Office of
International
Programs

Washington College: Your Revolution Starts Here

F-1 International Students

Rules and Responsibility:

Washington College welcomes students of all backgrounds from around the world. We respect the different beliefs and customs held by our international students. Likewise, we ask each student at Washington College to maintain an attitude of respect and mutual acceptance for fellow students and others living in Chestertown. You are encouraged to review the Washington College Handbook and Advising Guide for a better understanding of our community.

In addition, as an international student, there are US immigration laws of which you should be aware. Failure to follow these laws will invalidate your F-1 visa status. View the International Student Contract (PDF).

Working

On-campus Employment

Students with an F-1 visa are generally allowed to work on campus provided that:

Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training is most commonly referred to as "CPT." CPT is an internship or training which is deemed to be "an integral part of an established curriculum."

Applying for your internship may take several weeks. Please plan accordingly.

  1. Meet with the International Student Advisor to determine that you:
    • Have been enrolled at Washington College for the previous academic year, carrying 12 or more academic credits each semester. (Study Abroad is O.K.)
    • Have not worked off-campus without a work permit.
    • Are making progress towards graduating from Washington College by the program end date indicated on your I-20.
    • Have a social security number (see above)
    • Understand that if you break the rules of your F-1 status, you will loose your CPT.
    • May apply for more than one CPT, but the maximum of any one CPT is limited to 12 months.
    • Understand that if you work more than 20 hours a week during your CPT and total accumulation of time on CPT is greater than 12 months, you CANNOT apply for OPT.
  2. Obtain a Washington College Internship Proposal Form and Internship Learning Contract. Then contact Dean Sack and your Academic Advisor to begin the process. The Dean's Office can be reached at 410-778-7206. These papers are required to establish that participation in CPT is an integral part of your academic program and must be completed before working.
  3. Submit completed, signed and approved copies of the Washington College Internship Proposal and Internship Learning Contract (PDF) forms to the International Student Advisor.
  4. After submitting the completed forms, you will receive a new form I-20 indicating your participation in Curricular Practical Training. You must have this updated I-20 prior to the start date of your internship.

Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training is most commonly referred to as "OPT." It is a period of 12 months during which a student holding F-1 status may work in the United States.

Most commonly, students apply during the final semester of their studies, requesting full-time OPT to begin upon the completion of their academic program.

Students must apply before the program end date on their I-20 and it may take 3 or more months to receive OPT permission from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). Students should indicate interest in OPT when checking in at the Office of International and Diversity Affairs (OIDA) at the beginning of the semester in which they want to apply.

  1. Establish eligibility for OPT. Meet with the International Student Advisor to determine that you:
    • Have been enrolled at Washington College for the previous semester, carrying 12 or more academic credits, and will continue until completion of the current semester. (Study Abroad is O.K.)
    • Have not worked off-campus without permission
    • Already have a social security number (see above)
    • Are completing classes with passing grades and will graduate Washington College by the program end date indicated on your I-20.
    • Have supplied OIP with contact information
    • Are aware that it is better not to travel out of the United States until you receive a reply regarding your OPT from the US Government.
    • Know that you will loose your OPT if you violate F-1 status.
    • Will work in your field of study.
  2. Schedule an appointment with the International Student Advisor to assemble your application. Please bring:
    • Valid passport and I-94 card.
    • I-20s past and present.
    • Academic Record or Transcript.
    • Academic Status Letter (PDF) from your Academic Advisor.
    • I-538 and I-765 (will be issued/completed during your appointment with the advisor).
    • A piece of white paper with your signature on it.
    • Two full-frontal color passport photos taken within the last month.
    • A personal check/money order (personal check is better) made payable to the USCIS (Citizenship and Immigration Services). Check with advisor for current fee.
  3. Make two copies of your application (you can do this during your appointment)
    • Give one copy to the International Student Advisor and keep the other copy for your personal files.
    • Two to three weeks after you submit your application you will receive a receipt from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. KEEP THAT RECEIPT! It is very important as you may be asked for it later.
  4. Status Verification and Travel
    • Please be aware that after you receive your card, if you relocate, it is your responsibility to notify the International Student Advisor of changes in your contact information.
    • Likewise, although you will no longer be at Washington College during Semester Check-in, you must still have your contact information confirmed periodically to maintain your status/OPT.
    • Please read the departure and arrival travel procedures below, taking note of requirements for OPT participants.

Departure / Before you leave

Arrival

Economic Hardship

Economic Hardship Employment is intended for students who are having a difficult time financing their education due to unforeseen circumstances occurring after the start of their studies. Some examples are:

If your application is approved, you may work up to 20 hours/week off campus in addition to the 20 hours/week you may work on campus. This does not affect your eligibility to apply for Optional Practical Training.

  1. Type a letter (addressed "To Whom It May Concern") explaining the unforeseen economic trouble you are experiencing.

    2. You should attach any type of documentation that will support/validate your letter. Examples include:

    • Proof of currency devaluations
    • Unexpected medical bills
    • Proof from your financial source of support that an unexpected change has taken place regarding your financial situation

    BE SHORT AND TO THE POINT.

  2. Make an appointment to meet with the International Student Advisor to determine that you:
    • Have been enrolled at Washington College for the previous academic year, carrying 12 or more academic credits. (Study Abroad is applicable toward that one year)
    • Have not worked off-campus without a work permit
    • Already have a social security number
    • Understand that if you break the rules of your F-1 status, you will loose your eligibility to work
  3. Schedule an appointment with the International Student Advisor to assemble your application. Please bring:
    • Valid passport and I-94 card
    • I-20s past and present
    • I-538 and I-765 (will be issued and completed at appointment)
    • A piece of white paper with your signature on it
    • Two full-frontal color passport photos taken within the last month
    • A personal check/money order (personal check is better) made payable to the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Ask the advisor the current fee.
  4. Make two copies of your application (you can do this during your appointment). Give one copy to the International Student Advisor and keep the other copy for your personal files.
    • Two to three weeks after you submit your application you will receive a receipt from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. KEEP THAT RECEIPT! It is very important as you may be asked for it later.
    • Employment Authorization Documentation (EAD) is awarded in one year increments to eligible candidates, and you must apply to renew your employment authorization prior to the expiration date on the EAD card you received.

Travel

Arrival

Traveling During Your Stay

Departure / Before you leave

300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782