I have Non-CAE Academic Advising questions not fully answered by this FAQ page, whom should I contact for more information?

Please contact the Office of Global Education (OGE) for additional resources. The OGE is responsible for many processes related to international students' and scholars' experiences in the U.S., including but not limited to:

  • Issuing I-20s and DS-2019s
  • Planning programming and activities for international students and their families
  • Hosting workshops on compliance with immigration regulations
  • Assisting international students in applying for benefits and changing immigration status, if necessary

I need an official letter stating I am enrolled in classes to send to my sponsor (sometimes referred to as a “sponsorship letter”). Can I receive that from an academic advisor?

No. Academic advisors and other CAE staff/faculty are not permitted to give or sign off on official sponsorship letters. If you are a student needing an official sponsorship letter please contact KSU’s International Admissions Counselor by emailing intlspon@kent.edu. For more information visit the Sponsored Students page.

I have to go to another country for my research (or internship) during the summer break. What should I do before I go there?

The College of Aeronautics and Engineering is not able to give any advice on entering a foreign country; you need to check the entry requirements with that country's embassy. However, to return make sure you have a valid passport, valid entry visa (not expired, issued for multiple entries), and that you have had your I-20 or DS-2019 endorsed for travel by an ISSS advisor. International students are not required to register for summer unless it is their first or last semester so there are no registration issues when traveling over summer.

How many credit hours are required to be a "full time" student to meet F-1 Visa requirements?

To be a full-time student and meet the enrollment requirements to maintain valid F-1 student status, undergraduate students must be enrolled a minimum of 12 hours total with 9 of those credit hours being in-person classes. Graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 8 credit hours total with 5 of those credits being in-person classes. “Hybrid” classes are considered in-person classes for visa purposes.

Do I have to attend orientation?

Orientation for international students is hosted by the Office of Global Education and is mandatory for every new international student at Kent State University, including undergraduate, graduate, sponsored, exchange, transfer and ESL (English Second Language) students. At orientation, you will receive important information – beyond academic advising – including how to stay in legal visa status, get a bank account, work while you are here, safety, staying healthy and many other topics.

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