who want to travel to the United States as nonimmigrants require a visa. In order to study full-time at SLCC you will need an F-1 (student) visa. Visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for more information about visa requirements for citizens of other countries.

5. How Do I Get the F-1 (student) Visa?
SLCC International Student Services will mail you an I-20 Form after you have submitted required documentation to the College and you have been accepted as an SLCC student. You apply for the F-1 (student) visa by bringing your I-20 Form to the American Embassy or Consulate nearest your home. Once you receive the F-1 (student) visa, you are authorized to travel to the United States. However, a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter the United States. The USCIS (formerly INS) has authority to grant or deny your admission to the United States. The immigration officer at the port of entry will also determine how long you may stay in the United States.

6. What is an I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)?
An Arrival/Departure Record or I-94 card is created by the USCIS when the traveler is inspected upon arrival in the United States. The inspector endorses the I-94 card (Arrival/Departure Record) with the date, place of arrival the "class of admission" (which corresponds to the visa class), the length of time the traveler may remain in the United States, and any special conditions which may apply to the visit. The inspector keeps the Arrival portion of the form and returns the endorsed departure portion to the traveler who must keep the card in his possession until he leaves the United States. When the traveler leaves the United States, he must surrender the departure portion of the I-94 to the airline representative, if he travels by air, or to the immigration or customs officer if he departs across the border to Canada or Mexico.

7. Where is a U.S. Embassy or Consulate?
U.S. Embassies and Consulates are located in most countries. You can access http://travel.state.gov/links.html to find the location nearest you.

8. Do I need a passport?
Yes. All international students must have a valid passport. If your passport is expiring within six months you should apply for renewal as soon as possible.

9. What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System. In operation since January 30, 2003, SEVIS is an internet-based system maintained by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. SEVIS allows the U.S. government to have "real-time" access to information about the address, academic and biographical information about F-1/M-1 students and F-2 family members. The overall purpose of SEVIS is to allow schools and the U.S. government to track the arrival, enrollment, academic activity, and departure of international students, scholars and their dependents.

10. Can I Travel Outside of the U.S. While in F-1 Status?
You may travel outside of the U.S. while in F-1 Status. You must follow these guidelines.

• If you are leaving during break, register full-time (at least 12 credit hours) for the next semester.
• At least one week before you depart the United States, bring your I-20 to the International Student Services office to have it signed by the International Student Advisor. You must get a new signature every semester.
• Have a valid passport
• Have a valid student visa
• If you have graduated or are on Optional Practical Training you are also required to show your Employment Authorization Card
• You will need a new I-20 for re-entry into the United States in the following situations:
  • If your I-20 is expired
  • If you are out-of-status
  • If you are leaving the country for 5 months or more o
  • If you are leaving the U.S. in the middle of a semester and are planning to return to SLCC to continue your studies another semester
    **Updated financial documents may be required**

11. Where Will I Live When I Arrive in Salt Lake City?
SLCC is a commuter college and does not provide on-campus housing. Please see Housing for more details.

12. What is Orientation (International Welcome)?
Orientation is presented by International Student Services prior to every semester. You will get answers to many questions and meet other international students and SLCC staff. Please visit Orientation for more information.

13. What is a "Full-Time Student"?
A full-time student at SLCC is registered for and completes between 12 and 18 credit hours per semester. If you withdraw from a class and drop below 12 credit hours you will lose your F-1 status.

14. How Are Medical Expenses Covered?
Health care can be very expensive in the United States and must be paid by the individual. Health insurance can pay for some of your medical expenses and it is strongly recommended that international students purchase a health insurance plan. SLCC offers a group plan through HTH Insurance. Visit the International Student Services office for information about how to enroll and prices.

15. Can I Open a Bank Account?
International students can open a bank account. There are many banks to choose from in Salt Lake City and each offers a variety of savings and checking account plans. In order to open an account you need to have either a taxpayer ID number or Social Security number. The Salt Lake City Credit Union has a branch on the Redwood Road Campus.

16. Can I Bring Family Members With Me?
Dependents (spouse and minor children) of F-1 students will be permitted to join you in the U.S. provided you demonstrate that there are sufficient financial resources for their support (SLCC estimates it will cost $3000 per dependent per year.) A spouse and dependent children of F-1 students hold F-2 status and are not permitted to work in the U.S.

17. Can I Transfer Credits From a Foreign University to SLCC?
Your credits must be evaluated before they can be reviewed by SLCC to determine eligibility. Contact an academic credit evaluation company in the U.S. to have your foreign credits evaluated. You may choose whichever company you like, but be sure to request a comprehensive report. We prefer that you use Educational Perspectives http://www.educational-perspectives.org.

18. Can I Transfer Credits from another U.S. University to SLCC?
If you would like to transfer credits from a U.S. institution, you need to submit official transcripts to SLCC Enrollment Services for credit evaluation.

19. How Do I Register for Classes?
The best way to register for classes is on-line with MyPage. If you are in ESL Levels 1-3 at the Skills Center, you must register in-person with a Skills Center advisor.

20. Can I Drive in Utah?
In order to drive in Utah, you must have a valid driver’s license. You may use your International Driver's License when you first arrive but it is recommended that you get a Utah driver's license as soon as possible. In order to obtain a driver’s license in Utah you should:

• Obtain a copy of the Utah Driver’s Handbook from the Driver Testing and Licensing Service and study for the written test. This is also where you will take the test.
• Present your passport and visa to verify your name and age
• Have a social security number or taxpayer identification number (ITIN)
• Pass the written exam
• Pass the eye examination
• Pass the driving test

If you have never driven before, you must first complete a driver’s license training course through any certified driving school.

21. Why Do I Need a Financial/Bank Statement?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Bureau of Citizenship and Naturalization Services require that Salt Lake Community College verify evidence that an international student can provide financial resources for the length of time necessary to pursue an education in the United States. The financial statement and bank statement serve as this evidence. SLCC will not issue an I-20 until we receive this documentation.

22. How Much Is Tuition?
International students are considered non-residents and pay non-resident tuition. Full-time tuition (12-18 credit hours) will be $3800.00 per semester for 2006-2007. This does not include books, health insurance, room and board or other personal expenses. Students enrolled in ESL Levels 1-3 at the Skills Center are billed per class hour. One semester consists of 300 hours of class, and average cost is $2000 per semester for international students.

23. Can I Take/Do I Have to Take Classes in the Summer?
F-1 students are not required to register for a full course of study during official school breaks, such as summer and inter-semester breaks. An F-1 student is considered to be maintaining status as long as he or she is eligible and intends to register for the next term. Be advised that there are exceptions. For example, if the summer is your first semester, then you must register full-time. Please check with International Student Services if you have any questions! It is the student’s responsibility to maintain F-1 status.

24. How Do I Get a Social Security Number?
A social security number is required to work in the United States. In order for an F-1 student to receive a social security number, the student must

• Be in F-1 status
• Register full-time for classes
• Obtain a written employment offer (new regulation as of 10/12/04)
• Request a letter from International Student Services to apply for a Social Security card Once the letter is prepared, the student should go in person to the local Social Security office to apply for a Social Security card. Remember to bring your I-20, passport, visa, I-94 card and letters. The Social Security Office will send your Social Security card via mail in about 2-4 weeks.

25. Can I Work?
A student is generally eligible to work on-campus, up to 20 hours per week, while they are attending school and maintaining F-1 status (register full-time and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA). Visit International Student Services if you would like authorization to seek employment.

26. What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
OPT is authorized temporary employment for the purpose of practical training directly related to that student’s area of study. It is available before and after you complete your studies (for a maximum of twelve months.) OPT is not available for students with General Studies major.

27. What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
CPT is authorized temporary employment for the purpose of practical training that is an integral part of an established curriculum. CPT is not available to undergraduate international students in their first 9 months in student status. CPT is not available for students in the ESL program or General Education A.S. Degree.