The Office of International Student Services provides resources and guidance to Gwinnett Tech’s F-1 Nonimmigrant population
Student Services
You can visit our Student Services page.
Things to Know
What should I do with my I-20?
- Please keep a copy of your most recent I-20 with you at all times. You should also maintain copies of all the I-20s that you receive in case you need to use them as a reference at a later time.
- The I-20 should be signed by the student and the DSO that generated it.
What can cause my I-20 to be terminated?
- Failure to maintain a valid passport.
- Dropping below 12 credit hours of enrollment without previous authorization from your DSO.
- Engaging in unauthorized employment.
What documentation should I keep with me to demonstrate my status within the U.S.?
- Valid passport.
- Copy of your most recent I-94.
- Copy of your most recent I-20.
Why should I review my I-94 every time a new one is issued?
I-94s are generated after a manual process is completed. Thus, accidentally this document could contain errors. If this is the case, you will want to address/correct the error as soon as possible.
Where can I find my most recent I-94?
- Through the Department of Homeland Security’s website https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home
- If your current status was granted to you through the approval of a change of status request with USCIS, your most recent I-94 will be at the bottom of your I-797 Approval Notice.
I am traveling outside the U.S., what should I keep in mind?
- Speak with your DSO to obtain a Travel Endorsement in your I-20 before leaving the U.S.
- Make sure that your visa and passport are still valid. Otherwise, they will need to be renewed before returning to the U.S.
- You might not be able to access your Student Dashboard while traveling since GwinnettTech.edu is not accessible from all geographic locations. Thus, please check with the Student IT Help Desk before traveling. They can be reached at StuHelpDesk@GwinnettTech.edu or at 678-226-6407.
What is a DSO?
DSO stands for Designated School Official. This person will be able to assist you with maintaining your record up to date in the Student Exchange and Visitors Information System (SEVIS) and providing recommendations to help you maintain your nonimmigrant status.
When should I contact my DSO at Gwinnett Technical College?
At Gwinnett Technical College, your DSOs also serve as your Enrollment Advisors. The list below is not exhaustive but it will give you an idea of when you should contact your DSO.
- Any time that you have questions about maintaining your F-1 status.
- If you are planning to travel outside the U.S.
- If you are interested in changing your major.
- To update your address.
- To update your contact information (phone number and e-mail).
- If you are not doing well in your classes.
- To report information for Curricular Practicum Training.
- If interested in completing Optional Practicum Training.
- If your would like to transfer to another school.
- To inquire about GTC’s policies and resources available to students.
- If you have questions about program completion.
- If you need to register for classes
How can I contact my DSO?
Gwinnett Technical College’s DSOs are located in the International Student Services Office. You can contact them via email at ISS@GwinnettTech.edu or by phone at 678-226-6765. You are also welcome to schedule an appointment using the Qless app or following the instructions here: https://gwinnetttech.edu/qless/
How can I keep my information in SEVIS up to date?
By notifying changes to your DSO.
How often should I check my student email?
- Students should check their student e-mail periodically throughout the week.
- This is the main form of communication between the college and the students. Thus, you can expect to receive notifications from your instructors, the International Student Services Department (ISS), and any other GTC related news.
How many courses am I required to take as an F-1 student?
As a F-1 student you are required to enroll in school full-time, at least 12 credit hours per semester, and at least 9 of these credit hours must require on campus presence.
During the first week of classes, what should I keep in mind?
Completing first week class assignments that verifies your attendance in class. Failure to complete first week assignments can result in being dropped from your class due to “No Show”
When can I take a semester off?
F-1 students are authorized to take a break in their studies after two semesters of consecutive full-time enrollment. This authorized break is knows as an Annual Vacation.
What does CPT stand for?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) refers to mandatory training that is required for the completion of your program of study, such as internship courses within the curriculum for your program or clinical hours.
What should I do if my program of study requires CPT for graduation?
- You must secure the training opportunity and then contact your DSO for authorization. CPT must be authorized before the student can begin work.
- Please notice that one year of full-time CPT eliminates a student’s eligibility for OPT as per the regulations of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
What is OPT?
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides students the opportunity to gain experience in their field of study. It can take place before the program’s end date (Pre-Completion OPT) or after the program’s end date (Post-Completion OPT).
- Students interested in this opportunity should speak with their DSO as previous authorization is required and strict rules apply.
I am in my last semester, what should I keep in mind?
- Make an appointment with your Enrollment Advisor or DSO to complete a degree audit.
- Apply to graduate.
- Are you going to transfer, apply for OPT, or return to your home country upon the completion of your program?
- Depending on the option that you are choosing, you will have specific dates and deadlines to adhere to.
What should I do if I need to transfer to another school?
- Notify my DSO.
- Verify that the school you want to transfer to is certified to support your F-1 status.
- Complete the admission process for your school of interest.
- Send email to FVisaDocs@GwinnettTech.edu requesting the transfer of your I-20 to your new school. This email should include your acceptance letter to your new school and their SEVIS School Code.
Am I allowed to work while in the U.S. under an F-1 status?
- Employment opportunities for F-1 students are limited, and strict rules apply as explained in studyinthestates.dhs.gov
- Please schedule an appointment with your current DSO to review the options available to you.
- How can I obtain an enrollment verification?
- Please complete a Special Request form here: https://gwinnetttech.edu/enrollment/forms-documents/
Schedule an Appointment
- We offer appointments by phone, WebEx, and on campus Monday-Friday.
- Appointments for the Lawrenceville Campus can be scheduled here: Lawrenceville Appointments
- Appointments for the Alpharetta-North Fulton Campus can be scheduled here: Alpharetta-North Fulton Appointments
- Appointments can also be scheduled using the Qless app. We can be reached via email at ISS@GwinnettTech.edu or by phone at 678-226-6888 for assistance or questions.