International Student Services

International Student Services

All campuses of Southern States University are authorized under U.S. federal law to enroll international students on an F1 visa.

Services for international students specifically relate to student visa-related registration that is mandated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s USCIS program for authorizing international student enrollment. Every campus has a Designated School Official (DSO) who is an employee of the university and is trained and certified as a DSO by the USCIS program.

Services provided by a DSO to students are:

International student visa-related registration (I-20)
CPT and OPT advising and form reviews
Student verification support letters
Support with “Request for Evidence” school-related documents
Attendance warning reviews and advice
General student visa-related advice

What is CPT and OPT?

For degree programs only: International students in good academic standing have the option to apply for Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) after completing at least one continuous academic year. Through CPT, students can work part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time (20 hours or more per week) in a job integrally related to their curricular field of study. Full-time CPT will only be authorized when classes are not in session or if the student is on their normal approved Leave of Absence in a quarter. CPT work authorization is granted by the DSO.

For degree and certificate programs: International students who complete their degree program, can qualify to apply for Post-Completion Optional Training (OPT). If approved for work authorization through OPT, students are required to obtain employment directly related to their field of study within 90 days of receipt of their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card and can work full-time for up to one year. Students need to contact their DSO prior to filing the OPT documentation with USCIS. For more information, check the instructions for Form I-765 on the USCIS website. International students can start working as soon as they receive the EAD card.

An SSU’s DSO is always available to assist students when they need advice concerning these options. Follow these links for additional information:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) >>

Optional Practical Training (OPT) >>

Study Guide to the States:

Visit the newly updated Study Guide to the States! The Study Guide is an online, interactive resource to help students and school officials navigate the international student process. Use this step-by-step guide to learn about the process of studying in the United States.

Highlights from the updated Study Guide to the States include:

What to consider if you want to study in the United States,
How to find a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school,
How to maintain your student status during your course of study, and
Guidelines for traveling back home.

Student Accommodations:

Student accommodation is available at select locations. Homestay is one of the best ways to experience American daily life, learn about American culture, and focus on developing English language skills. The American family has a very important role in the international student experience encouraging students to participate in many aspects of their family life and providing them with a wonderful opportunity to practice their English. Students will be treated as members of their family and will have the opportunity to experience the American lifestyle firsthand.

To search for homestay availability, click here: https://www.homestaynetwork.com/

These are additional sites:

https://www.spareroom.com/rooms-for-rent/los_angeles/orange_county?sort_by=price_low_to_high

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/d/rooms-shares/search/roo?sort=priceasc&

https://mobile.roomster.com/haveshare/orange-ca-usa

https://www.roomies.com/rooms/orange-ca

https://concierge.studentroomstay.com/

Health Insurance:

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for F-1 students in all programs. The deadline to submit proof of health insurance is no later than the program start date as shown on Form I-20. Such students must also show proof of health insurance for the duration of their program to be enrolled in classes. Health insurance for international students is available from private companies. The university does not provide health insurance. Prospective and current students could choose from these private providers:

ISI International Student Insurance

https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/

IMG Global Insurance – International Student Health Insurance

https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-health-insurance

ISOA International Student Insurance

https://www.isoa.org/

iNext International Travel Protection

https://www.inext.com/plans/travel-to-usa/

VISIT International Health Insurance

https://www.visitinsurance.com/

Blue Shield of California

https://www.blueshieldca.com/