Cumberlands Students: The H1 Visa Advantage

The University of the Cumberlands welcomes international students from over 40 countries to its undergraduate and graduate programs. The university provides a range of support resources to help international students excel in their studies and transition to life in a different country. To be eligible for admission, international students must meet certain requirements, including demonstrating English proficiency through tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. The university also assists international students with obtaining necessary visas, such as the F1 visa, which allows international students to legally reside in the US while studying full-time.

One aspect of the University of the Cumberlands that may be of interest to students is its Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs. CPT allows international students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. OPT allows students to remain in the US and work after graduation while maintaining their F1 status. However, it is important to note that students who utilise more than 12 months of CPT may not be eligible for OPT.

The University of the Cumberlands also offers resources for graduate students, including assistance with transferring credits, obtaining Social Security cards, and navigating immigration procedures. The university provides clear guidelines for maintaining F1 status, including requirements for full-time enrollment and employment restrictions.

The University of Cumberlands welcomes international students from over 40 countries

The University of Cumberlands welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and over 40 countries to its undergraduate and graduate programs. The university provides a range of support resources to help international students excel and adjust to life in the United States.

International students at the University of Cumberlands can take advantage of orientation programs, international student association events, and assistance with maintaining their international student status. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs that cater to both international and domestic students.

For undergraduate admission, international students must complete the application process and submit the required documents, including transcript evaluations, translations, and English proficiency scores. English proficiency can be demonstrated through tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, with minimum acceptable scores specified by the university. Graduate admission requirements include documentation of language fluency, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores, which may be waived for students with prior study in the US.

The University of Cumberlands provides detailed guidance for international students on its website, covering topics such as visa applications, travel arrangements, and maintaining F-1 student visa status. The university assists students in obtaining necessary documents, such as the I-20 form, and offers support with the SEVIS and visa application processes.

Additionally, the University of Cumberlands offers resources for international graduate students, including executive programs that incorporate practical training and real-world application. The university strives to make the transition smoother for international students by providing support with various forms, travel information, and other important aspects of their academic journey.

Students must have a signed passport, valid for at least six months after entering the US

To be eligible for an F1 student visa, students must have a signed passport that will remain valid for at least six months after they enter the US. This is a key requirement for any international student wishing to study in the US, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure their passport remains valid.

Passports are a vital form of identification and are necessary for international travel. They serve as proof of identity and citizenship, and they are required to enter and exit most countries. In addition, a valid passport is often needed to obtain other necessary travel documents, such as visas. For example, students from the University of the Cumberlands who are travelling to the US will need a valid passport to obtain their F1 visa.

The F1 visa is a type of US student visa that allows international students to legally reside in the country while attending colleges, high schools, or other academic institutions. To obtain this visa, students must meet several requirements, including having a signed passport valid for at least six months after their entry to the US. This requirement ensures that students have valid identification and proof of citizenship during their stay.

It is important to note that the six-month validity requirement is just one of several criteria that must be met to obtain an F1 visa. Other requirements include demonstrating strong ties to the student's home country, providing proof of financial support, and successfully completing embassy interviews. Obtaining an F1 visa can be a complex process, and it is recommended that students seek guidance from their university or a qualified advisor.

In addition to the passport requirement, students applying for an F1 visa should be aware of other important considerations. For instance, the visa application process can be lengthy, and it is advisable to schedule appointments with the US Embassy or Consulate as early as possible. Students should also be prepared to provide various documents during their visa interview, such as proof of financial stability and test scores from exams like the TOEFL or GRE.

In summary, a signed passport valid for at least six months after entering the US is a crucial requirement for students seeking an F1 visa to study in the country. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety and security of international students during their stay in the United States. By fulfilling this and other necessary criteria, students can increase their chances of obtaining their F1 visa and pursuing their academic goals in the country.

Students must successfully complete embassy interviews

To successfully complete an embassy interview, students from the University of the Cumberlands must prepare the necessary documents, be mindful of their appearance, and be able to explain their intentions and plans. Here are some detailed instructions for students to improve their chances of a positive outcome:

Prepare the Required Documents:

Firstly, students need to ensure they have all the required documents with them for the interview. These typically include:

• Passport (valid for at least six months after the program end date)
• DS-160 confirmation page
• A recent passport-sized photograph (usually 5 x 5 cm or 2 x 2 inches)
• SEVIS payment receipt
• Form I-20 ("Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status")
• Visa application forms and fees
• Evidence of financial support
• Academic records (transcripts, diplomas, degrees, test scores)

Dress Appropriately:

Although a suit is not necessary, students should aim for neat and clean clothing as first impressions are important.

Arrive Early:

Give yourself plenty of time to arrive early for the interview. This will help ensure you are calm and collected when it's your turn.

Be Prepared to Explain Your Intentions and Plans:

Consular officers will want to understand your reasons for studying in the US and your plans after completing your program. Be ready to articulate how your studies in the US fit into your future career plans back in your home country. You may be asked about your specific intentions, future employment prospects, educational objectives, grades, long-term plans, and career prospects in your home country.

Maintain a Positive Attitude:

Be polite and honest during the interview. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for suggestions on what documents to bring to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason for the denial in writing.

Practice Your English:

The interview will likely be conducted in English, so it is beneficial to practice English conversation with a native speaker beforehand.

Go Alone:

The interview is for you, not your family or friends. If you are a minor and need your parents for questions about funding, they can wait in the waiting room.

In summary, being well-prepared, punctual, appropriately dressed, and able to clearly articulate your intentions and plans will greatly improve your chances of successfully completing the embassy interview.

Students must provide proof of financial stability

International students at the University of the Cumberlands are required to provide proof of financial stability. This is a mandatory step in the application process for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Undergraduate Students

To begin the process of enrolling as an undergraduate student at the University of the Cumberlands, applicants must first complete the Cumberlands application. After receiving an admission decision and paying the enrollment deposit, students need to complete an I-20 request form through UC Global. This is where proof of financial stability comes into play. Students are required to upload a bank statement demonstrating sufficient funding for the entire year of study. If the student has a sponsor, they must also fill out the Affidavit of Support form.

Graduate Students

Similarly, graduate students applying to the University of the Cumberlands need to provide proof of financial stability. In addition to submitting the required documents, such as transcript evaluations and English proficiency scores, graduate applicants must also demonstrate their financial capability. This can be done by uploading a bank statement showing adequate funds to cover the first year of their graduate program.

F-1 Visa Requirements

Obtaining an F-1 visa is another crucial step for international students planning to study in the United States. The F-1 visa allows international students to legally reside in the US while pursuing their academic goals. One of the basic requirements for the F-1 visa is proving financial stability. Students must submit financial documentation to the Office of Admissions, demonstrating that they have the necessary funds for their first year of study. Additionally, during the visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate, students must present evidence of financial support.

On-Campus Employment

The University of the Cumberlands offers limited on-campus employment opportunities for undergraduate students, allowing them to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. To be eligible for on-campus employment, international students must obtain employment authorization from the Office of Student Affairs (for undergraduates) or the Department of International Graduate Services (for graduates). This authorization is crucial for maintaining their F-1 student visa status.

Social Security Number (SSN) Application

International students at the University of the Cumberlands who wish to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) should be aware of the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for an SSN, students must have a job offer letter and work permission. Additionally, they can only apply for an SSN if they are currently in the US and must do so through their local SSN office. It is important to note that F-2 dependents are not eligible for an SSN.

Students can obtain Social Security cards and driver's licenses with the University's help

The University of the Cumberlands welcomes international students from over 40 countries and offers a variety of support resources to help them excel. The university assists admitted students in securing visas by sending them all the necessary forms and helping them with their transfer of transcripts and determination of credit transfers.

The university also helps international students obtain Social Security cards and driver's licenses. To obtain a Social Security card, students must have a job offer letter and work permission. They must be in the US and apply with their local Social Security office no earlier than 30 days before their start date of employment as recorded on their Form I-20. They will need to take their employment letter and Form I-20 with them to the Social Security Office.

To obtain a driver's license, students will need to contact their local County Clerk's office for specific application requirements. However, they will need to take their valid Form I-20 and a letter from the University of the Cumberlands stating that they are in good standing and currently enrolled at the institution. This letter can be obtained by completing the DMV Request Form.

Frequently asked questions