International Student Affairs serves the more than 100 F-1 Visa holders currently linked to Southwest via the United States Department of Homeland Security's official record keeping system, Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). We are here to assist with government compliance for F-1 Visa holders and their F-2 Visa holding family members, to include:

• mandatory verification documents needed for the Social Security Administration
• state driver's license offices
• similar government agencies

International Student Affairs also serve as the adjudication agent for Optical Practical Training (OPT), the official signers for travel endorsements on the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and as the office responsible for multiple issues related to Post Completion Practical Training, change of status applications, and reinstatement applications.

International Student Affairs also provides information related to F-1 Visa holders, any prospective F-1 applicant who is interested in being a student at Southwest. We are also responsible for maintaining College compliance with SEVIS which reports directly to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Division of Homeland Security. Outside of compliance and reporting issues, we conduct an International Student Orientation, Testing and Advising session each semester, coordinate insurance information, and assist student groups with a variety of cultural functions.

Keep in mind, F-1 Visa holders are required to be enrolled in 12 credit hours per semester. Complete the International Student's Checklist to become a student at Southwest.

An F-1 student who are unable to complete his or her course of study by the program end date on the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, must apply for an F-1 Visa Extension of Program prior to the program end date for a program extension.