Our offices are on the second floor of the Allen House.
Contact us at: internationalservices@cedarcrest.edu
Students on F visas must meet certain enrollment requirements in order to remain in status. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the termination (cancellation) of your I-20.
Undergraduate students Must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits (full time) for Fall and Spring semesters. Summer enrollment is not required to maintain status unless one of the following exceptions applies to you. EXCEPTIONS:
Graduate students Must enroll in a minimum of 9 credits (full time) for Fall and Spring semesters. Summer enrollment is not required to maintain status unless one of the following exceptions applies to you. EXCEPTIONS:
Online Courses International students may not pursue online programs, but you are permitted by USCIS to take online courses. Only 1 online course or 3 online credits may be used towards the enrollment minimums listed above.
Permission to enroll as a part-time student Students may be permitted to enroll as part-time students (Reduced Course Load, RCL) once per academic level. Part-time enrollment requires prior approval, and may only be approved for reasons defined by USCIS. Please review the Reduced Course Load (RCL) Information section in Information and Resources.
I-20 Termination Information
Your I-20 and your student status may be terminated for a variety of reasons. Some of the termination reasons are the result of acceptable actions, including taking a leave of absence or completing your program. Other terminations are the result of unacceptable behavior, like failing to maintain your student status. If your I-20 and student status was terminated for failure to maintain status, and you would like to return to student status, you have two options. Please review these materials to learn more about these options.
Travel Outside the United States
Reminder: To travel outside of the US at any time, you MUST bring your passport, your I-20 form(s), proof of financial support and proof of attendance at the college. If you should need assistance when you return, call the college at 610-437-4471. Campus Police will then contact one of us to assist you at the border. To update your I-20, contact International Student Services. Regular office hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in the Allen House. Find more information here: Travel Outside the US.
Employment Rules and Requirements
International students may only work off-campus if approved for CPT or OPT. The handouts in this section provide information about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is work or training that is required as a part of your curriculum (for example: a required internship). CPT occurs during your program. OPT is work or training related to your field of study. OPT can occur during or after your program.
International students may work on-campus through the College's student employment program.
International students working for pay, through campus employment, CPT, or OPT, may apply for a Social Security Number. International students who are not working for pay are not eligible to apply for a Social Security Number.
Request for a Reduced Coarse Load
International students in F-1 status are required to maintain full-time enrollment during the school year. If you cannot or will not meet this requirement, you must request a reduced course load (RCL). Federal immigration regulations severely limit a student's ability to be less than full time, and part time enrollment may be allowed only in special circumstances. If you are below full time without authorization after the drop/add deadline, Cedar Crest College is required to report this to SEVIS and you will lose your F-1 status.
Please review the information here to learn more about RCL, and complete the request form if you believe you meet the requirements for authorization. Reduced Course Load Form
Additional Information
We understand that studying in another country is exciting, and it also can be a time of change, adjustment, and stress. Here at Cedar Crest College we want make sure your study abroad is a positive and growing experience. That is why we offer Telus Health to all students at the college. It is free and confidential. To learn more go here: TELUS HEALTH
Use this form to use to request letters, academic plans, updated immigration documents and other items. If you have other questions or need additional help, contact us at internationalservices@cedarcrest.edu.
Allow us 5-7 business days to complete your request. Please click on the link here: International Student Request Form
Cedar Crest College is committed to supporting our undocumented and DACA students. For more information about campus and community resources, click here.
As an international student in the US you are required to file a US tax return every year while you are in the US. Understanding the US tax system and filing a tax return is an overwhelming and confusing experience for any student. To submit your tax paperwork for the current tax year (due in the following year), you may use the Sprintax preparation service (paid for by Cedar Crest) or submit the paperwork yourself.
Why should you file a Tax return?
For more information contact ISS at internationalservices@cedarcrest.edu.