Office of International Students & Scholars Services

F1-J1 Student Timeline

F-1 Visa Guide

International Student Frequently Asked Questions

Difference between F-1 and J-1 visa

On Campus Student Employment Checklist

HIU OPT Handbook

HIU Student Tax Information

J-1 Visa Guide

Banking Information

How to Apply for a Social Security Number for Employment

F-1 Visa OPT Policy

J-1 Offsite Activity Policy

OPT & Degree Completion

OPT Employment Update Form

We are so happy that you are thinking about, will join, or are a part of our community. Over the last year, we have welcomed students from the following countries: Pakistan, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Lebanon, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Egypt, Tanzania, and Cameroon.

Note: It is the responsibility of each F-1 student to be familiar with the immigration requirements and to maintain their status while in the U.S.

If you have any questions, please email sevis@hartfordinternationl.edu. We will be more than happy to meet with you over Teams or Zoom. 

Spring 2025 International Student Orientation will be held on Zoom. This is mandatory for all incoming F-1 students. 

For information about the F-1 visa process and regulations, please see the pages below. 

F-1 Visa Guide

A Guide to Your Form I-20

Dependents

Maintaining F-1 Status

Full Course Load Expectation and Online Enrollment

Travel and Re-Entry to the U.S.

Employment for F-1 Students

The J-1 Exchange Visitor program was founded as part of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (The Fulbright–Hays Act) and falls under the purview of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Its stated purpose is: "to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange.” The J-1 Exchange Visitor immigration status allows individuals to participate in cross-cultural, academic, and learning experiences in the U.S. with a designated Program Sponsor on a temporary and non-immigrant basis. The Department of State provides more information about the J-1 Exchange Visitor program on its BridgeUSA Website.

You can also read The Exchange Visitor Program Participant Welcome Brochure which contains contact information for the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program.

Hartford International University is an approved J-1 Program Sponsor for the following categories: Research Scholars, Professors, and Students. All participants in our J-1 Exchange Visitor program must abide by the federal regulations pertaining to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and all institutional policies.

J-1 Visa Orientation and Pre-Arrival for Students

J-1 Visa Orientation and Pre-Arrival for Research Scholars and Professors

J-1 Scholar Estimated Fees 2024-2025

J-1 Scholar Application

Prescribed Course of Study for J-1 Non Degree Student

J-1 Visa Orientation and Prearrival for Non-Degree Students

Maintaining J-1 Non-Degree Status

English Proficiency Attestation

J-1 Student Non Degree Application

CPT Agreement Form

CPT Sample Letter

Reduced Course Load Form

Leave of Absence Form

I-20 Request Form

I-20 Termination Form

I-20 Transfer In Form

I-20 Transfer Out Form

Travel Signature Form

Immigration Clearance

OPT Request Form

OPT Sample Letter

Request to Remove F/J Dependent

Financial Guarantee Form

SSN Letter Request

OPT Employment Update Form

In these workshops, OISS staff provided an overview of OPT eligibility, the application process and timeline, and requirements for maintaining your F-1 visa status during your post-completion employment.