International Students

International Services (IS) works with the international student population from the moment they are accepted to Clemson until the time they successfully reach their academic goals. We also work with scholars and international visitors. Initially, we provide immigration documents for visa applications. Throughout students' or scholars' time on campus, IS staff meets with them on a one-on-one basis, or in large groups, such as at New International Student Orientation and a variety of workshops, to provide information about maintaining status, employment possibilities, travel and visas, and cultural adjustment.

In working with international scholars and exchange visitors, our advisors are highly-trained in the nuances of obtaining entry visas for those individuals who are sponsored by the university to assist in the exchange of ideas and research. We also encourage our exchange visitors to take part in opportunities to share information on their culture, research, or language with the Clemson community.

Beyond working directly with the Clemson international community, IS also meets, advises, and provides training opportunities to Clemson administrators to introduce and reaffirm policies, programs, and concepts applicable to our international students, faculty, staff and scholars.

• Prospective Students

  International Services (IS), begins to work with international students once they are admitted to Clemson University to assist with the visa acquisition process and arrival to the U.S.A. IS has no role in the admissions process and is unable to update you on the status of your admission application.

  All undergraduate admission decisions are made by Undergraduate Admissions. Questions about your application, test scores and admission requirements should be directed to Undergraduate Admissions.

  All graduate admissions decisions are made by the Graduate School and Graduate Admissions upon recommendation of your acceptance by your academic department. Many of your questions about admission to the graduate school can be found by reviewing the Graduate FAQ. Admissions related questions that cannot be answered here should be directed to Graduate Admissions. Questions about major-specific admissions requirements can also be directed to the department you are applying to. A complete list of programs can be found here.

• New Students

  After Admission

  Congratulations on your admission to Clemson University! We are confident that you have made the right decision to pursue your studies with us and be part of an academic community recognized around the world.

  After you have been admitted to the University, International Services (IS) will be notified and will receive copies of your admissions documents. We will email you instructions on how to request an I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility. You may also view these instructions at the following link: Request Certificate of Eligibility

  When we have received your request for Certificate of Eligibility and have determined that all requirements are met, our office will enter your information into the SEVIS system and produce a Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1). Please anticipate a 10 business day processing time after you submit a complete request.

  When the I-20/DS-2019 has been processed and reviewed, it will be sent to you with support materials including information on setting a visa appointment, payment of the SEVIS Fee, and a pre-departure catalog. You will need to request shipping by completing the Form IS-01 Express Mail Instructions Form IS-01: Express Mail Instructions. Please do not register for the Express Mail service until someone from International Services has notified you via e-mail that your immigration documents are ready for mailing. When you have received your documents, please review them carefully.

  Visa Application Procedure and Entry to U.S.

  After you have received your immigration documents and reviewed them, the next step is to set an appointment with the US Consulate for your visa application. If you are not sure which US Embassy or Consulate is closest to you, please visit the US Department of State website for a list of US missions around the world: http://usembassy.state.gov/. Once you have found the Consulate closest to you, please visit the “visa” section of the website to learn about the required procedures for setting an appointment and how to prepare for your interview.

  All new international students applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to pay the SEVIS Fee at least three business days prior to their visa interview. You may find more information on the SEVIS Fee, as well as how to pay, by visiting http://www.fmjfee.com. Please note, if you are a Canadian citizen, although you do not need an F-1 or J-1 visa to enter the US, you are required to pay the SEVIS Fee at least three business days prior to your entry into the US.

  As a new international student, you are permitted to enter the US no earlier than 30 days prior to the start of your academic program at Clemson University. The program start date is listed on your I-20, and DS-2019. When purchasing your air ticket, it is important to keep these dates in mind as you may be denied entry should you arrive in the US prior to that 30-day period. While your schedules may vary, you are encouraged to come to Clemson as early as possible to obtain housing, register for courses, complete the necessary paperwork for on-campus employment, if applicable, and to become familiar with your new surroundings. In general, we recommend that you try to arrive at least 15 days before the start date that is listed on your I-20/DS-2019. Your academic department may have orientation activities that occur in the week(s) leading up to the beginning of the semester and will communicate this information to you typically via email or website postings.

• Arrival, Orientation and Campus Life

  Arrival on Campus

  Once you have arrived and settled in, please follow the instructions in the Arrival Guide to complete the international student check-in process. When you check in, you must scan and upload into Sunapsis a copy of your stamped Visa and electronic I-94 Card. Please remember to take this very important step in maintaining your immigration status in the US, our office will be unable to Activate your SEVIS record until the check-in process is complete.

  New International Student Orientation

  Each Fall, Spring, and Summer semester, our office holds an orientation session for all new and transfer international students. All new and transfer international students should attend the orientation to learn more about the University, services provided to students, and maintaining immigration status. Orientation is also a great opportunity to meet new people!

  Orientation schedules and registration information are available in the International Student Arrival Guide.

  Campus Life

  Clemson is a welcoming campus with a wide array of resources. Clemson's website has a wealth of information that you should reference as you are getting settled here. Graduate students may want to review the Graduate School's Guide for New Students page.

• Maintaining International Student Status

  Below is some important information concerning maintaining, extending, reinstating, and changing your international student status in the U.S. Use the links below to go to specific topics.

  Visa versus Status

  As an international student in the US you may be asked from time to time about your “visa” or your “status”. While in most situations in the US the two are interchangeable, it is a good idea for you to know the difference.

  Visa
  A visa is a stamp in your passport issued by a US Embassy or Consulate (they cannot be obtained in the US). The purpose of the visa is to allow you to be taken to a US port of entry to determine whether you are eligible for admission to the United States. After you have been admitted to the US, the visa in your passport does not need to remain valid for you to be in the country legally.

  Should you travel outside of the US, a valid F-1/J-1 student visa may be required for your re-entry. For more information on travel and visas, please visit the Travel and Visa Section of this page.

  Status
  As an international student, you are granted status upon clearing inspection at a US Port of Entry (airport). Your status can be found on your electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. The I-94 Arrival Departure Record grants you permission to remain in the US while pursuing your degree as long as you maintain your immigration status. Your I-94 Arrival Departure Record includes your date of entry into the US and the status in which you were admitted, F-1 or J-1. You will also notice the abbreviation “D/S” on your I-94 record. "D/S” is the abbreviation for “Duration of Status.” This means that your immigration status will remain valid while you pursue your degree as long as you maintain your status (see below).

  Please save copies of your visa, I-94 record I-20, and passport and keep them in a safe place. Should your original documents be lost or stolen, they are easier to replace if you can provide copies.

• Maintaining Your Immigration Status For F-1 & J-1 Students

  Making the decision to come to Clemson to pursue your academic goals is a big step and we understand that reaching those goes is your top priority. In addition to your books, lectures, and lab work, there is one more subject you will need to “study” to ensure success during your time at Clemson, how to maintain your F-1 or J-1 status. Please review the information below. If you have any questions or concerns about how to maintain your status, please contact our office by email at is@clemson.edu or telephone at +1 (864) 656-3614.

  • Always remain enrolled as a full-time student during the academic year. Typically this is defined as 12 credit hours per term for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours per term for graduate students. Graduate students beginning their programs in the summer must enroll in six credit hours for the summer term. Only 3 credit hours of online coursework may be applied toward the full-time enrollment requirement.
  • Always keep your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 current. If you plan to continue studying in the US beyond the program end date on your Form I-20 (F-1 students) or your DS-2019 (J-1 students), you must apply to International Services (IS) for a “program extension.”
  • If you are transferring to Clemson from another school, ask IS to complete the transfer of your SEVIS record for you. It is your responsibility to notify your previous school of your intent to study at Clemson. The transfer of your immigration status to Clemson must be completed by the 1st day of classes for the term. If you plan to transfer out to another school, make sure you notify IS of your intention so we may begin the transfer procedure.
  • Complete the level transfer/field of study change procedures at IS if you change from one educational level to another (e.g., MS to PhD), or from one major to another (e.g., Business to Biology) as soon as this change has been approved by your college.
  • Never work off-campus without authorization from IS and/or the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • Limit employment, both on-campus and off-campus, to a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session unless otherwise authorized by IS and/or USCIS.
  • Have a valid passport at all times. IS suggests that if your passport will expire in six (6) months that you contact your nearest consulate or embassy to inquire about renewal procedures.
  • International Services and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services must have your current residential address at all times. You must report any change in residential address to International Services within 10 days of moving. (Residential Address is the actual physical address of where you live in the US. A departmental address or P.O. Box is not acceptable.) You may notify International Services of your new address within your iStart Student Portal.

  
  If you are unable to maintain your status, resulting in its termination, you will be required to apply for reinstatement. See the reinstatement information below.

  Individuals holding a status other than F-1 or J-1 may wish to meet with an international student advisor for information on maintaining your legal status. Please note, however, there may be an immigration status for which we cannot provide information based on certain circumstances.

• Extending Your F-1 or J-1 Status

  As an F-1 or J-1 student at Clemson University, you are eligible to request an extension of your non-immigrant status if the need for additional time is based on established academic reasons such as a change in level or field of study, research concerns, or documented medical reasons. You can determine if you require an extension of your I-20 or DS-2019 by looking at the expiration date found on your I-20 or DS-2019.

  To apply for an extension of your F-1/J-1 student status, you will need to submit Form IS-120, Request to Amend I-20, to IS with supporting documentation. Your advisor must complete the section of the form that asks for the reason for the extension. Program extensions can only be granted for because of a valid academic or medical reason. You will also have to provide IS with proof of funding for the duration of the extension. Funding can come from an assistantship, personal funds, family funds, or a combination of these. All funds must be liquid (i.e. available to you) at the time of the extension request.

  PLAN AHEAD
  Please remember, your request for an extension of your status must be submitted prior to the expiration of your current I-20/DS-2019. If you are unable to extend your status in a timely manner, you will need to request reinstatement of your status through an application to the USCIS.

• Travel and Visas

  The guidance below is designed to support F and J visa holders preparing to travel internationally. Please review the information below for travel recommendations. If you have any questions, you are encouraged to visit with an International Services Advisor during advising hours.

  What Documentation Do I Need to Re-enter the U.S.?

  In order to re-enter the U.S. successfully, you must demonstrate that you are maintaining your visa status and returning for the purposes for which your visa is issued. The documentation you’ll need to have with you in your carry-on luggage when traveling internationally is summarized in the chart below.

  Status	Documents Required
  Enrolled F-1 Student Visa Holder	Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in order to re-enter) Non-expired F-1 visa Valid I-20 form with a travel signature no older than one year Copy of your unofficial transcript If between terms, we recommend you obtain proof of enrollment for the upcoming term. You can obtain an enrollment verification letter by emailing the Registrar's Office.
  F-1 Student Visa Holder on Optional Practical Training (OPT) If you travel internationally without an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or current OPT employment, your travel is considered high-risk and you may encounter travel disruptions or delays with returning to the U.S. If your OPT   application is pending, we recommend you postpone international travel until you are able to present your EAD and job offer letter.	Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in order to re-enter) Valid F-1 student visa I-20 form with: OPT request approved Current employer information listed, and DSO travel authorization no more than 6 months old Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Job offer letter to match current employer listed on the I-20 Form
  F-2 Dependents	Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in   order to re-enter) Non-expired F2 visa Valid F-2 I-20 form with a travel signature no older than one year
  F-2 Dependent of student on OPT	Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is   required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in   order to re-enter) Valid F-2 visa Valid F-2 I-20 form with a travel signature no older than 6 months A copy of the F-1 I-20 form with: OPT request approved Current employer information listed, and A copy of the F-1’s valid Employment Authorization   Document (EAD)
  J-1 Student Visa Holder	Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is   required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in   order to re-enter) Non-expired J-1 visa Valid DS-2019 form with a travel signature no older than one year Copy of your unofficial transcript If between terms, we recommend you obtain proof of enrollment for the upcoming term.   You can obtain an enrollment verification letter from the Registrar’s office,   102 Sikes Hall.
  J-1 Student Visa Holders on Academic Training	Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in   order to re-enter) Non-expired J-1 visa Valid DS-2019 form with: a travel signature no older than 6 months Academic Training authorization Job offer letter
  J-1 Research Scholar/Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Student Non-Degree, Specialist, and   Student Intern Categories	Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in   order to re-enter) Non-expired J-1 visa Valid DS-2019 form with a travel signature no older than one year Clemson University Invitation Letter
  J-2 Dependents	Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in order to re-enter) Non-expired J-2 visa Valid DS-2019 form with: a travel  signature no older than 6 months
  J-2 Dependents of student participating in Academic Training	Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in   order to re-enter) Non-expired   J-2 visa Valid DS-2019 form with: a travel signature no older than 6 months a copy of the J-1’s valid DS-2019 form with Academic Training authorization

  What is a Travel Signature?

  A travel signature is a signature from International Services on your Certificate of Eligibility I-20 or DS-2019 form certifying you are maintaining your non-immigrant visa status for the purpose of re-entering the U.S.

  Who Can Provide a Travel Signature?
  An International Services Advisor serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) is the appropriate person to sign the Certificate of Eligibility I-20/DS-2019 for F and J visa holders.

  How Do I Request a Travel Signature?

  1. Complete the Travel Information e-form within your iStart Student Portal
  2. Request a reprint of your I-20 or DS-2019 form for shipping purposes, or visit the office to obtain your travel signature during walk-in hours.

  Why is a Travel Signature Required for International Travel?
  When you arrive at the U.S. Port of Entry, or apply for a new F or J visa while abroad, U.S. government officials will review your documents for the DSO or ARO travel signature to verify that a school official has confirmed you are maintaining your non-immigrant status.

  For How Long is A Travel Signature Valid?

  Visa Type	Duration of Travel Signature Validity
  F-1 Enrolled Student	1 year
  F-1 Engaged in OPT	6 months
  F-2	1 year
  J-1	1 year
  J-2	1 year

  I Forgot to Request A Travel Signature Before I Departed the U.S.? Can I Return?
  If you do not remember to request an updated travel signature before you leave, you will need to request shipping of an updated I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature. Please follow the instructions below to request a reprint of the Certificate of Eligibility I-20/DS-2019 Form and a DSO/ARO travel signature. You will then receive international shipping options to request shipping of the reprinted Certificate of Eligibility I-20/DS-2019 Form.

  Can I Use A Copy of My Certificate of Eligibility I-20/DS-2019  I-20 to Enter the U.S. ?
  No, you will need to present a Certificate of Eligibility I-20 or DS-2019 with original signatures, not copied versions when you arrive at the U.S. port of entry.

  Can I Attempt to Enter the U.S. Without a Valid Travel Signature?
  If you do not present a valid DSO/ARO travel signature at the U.S. port of entry, you’ll need to expect travel delays or disruptions as a result of arriving without this required proof of maintenance of status.

  What Is A Visa?

  The visa is an entry document used to establish eligibility to enter the U.S. It works just like a key to get inside a home. Just as you need a key to unlock the door of a home, you need a visa entry document to enter the U.S. The electronic I-94 Arrival Departure Record received at the U.S. port of entry grants you the permission to remain in the U.S. for the Duration of Status (D/S).

  Do I Need to Renew My Visa?
  If your U.S. visa has expired or will expire while you are traveling, you will need to apply for a new U.S. visa in order to return to the U.S.  If you do not plan to travel internationally and your visa expires, you are eligible to remain in the U.S. because the visa is an entry document only.

  How Long Will It Take to Renew My Visa?
  Processing times for visas can vary, we recommend you visit the Department of State’s website to determine the estimate wait time to apply and receive your visa.

  How Do I Renew My Visa?|
  New visas can’t be obtained while inside the United States. In order to receive a new entry visa, you will need to exit the U.S., visit your nearest U.S. consulate, and apply for the new entry visa. For more information about the visa application process, please visit the U.S. Department of State links below:

  F Student Visa Holders Renewals
  J Exchange Visitor Visa Holder Renewals

  Do I Have To Return to My Home Country to Renew My Visa?
  If you are not returning to your home country to apply for the new visa, it is recommended that you contact the U.S. Embassy prior to making travel arrangements to ensure they can process visas for third-country citizens from your country of origin.

  What Documentation Should I Prepare for Visa Renewal Purposes?

  • Update your financial support information on the I-20 or DS-2019
  • Print a copy of your academic transcript
  • Request an enrollment verification letter from 102 Sikes Hall

  What is Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR)?

  If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island for less than 30 days and have an expired U.S. visa, you may be eligible for automatic visa revalidation. Please review the following guidance from the Department of State and speak with an International Services Advisor if you are considering using this method to re-enter the U.S.

  What challenges might occur with re-entering the U.S. ?

  • Administrative Processing
  • Changes to Immigration Regulations
  • I-515A

  If you have issues with obtaining your new visa and are unable to return to the U.S., please contact is@clemson.edu as soon as possible. This will allow International Services to work closely with you, your academic department and university officials to determine the appropriate plan of action to support you.

  If you have any issues upon re-entering at the U.S. port of entry outside of normal office hours and need immediate assistance, please contact Clemson University Campus Police, 864-656-2222. An on-call DSO/ARO will be available to speak with Customs and Border Patrol agents.

  Domestic Travel: No I-20/DS-2019 signature endorsement is required for domestic travel. However, for domestic travel we always recommend you bring your passport, DS-2019 or I-20 form, and I-94 Departure Record with you to avoid any unnecessary confusion about your identity and/or reason for being in the U.S. (Also, don’t forget to keep copies of all of your immigration documents in a safe place in case the originals should ever be lost.)

• Dependents of F and J Students

  International Services can assist an international student in F-1 or J-1 status in inviting their dependents to US in F-2 or J-2 status. Please note: a dependent is defined as a spouse or an unmarried child under the age of 21.

  Dependents entering the US in F-2 status are permitted to pursue degree-seeking courses part-time, but not permitted to pursue degree studies full-time. Additionally, F-2 dependents are ineligible to obtain employment authorization while in the US. Children in F-2 status may attend primary, middle, or high school in the US as long as the F-1 maintains their status. If you are in F-1 status and wish to invite your dependent, please make sure that they are aware of these stipulations.

  Dependents entering the US in J-2 status may pursue partor full-time degree-seeking coursework and may apply for employment authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

  To invite your dependent to the US, please submit, Request for Dependent I-20, with supporting documentation. If you are in F-1 status, you are required to demonstrate funding for one academic year. If you hold J-1 status, you will need to demonstrate funding for you and your dependents for the entire period of your DS-2019.

  When the I-20/DS-2019 for your dependent has been processed, you will then send it to them with original financial documents to show complete financial support so they may apply for their F-2/J-2 visa.

• Reinstatement of Your Immigration Status

  (Please note, the information below is for F-1 students only. Students in J-1 status who need to be reinstated must see an international student advisor.)

  Should you accidentally violate your status in a manner that results in the termination of that status, submission of an application for reinstatement must take place. Common actions that require reinstatement include, but are not limited to:

  • unauthorized under-enrollment of credit hours
  • failure to extend/request an extension within a timely manner of the student’s Form I-20 prior to the expiration date
  • a transfer student fails to complete the transfer of their status within the required timeframe

  
  Unfortunately, violations that occurred more than five months in the past cannot be remedied by applying for reinstatement within the US.

  Unauthorized employment does not qualify for reinstatement. In cases such as these, you will need to obtain a new I-20 for “Initial Attendance”, depart the US, obtain a new visa, and return.

  During the period of time you are out of status, you are not eligible for immigration benefits, such as employment, until your status has been reinstated. Please remember, full-time enrollment is required during the reinstatement process.

  You will need to prepare the following documents to apply for reinstatement:

  • completed Form I-539 (available at IS website and online at http://www.uscis.gov/)
  • two original financial documents, less that six months old (departmental funding letters that are less than six months old are acceptable) – one copy remains with IS to process the I-20 for reinstatement, the other is sent to the USCIS
  • request a new I-20 for reinstatement purposes from IS. Use Form IS-160, Request for F-1 Status Reinstatement.
  • make copies of all previous I-20s (even if from a school other than Clemson)
  • make a copy of the biographical page of the passport, visa page, and front/back of paper I-94 card or computer print-out of your electronic I-94 card
  • obtain a money order/cashiers check made payable to the US Department of Homeland Security (fee subject to change)
  • a letter addressed to the USCIS Inspector addressing the following areas:
    1. when you first entered the US in F-1 status and the reason for entry
    2. how you violated your F-1 status
    3. that you have not committed any deportable actions other than failing to maintain your F-1 status
    4. that you are not employed in the US
    5. that you are currently pursuing a full course of study at Clemson University
    6. a brief explanation of the hardship you would encounter if this request is denied
• Change of Status to F-1 or J-1

  A change of non-immigrant status to an F-1/J-1 student is possible in the US if you have been maintaining your current status and that status permits a change while in the US. Please understand that the application for a change of status to F-1/J-1 is a decision made by you and is not a University-sponsored application. The Clemson University International Services (IS) will provide you with information on the steps and can make suggestions for a successful application. The ultimate decision as to whether the application is approved is solely at the discretion of the USCIS. As a change of status application is submitted to the federal government, please allow sufficient time for the approval process. It is not uncommon for the request to take 12 to 15 months to be approved. If you are in a status that does not permit enrollment in classes or on-campus employment, you will not be able to begin your studies until the approval notice has been received. You may also obtain F-1/J-1 status through departure and re-entry into the US with a Form I-20/DS-2019 issued by IS and a new F-1/DS-2019 visa. If you wish to exercise this option, please meet with an IS international student advisor for assistance.

  To apply for a change of status to F-1/DS-2019, the following materials will need to be submitted to the USCIS:

  • A check or money order for made payable to the “US Department of Homeland Security” (fees are subject to change)
  • The Form I-20/DS-2019 issued by Clemson University for the purpose of changing your status to F-1/J-1 (please see the financial document requirements below). To request the I-20, use Form IS-110, Change of Status to F-1, and submit it with supporting documentation.
  • Once you have received the I-20/DS-2019, you will be able to pay the “SEVIS Fee” by visiting: https://www.fmjfee.com/, please include a copy of the receipt with your application.
  • Form I-539 Application to Change/Extend Non-Immigrant Status – available at http://www.uscis.gov
  • Four photocopies of page 1 of the Clemson I-20/DS-2019 issued for your change of status application
  • A photocopy of I-94 Record
  • A photocopy of the biographical (picture) page of your passport – if you have renewed your passport, include a copy of the renewal page.
  • A photocopy of your most recently used US entry visa
  • Financial documents (documents must be original and less than six months old). You may use one or a combination of the following:
    • personal bank statement bank statement of sponsor with letter of support
    • bank letter verifying account balance
    • proof of assistantship with tuition waiver
  • Personal letter to the USCIS requesting a change of status. The letter should address the following:
    • Why you did not enter the US in F-1 Status.
    • Why you are requesting a change to F-1.
    • How studying in the US will benefit you, or be better than studying the same subject in your home country.
    • The hardship you will encounter if your request for a change of status is denied.

  In addition to the information listed above, your current non-immigrant status may require the submission of additional materials. Please see the chart below to determine what else you must include with your application.

  Current Status:	Additional Documents Needed
  F-2	a. photocopy of spouse’s I-20 b. I-94 Record c. photocopy of biographical (photo) page in spouse’s passport d. photocopy of spouse’s most recent US entry visa e. a photocopy of your marriage certificate, notarized and translated into English for a spouse, birth certificate for a child
  J-1	a. if subject to 212(e), copy of the “no objection” of waiver from USCIS b. if you are a J-1 Scholar, a letter from your department verifying that you have been maintaining your status
  J-2	a. photocopy of spouse’s DS-2019 b. I-94 Record c. photocopy of biographical (photo) page in spouse’s passport d. photocopy of spouse’s most recent US entry visa e. if spouse is subject to 212(e), copy of the “no objection” of waiver from USCIS f. a photocopy of your marriage certificate, notarized and translated into English for a spouse, birth certificate for a child
  H-1	a. photocopy of the front and back of your I-797 Approval Notice b. a letter from your current employer verifying that you have been maintaining your H-1 status
  H-4	a. photocopy of the front and back of your I-797 Approval Notice for your H-4 status b. a letter from the H-1’s current employer verifying that he/she has been maintaining his/her H-1 status c. I-94 Record d. photocopy of biographical (photo) page in spouse’s passport e. photocopy of spouse’s most recent US entry visa f. a photocopy of your marriage certificate, notarized and translated into English for a spouse, birth certificate for a child

  Once you have prepared your application, please make a copy for your records.

  Please note, while you are waiting for your change of status to F-1/J-1 to be approved, your current immigration status may have some restrictions in terms of study/on-campus employment. Please meet with an international student advisor to have a better understanding of these issues.

• Transfer From Clemson University to Another School in the US

  International students in F-1 and J-1 status may request that their SEVIS record be transferred to another institution in the US if they meet the eligibility requirements set by the USCIS. To request a transfer of your status, you must submit a copy of your admission letter from the new school and an IS-101 Request to Transfer Out form. Please contact the international student office at your new school for any forms they may need from our office.

  Once your status has been released to the new school, you are no longer eligible for immigration-related benefits at Clemson University, including employment. 

• South Carolina Drivers License

  As an international student, you may apply for a special South Carolina Drivers License through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Office in Seneca: 13009 S. Radio Station Road, Seneca, SC 29678. Information on the documentation needed to apply for a South Carolina Drivers License can be found at: http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/forms/mv-94.doc. You should review this information carefully and be sure to bring all the required documentation.

  Students who are eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) will need to provide the number on their drivers license application and bring the card with them when they apply. Those who are not eligible for a SSN will need to request a Form L-676 from the Social Security Administration in Anderson, SC stating that they are not allowed to work in the U.S. 

  You may prepare for your drivers license exam by obtaining a copy of the Driver License Manual at http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/forms.aspx (scroll down to the Drivers License Manual section).

  Please also refer to the drivers license information here.

• Advising

  The goal of International Services (IS) is to serve our population by providing quality interaction and advising. While our primary focus is helping students, faculty and staff with their immigration needs, we also serve as a resource and advocate for Clemson University's international population. This page will help you understand how we strive to meet these goals with our advising services.

  Advising Options

  There are several ways that you can contact IS regarding questions you have. You can reach us via phone at 864-656-3614 or via e-mail at is@clemson.edu. Many of your questions can be answered this way. We are also available for Zoom advising Monday through Thursday from 1:00 until 4:00. This is drop-in advising, so no appointment is necessary. You may also be able to find the answer to your question by reviewing our website. All service request forms are available in the Forms and Documents section.

  Appointments

  You can schedule a virtual appointment via Zoom to meet with an International Services advisor. Appointments are available during normal business hours. You can schedule an appointment by calling 864-656-3614 or emailing is@clemson.edu. When you schedule your appointment, we will ask you some questions about the nature of your visit. This will allow us to prepare to meet with you.

  Appointments are appropriate for:

  • Reinstatement
  • Change of status
  • More complicated questions about your immigration status
  • Questions requiring extended discussion or multiple options
  • Questions of a complex or personal nature

  
  If you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment, please call us at 864-656-3614 to cancel and/or reschedule your appointment. We request that you give us as much notice of a cancelation as possible.