F1 Basics

How to Apply for an F1 Visa

Any international student wanting to study in the USA will need to obtain a student visa for the USA. Most students are issued with an F1 visa, and the general outline/process flow for obtaining an F1 visa is as follows:

How to Request an I-20 

Warm greetings from the Office of International Students and Scholars at Morgan State University. Congratulations on your admission to our National Treasure. We are glad to help you with your I-20.

In order to help you with your I-20, please (A) UPLOAD ALL of the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS into your student account portal and also (B) send ALL the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS in ONE EMAIL to international.affairs@morgan.edu so we can process your I-20 faster and accurately. The
required documents are:

1. Passport
2. Admission letter
3. Bank statement showing a balance of at least $33,800 (undergraduate) or $32,900 (graduate) and banking activities for the last 3 months.
4. Notarized sponsorship letter if someone else is paying for your education (family member or employer). The name on the notarized sponsorship letter must be the same as the name on the bank statement. We will not accept a letter that is not officially notarized.
5. Scholarship or graduate/teaching/research assistantship award letter (if you have one).
6. Intake Form for I-20 . Please email this form to us. You cannot upload this form.
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F-1 Visa Basics
The F-1 visa is the most common student visa for individuals pursuing academic programs in the United States. Below is an overview of the key information every F-1 student should understand before and during your studies.

What Is the F-1 Visa?
The F-1 visa allows international students to enter the United States for full-time study at a Morgan State University, an SEVP-certified university. All F-1 students receive a Form I-20 from a Designated School Official of the Department of Homeland Security at Morgan State University Office of International Student and Scholars. You will use to apply for you F-1 student visa and maintain legal status once enrolled.

Maintaining F-1 Status
To remain in good standing, F-1 students must:
         1.Enroll full-time each fall and spring semester
         2 .Undergraduate: minimum 12 credits
         3.Graduate: minimum 9 credits.
         4.Make normal academic progress toward your degree
          5.Limit online classes per semester counting toward full-time enrollment. Graduate students must have at least 6 credits of Face to Face or                    Hybrid classes. Undergraduate students must have at least 9 credits of Face to Face or Hybrid classes.
          6.Keep your passport valid for at least six months into the future
          7.Maintain an active, accurate I-20 and request updates when information changes
          8.Obtain approval before working on or off campus

Employment for F-1 Students
F-1 students have limited employment options:
Off-Campus Employment
Must be authorized before you begin working:
          1.Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – for internships or practica required for your program
          2.Optional Practical Training (OPT) – for work directly related to your major (up to 12 months; STEM fields may receive an additional 24-                       month extension)
          3.Up to 20 hours per week while school is in session
          4.Up to 40 hours per week during the optional summer sessions or official school breaks

Travel Outside the United States
Before traveling internationally, F-1 students must have:

1.A valid travel signature on page 2 of the I-20 (valid for 12 months, or 6 months if on OPT)
2.A valid passport and F-1 visa
3.Proof of enrollment
4.Proof of employment if on OPT

We recommend requesting travel signatures at least two weeks before your trip.

Updating Your Information
Federal regulations require F-1 students to report the following within 10 days of any change:
1.Address or phone number
2.Legal name
3.Program of study (major)
4.Funding sources
5.Employment information while on practical training

Grace Periods
1.60 days to remain in the U.S. after completing your program or OPT
2.15 days if you receive an authorized withdrawal
3.No grace period if the student is terminated for violation of status

How the Office of International Students Supports You
Our office provides:
        1.Immigration advising and status updates
        2.I-20 issuance and travel signatures
        3.Workshops on CPT, OPT, and compliance
        4.Support for cultural adjustment and campus integration

We are here to help you succeed academically and stay in compliance with federal regulations.