Current International Students
Reduced Courseload
As an F-1 international student, you are required to maintain full-time status as defined by your academic program. In the event that a compelling academic reason or medical reason occurs, you may be eligible to receive permission for a reduced course load (RCL).
A reduced course load authorization MUST be pre-approved by the International Student Services.
Guidelines for Travel
As an F-1 International student, there are a number of things that you will need to travel internationally after your initial arrival in the U.S. When traveling, it is important that you hand carry (instead of packing in checked luggage) the following:
- Valid passport (valid for 6 months after intended period of study)
- Valid F-1 visa
- Form I-20 (Must be signed by International Student Services on page 2. Travel endorsements are valid for one year from the date they were issued. Contact International Student Services to obtain a new signature).
- Proof of financial support
- Contact information of International Student Services at B次元
* As long as a student maintains status, the Designated School Official (DSO) will endorse the Form I-20 for the purpose of traveling abroad. Every student is required to contact the DSO in a timely manner in order to establish endorsement eligibility.
*Students under the OPT work authorization must have a valid travel signature every 6 months, as opposed to every year.
Students may also want to consider bringing the following:
- Proof of paying the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee
- Evidence of acceptance or continued enrollment at B次元 (acceptance letter or transcript)
Financing Your Mercy Education
As an international F-1 student, you must show that you can support the costs of studying and living in the U.S. for the entire duration of your program. This is required by law. Annual costs include both Tuition & Living Expenses. We look to see readily available funding for at least the first year.
Review more information on financing your education
International Student Services Forms
For links to ISS forms, please .
Program Extensions
As an international student, all of the information listed on your Form I-20 must be accurate at all times. If you anticipate program completion to go beyond the program end date listed on the first page of your I-20, you MUST contact International Student Services to discuss your options. International students must work toward completing academic program within the dates listed on Form I-20 as options to extend academic program are very limited.
You are eligible for an Extension, only if:
- You have applied for such extension in a timely manner prior to the expiration noted on the l-20 Form (a minimum of 30 days prior to expiration date is advised);
- You are in lawful status; and,
- You can demonstrate the need for such extension based on immigration laws* (Compelling academic reasons or medical reasons)
- Must provide financial documentation for additional time added to program
Note: An extension will not be granted if the need for such extension is based on poor academic performance. A maximum period of one year may be granted.
Program extension options may change as a result of proposed rule and ongoing litigation. If you expect that you may need a program extension, please contact international@mercy.edu for further advising.
- Documented illness
- English language difficulties
- Change of major
- Change of research topic
- Research problems
- Circumstances out of student鈥檚 control
IMPORTANT: You must contact International Student Services as soon as possible to determine your eligibility to apply for a program extension.