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Graduate students (master's and Ph.D.), please contact gradschool@umbc.edu.

Undergraduate students (bachelor's), please contact admissions@umbc.edu.

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A list of contacts by graduate programs can be found here:

Graduate Degree Programs

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Find step-by-step instructions for requesting your I-20 here:

I-20 Information and Financial Requirements

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Find a list of required documents, along with a full set of instructions, here:

I-20 Information and Financial Requirements

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Step-by-step instructions on how to complete the form and information about the F-1 visa process can be found here:

F-1 Visa Process

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To transfer to UMBC, you first need to be admitted. Then, submit a New F-1 Student request in the ISSS Portal.

Please see this page for directions:

Transfer your I-20 to UMBC

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Once you are admitted to UMBC and have upgraded your account, you should be able to access the ISSS Portal after 24 hours.

ISSS Portal login

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New F-1 students must complete the New Arrival Documentation Check-In to register as Active students in the US.

Please see the following link for more information:

Entering the USA

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F-1 students are required to enroll full time every fall and spring semester. Only 1 online course can count towards the full time enrollment requirement.

For more information, please see the following link:

F-1 Enrollment Requirements and Exceptions

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Find step-by-step instructions for requesting a SSN here:

Social Security Number (SSN)

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Find step-by-step instructions for applying with the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) here:

Applying for a Maryland Driver’s License & Getting a State ID

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A complete travel checklist and reminders are available here:

Travel Abroad and Visa Renewal

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CPT allows F-1 international students to work off-campus in paid positions within the US. For step-by-step instructions on how to request CPT, please visit:

CPT: Off-Campus Work Authorization

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There are two different ways to change your status: travelling or submitting an application to USCIS. For more information, please see the following link:

Change of Immigration Status

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There are two different ways to change your status: travelling or submitting an application to USCIS. For more information, please see the following link:

Change of Immigration Status

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Please upload a copy of your approval notice to your message.

Change of Immigration Status

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OPT is a type of work permission available for F-1 international students who finish their program requirements. Instructions on how to apply are here:

OPT: Post-Graduation Work Authorization

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Find instructions on how to set up your SEVP Portal account here:

SEVP Portal Help

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Please read this page for travel guidelines during OPT:

Travel Abroad and Visa Renewal During OPT

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Instructions on how to apply for STEM OPT can be found here:

STEM OPT Extension

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Please submit a STEM OPT Validation report in the ISSS Portal. F-1 students are required to verify their employer information and personal address every 6 months. Annual evaluations are required every year.

Please see the following link for more information:

STEM OPT Extension