F-1 Intensive English Program Students

Welcome! We are happy that you chose the Intensive English Program at Kennesaw State University for your education in the United States. Below you will find the visa-related resources that you will need during your transition to KSU, while you are here, and after you finish the program. 

If you have any questions please contact us at 470-578-6336 or isss@kennesaw.edu. You are also welcome to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.

Apply to the Intensive English Program

mascot scrappy on campus green holding waivng ksu flag

 

Employment and Volunteering

As an F-1 student, please keep in mind the following: 

  • You can only work on campus.  
  • All on campus employment must be authorized by the ISSS Office and KSU's Human Resources office before beginning any work. 

  • You cannot work more than 20 hours in one week during the session.

  • You can work more than 20 hours a week during vacation periods when IEP classes are not in session. 

  • NEVER accept or work off-campus! This will violate the rules of your F-1 色色啦.

Students are welcome to apply for Staff positions through Human Resources. Please note that IEP students are not eligible for any jobs listed under the Student Assistant category. 

Once you have been offered a position, request a Social Security support letter by going to , F-1 Student Services, and completing the Social Security Support Letter e-form.

  • Kennesaw State University offers it students access to a network of volunteer organizations. We encourage students to participate in these volunteer projects in order to practice your English while helping the community. Please see the  for more information. You will be asked to create a profile before you can register to volunteer. 

    Benefits of Volunteering: 

    • Practice speaking English
    • Learn more about American culture and the community you are living in
    • Help make a difference in the life of someone or something
    • Examples: 
      • Walking dogs that are in an animal shelter
      • Playing games with children at a local school
      • Planting flowers in a community garden 
  • To apply for a job in the U.S., you typically need to submit a resume and cover letter. If you need assistance with writing a resume or cover letter for a job opportunity, please visit the IEP Office and one of our staff can assist you. Employees of the IEP Office will not write your resume or cover letter, but provide you with resources to complete this task.

    Students can also schedule an appointment or walk-in to visit the KSU Writing Center. The Writing Center is located in the English Building, Room 242. Click here for more information about the .

  • A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit identification number, assigned by the U.S. government that is used for tax reporting purposes. It is NOT employment authorization. As an F-1 student, you are eligible for a SSN if you receive an actual job offer.

    Non-U.S. Citizens are legally required to provide a U.S. SSN: 

    • For wage and tax reporting purposes
    • For tax returns with the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) 

    If you have a job offer in the U.S. and need help getting a SSN, please submit the Social Security Support Letter Request in  under F-1 Student Services.

Health

Insurance Requirements

Medical care in the United States is very expensive. Having insurance will help you pay the bills. 

All F-1 Intensive English Program students* must have health insurance through a pre-arranged plan from PGH Global for each session they are attending. Proof of insurance coverage is due before the beginning of each session. Please follow the steps below to submit your insurance:

1. Purchase your insurance through the 
2. After you make your payment, download and save the Confirmation of Coverage pdf.
3. Log into , go to the Intensive English Program section, and complete the IEP Insurance Documentation e-form.

*If you are a sponsored student on a scholarship that provides health insurance, you may be able to waive the PGH requirement. Contact the ISSS Office for details.

Insurance ID Card 

Once you have purchased your health insurance, make sure to print your insurance card. Make sure to carry your insurance ID card with you. If you go to the doctor's office, clinic, or hospital, you must show them your insurance card. 

Where to Go When You Are Sick

  • This person might know your medical history. You can also go to a doctor's office to see a specialist (a doctor who specializes in a certain part of the body.) 

    Sometimes you will not be able to see a doctor for several days. If this is the case, please go to one of the other locations (clinic, urgent care, emergency room) for assistance. 

    If you have PGH Global insurance, please visit the link below to find a doctor that is a 

  • It is recommended that you visit a health clinic when you need to get a check-up, immunizations, have a cold, the flu, and times when your injury or sickness is not very serious. 

    As a KSU student, you can visit the KSU Health Clinic. 

    The clinic is open Monday - Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. You can reach them by calling 470-578-6644. 

    Locations on Kennesaw Campus: 

    Campus Loop Road Clinic Location: 

    House 3215 on Campus Loop Road 

    University Village Clinic Location: 

    In the University Village, across from the Gateway Store  

    For more information, please visit Student Health

  • You need an urgent care for injuries and illness but NOT emergencies, such when you have a bad case of the flu and the clinic is not available or you think you broke your arm. 

    Urgent Cares are located all over Metro Atlanta.

  • Go straight there if you are experiencing a medical emergency and you need SERIOUS help immediately! 

    If you can not drive yourself or have someone that can help you, call 911 and an ambulance will take you to the hospital, and you will be transported straight to the emergency room. 

    You should only go to the emergency room is you have an EMERGENCY

Successful Adjustment to the U.S.

If you ever feel stressed out, depressed, or homesick please come to the office and talk to any IEP teacher or staff member.  

Do not wait until it's too late to come and speak with someone regarding your problems. Please know that our door is always open to discuss any issues that you are experiencing inside and outside of the classroom. 

Please know that if you are feeling these emotions listed above, counseling is available through the KSU Office of Counseling and Psychological Services. Please visit the IEP Office and we can work with you to schedule an appointment to see a KSU counselor. 

Visa Status

Important Information for F-1 Visa Students 

Maintaining your F-1 色色啦 is more than just having an I-20; it is making sure that you follow immigration regulations that govern F-1 色色啦. As an F-1 student, you have certain responsibilities, benefits and restrictions that you must keep in mind to protect your 色色啦. 

In order to enjoy your stay in the U.S. and to have a great experience as an international student, please take the time to learn about your immigration 色色啦 and closely follow the immigration regulations. 

If you have concerns or inquiries regarding what you can or cannot do in F-1 色色啦, do not rely on what your friends tell you. Please feel free to contact our office. Our doors are always open to answer any of your questions. You can email an advisor at isss@kennesaw.edu

    • Register full time every semester (18 hours of class per week)
    • Maintain a current passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future at all times)
    • Be aware of grace periods due to your F-1 色色啦
    • Request authorization from the ISSS Office before dropping below a full course load
    • Report all changes in address to isss@kennesaw.edu within 10 days
    • Report all name changes, as well as changes in dependents and 色色啦, through the ISSSO
    • Request transfer to another school in a timely manner (student must fill out a transfer out request e-form attached with an acceptance letter from their prospective institution)
    • Report a change in your program of study (such as changing from IEP to a degree program) to the ISSS Office and request a new I-20 reflecting the change
    • Request travel signatures at least two weeks prior to traveling
    • Request an I-20 Extension at least one month before your I-20 expires
    • Provide the ISSS Office with any updates regarding passport extensions and visa renewals
    • Become familiar with immigration rules
    • Check your email account regularly for communication from the International Student and Scholar Services advisors
    • Cannot work without previous authorization from the ISSS Office or USCIS, whichever is applicable. This includes unpaid positions.
    • Cannot be under-enrolled or not enrolled at all unless previously authorized (Please see enrollment requirements.)
    • Cannot work more than 20 hours/week while school is in session
    • Cannot maintain 色色啦 with an expired I-20.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you are unable to attend the IEP for the session you originally intended, you can request a deferral to your admission and your I-20 by following these steps:

    • Log into  with your ID and PIN.
    • Go to the Intensive English Program section.
    • Complete the IEP Defer I-20 e-form. If you financial documents are over 6 months old, you will need to submit new ones.

    The e-form will first go to the IEP for an updated acceptance letter, and then to the ISSSO to process your I-20. 

    In order to receive an updated I-20 with the same SEVIS ID, you must submit your IEP Defer I-20 e-form within the first week of the original session.

    • As an F-1 visa student, you are required to be enrolled in classes at all times except for official program breaks or during authorized vacation periods. 

    • You are eligible for an authorized vacation period after you have been enrolled in twenty-six weeks of consecutive study session here at KSU, or combined with other programs. The twenty-six weeks only includes instructional time; it does not include any time between sessions or between transfers. 

    • A vacation period allows you to stay in the U.S. without studying for one session. 
    • You may not request a vacation period for a session that has already begun. 

    • According to SEVIS regulations, you may only request a vacation period if you plan to return to continue your studies after the vacation. 

    • If you are in High Advanced, you are only eligible for a vacation if this is your first time in High Advanced and you are going to take the High Advanced level again after your vacation. 
    • After your vacation, you must take the IEP placement test again. The results of this placement will determine your level for your new session of study, and could mean that you have move down a level or repeat a level that you previously passed. If you decide to take a vacation period after taking a level two times, you must place into a higher level when you return from vacation. You will not be able to repeat the level again. 

    To request a vacation, log into , go to the Intensive English Program section, and complete the IEP Vacation Request e-form.

  • As an F-1 visa student, you are required to be enrolled in classes at all time except for official program breaks or during an authorized vacation period, until you have completed the High Advanced level of the Intensive English Program, or until you have completed the program dates as listed on your I-20. If you must depart the U.S. before successfully completing the High Advanced level or reaching your I-20 program end date, you must request an early withdrawal from the Intensive English Program. 

    To withdraw from the IEP, log into , go to the Intensive English Program section, and complete the IEP Authorized Early Withdrawal e-form.

    After leaving the program and returning home, if you wish to continue your studies in the KSU IEP for a future session, please contact the IEP Office at 470-578-2214. 

  • If you would like to transfer to another school in F-1 色色啦, you will need to request that Kennesaw State University (the transfer-out school) transfers your SEVIS record to the new school (the transfer-in school). If you don鈥檛 request the SEVIS transfer, your new school will not be able to access your SEVIS record or issue you a new transfer I-20 from that school.

    Please be aware:

    • SEVIS records and academic records are two different and unrelated processes. Therefore, applying to a new school and being accepted does not transfer your immigration (SEVIS) records.
    • Failure to request a transfer within the grace period will cause you to fall out of 色色啦. After losing lawful immigration 色色啦, you will have to depart and re-enter the U.S. with a 鈥渘ew initial鈥 I-20 from your new school, or seek reinstatement in order to study in F-1 色色啦 at that school.

    To request a transfer to another school:

    • Obtain an official letter of acceptance from the new school.
    • Check to see if the new school requires you to complete a Transfer-In form.
    • Determine a good transfer out date by speaking with an International Student and Scholar Services advisor.
    • Complete the Transfer Out Request in  under F-1 Student Services, uploading the copies of the acceptance letter and transfer-in form.
  • If you have been fully admitted to a KSU undergraduate or graduate program, you will need to request an updated I-20 showing the change in education level. 

    Your change of education level must be completed before your current I-20 expires. If you have finished the highest level of the IEP, this usually means you have 60 days after you finish the IEP to receive the new I-20. Additionally, students must enroll in the next available semester, within 5 months of finishing IEP classes. For students finishing the IEP in Spring I, this means the summer semester. For students finishing the IEP in the Spring II or Summer session, this means the fall semester (students finishing the IEP in Spring II also have the option to enroll for the summer semester). For students finishing the IEP in Fall I or Fall II, this means the spring semester.

    To receive the updated I-20 for your degree program, complete the Change of Degree Level request in iStart under F-1 Student Services. As part of the request, you will need to upload new financial information. The requirements can be found here.

  • Students may request an extension to their I-20 program date for medical or valid academic reasons, such as needing additional time to complete all levels of the program. In order to be eligible for an extension, the student should be making normal academic progress in the program. Normal progress is the rate at which the average full-time student in the program of study completes the program requirements. 

    I-20 extensions must be completed before the current I-20 has expired.

    To request an I-20 extension, log into , go to the Intensive English Program section, and complete the IEP I-20 Extension e-form. You will need to upload a new bank statement and sponsor letter (if applicable) to your e-form.

  • If you are experiencing a medical situation that will cause you to be absent from multiple classes, please notify the IEP Office and the ISSSO for guidance about the IEP attendance policy and the possibility of a reduced courseload. Timely communication is extremely important. 

    In general, permission to register for less than full-time should rarely occur in a student's career. According to immigration regulations, the foreign student (F-1) should be full-time during each session. RCLs for medical conditions can be granted for no more than 12 months in total. RCL authorizations for medical reasons must be approved prior to the reduction in course load. The rule also requires the DSO to reauthorize the RCL each new term or session. 

    To request a reduced course load, log into , go to the Intensive English Program section, and complete the Medical Reduced Course Load Request. 

    You must upload a letter from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist recommending a reduced course load to part-time or no classes for the session as part of the e-form. 

  • If you are traveling within the United States no action is needed by the ISSSO.

    However, if you are traveling outside of the United States you must have a valid travel signature on your immigration Form I-20 to re-enter the United States. Please request a travel signature from the ISSSO if you are planning to travel outside of the United States during one of the session breaks.

    To receive the travel signature, you can either bring your I-20 to the ISSSO, or request one using the F-1 I-20 Reprint e-form in  under F-1 Student Services. 

    Keep in mind to re-enter the U.S. you will need the following information: 

    • Valid passport 
    • Valid visa 
    • Unexpired I-20
    • A travel signature from the ISSSO
  • The amount of time permitted an F-1 student who is no longer studying depends on his or her I-20 色色啦. 

    • If you unlawfully withdraw or your I-20 is terminated for failure to maintain your 色色啦 you must immediately depart the country.
    • If you request an authorized withdrawal, you are allowed 15 days to make your travel arrangements and depart the United States .
    • If you request a transfer or change of education level by the appropriate deadline, you may remain in the United States while you are waiting for your new program to begin 
    • If you successfully complete the High Advanced level or your program end date, you are given a 60 day grace period to transfer to another school or depart the United States 
  • Federal regulations require you to report to our office any address changes within 10 days of moving. 

    Please report to the ISSS Office if the following changes happen: 

    1. You change your residential address in the United States
    2. You change your mailing address in the United States 
    3. You change your home address in your home country 
    4. Your change your email address or phone number

    All residential addresses must be a physical street address. No P.O. Box addresses are allowed. 

Cost to Attend and Funding Requirements

The following fees are estimated in order for a prospective student to verify their funding for an F-1 I-20 and student visa. Students must show enough funding for the length of their program. The I-20 program dates correspond to the requested number of IEP sessions.

Living expenses include: room, board, mandatory health insurance, parking fees, and books. Dependents will add an additional $1,166 per spouse and $1,000 per child. Expenses below do not include passport/visa fees, flight costs, ground transportation, etc. All fees are subject to change at any time.

One Session 

Tuition: $2,150
Living Expenses: $3,900
Total: $6,050

Two Sessions

Tuition: $4,300
Living Expenses: $7,800
Total: $12,100

Three Sessions

Tuition: $6,450
Living Expenses: $11,700
Total: $18,150

Four Sessions

Tuition: $8,600
Living Expenses: $11,900
Total: $24,200

You are required to demonstrate that you will have available the estimated sum for your studies at Kennesaw State University (KSU). This is usually done by providing one or more of the following:

  • Bank Statement
  • Bank Letter
  • Scholarship Award Letter
  • Loan Approval Letter

If your funding source is not in your name, your sponsor will also need to provide a completed affidavit of support. Please see below for more details.

Financials will be reviewed to determine if they meet the standards. Please note that KSU advisors may reach out to the financial institution to verify the documents submitted, and that we reserve the right to request original documents if necessary for verification purposes.

When visiting the United States Consulate for your visa interview, it is recommended to bring an original version of your bank statement along with the KSU I-20 received to prove that you have sufficient funds for your studies.

    • Scans of original financial documents must be of high quality in JPG or PDF format. 
    • Currency must be clearly marked on financials with English translation if necessary. An online currency conversion can be made if funds are not in USD$. Print the conversion and submit with the bank statement.
    • All statements must show the account holder name(s), the financial institution name, and contact information, such as an address, website, and telephone number. Documents must be verifiable if we need to contact the institution. This means that requesting a document showing the entire account number may be necessary and required.
    • Account statements need to be within six months of I-20 issuance. Funds may need to be proven that they have been in the account for more than 3 months in some cases. Large sums of transfers not in the account for more than 3 months will need to have a paper trail, proof of transfer, and if necessary an additional affidavit of support.
    • No statement will be accepted if it is a retirement account, fixed or frozen account. Any such account will need additional proof that the money is liquid and usable for educational purposes at the time tuition payments are necessary. We will not accept assets such as a business or property declaration.
    • Statements from a business account, showing ONLY the business name, require additional proof of ownership and or sponsorship for the student. We may require that the business make a statement that the funds can be used for educational purposes of said student.
    • All financial statements must also be submitted with a sponsor letter, unless the funds are in the student's name. The sponsor letter must include a signature and contact information. Acceptable affidavits include: a personal letter, a financial guarantee from an institution, a US I-134 form, or the KSU Affidavit Form which is most common.
    • We will accept financials from the student and in addition, up to 2 sponsors. If a sponsor document has more than one sponsor listed, then an affidavit is needed from both sponsors to show agreement in educational funding.