If You Currently Reside Outside of the U.S.

F-1 Students

Most international students at Walsh University enter the United States on an F-1 student visa to pursue a full-time degree program.

Form I-20

To apply for an F-1 visa, students must receive a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, issued by Walsh University. To be eligible, a student must:

  • Meet academic requirements and be fully admitted to a degree-seeking program at Walsh University (Note: fully online programs are not eligible). Review International Student Academic Requirements
  • Submit a completed Certification of Financial Responsibility form  
  • If a U.S. sponsor is helping fund your studies, they must also complete Form I-134, Affidavit of Support.
  • Provide financial documentation showing adequate support for at least the first year. Documents must:
    • Be no more than 6 months old
    • Reflect liquid assets (e.g., savings or checking accounts)
    • Follow the detailed instructions in the Certification of Financial Responsibility form
  • Submit a copy of your passport’s biographical page(s).

Once all materials are received and approved, the Admissions Office will issue your I-20 and notify you.

F-2 Dependents

F-1 students may bring spouses and/or children to the U.S. in F-2 status.

  • F-2 spouses cannot work or study full-time. They may take part-time recreational or vocational classes.
  • F-2 children may enroll in elementary and secondary schools.
  • Additional financial proof is required for dependents:
    • $4,500 for a spouse or first dependens
    • $2,500 for each additional dependent

If You Are Currently in the U.S.

F-1 Transfers

If you are already in valid F-1 status (enrolled, on OPT, or in your 60-day grace period), you must transfer your SEVIS record to Walsh University before starting classes.

To complete the transfer process:

  1. Follow the instructions in the Walsh University Transfer-In Packet.
  2. Submit all necessary forms and documents.
  3. The Admissions Office or the Office of Culture and Belonging will issue a “Transfer Pending” I-20.
  4. Upon arrival, check in with Culture and Belonging and present your “Transfer Pending” I-20 and immigration documents.
  5. Once you are registered full-time, a “Transfer Completed” I-20 will be issued.

**You must complete your transfer before the deadline. Missing this deadline can result in loss of status.

If you plan to leave the U.S. before attending, be sure to obtain your “Transfer Pending” I-20 to re-enter the U.S. or apply for a new visa, if needed.

If you are out of status, contact the Office of Culture and Belonging to discuss reinstatement options.

If You Hold Another Visa (F-2, J-2, H-1B, H-4, etc.)

  • J-2, H-1B, and H-4 visa holders may enroll at Walsh without changing to F-1 status.
  • However, you must check in with the Office of Culture and Belonging before enrolling.
  • Bring your immigration documents for your file.
  • F-2 visa holders must apply for a change of status to F-1 before beginning a degree program.

To request a change of status, download the instructions and contact Culture and Belonging as soon as possible.

Change of Program Level

If your academic level is changing (e.g., from Bachelor’s to Master’s), you must request a new I-20 reflecting the new degree level. This must be done before your current I-20 expires.

Change of Level for F-1 Students

You may request a Change of Level if:

  • You are completing a program or OPT and admitted to a new degree program at Walsh.
  • Your new program begins within 5 months of your previous program’s completion.

To update:

  1. Inform the Designated School Official (DSO) of your expected program completion or final OPT date.
  2. Request a Change of Level I-20 through the admissions process.
  3. Provide:
    1. Your new admission letter
    2. Updated financial documents
  1. Allow up to 15 business days for processing.
  2. If employed on campus, update your I-9 form after receiving the new I-20.

**If you are on OPT, your authorization ends on the first day of the semester of your new program.

Change of Level for J-1 Students

If you are in J-1 status and will continue at Walsh in a new program:

  • Submit a DS-2019 update request to Culture and Belonging or your program sponsor before your current end date (listed in section 5 of your DS-2019).

Maintaining Valid F-1 Status

To remain in lawful F-1 status, you must:

Maintain full-time enrollment

  • Undergraduate: 12 credits/semester
  • Graduate: 9 credits/semester
  • Summer enrollment is only required if it’s your first or final term.

Keep your I-20 valid

  • Request an updated I-20 if any personal, academic, or financial information changes.
  • Apply for an extension before your I-20 expires if needed.

Keep your passport valid

Contact your home country’s embassy or consulate for renewal instructions.

Attend the school on your I-20

Transferring? Speak with the Director of Culture and Belonging first.

Work only with authorization

Report address and major changes

  • Notify Culture and Belonging within 10 days of moving.
  • Report any major change and verify with your financial sponsor before proceeding.

Travel only with a valid signature

  • Your I-20 must be signed by a DSO on page 2 before international travel.
  • Travel signatures are valid for 1 year (or 6 months if on OPT).

Maintain health insurance

International students are required to carry adequate health coverage. See [Walsh University Health Insurance Info] https://www.walsh.edu/international-student-insurance.html

File taxes every year

Even without income, all F-1 students must file Form 8843. You’ll receive guidance in the spring.

Obey all U.S. laws and university rules

Avoid legal or conduct violations that could affect your status.

Do not accept public benefits

You are not eligible for government aid (e.g., Medicaid, SNAP, TANF). Contact Culture and Belonging if unsure.

Honor your grace period

After completing your program, you have 60 days to:

  • Begin OPT
  • Transfer to another institution
  • Depart the U.S.