F-1 Visa Students

For comprehensive information on procedures for traveling and arriving in the United States, visit Study in the States. Here is what international students can expect when arriving at a U.S. Port of Entry (POE).

Plan Your Arrival

You cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days before your program's start date, which is listed on your SEVIS I-20 form.

Always Hand-Carry Your Documents

Keep these documents with you, not in your checked baggage:

• Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your stay)
• SEVIS Form I-20
• Additionally, it's a good idea to carry:
  • Evidence of financial resources (bank statements, sponsor letter)
  • Student status documents (acceptance letter, recent tuition receipts, transcripts)
  • SEVIS fee receipt (Form I-797)
  • Designated School Official (DSO) contact information

Complete Your Entry Paperwork

• If arriving by Air: You will receive a Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059) from flight attendants to complete before landing.
• If arriving By Land or Sea: The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the POE will provide the Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059) upon your arrival.

At the Port of Entry

Once you arrive, go to the terminal for incoming passengers. Present these documents to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer:

• Passport
• SEVIS Form I-20
• Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059)

All visitors entering the United States must state their reason for wishing to enter the country. You will also be asked to provide information about your destination. It is important that you tell the CBP Officer that you will be a student. Be prepared to include the name and address of the school program where you will enroll/participate. Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer will stamp your passport for duration of status ("D/S").

Secondary Inspection

If there are issues verifying your information or you are missing documents, you may be sent to secondary inspection. This is where the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers will check further details about your status. If the CBP Officer needs to verify information with your school or program, we strongly recommend that you have the name and telephone number of the DSO at your school. In the event you arrive during non-business hours (evening, weekends, holidays), you can call 843-574-6053 (Double Check on this number - public safety non-emergency).

In case of issues, a Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor Form (I-515A) might be issued, allowing temporary admission. Work with your school to submit the required documents promptly.

After Entering the U.S.

Upon arrival, you must:

• Report to your school within 30 days of the date on your SEVIS I-20 form.
• Contact your DSO to schedule an appointment and register for classes.

Note: Failure to do this could lead to serious issues with your status.

F-1 Transient from Another U.S. College

• Submit online application as a Visiting/Transient student.
• Submit a Transient Permission Form from your home institution, along with section numbers for courses you wish to take.
• Provide copies of your Passport, F-1 Visa, I-94 and current I-20.
• Complete the TTC F-1 Transient Form (Need pdf form to upload), signed by your DSO.

NOTE: A student who wants to be a guest student at another institution for incidental courses while maintaining full-time enrollment or during the Spring/Summer term does not need to be issued an I-20 for concurrent enrollment.

F-1 Transfer from Another U.S. College

• Submit online application as a First-Time Transfer to TTC.
• Submit Placement Test or Qualifying Test Scores.
  • TTC's Placement Test, SAT (520 Evidence-based Reading & Writing, 600 Math), or ACT (English 19, Math 22)
  • If you have taken English or Math courses at another U.S. college, you may be exempt from all or part of the placement test. To qualify, you will need to submit official transcripts.
  • A degree earned abroad does not waive the placement test.
•  Submit an evaluation report from secondary schools and colleges/universities outside of the United States from a professional credential evaluation company. This is required to demonstrate the equivalent academic credential in the United States system of education. To be considered for transfer credit, the evaluation must be an official course-by-course report. All evaluation reports must come directly from the evaluation agency. This can be emailed to admissionsdocs@tridenttech.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to Admissions at P.O. Box 118067 AM-M, Charleston, SC 29423. Links of accepted agencies can be found here: NACES | Credentials Evaluations Provided by NACES Members. Certified English Translations of transcripts/diplomas are not accepted at Trident Technical College.
• Send official college transcripts via www.parchment.com.
• Submit copies of your Passport, F-1 Visa, I-94 and current I-20.
• Submit a Notarized Affidavit of Financial Support (Form I-134), completed by your sponsor(s) or yourself, showing proof of funds for one year. You must also provide a Notarized Bank Statement or letter from your sponsor(s) or yourself showing sufficient funds to cover about $28,547 per year for tuition, books and living expenses. Add $6,930 for each dependent.
• Pay a deposit of $10,715 (certified bank check). This deposit will be held until after your second semester. At the end of your second semester, you may request to have the tuition deposit refunded to you or apply towards fees for the following semesters. The tuition deposit is fully refundable if the student elects not to pursue study at the college.
• Upon acceptance to Trident Technical College, provide a Transfer Clearance Form signed by your current institution's DSO.

As an international student in F-1 non-immigrant status, you must comply with U.S. immigration regulations to maintain your legal status. Trident Technical College is responsible for maintaining your record in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and helping you navigate your obligations under SEVIS. However, it is your responsibility to keep the International Admissions Coordinator informed about changes to your program or status and to understand your role in maintaining legal status.

• Keep Your Passport Valid
  • Always ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in the U.S.
• Pursue a Full Course of Study
  • Enroll in 12 credit hours per semester at the school listed on your current, valid Form I-20.
  • You are not required to enroll in summer classes unless it is your first or second semester.
  • No more than one online class or three credits per semester can count toward your full course of study if the class does not require physical attendance.
  • If eligible, a Reduced Course Load Form can be submitted.
• Attendance
  • Do not stop attending classes without notifying the International Admissions Coordinator.
  • Missing classes for two or more consecutive weeks without approval will result in being reported out of status.
• Make Progress Toward Program Completion
  • Complete your academic program before the "program completion date" on your Form I-20.
  • If unable to complete your program on time, apply for a program extension by submitting a Completion of Program Verification Form 30 days before the completion date.
• Keep Your Form I-20 Updated
  • Contact the International Admissions Coordinator before changing your major to obtain a new Form I-20 reflecting the current program.
  • To transfer schools, submit a letter of acceptance and contact information of the DSO at the new school.
• Employment Authorization
  • Do not work on or off-campus without authorization from the International Admissions Coordinator and USCIS.
• Update Your Information
  • Report any change of address or phone number within 10 days using the Student Information Update Form found in your student portal in Etrieve Central.
  • Submit your income tax forms to the IRS if applicable.
• Departure After Program Completion
  • You must plan to leave the U.S. no later than 60 days after completing your program unless you apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or transfer to another school.

1. Ensure you are in the U.S. with a valid non-immigrant status eligible for change of status (see USCIS website for details).
2. Submit online application to TTC.
3. Demonstrate English Proficiency:
   • Provide TOEFL scores of 500 (paper) or 61 (internet), less than two years old. Use TTC's School Code: 5049. View the Educational Testing Service website for scheduling.
4. Evaluation Report from Schools outside of the U.S.:
   • Submit an evaluation report from secondary schools and colleges/universities outside of the United States from a professional credential evaluation company. This is required to demonstrate the equivalent academic credential in the United States system of education. To be considered for transfer credit, the evaluation must be an official course-by-course report. All evaluation reports must come directly from the evaluation agency. This can be emailed to admissionsdocs@tridenttech.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to Admissions at P.O. Box 118067 AM-M, Charleston, SC 29423. Links of accepted agencies can be found here: NACES | Credentials Evaluations Provided by NACES Members. Certified English Translations of transcripts/diplomas are not accepted at Trident Technical College.
5. Financial Support:
   • Submit a Notarized Affidavit of Financial Support (Form I-134), completed by your sponsor(s) or yourself showing proof of funds for one year.
   • Provide a Notarized Bank Statement or letter from your sponsor(s) or yourself showing sufficient funds to cover about $28,547 per year (U.S. $13,715 for tuition and books and U.S. $14,832 for living expenses.) Add $6,930 for each dependent. Foreign Bank Statements must be translated in English and currency must be in U.S. dollars.
6. Tuition Deposit:
   • Pay a deposit of $10,715 (certified bank check in U.S. dollars). This deposit will be held until after your second semester. At the end of your second semester, you may request to have the tuition deposit refunded to you or apply to tuition and fees for the following semesters. The tuition deposit is fully refundable if the student elects not to pursue study at the college or if the F-1 Visa is denied.
7. Once accepted, receive your Form I-20, and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
8. Submit Form I-539 to USCIS to apply for a change of status. Please note that if you choose the latter form of acquiring F-1 status, you will not receive an F-1 travel visa, only F-1 status. This means that if you later travel outside the U.S. while in F-1 status, you will have to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate to be able to return to the U.S. It is recommended to depart the U.S. and then apply for an F-1 Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the home country.
9. Receive approval from USCIS for the change of status. Contact the Admissions office upon approval at 843-574-6325 or email linda.martinez@tridenttech.edu.

The Office of International Admissions monitors the status and enrollment of all F-1 students by placing a hold on a student's account, which will prevent the student from registering for or withdrawing from classes.

Consult the International Admissions Coordinator:

• Before changing your major or program of study
• Before dropping below full-time status
• Before withdrawing from a class
• Before applying for work authorization or employment options
• To report any changes in personal information (address, phone number, name)
• Before applying for a Driver's License or Social Security Number
• Before leaving the U.S. or applying for another visa status
• Before applying for Permanent Residency
• During your final semester
• If you need a hold on your account removed for registration purposes
• To extend your end date on I-20 to complete your program
• To request a Reduce Course Load
• To request Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training

Contact Information:

International Admissions Coordinator: 843-574-6325 or linda.martinez@tridenttech.edu

Working without authorization while on an F-1 visa is a serious violation of U.S. immigration laws. If you are caught working without authorization, your F-1 status, along with the status of any dependents, will be terminated and reported in the SEVIS database. You will then be required to leave the U.S. immediately. It's essential to always follow the proper procedures before seeking employment.

F-1 students are eligible for the following employment types after being enrolled full-time for one full academic year at their institution. For more information, visit Study in the States. Any changes to your name, address, employer or employment status must be reported to your DSO within 10 days.

1. On-Campus Employment
2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
3. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Click here for more details about working in the U.S. while on an F-1 Visa.

As an international F-1 student, you may only apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if you meet certain eligibility criteria. A valid reason, such as authorization to work by USCIS or a written job offer for an on-campus position, is required for applying.

Steps to Apply for a Social Security Number:

1. Obtain a Job Offer: You must either have employment authorization from USCIS or a written job offer for a part-time, on-campus job.
2. Request a Letter from the International Admissions Coordinator: Before applying, contact the International Admissions Coordinator to obtain a letter verifying your status and job authorization.
3. Visit the Social Security Administration Office: After getting the required letter, visit the local Social Security Administration office in person with the necessary documents.

Social Security Administration Office Information:
Address: 1463 Tobias Gadson Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 843-573-3600
Toll-Free: 1-800-772-1213
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Directions:
From I-526, take the Ashley River Road (South) exit. At the first light, turn left onto Tobias Gadson Blvd. The office is in the second building on the left near the intersection of Hwy. 61 and Paul Cantrell Blvd.

Required Documents:

• Valid Passport
• I-20 Form: Ensure it is signed by the DSO.
• Letter from International Admissions Coordinator
• Employment Authorization Document (if applicable)
• Job Offer Letter (if applicable)

For more information, you can visit the Social Security Administration website.

When applying for a driver's license in South Carolina, international students must provide specific documentation to prove their legal status and authorized stay in the United States.

Required Documents:

1. Proof of Identity: Your passport or another government-issued ID
2. Proof of Birthplace: Your passport typically satisfies this requirement.
3. Proof of South Carolina Residency: A lease agreement, utility bill or official mail can be used.
4. Social Security Number: You must submit either your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not allowed to work in the U.S.
5. Automobile Insurance Information: This is required if you are applying for a driver's license (not required for a beginner's permit).
6. Valid Driver's License from Your Home Country: If you have one, it must be translated into English or be accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
7. Form I-20: Your form I-20 demonstrating authorized length of stay in the U.S.

Applying for a Beginner's Permit

If you cannot provide proof of prior driving experience, you will first need to obtain a beginner's permit and hold it for 180 days before applying for a driver's license.

Location:

• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Charleston – Leeds Ave.
  Address: 3790 Leeds Ave. North Charleston, SC 29406
  Phone: 843-740-6168
  Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Opens at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday)
• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) - Ladson
  Address: 135 Wimberly Dr. Ladson, SC 29456
  Phone: 843-572-7854
  Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Opens at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday)

Additional Tips:

Ensure all your documents are in order to avoid multiple trips to the DMV.

Visit the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

The DMV process for international customers can vary based on your status, so be sure to have everything ready, including your legal status documentation, Social Security information, and proof of residency.

Form I-134 Affidavit of Support

This form should be used by sponsors of prospective students or a prospective student to show ability to provide sufficient funds to students for educational and living expenses throughout the length of study. This form needs to be notarized by a certified notary public. Helpful instructions with filling out the form can be found here: Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support (uscis.gov)

Transfer Clearance Form

This form should be used by prospective students wishing to transfer to TTC from another school. The form must be completed and signed by the current school's DSO and mailed/faxed directly to TTC.

TTC Transient Student Form

This form should be used by F-1 students who wish to enroll as a transient student at Trident Technical College. The form must be signed by your institution's DSO.

International Request for Tuition Deposit

This form should be used by F-1 students to request their international deposit to be refunded or applied towards tuition and fees for future semesters.

Reduced Course Load Request

This form should be used by current F-1 students who wish to request a reduced course load. The form must be completed and signed by the student's academic advisor and interoffice mailed to the International Admissions Coordinator by the advisor.

Completion of Program Verification

This form should be used by current F-1 students who need to adjust their anticipated graduation date in order to extend their I-20 or to complete their program of study. The form must be filled out and signed by the student's academic advisor and interoffice mailed to the International Admissions Coordinator by the advisor.

F-1 Waiver for Change of Immigrant/Nonimmigrant Classification

This form should be used by current F-1 students who have applied for change of immigration/non-immigrant classification or permanent residency.