The following outlines the eligibility of Certificate Programs to host international students on an F-1 student visa.

Eligibility

  • An F-1 student is a nonimmigrant who is admitted to an academic institution in the United States that has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to offer “full course of study” programs. The F-1 student status may be used for degree seeking programs (associate, bachelor, master, doctorate) as well as certain approved non-degree programs.
  • An outline/curriculum/syllabus of each certificate program must be provided to UFIC International Student Services (ISS) for review and approval prior to an international student being admitted to or attending in the F-1 student visa category. After reading the information provided on this page, the academic department may submit the program curriculum/syllabus to certificateprograms@ufic.ufl.edu. After ISS has reviewed the documents, follow up may be necessary. If the documents seem to be in order, ISS will then submit the documents for review by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Please expect this to take at least six-twelve months. The academic department will be advised if SEVP approved the program. Only then may an international student who wishes to enroll as an F-1 be admitted to the certificate program.
  • An I-20 is a government document issued to students seeking F-1 student status. The I-20 is only a "certificate of eligibility" for F-1 status. Issuing the form alone does not grant F-1 student status itself. After an I-20 is issued, the student must use the I-20 to apply to the US Consulate (although citizens of some countries are exempt from the visa requirement) for an F-1 visa, then enter the United States with the I-20,* F-1 visa, passport, admission  letter, and proof of funds.

* If the student is already in the United States on an F-1 student visa status, the student must have his/her SEVIS record transferred to the University of Florida International Center. If the student is already in the United States but not on F-1 student visa status, the student may need to request Change of Status by sending an application to USCIS. For more information regarding transferring or applying for a Change of Status, please send an e-mail to certificateprograms@ufic.ufl.edu.