International Students and Scholars

The F-1 international student process begins with the I-20 Request and Visa Application support. ISS hosts a series of webinars and supports International Course Advising and Registration (iCAR) as well as provides an Online International Student Welcome Course to help students prepare for their time at SCU.

ISS offers a week-long orientation to help students acclimate and ease into their life at Santa Clara.International Student Welcome - includes required and optional sessions for students to learn about SCU, life in the United States, cross-cultural communication, and immigration.  Families are welcome at select sessions.

Immigration regulations are complex.  ISS advises on and provides resources for Maintaining F-1 Status including: Immigration Check-in, Enrollment Requirements, Travel Guidance, End of Program, and Life After F-1.

The ISS Team offers in person and Zoom advising booked through Calendly; Drop-in Peer Advising for assistance using MyiSCU, help accessing online resources, and acculturation questions; Mobile Global Advising at events and locations around campus and occasionally off campus; and Drop-in Advising events.

International students are invited to participate in a multitude of events through the iConnect Program. Students can participate in any number of events, but students who complete an event series through an iConnect passport receive additional incentives.  iConnect Programming focuses on connecting students with the campus and the community.

F-1 international students are eligible to work on campus up to 30 days prior to beginning classes and until program completion. Our On Campus Employment Overview clarifies what constitutes on campus employment and provides resources.  The ISS Team provides support for Extended On Campus Employment and obtaining a Social Security Number.

Most academic programs and majors at SCU have internships, externships and practicum integrated into their curriculum. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is the immigration authorization that gives F-1 international students the ability to participate in these practical training requirements while maintaining valid immigration status.

All F-1 students who complete their degree are eligible for one year of employment in a job related to their program of study. Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows SCU's international alumni to take their education to the next level by gaining practical training and experience in their field.

F-1 alumni with degrees in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) can apply for an additional 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), also known as the STEM OPT Extension.

Most F-1 students qualify as a non-resident alien for tax purposes.  The ISS Team collaborates with non-resident alien tax experts to provide resources and assist students in filing their taxes and with other tax related needs such as ITIN support.

The F-1 international student process begins with the I-20 Request and Visa Application support. ISS hosts a series of webinars and supports International Course Advising and Registration (iCAR) as well as provides an Online International Student Welcome Course to help students prepare for their time at SCU.

ISS offers a week-long orientation to help students acclimate and ease into their life at Santa Clara.International Student Welcome - includes required and optional sessions for students to learn about SCU, life in the United States, cross-cultural communication, and immigration.  Families are welcome at select sessions.

Immigration regulations are complex.  ISS advises on and provides resources for Maintaining F-1 Status including: Immigration Check-in, Enrollment Requirements, Travel Guidance, End of Program, and Life After F-1.

The ISS Team offers in person and Zoom advising booked through Calendly; Drop-in Peer Advising for assistance using MyiSCU, help accessing online resources, and acculturation questions; Mobile Global Advising at events and locations around campus and occasionally off campus; and Drop-in Advising events.

International students are invited to participate in a multitude of events through the iConnect Program. Students can participate in any number of events, but students who complete an event series through an iConnect passport receive additional incentives.  iConnect Programming focuses on connecting students with the campus and the community.

F-1 international students are eligible to work on campus up to 30 days prior to beginning classes and until program completion. Our On Campus Employment Overview clarifies what constitutes on campus employment and provides resources.  The ISS Team provides support for Extended On Campus Employment and obtaining a Social Security Number.

Most academic programs and majors at SCU have internships, externships and practicum integrated into their curriculum. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is the immigration authorization that gives F-1 international students the ability to participate in these practical training requirements while maintaining valid immigration status.

All F-1 students who complete their degree are eligible for one year of employment in a job related to their program of study. Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows SCU's international alumni to take their education to the next level by gaining practical training and experience in their field.

F-1 alumni with degrees in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) can apply for an additional 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), also known as the STEM OPT Extension.