Admissions FAQ
FAQ
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✅ Yes, if your new program is at a higher education level (e.g., bachelor → master)
❌ No, if it’s at the same or lower level
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You have a 60-day grace period to:
Transfer to a new program
Change to another immigration status
Leave the U.S.
If your OPT is denied:
Before program end: you may continue as a student
After program end: no grace period; contact your DSO immediatelyYou have a 60-day grace period to:
Transfer to a new program
Change to another immigration status
Leave the U.S.
If your OPT is denied:
Before program end: you may continue as a student
After program end: no grace period; contact your DSO immediately
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If you are completing a degree program, you may apply for OPT:
Up to 90 days before your program ends
Up to 60 days after your program ends
Apply early, as processing takes time. ESL students are not eligible.
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No. OPT is only available to students who complete a degree program (associate, bachelor’s, or higher). The ESL program is not a degree program.No. OPT is only available to students who complete a degree program (associate, bachelor’s, or higher). The ESL program is not a degree program.
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Yes, but once you leave the U.S., your approved F-1 status ends. To re-enter, you must visit a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad and obtain an F-1 visa stamp.Yes, but once you leave the U.S., your approved F-1 status ends. To re-enter, you must visit a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad and obtain an F-1 visa stamp.
Important:
Travel before COS approval = application is canceled
After approval, carry your Form I-797 and visa when traveling
No visa = must obtain one before re-entryImportant:
Travel before COS approval = application is canceled
After approval, carry your Form I-797 and visa when traveling
No visa = must obtain one before re-entry
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The F-1 Change of Status process generally takes 3 to 6 months, depending on USCIS and other factors like:
Which USCIS service center processes your case
Your current visa status
Whether USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE)
Important:
Apply early and do not travel outside the U.S. while your COS is pending.
You may begin classes only after approval.The F-1 Change of Status process generally takes 3 to 6 months, depending on USCIS and other factors like:
Which USCIS service center processes your case
Your current visa status
Whether USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE)
Important:
Apply early and do not travel outside the U.S. while your COS is pending.
You may begin classes only after approval.
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Yes, but only after completing at least one quarter at IVY College. You may then transfer to another SEVP-certified school.Yes, but only after completing at least one quarter at IVY College. You may then transfer to another SEVP-certified school.
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No. You must wait for USCIS to approve your F-1 status. Once approved, submit the approval notice to the admissions office to update your I-20. Then, you may apply for a driver’s license with the DMV using your updated I-20 and approval.No. You must wait for USCIS to approve your F-1 status. Once approved, submit the approval notice to the admissions office to update your I-20. Then, you may apply for a driver’s license with the DMV using your updated I-20 and approval.
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es, but you must:
Submit your travel request to your Designated School Official (DSO)
Obtain a valid travel signature on your I-20 (must be within the last 6 months)
Important Reminders:
Carry your valid passport, F-1 visa, signed I-20, and any required documents when re-entering the U.S.
Missing classes may affect your progress—plan carefully.es, but you must:
Submit your travel request to your Designated School Official (DSO)
Obtain a valid travel signature on your I-20 (must be within the last 6 months)
Important Reminders:
Carry your valid passport, F-1 visa, signed I-20, and any required documents when re-entering the U.S.
Missing classes may affect your progress—plan carefully.
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No. SEVIS regulations do not allow transfers from a master’s degree program to an ESL program, as ESL is considered a non-degree program and lower in level.No. SEVIS regulations do not allow transfers from a master’s degree program to an ESL program, as ESL is considered a non-degree program and lower in level.
