Immigration

The IEC Immigration Adviser provides students with information about how to maintain their F-1 international student status. The immigration adviser answers questions related to program extensions, transferring in or out of the program, term exemptions (when students want to take a session off), reduced course loads, early authorized withdrawals, and on-campus employment regulations. The immigration adviser provides workshops and meets with students one-on-one to ensure that they understand all expectations, requirements, and regulations. The adviser also helps to smooth the transition between the Pathway to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Program and the University of Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder for those students who intend to matriculate into a degree program.

The Immigration Advisor is available to help students with questions or problems concerning their visa, passport, or other immigration matters. If you plan to leave the country for any reason, it is very important to inform the Immigration Advisor. Use the online appointment system to schedule an appointment.

Maintaining Your F-1 Visa Status

If you have F-1 student visa status, you must study full time (20 hours per week) at the IEC. You cannot take a break from studying until you have studied for at least four sessions at the IEC. After four sessions, you are eligible to take a vacation session. You must consult the Immigration Advisor before taking a vacation session. Remember, it is your responsibility to maintainÌýlegal immigration status.

Change of U.S. Address

If you change your address in the U.S., you must update your U.S. address in MyÅ·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵInfo within 10 days of yourÌýchange of address.

Traveling Outside of the U.S.

If you have plans to leave the U.S. and then return to the IEC, you must bring your Form I-20 to the Immigration Advisor for a travel endorsement signature. Be sure to travel with your valid Form I-20 and passport with a valid visa foil.

Loss of Your Form I-20

If you lose your Form I-20, inform the Immigration Advisor and request a replacement.

Working

International students on F-1 visa status can work on campus for up to 20 hours a week while school is in session. During school breaks, international students can work on campus full-time (more than 20 hours). Please consult with the Assistant Director of Student Services for further details.

Social Security Numbers (SSN)

International students on F-1 visas may only apply for an SSN if they are working on campus. Please see the Assistant Director for Student Services for more information.

Extending Your Studies

You must make sure that your From I-20 does not expire while studying at the IEC. This is not the date on your F-1 visa foil. You can check your Program End Date on the first page of your Form I-20 under PROGRAM OF STUDY. If you are planning on studying at the IEC past the Program End Date indicated on your Form I-20, you will need to request a Program Extension before your Form I-20 expires. You will also need to provide additional financial documentation. Please check with the Immigration Advisor for more information regarding program extensions.

Transferring to Another School

If you plan to transfer to another school after you finish your studies at the IEC, you must do the following:

  • Apply and be accepted to the new school.

  • Tell the Immigration Advisor that you are planning to transfer to another school.
  • Give the Immigration Advisor a copy of your acceptance letter and a transfer request form (if applicable) from your new school.
  • Check in with your new school’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services during the first 14 days of class to complete your transfer.

Special conditions apply for students on other visas or on the Visa Waiver Program. Please see the Immigration Advisor for further assistance.

If you are interested in study at the IEC, we can sponsor your F-1 visa status. You need to send us a completed application along with the required documentation. Once your application is complete, your Form I-20 will be processed. The processing time is typically 14 to 21 days.
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Please be aware that if there is a problem with your application fee payment and/or a delay in creating your express mail shipping label, the processing time will be longer and the shipping of your Form I-20 will be delayed.

You must email the IEC at ieccu@colorado.edu to request a deferral to the session when you want to start. You will then need to create a new express mail shipping label. Once we receive your new express mail shipping label, your new Form I-20 with a deferral start date and new admission letter will be sent to you.
Visitors can study on a B1/B2 tourist visa or Visa Waiver for a maximum of 16 hours per week. Visitors from Visa Waiver countries must complete the official Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application before traveling to the U.S.
You will need to bring the following documents with you when you go through U.S. Customs. Please make sure that you keep them in your carry-on bag.
  • Passport
  • Form I-20 (for F-1 visa holders)
  • Form DS-2019 (for J-1 visa holders)
  • Financial documentation
  • IEC admission letter
  • SEVIS fee receipt
  • IEC contact information:
    Mr. Shing Kit (Jackie) Wong
    Assistant Director of Student Services/PDSO/ARO
    1-303-492-3002
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