Immigration Information for LWC International Students
The guides and checklists on this page will help you learn about important immigration processes and help you gather documents needed to apply for certain benefits. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us at iss@lindsey.edu if you need assistance at any time. Please see additional free resources:-
SEVIS Form I-20 (3 rd page)
Guide to study in the United States
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/guide-to-studying-in-the-states International Student Handbook https://www.lindsey.edu/campus-life/img/International-Student-Handbook.pdf Reporting Changes in Contact Information
By U.S. immigration law, you must always notify us of any change of address, phone number, or email address within 10 days of the change. You must report your changes via:
Student Information Update Form This information is reported to the US government. Both the US government and our office staff must always be able to contact you. Make sure you activate the voicemail features on your phone and check your Lindsey email. VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Most communications are sent via email.You are responsible for checking your Lindsey email. It is recommended that you check your Lindsey email at least a few times a day.
You must keep all LWC issued Form I-20s and must check every time you receive an updated form to make sure all information on your SEVIS Form I-20 is correct before you sign the form. See Student Attestation- to be found on your Form I-20 right above the student's signature line.
Student Attestation:
"I have read and agreed to comply with the terms and conditions of my admission and those of any extension of stay. I certify that all information provided on this form refers specifically to me and is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I certify that I seek to enter or remain in the United States temporarily, and solely for the purpose of pursuing a full program of study at the school named above." F-1 student check in: (F-1 check in form required for students on LWC Main campus ONLY)
Required of all students in F-1 student status at the beginning of every semester while studying at LWC. This is necessary to activate your SEVIS Form I-20. If your record is not activated, it will close, and you will have to leave the U.S. You must complete the STUDENT CHECK-IN form (Click below and complete) so we can update your SEVIS Form I-20 in a timely manner.
F-1 Student Check-In Form I-94: Electronic Admissions and Departure Form
Download each time you re-enter the U.S., check for correct information on the card. To request an I-94 correction, contact the nearest Customs and Border Protection Deferred Inspection unit at the nearest airport. Most I-94 correction requests can be handled via email, though occasionally, a trip to the airport may be necessary.
Click here for the nearest CBP Deferred Inspection unit and the contact information.
I-94 website Drivers License
To apply for a Driver's license must click and complete form below
Driver's License Form Social Security Number
To apply for a Social Security Number, please click and complete form below
International Student Employment Verification Form International Student Dependents Form
The spouse or unmarried minor children of an F1 visa student can be admitted in F2 status to accompany the student to the United States or follow to join the student later. To request a SEVIS FORM I-20 Form for your spouse/child, fill out the following form and attach the required documents:
International Student Dependents Form Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Some F-1 visa holders are eligible for practical training. Training must relate directly to the student's major area of study and must be an integral part of the school's established curriculum. Eligible students must request CPT authorization before engaging in academic training. Students must be without account holds and pre-registered in the Internship class pertaining to the applied practical learning opportunity. Under no circumstance may CPT be authorized beyond the program end date listed on a student's I-20.
Please click and complete the form below.
CPT Form Check CPT application status
To get an overview of where your CPT application is in the process, please click on the link below. If you see your submission, but no follow up from the prospective employer, please contact the employer, advise them to check SPAM and TRASH folders. If you see your application is pending approval from Academic Advisor, please send an inquiry to academicadvising@lindsey.edu. It will take between 3 - 5 Business days from the date the Academic Advisor has reviewed your application before ISS will issue your SEVIS Form I-20 with your CPT approval unless there are errors. In this case, ISS will contact you. Please refrain from contacting ISS before the established 5 business -day timeline as this will delay the processing of your application. To check your CPT application status please click and add your LWC student ID #.
Check CPT application status Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Students eligible to apply for OPT must click on the form below, reviewing instructions and complete request.
NOTE: OPT and STEM OPT applications will be processed on Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY and typically take about 2 weeks to be processed.
OPT Form
After your OPT approval, you will need to create an SEVP portal account. Please click and review instructions link below
Create an SEVP portal account instructions STEM OPT Extension
Students eligible to apply for the 24 months STEM OPT extension need to click and complete the form below
NOTE: STEM OPT applications will be processed on Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY and typically take about 2 weeks to be processed. When submitting application to USCIS, students must submit a copy of their transcript.
STEM OPT Extension Form
Step by step guide to file for STEM OPT Extension STEM OPT Extension VALIDATION Report
Students on STEM OPT Extension must submit a validation report to the International Student Services (ISS) every six months starting from the date the 24-month STEM extension begins until the end of your STEM OPT. SEVIS will automatically terminate your student's record if you fail to submit this report on time.
STEM OPT Validation Reporting Form LWContinue
If you have already completed a masters degree at LWC and would like to continue with LWC for another masters degree, simply complete this application and provide an updated financial document (not older than 12 months). You will not have to pay another application fee, simply your Enrollment deposit once admitted. We are excited to see you continue your journey with LWC
LWContinue Form Transferring out of LWC
Students interested in transferring out, must click and submit form below. An admissions letter from the new school should be included as well.
Transfer Out Form Transferring in to LWC
F-1 students currently attending another U.S. school, but received admission to LWC must complete this form and submit it to your current international student advisor with a copy of your LWC acceptance letter to request your transfer. Transfer in as: Affidavit of Support (AOS)
This form is required of all international students before admission can be issued as well as when certain updated to the SEVIS Form I-20 are requested (i.e. Deferring start date, adding dependents, etc), certifying funds are not only available (via Bank statement) but identified sponsor(s) agree to use funds to cover the financial obligations of the person listed on top of the AOS. Please click and complete the form below.
Affidavit of Support (AOS) Form Reinstatement Application
This form does not apply to students who are receiving scholarships. Check out the Study in the States website to learn about reinstatement eligibility.
At LWC, we will accept your SEVIS Form I-20 in terminated status and will guide you through the Reinstatement process! Applying for reinstatement to regain valid F-1 status can be challenging and typically takes USCIS a minimum of 12 months to process. During this time, you will not be eligible for benefits such as work (CPT) authorization and will have to be enrolled full-time in our MBA program until your application has been adjudicated. For more information and to start the process, click on the form below and complete.
Reinstatement Application Form Program Extension/Shortening
If your Program End Date (PED) on your SEVIS Form I-20 is different from your actual PED, you must request a program extension or shortening several weeks before the actual PED on the SEVIS Form I-20. Please click and complete the form below.
NOTE: The PED on the SEVIS Form I-20 cannot get updated after the PED has passed - students need to leave the U.S. and regain entry with new SEVIS Form I-20 Students must be enrolled in a minimum of two semesters full-time BEFORE they are eligible to apply for OPT and subsequent 24-month STEM OPT Extension! Students can also choose to apply for Reinstatement- review Reinstatement instructions.
Program Extension/Shortening Form Traveling Outside the U.S.
Students planning on traveling outside the U.S. need to click and submit form below NO EARLIER than two weeks before anticipated travel date.
Travel Outside the US Form Deferring your program start date - Change of Status Students (COS) or Initial Students
Please click and complete the form below BEFORE the start of your program date as indicated on page 1 of your SEVIS Form I-20.
Change of Status/Program Deferral Form Leave of Absence
To request a LOA, please contact your academic advisor first to request LOA, then notify the International Student Services Department. Discuss options as soon as possible - plan ahead! You must leave the U.S. within 15 days after LOA has been approved. LOA's must be requested prior to the start of the semester.
Leave of Absence Information
Inviting Family Members to the U.S.
This guide is designed to provide you with some suggestions on how to help your family members prepare when applying for a visitor's visa (B-2) at a US consulate or embassy in their home country.The International Student Services Office (ISS) at Lindsey Wilson College does not produce letters of invitation for the purpose of inviting students' family members to visit the U.S. as these letters are not required by the United States.
Guide to Invite Family Members to visit the U.S.
Address Change
Address Change Form
Official Transcripts
Transcripts uploaded from the student are considered unofficial transcripts but can be used for admission purposes. To finalize your student file, the Registrar's office will need actual physical official semester grade marks sheets, consolidated marks sheet, provisional certificate, and any other documentation that states you have earned a degree. Not submitting official documents prevents you from registering for the next semester. These official documents can be submitted at residency in a sealed unopened university envelope, add your name and LWC Student ID on the top left corner on the outer side of the envelope. You can also choose to mail to the following address:
Lindsey Wilson College
Attn: Registrar
210 Lindsey Wilson Street
Columbia, KY 42728
United States
Please contact the Registrar's office with any follow up questions directly: registrar@lindsey.edu
Additional Questions
For questions about tuition and fees, please contact the Business office directly: businessoffice@lindsey.edu
For questions about credit transfers, please contact the Graduate Business office directly: graduatebusiness@lindsey.edu
For academic related questions (i.e., inquiries about accelerating your studies, credit hours and more), please contact the Academic Advising office directly: academicadvising@lindsey.edu
ISA Contact Information:
Graduate Admissions (GA)Providing guidance, care and expertise to help you ease through the admissions process. For more information, contact us at graduateadmissons@lindsey.edu or call 270-384-7410. International Student Services (ISS)
Providing immigration guidance and integration for our graduate students throughout their journey with LWC. For more information, contact us at iss@lindsey.edu or call 270-384-8236. International Student Programs (ISP)
Providing immigration guidance and integration for our undergraduate students throughout their journey with LWC. ISP is fortunate enough to partner with families from the local community who are willing to host and befriend these students during the school year. Host families DO NOT provide housing for the students. Instead, host families provide friendship and a support system here in America to make the transition to and time in the U.S. a little bit easier.For more information, contact us at isp@lindsey.edu or call 270-384-8163.