F-1 Reminders

Engineering International Student Programs want to remind International Students (and those seeking F-1 Visas) about important tasks, deadlines, and information to properly attend the university. Below are IMPORTANT reminders for acquiring the necessary documentation and status.

 
 

Degree Seeking International Students (F-1 Visas)

Important reminders are below. For additional F-1 Visa, I-20, or iSTART inquiries, contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): Click Here

10th Day Under enrollment and F-1 Visa Compliance

All F-1 undergraduate students must be registered full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours) or be approved for a Grainger Underload and ISSS Reduced Course Load (or ISSS Medical Reduced Course Load) by the 10th day of classes.

F-1 iSTART Requests

Choose “Engineering Undergraduate” as the approver for all requests EXCEPT CPT.

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Allow up to 15 business days for review or approval of iSTART requests. Additional time may be needed for administrative processes.

F-1 Change of Status

1. Complete ISSS iSTART request.

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2. Allow up to 15 business days for review or approval of iSTART requests

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F-1 Resuming Studies/Re-entry

1. Submit an ISSS iSTART request. iSTART requests will not be reviewed until AFTER approval of Grainger College re-entry.

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2. Complete a College UPO Re-entry/Resuming Studies Request.

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3. Wait for review and approval via UPO welcome letter.

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4. Allow up to 15 business days for iSTART review after College re-entry welcome letter.. Complete ISSS iSTART request.

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F-1 Program Extensions

F-1 Program Extensions are not designed for additional majors, minors, research, internship, or post-graduate opportunities.

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1. Meet with UPO Records Coordinators, Bob Porter or Jamie Hannah via EXPRESS ADVISING for graduation/DARS review.

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2. Submit an ISSS iSTART request.

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3. Allow up to 15 business days for review or approval of iSTART requests.

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ENG 310 or Curricula Practical Training (CPT) Internships

1. BEFORE applying, watch online ISSS Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Workshop for F-1 Students.

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2. Upload proof of ENG 310 in ISSS iSTART application.

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3. Review CPT guidelines, and complete request.

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4. Department Chief Advisors are liaisons for CPT approval. Wait for review and approval.

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5. Contact Dean Emad Jassim or email: engineering@illinois.edu for additional ENG 310 or CPT inquiries.

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F-1 Reduced Course Loads

All F-1 students must maintain full-time status (minimum of 12 credit hours) unless approved for an ISSS Reduced Course Load (RCL) or ISSS Medical Reduced Course Load.

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1. Submit a Grainger Underload Request (for graduating seniors completing degree requirements) via Engineering Advising website. F-1 students must be in final graduating term unless approved by ISSS for a Medical Reduced Course Load.

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2. Submit an ISSS, RCL iSTART request.

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3. Allow up to 15 business days for review or approval of iSTART requests.

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F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

1. BEFORE applying, watch virtual ISSS Optional Practical Training (OPT)/OPT STEM Extension Workshop for F-1 Students.

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2. Review OPT guidelines, and submit iSTART request.

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3. Allow up to 15 business days for review or approval of iSTART requests.

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F-1 Medical Reduced Course Loads

All F-1 students must maintain full-time status (minimum of 12 credit hours) unless approved for an ISSS Reduced Course Load (RCL) or ISSS Medical Reduced Course Load.

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1. Contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for review and approval.

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Undergraduate Withdrawals or Cancellation

1. Meet with a Grainger UPO College Advisor or Dean via Express Advising or scheduled appointment

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