International Learners
If you are interested in visiting the United States as an international student to complete training program with us, your first step should be to familiarize yourself with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). SEVP monitors international learners with F (academic) and M (vocational) nonimmigrant student visa classifications and their dependents while in the country to ensure rules and regulations are followed, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
SEVP also provides approval and oversight to schools authorized to enroll F and M nonimmigrant students, and gives guidance to both schools and students regarding the requirements for maintaining their status. International students studying in the United States can only attend an SEVP-certified school.
Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four is an SEVP-certified training provider. On this page, learn the steps to apply for admission to Lab Four and obtain an F-1 or M-1 student visa. We have also provided some tips for a successful visa interview and answers to frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process of becoming an international student.
You can also schedule a virtual meeting with a member of our Enrollment Team to further discuss program options and the application process before you get started.
Get to Know Memphis, TN
Situated on the mighty Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, Memphis is best known for the influential strains of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll music that originated here. Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Otis Redding, and many more legendary artists recorded at Sun Studio and Stax Records – both of which are now home to popular museums.
Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Memphis include FedEx, International Paper, and AutoZone. The city is also home to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; the National Civil Rights Museum; and several professional sports teams including the Memphis Grizzlies, Memphis Redbirds, and Memphis 901 FC.
Memphis style barbecue is one of the city’s main attractions too, but we don’t think describing it here will do it justice – you’ll just have to try it for yourself!
How to Get an F-1 or M-1 Student Visa
Step 1
Connect with an Admissions Representative
Step 2
Attend an Information Session
Step 3
One-on-One Program Advising
Step 4
Apply for Admission and Form I-20
Step 5
Submit SEVIS Form I-901 and make an appointment with your US Embassy or Consulate.
Connect with an Admissions Representative from Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four in your local area or request a meeting here.
Attend an Information Session for International Learners. You can sign up for a live, interactive virtual information session here.
Information Sessions for International Learners are held on the following schedule:
- Mondays from 11:30am – 12:30pm Central Time
- Thursdays from 2:30pm – 3:30pm Central Time
Sign Up for an Information Session
Schedule a virtual one-on-one meeting with an on-campus Admissions Representative. During this meeting, you will discuss the application process for both Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four and for the M-1 or F-1 Student Visa. Your Admissions Representative will also facilitate Program Advising during this session.
The following programs are currently available to International Learners:
After you complete your Program Advising session, your Admissions Representative will send you a link to apply for admission to Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four, as well as a link to submit the $250.00 USD nonrefundable application fee.
Along with your application and nonrefundable fee, you will need to submit the following documentation:
- A copy of your valid passport
- If you are currently residing in the United States, you will also need to submit both
- A copy of your I-94 record (both sides of the card or print out from this link) and
- All previously issued I-20 forms (and EAD card if applicable) IF currently or previously in F-1 or M-1 visa status. If you are transferring an I-20, also submit a completed Transfer Clearance Form.
- If you are currently residing in the United States, you will also need to submit both
- Evidence of sufficient financial support (details below)
- Proof of English language proficiency (details below)
- A copy of your resume
- Proof of high school graduation or equivalent (details below)
Applicants for F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant student visas must submit evidence of financial support adequate to permit the student to study full-time without working. Students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to live and study in the United States for the full length of the program or for one calendar year, whichever is shorter.
If the program to which the student is applying is longer than one calendar year, the student must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to live and study in the United States for the first full year of the program. They must also demonstrate the prospective ability to finance their studies and living expenses for the duration of the program beyond the first year.
If the student is self-supporting (money is saved in the student’s bank account)
- Submit an official bank letter or statement, printed on bank letterhead, that indicates the current available balance in the student’s personal savings or checking accounts. The balance must be converted to US currency.
- The student MUST complete and have NOTARIZED the Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four Non-US Resident Affidavit of Financial Support. (This affidavit is for self-supporting students AND sponsors who are not US citizens, permanent residents, or with a valid non-immigrant visa)
If the student is sponsored (by not more than 2 individual persons who “promise” financial support)
- Sponsor(s) who are NOT US citizens or permanent residents must complete, sign, and have NOTARIZED the Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four Non-US Resident Affidavit of Financial Support. (This affidavit is for self-supporting students AND sponsors who are not US citizens, permanent residents, or with a valid non-immigrant visa)
- Sponsor(s) who ARE US citizens or permanent residents must complete and sign the USCIS Form I-134 Declaration of Financial Support. You can download the USCIS Form I-134 here, find instructions for completing and filing USCIS Form I-134 here, and find additional tips and information about USCIS Form I-134 here.
For All Sponsors
The sponsor must sign the appropriate Affidavit of Financial Support personally to promise support. The Affidavit must be accompanied by documentation showing that the sponsor understands and is financially capable of fulfilling their promise of support (see below):
- Letter from an officer of the bank or other financial institution in which the sponsor has deposits giving the following details regarding the account. Present balance must be enough for first full year of Estimated Costs for the expenses the sponsor has agreed to cover.
- Date account opened
- Total amount deposited for the past year or average balance in account
- Present balance
- Evidence of Income, which may be either:
- Statement of the sponsor’s employer on business stationery, showing:
- Date and nature of employment
- Salary paid
- Whether position is temporary or permanent (add the ending date if the position is temporary)
- OR if the sponsor is self-employed or has multiple sources of income, submit other proof of income such as the sponsor’s most recent income tax return or similar government document (for US income taxes this would be pages 1 and 2 of the personal form 1040). For guidance on showing income for self-employed financial sponsors residing outside the United States, please see the US Consulate webpage for the sponsor’s home country.
- Statement of the sponsor’s employer on business stationery, showing:
- Sponsor Obligations Document
Notes
- Financial resources shown must be personal funds that are readily available. Evidence of funds held in retirement or business accounts may not be used.
- The financial documents must be no older than three months (90 days) at the time the I-20 is signed, and no older than 6 months (180 days) at the time of entry into the United States.
- Additional documentation may be required
Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four is offering a $5,000.00 scholarship, or tuition discount, to International Students coming to us from developing nations. The following is a list of developing economies by region, as identified by the United Nations’ World Economic Situation and Prospects 2022 report:
Developing Economies by Region (2022)
Africa | Asia | Latin America and the Caribbean |
---|---|---|
North Africa
Central Africa
East Africa
Southern Africa
West Africa
|
East Asia
South Asia
Western Asia
|
Caribbean
Mexico / Central America
South America
|
The following is a statement of estimated expenses for non-resident students who enroll at Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four for a period of one academic year. You can download this information as a PDF here.
Students requesting F-1 or M-1 immigration status are required to show personal funds or sponsorship adequate to permit full-time study without working off-campus. The estimate includes living costs based on a twelve-month year. Sponsors must show ability to pay for all expenses listed, even if the student may not need some of these estimated expenses paid for at this time.
The following is the approximate cost determined by Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four to be typical student expenses for 12 months, including tuition and course materials fees as well as living expense
Estimated
Educational Expenses
- Tuition:
$19,300.00 - Course Materials Fees:
$2,850.00 - Scholarship
(if applicable):
– $5,000.00
Estimated
Living Expenses
Room and Board
- Lodging:
$5,400.00 - Utilities:
$1,200.00 - Food:
$4,400.00
Transportation
- Transportation:
$1,200.00
Medical Insurance
- Medical Insurance:
$800.00
Personal Expenses
- Personal Expenses:
$1,800.00
1 The maximum Tuition and Course Materials Fees for M-1 students (for a 7.5-month vocational program) is $22,150.
The TOTAL Tuition and Course Materials Fees for F-1 students (for a 2-year academic program) is $43,825 across seven 10.5-week academic quarters, typically with at least 1.5 weeks off between quarters. The estimated annual Tuition and Course Materials Fees listed above is enough to cover 50% of the 2-year program ($21,912.50). The maximum 10.5-week academic quarters that could start within one calendar year is five, and in that case the maximum cost incurred within one calendar year would be $33,025.
2 Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four offers a $5,000.00 scholarship to M-1 or F-1 visa students coming to us from developing nations. More information on the Developing Nation Scholarship can be found on this page, in the section above.
3 Definitions and further details about the estimated living expenses for International Students begin on the next page.
NOTE: Students accompanied by dependent family members must provide an additional $5,000 USD per dependent.
ROOM AND BOARD
Lodging, utilities, and food. Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four partners with local organizations that will help facilitate housing and transportation for International Students, if needed. The institution does not have dormitories or a meal plan of its own. Estimate is based on shared housing.
TRANSPORTATION
Based on an average of taking public transportation and using a purchased automobile. Estimate does not include the cost of an automobile. Note that local public transportation is limited to buses. Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four partners with local organizations that will help facilitate housing and transportation for International Students, if needed.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Students must find appropriate medical insurance for themselves. The institution does not have its own mandatory or optional group insurance plan for students. General information regarding medical insurance is provided on this page, in the section below.
PERSONAL EXPENSES
Spending money and essentials other than room and board, approximately $35/week.
Medical/health insurance is necessary in the United States, as there is no universal healthcare system and the cost of care is extremely high. The estimated cost for health insurance is included on your I-20. By signing sponsorship documents or the I-20, you promise to have medical insurance coverage for the student. Talk to the insurance company about OPT insurance or with the company that will hire you about OPT insurance plans.
How to Choose Your Insurance
For ANY insurance or insurance company, it is important that you know what exactly is being covered. Here are a few basic points that are particularly important to understand:
- Individual or family coverage. If you have dependents (a spouse and/or children), you need to be sure they are also covered! You may purchase individual policies for each person or purchase dependent coverage on your policy. Family coverage may also be available.
- Geographical limitations. You need to know whether the insurance policy pays for medical services outside the United States (if you take a trip) or even in other parts of the US. Most will not pay in your home country but may pay if you are on a trip to another country.
- Medical Evacuation, Repatriation, and the special and REQUIRED parts of an “International Student” plan. Medical Evacuation would cover the cost of flying you home if you were too ill to recover in the US, including the cost of medical personnel or any special equipment you would need during your transportation. Repatriation would return your body to your family in the event of your death. Some policies include a clause to fly a family member to you if you are hospitalized for a long period of time.
- Coverage for other health services. Dental care (except for teeth broken in an injury) and vision services (eye exams, glasses or contact lenses) are NOT normally part of a medical policy. They often require separate policies but may be a rider on a medical policy.
- Cancellation clause. Most insurance companies are required to include a provision that lets you review a plan for a specified period (usually at least 10 days) and, if do not want the policy for any reason, be able to get a full refund.
- Appeals process. Find out about the company’s appeals process, if you think your claim has been denied without justification. But before you undertake this action, you need to clearly understand the limitations and exclusions of the policy. Always ask questions if you are not sure about any point in the policy.
- Make sure to keep your health insurance active. You must have insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in the Untied States. You need to know if you pay per year, per semester, or per month. Most student policies will cover you during all 12 months, but some only cover during academic terms (and expect you to be in your home country during breaks). Students who have graduated and are waiting to transfer or have been awarded OPT must talk to the insurance company about extending coverage or OPT insurance or with the company that you may do OPT with about their insurance plans.
Basic Insurance Terms and Definitions
- Benefits: A sum of money or services provided to the insured according to the terms of the contract.
- Claim: A formal request by the insured for payment for a covered expense.
- Co-payment: The amount for which the insured is responsible after the deductible (if applicable) has been met. For example, under an HMO medical plan you may be required to pay a fixed amount during each visit to your doctor.
- Deductible: The amount of money that the insured individual is required to pay before the insurance company pays its own share of the expense. NOTE: Some policies will have a lower deductible if you visit your school’s Student Health Services. Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four does NOT have a health center. Be prepared to pay the higher deductible and ask the company if you can get a waiver for the lower amount.
- Emergency: Hospital service usually reserved for serious or urgent care situations. Most HMOs require a referral from your primary care physician.
- Exclusions: Expenses or services that are not covered under the terms of an insurance policy and must be paid by the insured.
- Lapse in Coverage: Termination of policy normally due to nonpayment of premiums.
- Policy: A contract issued by the insurer stating the benefits, limitations, and exclusions of an insurance plan.
- Pre-existing condition: A medical condition that existed before the plan was purchased. The company does not normally cover expenses related to this condition.
- Premium: Payment made periodically (monthly, quarterly or semi-annually) to the insurer to ensure coverage.
International Student Insurance Companies
These companies offer simple policies that cover “major medical” issues but do not cover everything. Each company is a bit different and may cover some things differently. Normally, more expensive insurance will cover more things and less expensive insurance will cover fewer things – however, your premium and deductible (see the vocabulary list) are also important. The more you pay (in premiums), the less you will pay if you need to use the insurance (in deductible or co-payments) and the less you pay in premiums, the more you will pay if you need to use the insurance.
If you have a pre-existing condition (an illness or injury already that you will need medical assistance with), you need to search for Affordable Care Act insurance OR find a policy with one of the other companies that is ACA-Compliant.
Disclaimers: The information below is provided for reference ONLY. These companies or organizations are not connected or affiliated with Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four. They are listed in alphabetical order.
- Affordable Care Act Marketplace: F-1 students may use The Affordable Care Act Marketplace to find comprehensive medical insurance. The International insurance listed here covers mostly emergency care only. US citizens and permanent residents are required to have medical Insurance and this program assures they can find companies to cover them. International students do NOT need a Social Security Number, or to live in the US 5 or more years, to qualify (as is required of other international persons). For more information call 1-800-318-2596.
- Compass Group: A strategic partner of IASIS, the insurance advisory non-profit affiliated with the World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation, Compass Group takes pride in offering quality products and helping educate students and scholars about all insurance options.
- Cultural Insurance Services International: Insurance for individuals and groups engaging in international or cultural exchange.
- Health Care Global (Wallach & Company, INC.): Specializing in providing medical insurance and assistance for individuals traveling or living outside their home country.
- iNext: iNext offers a complete portfolio of travel and medical travel protection plan coverage.
- International Incorporated Associated Insurance Plans International Inc.: Provides student-related insurance program for colleges and universities across the United States.
- International SOS: The World’s Largest Medical Assistance Company.
- International Student Insurance: Health, medical and travel insurance programs for international student abroad.
- ISO (International Student Organization): ISO offers insurance for students under OPT.
- On Call International: Provides a variety of medical and travel assistance services for individuals.
- PGH Global: Offers different health insurance plans that include travel assistance (including medical evacuation and repatriation), discount dental and vision programs, and 24/7 NurseLine.
- PSI Health Insurance: Specializing in international student health insurance for over 20 years.
- VISIT® International Health Insurance Program: The Trusted Name in International Health and Travel Medical Insurance for over 30 Years! International Health, Travel Medical, Medical Evacuation & Trip Cancellation Plans for all International Travel.
You must be able to demonstrate that you are sufficiently proficient in English to pursue your intended course of study. There are a few different ways to go about proving this:
- Option 1: Submit satisfactory scores from one of the following standardized tests used to measure the English language skills of non-native speakers who wish to enroll in English language training programs.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Minimum score needed: 80
- Cambridge International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Minimum score needed: 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Option 2: If you have completed at least one academic year at a secondary or postsecondary institution, with passing grades, in which English is the primary language of instruction, you may provide official transcripts and a letter from the school confirming that English is the primary language of instruction. This must be printed on school letterhead.
OR
Proof of English language proficiency may be attached to your Application for Admission to Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four (preferred) which you will complete electronically via DocuSign. It may also be mailed to the following address:
Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four
1255 Lynnfield Road, Suite 160
Memphis, TN 38119-5187
All applicants to Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four, international or otherwise, must provide official documentation proving that they have completed secondary school (high school) or earned the equivalent of a high school diploma. This is required as part of our documentation for the basis for admission.
Please submit either:
- An official high school transcript, diploma, or secondary school completion credentials
- An official US GED Certificate or GED score sheet provided by the state and/or county where the test was administered
All documents must be in English. If your document has been translated, submit the original or a certified copy of the native language version together with a certified English translation.
Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four is not affiliated with any particular translation service provider, nor do we explicitly recommend any translation service over another. You may wish to contact your embassy or consulate to request information about translation services.
Proof of high school graduation or equivalent may be attached to your Application for Admission to Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four (preferred) which you will complete electronically via DocuSign. It may also be mailed to the following address:
Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four
1255 Lynnfield Road, Suite 160
Memphis, TN 38119-5187
Once you have been accepted to Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four and received your Form I-20, the next step is to log into the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website to fill out the SEVIS Form I-901.
- Go to www.fmjfee.com
- Click “Pay I-901 Fee”
- Enter your name as it appears on your I-20 and passport, your date of birth, and your SEVIS ID number as it appears on your I-20
- Click “Submit” and go on to complete the I-901 form and submit the I-901 fee online
Be sure to print and save your receipt for the I-901 fee. You will be required to show proof of payment at the American Embassy or Consulate in order to obtain your M-1 or F-1 visa.
Contact your American Embassy or Consulate to make an appointment.
- Be sure to ask about all the documentation you will be required to bring to this appointment.
- You will need to complete the DS-160 visa application here.
- Provide only what is required.
- There will be a separate fee for the M-1 or F-1 visa, so be sure to ask about this cost when setting up your appointment.
- You will be required to leave your passport at the American Embassy or Consulate where you have your appointment, in order for them to add your approved M-1 or F-1 student visa.
- When your passport is returned by the American Embassy or Consulate, make sure all the information on your M-1 student visa is accurate, and that you have been correctly issued an M-1 or F-1 visa, whichever is appropriate, and not a J-1 or other visa type. If any information is incorrect, contact the American Embassy or Consulate immediately.
Tips for a Successful Visa Interview
Ties to Your Home Country
Be prepared to discuss ties to your home country in your interview at the American Embassy or Consulate. “Ties” to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence. For example, job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc.
English
Be prepared for the interview to be conducted in English. If English is not your native language, we recommend trying to practice this conversation with a native speaker before the interview.
Speak for Yourself
Do not bring anyone with you to the visa interview. The interview will be between you and a consular officer only. You are the one who will need to answer all their questions. Remember to be honest and confident in your answers.
Know the Program and How It Fits Your Career Plans
You will need to be prepared to answer the questions about the program you have chosen to study in the United States. You should also be able to explain how studying in the U.S. relates to your future professional career in your home country.
Be Concise
Consular officers are under time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Be brief but clear and comprehensive in your answers.
Supporting Documentation
It should be immediately clear to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they mean. Lengthy written explanations cannot be read quickly or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you are lucky. Supporting documentation will depend on your particular situation, so it is best to review the consulate’s website. However, there are a few supporting documents that are common among all students, such as financial documentation, admission letter(s), and scholarship letters. Students should be prepared to take all documentation proving their financial ability to stay in the United States such as scholarships, assistantships or other letters issued by the school, sponsor or other organization.
Employment
Your main purpose in coming to the United States should be to study, rather than for the opportunity to work before or after graduation. While many students work on- or off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental (secondary/optional) to their main purpose of completing their U.S. education. You must be able to clearly explain your plan to return home at the end of your program.
Different Requirements for Different Countries
Applicants from countries suffering economic problems, or from countries where many students have remained in the United States as immigrants, will have more difficulty getting a visa. Applicants from those countries are more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in the United States.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitions of Key Immigration Terms
-
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The role of DHS is to secure the United States against terrorism and other potential threats.
-
Department of State (DOS)
The Department of State coordinates, manages, and reviews all visa applications to the United States.
-
DS-160
DS-160 is an online nonimmigrant visa application. You will be asked for information about yourself and your family, as well as details such as your passport number.
-
Duration of Status
The time during which an M-1 student is pursuing a full course of study at an approved institution, or engaging in authorized practical training following the completion of studies. This is the period for which visa holders are admitted to the United States. The Form I-20 can only be issued for one year at a time, but can be extended up to three years.
-
F-1 Visa
The F-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant student visa. It allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students. To get an F-1 visa, the student must present a signed Form I-20 at an American Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
-
M-1 Visa
The M-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant student visa. It allows foreign students who wish to pursue vocational or non-academic studies, other than language training, to enter the U.S. To get an M-1 visa, the student must present a signed Form I-20 at an American Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
-
Form I-20
Form I-20, also known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is a U.S. government form issued by Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified schools, that provides supporting information for the issuance of a student visa.
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Form I-94
The electronic record of a nonimmigrant’s arrival and departure, which is maintained by DHS. Once you are in the U.S., you can view your I-94.
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Port of Entry (POE)
The airport, land border crossing, or port through which entry is made into the United States. This is NOT your final destination, if you made connections within the U.S., but rather the specific location where you went through customs.
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Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Designated School Officials (DSOs)
The PDSO and DSOs are on-campus school representatives who provide advice on F-1 or M-1 visa regulations and maintain student records in SEVIS.
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Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
SEVP is a part of the National Security Investigations Division. On behalf of DHS, SEVP manages schools, nonimmigrant students in F and M visa classifications, and their dependents.
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Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
The online database that DHS uses to maintain information on SEVP-certified schools and the F-1, J-1, and M-1 students who come to the United States to attend those schools.
-
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The component of DHS that oversees lawful immigration and the employment of non-citizens in the United States.
-
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The component of DHS charged with safeguarding U.S. borders.
-
U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
Applicants for visas to enter the United States must do so according to the rules of the embassy or consulate at which they apply.
Can I work in the United States while I am studying?
Practical training is the only type of work permission available to M-1 students. It allows students to get on-the-job training that is not available in their home country. Eligible students may have up to six months of practical training after they complete their program.
F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment (if available) subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)
F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis as a result of special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief. M-1 students may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies.
For both F-1 and M-1 students any off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized prior to starting any work by the Designated School Official (the person authorized to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)) and USCIS.
Is there financial aid for international students?
The United States Government does not extend student loans to international students.
What should I do when I arrive at Lab Four?
In accordance with immigration regulations, you must provide Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four with copies of your immigration documents upon arrival. These regulations apply to students from outside the United States, as well as to international learners transferring to Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four from another institution. Questions about class registration and other policies and procedures for students will be answered during the New Student Orientation.
Where will I live while I am studying in the United States?
Contact your Admissions Representative to request information about hotels, apartments, and other housing options prior to your arrival. Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four partners with local organizations that will help facilitate housing and transportation for International Students, if needed.
Is public transportation available?
The public transportation systems in Memphis and Nashville TN are limited to buses. As a result, many residents own cars. However, owning and operating an automobile in the United States can be expensive. Ride sharing services such as Lyft and Uber are also an option in both cities.
Am I required to have health insurance?
There are no health insurance requirements for F-1 or M-1 visa holders mandated by United States government. However, because there is no socialized or national system of health care in the United States and medical treatment can be extremely expensive, Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four does require International Students to secure medical insurance coverage for themselves and any dependents who will be joining them in the United States for the duration of their program.
What do I do if I want a family member to visit me?
If your family member will be applying for a visitor’s visa, you should write a letter to your family member(s) stating that you would like them to visit you in the United States. Additionally, you may request an enrollment verification from Lab Four to share with your family. More information on visitors’ visas can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application website.
What do I do if I want my spouse or children to stay in the United States with me?
In order for your spouse or children to stay with you in the United States while you pursue your full-time course of study on the F-1 or M-1 visa, they must apply for F-2 or M-2 visa(s) via the American Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The process is very similar to you obtaining your F-1 or M-1 visa, and includes requesting completion of forms I-20 and DS-160 along with financial documentation. Please note that due to U.S. immigration policy, we are unable to provide documentation for any family members other than your spouse or children.
Do I have to be enrolled to stay in the United States? What about breaks between terms, or holidays?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires all international students in F-1 or M-1 status to maintain full-time enrollment status throughout their program of study. Breaks between terms, or short periods during which Lab Four is closed in observance of a holiday are considered your official “vacation time” from school, so you may remain in the United States during those times.
Do I need to pay taxes?
International students must file documentation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), even if they have not worked in the United States. Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four will provide all international students with up-to-date information and resources to assist you in filing your income tax return forms.
Can I use my international driver’s license to drive in the United States?
International students may drive with both a license from their country of origin and an International Driver’s License for 90 days in the U.S. before they have to obtain a driver’s license issued by the state of residence.
When can I apply for a U.S. driver’s license?
You must wait at least ten calendar days from your date of entry into the United States before applying for a state-issued driver’s license or ID, to allow time for all the government databases to update with your arrival information. You must also make sure you are in active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). After a designated school official from Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four activates your record in SEVIS, you should wait at least two additional business days before applying for a driver’s license or state-issued ID.
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