International Students

An official TOEFL score (Paper-based test score of 500 or better/Computer-based test score of 173 or better/lnternet-based score of 61 or better). An official ILETS score of 6.5 or better. For students whose native language is English, an ACT composite score of 21 or SAT score of 980 (Verbal + Math) is acceptable.

You must apply for your visa well in advance of your arrival, as it can, in some instances take several weeks, and occasionally longer, to obtain the student visa.
Before you begin the visa application process, you must have the following documents: Form 1-20
The 1-20 form will be mailed to you once you have been accepted to the University of Mobile. Your 1-20 is required when applying for an F-I student visa. Use the 1-20 to obtain an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate and then enter the U.S. with the F-I visa and 1-20, to be admitted by DHS in F-I status at the port-of-entry.
SEVIS Fee Receipt
All new students coming in F-I status must pay a SEVIS fee prior to applying for your visa, Pay SEVIS fee by going here.

Your Form 1-20 (Make sure you have signed page 1 of this form)
The SEVIS Fee receipt
A copy of your financial support documents, i.e. evidence that you have sufficient funds to meet the expenses of studying at the University of Mobile, e.g. bank statement.
In addition, the application for a U.S. visa requires you to present:

• A valid passport
• Passport-size photographs
• Completed visa applications forms (Visa application forms are available on individual consular Web sites.)
• An application fee and an interview will also be required.
• There have been (and continue to be) changes in the visa application process and these changes are usually reflected on the consular Web sites.

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/guide/f-1/f-1-postsecondary

Leaving the US for Temporary Absence
(vacation, holiday, sickness, family emergency)
For re-entry into the United States, you must have the following:

• A valid student Visa
• Be sure you have a Student Visa F-l. If you entered on a B-2 “Visitor- Prospective Student” Visa, YOU MUST OBTAIN A NEW F-1 Student Visa within 60 days of your original arrival date.
• Valid visa is either a multiple-entry or one with an expiration date. Obtaining a valid Visa if yours is expired:
• The visa is obtained at an American Embassy or US Consular Office (ONLY OUTSIDE OF THE US)
• Take your 1-20
• Letter or certification from the Admissions Office
• Current Affidavit of Financial Support (Athletes will take a copy of their Coaches Memo)
• Valid passport
• A passport that is valid for AT LEAST SIX MORE MONTHS AFTER RE-ENTRY
• Your 1-20 form and 1-94 card. The International Student Advisor must endorse your 1-20 in the Admissions Office prior to your travel.
• Your 1-94 card will be taken when you leave the US. Be certain the 1-94 is taken. A new one will be issued upon your return.
• You must attend the University of Mobile because it is listed on your 1-20 as your university. If you are transferring to another institution, you must obtain an 1-20 from that university.

The regulations state that curricular practical training must be “an integral part of an established curriculum.” They define curricular practical training as “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.”
Preconditions
Student must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at a DHS-approved school for one full academic year before being eligible for CPT. Available only while student is in F-1 status, before completion of the educational objective.
For additional information see the Designated School Official. Documents to bring with you when you meet with your DSO:

• Information necessary to process Curricular Practical Training CPT
• Job offer
• Description of job
• Number of hours
• Location
• Dates of Employment
• Transcript showing enrolled full-time for at least 1 year
• Degree and major listed
• Valid I-20
• Letter from academic advisor

OPT allows a student “with F-I status who have completed or have been pursuing their degree for more than nine months to work for one year on a student vise without needing to acquire a work H-IB visa.” OPT is typically used after a completion of the course of study, or , for a student in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program, after completion of all course requirements for the degree (excluding thesis or equivalent). However, there are three types of OPT. See Designated School Official for more information.

When applying or an Alabama driver’s license please see the Designated School Official to ensure a smooth application process. The Alabama Department of Motor Vehicle office is located at 3402 Demetropolis Road Mobile, AL 36693 251-660-2330
What documentation to bring to the DMV:

• Valid passport with visa (must reflect at least 160 days remaining in the United States)
• Form 1-94, “Arrival/Departure Record’
• Form 1-20
• Form 1-766 “Employment Authorization Document” (EAD), if applicable
• Form 1-797 or Form 1-797A “Notice of Action,” in cases of a change of status
• SSN or a Social Security Administration (SSA) Form SSA-L676, “Refusal to Process SSN Application.”

F and M students who have authorization to work in the United States may apply for an SSN. In addition, any F or M student who wishes to apply for a driver’s license (in a state requiring an SSN before getting a license) may apply for an SSN
https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/