The process at a glance
- 01Apply & I-20
Receive your I-20 from the university
After accepting your admission offer and providing proof of financial resources, the university's international student office issues your Form I-20. Verify all details on the I-20 match your passport — name spelling errors can cause visa delays. Keep the I-20 with your passport at all times during your stay in the US.
- 02Visa Interview
Apply for your F-1 student visa
Complete Form DS-160 online, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350), and schedule a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Prepare documents: passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, financial evidence, admission letter, academic transcripts, and standardised test scores. Be prepared to explain your study plans and ties to your home country.
- 03Arrive & Register
Arrive in the US and check in with the international office
Arrive no earlier than 30 days before your programme start date. Attend the mandatory international student orientation where you will learn about SEVIS compliance, health insurance requirements, campus safety, and available support services. Complete check-in with the international student office to activate your SEVIS record.
- 04Settle In
Open a bank account, get a US phone, and find housing
Open a US bank account (checking and savings) using your passport and I-20. Get a US phone number — prepaid plans are available without a Social Security Number. If living on campus, confirm your housing assignment and move-in date. If off campus, finalise your lease, set up utilities, and arrange transportation to campus.
- 05Plan Career
Start career planning from your first semester
Visit the career centre early to understand OPT timelines, build your resume, and learn about on-campus recruiting. Many international students find that building faculty relationships leads to research assistant positions and strong recommendation letters. Attend career fairs and networking events specifically for international students.
About College of DuPage
College of DuPage serves the Glen Ellyn, IL community and welcomes international students into its associate degree and certificate programs. Known for affordable tuition and supportive faculty, the college provides a strong foundation for students planning to transfer to four-year universities.
F-1 Visa Process for College of DuPage
College of DuPage issues a Form I-20 to admitted international students, who then apply for an F-1 visa at a US consulate. Required evidence includes English proficiency test results and financial documentation. The international student office at {name} offers application guidance and can answer questions about the visa process.
Programs and Majors at College of DuPage
Students at College of DuPage can pursue associate degrees in business, technology, sciences, arts, and health fields. The college maintains articulation agreements with universities that facilitate smooth credit transfers. This pathway lets international students save on tuition for their first two years before moving to a bachelor's program.
Transferring from College of DuPage to a Four-Year University
After completing an associate degree at College of DuPage, international students can transfer to four-year universities through established articulation agreements. These agreements specify credit transfers and admission criteria. {name}'s transfer office provides guidance on application timelines, required documentation, and scholarship opportunities at partner universities.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Planning
International students at College of DuPage pay $7,000 to $12,000 annually in tuition, with total costs of $18,000 to $28,000 including living expenses. This represents significant savings compared to four-year institutions. Many students complete general education requirements at {name} before transferring to save on overall education costs.
Your university's international student office is your primary resource for visa compliance, cultural adjustment, and connecting with the international student community — use it from day one.
F-1 visa timeline and SEVIS compliance at College Of Dupage
After admission, College Of Dupage issues the Form I-20 once the international student office confirms financial certification. The SEVIS I-901 fee of $350 must be paid before the visa interview. During the visa interview, be prepared to demonstrate ties to your home country and explain why College Of Dupage is the right fit for your academic goals. The international student office at College Of Dupage typically holds pre-departure webinars covering the visa process, arrival logistics, and initial registration. Confirm your visa appointment wait time at the local US embassy — during peak summer months, wait times can extend beyond eight weeks in some countries. College Of Dupage's Designated School Official (DSO) can issue a new I-20 for travel signatures valid up to 12 months. Maintain full-time enrollment each semester — dropping below 12 credits without DSO authorisation is a status violation. Consult the international student office at College Of Dupage for the latest F-1 compliance updates specific to the university's SEVP certification status.
On-campus employment strategy at College Of Dupage
College Of Dupage offers on-campus employment opportunities for F-1 students, limited to 20 hours per week during academic terms. Typical on-campus positions include library assistants, research aides, dining hall staff, and administrative roles in various departments. After completing one academic year, students may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allowing off-campus work related to their field of study. College Of Dupage's career centre offers workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and work authorization for international students. Use the summer break strategically — full-time on-campus work (up to 40 hours per week) during vacation periods allows you to accumulate savings and gain more substantive experience. Building a relationship with faculty in your department can lead to Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant positions in your second year, which often provide tuition waivers and stipends at College Of Dupage.
Post-graduation OPT and career support at College Of Dupage
College Of Dupage's career centre provides dedicated support for international students, including works auth guidance, resume workshops, and career fairs with firms open to hiring F-1 holders. Begin the OPT application process as early as 90 days before your programme end date. The 12-month standard OPT window requires E-Verified employers if you plan to transition to a longer STEM extension where applicable. College Of Dupage's location in a region with diverse economies affects the types of employers that recruitment on campus — technology, healthcare, education, and consulting firms are common sponsors. International students at College Of Dupage often find full-time roles through the university's alumni network, on-campus recruiting events, and career fairs. The career centre can connect you with alumni who navigated the same visa journey. Start networking early and attend every international-student-focused career event.
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What you learned
End-of-guide quiz
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- 01
An international student transfers to a different US university mid-program. What happens to their visa?
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Frequently asked questions
Are F-1 students at College of DuPage allowed to work?+
Yes, on-campus work up to 20 hours/week during semesters is permitted. After one academic year, CPT and OPT become available.
What are the English requirements for College of DuPage?+
International applicants need TOEFL 61-79 iBT or IELTS 5.5-6.0. Students can also enroll in ESL programs if needed.
Is housing available at College of DuPage?+
College of DuPage does not have on-campus dorms. The international office provides resources for finding off-campus housing in Glen Ellyn.
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