International Students Office
Once an application has been submitted, applicants should read the information below for more details and instructions. International students who are admitted to the university should contact the ISO department for guidance on visa arrangements.
ISO Office
If you are an international student who wishes to speak with an International Student Advisor, please email the International Student Office at iso@itu.edu for appointment inquiries.
ISO Requirements
ISO Requirements for Masters
New Students coming from abroad
- Passport (document)
- Proof of Funds (document)
○ Primary: $25,500.00
○ Additional: $15,000.00 per dependent- Proof of English Proficiency (document)
- Current foreign address, phone number, and personal email address (information)
- ITU Student ID number (information)
- Program of study (information)
- Term selection (information)
- Click here to start your application
ISO Requirements for Doctoral
- Passport (document)
- Proof of Funds (document)
○ Primary: $28,500.00
○ Additional: $15,000.00 per dependent- Proof of English Proficiency (document)
- Brief Description of Intended Research Project [4 – 5 lines] (Information)
- Current foreign address, phone number, and personal email address (information)
- ITU Student ID number (information)
- Program of study (information)
- Term selection (information)
- Click here to start your application
1. Getting your Visa
1. Steps for Obtaining ITU I-20/DS-2019
- Submit ITU Admission Application
- Gain FULL acceptance to a program of study at ITU
- Request an I-20 by submitting one of our ISO document submission forms for newly admitted students and include the required ISO documents and necessary proof of funds. Make sure documentation is complete, and that you complete the form accurately to avoid delays with processing.
In order to complete your application, you will need to have:
- A copy of your ITU admission letter (an electronic version is fine)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport
- Financial documents that prove you can pay for the estimated expenses at ITU.
- You need to show proof that you can pay for the first year’s expenses. If your academic program is for less than a year, then provide proof that you can pay for all expenses for the duration of your program.
- You may be asked to show proof of this at your visa interview. This proof can come from several different sources (personal, family, university, business, etc.); however, you must be sure to have supporting documents for each of the sources of funding.
- Any combination of Funds is acceptable, as long as you demonstrate you can cover the full cost of the program. All funds must be liquid assets. Stock/Mutual/Retirement accounts/properties/salary are not considered liquid assets.
The kinds of acceptable ITU financial documentation include:
- Personal funds: a bank statement dated within 6 months from the start of your anticipated trimester start date
- A personal loan: a pre-approval letter confirming the amount for which the loan is approved. A loan application is not sufficient
- If someone will financially support you, submit bank statements or other proof of funds from your sponsor and fill out our ITU Statement of Financial Support
- After all documentation is complete, ISO will reach out to you with an update on your I-20 (Allow up to 10-15 business days for review of documents)
1. A - Prospective Students: Applying for an F-1 visa for the first time
The Form I-20 is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status.
The Form I-20 is required to:
- apply for an F-1 Student visa and
- enter the US as a student.
Be prepared with all your supporting documentation before you begin the process.
- Copies of the biographical and any U.S. visa page(s) from your passport
- A copy of your bank statement showing you have a minimum of $39,260 for the first year of study. Please click this link for a list of acceptable financial documents.
Submitting / Resubmitting Documents
Make sure all supporting documents are included with your request before you submit them to our office. Missing or separate documents will only slow down the process. Your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20/DS-2019) documents cannot be processed until all proof of funding documents are received.
If you are being sponsored by others, you must provide an ITU Statement of Financial Support for each sponsoralong with proof of funds that reflect a balance equal to or higher than the amount listed on the ITU Statement of Financial Support.
1. B. Prospective Students: Are you an F-1 Transfer Student?
If your F-1 or J-1 status is currently ‘SEVIS Active’ at another institution, you may be able to transfer your SEVIS record from your current school to ITU.
Advantages to Transferring your SEVIS record: There are several advantages to transferring your SEVIS record, including:
- You keep your current SEVIS ID number and F-1 record
- You do not have to pay the SEVIS Fee again
- If your F-1 visa is still valid, you can continue to use it until its expiration date. It is OK if your old school’s name is on your visa.
- You will be allowed to remain in the U.S. or travel in and out of the U.S. in between programs.
- You are not subject to the 30-day entry restriction (entering no earlier than 30 days before your program starts) and can enter the U.S. at any point before your program
When submitting your ISO document submission form, include the following:
- Documents listed in the section above (passport visa page(s) and financial documentation). A copy of your visa or I-797A change of status approval notice, showing approval for your current status
- A copy of your most recent I-94
- A copy of your most recent/all I-20s or DS-2019s
- OPT EAD Card (if applicable)
If your current F-1 status is completed or terminated, please contact ISO before your ISO documents submission.
If you are transferring your SEVIS record from another school, you must first submit all completed ISO documents before initiating the SEVIS transfer process with your current school. We will provide you with ITU’s SEVIS School Code and DSO information needed for the transfer process. Transfer I-20s are processed after ITU receives your SEVIS record, and I-20s will be available during New Student Orientation.
1. C. Prospective Students: Changing your current status to F1
If you are currently on a non-F-1 Visa status and are applying for F-1 status through USCIS, you would submit the following documents:
- Passport and financial documentation
- A copy of your visa or I-797A change of status approval notice, showing approval for your current status
- A copy of your most recent I-94
If your current visa or I-94 is expiring soon, please contact ISO before your ISO documents submission.
2. SEVIS Fee
All students seeking F or J status are required to pay a SEVIS fee to the Department of Homeland Security and retain proof that the fee has been paid. The SEVIS fee is different from the visa fee you will pay to the embassy or consulate to receive your F-1/J-1 visa. When you apply for a visa and when you enter the U.S., you will be asked to show your SEVIS fee receipt to prove that your fee has been paid.
Information on how to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee can be found via the following website: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901
If you are a SEVIS transfer student who is transferring your existing F-1/J-1 record to ITU, you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee a second time for the same record.
3. Getting Your Student Visa
A visa is the physical stamp or sticker that is placed in your passport by a U.S. embassy. It is a travel document that is used only to seek entry into the U.S. When someone wishes to come to the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status, they must obtain a visa, or ‘entry visa’.
Exceptions to the Visa Requirement:
- All Canadian citizens (They do not require a visa to enter the US however, they must present a valid I-20 or DS-2019 and SEVIS fee payment receipt at the airport or border to be admitted in F-1 or J-1 status.)
- I-539 Change of Status students (If you are currently in the US in a different status, you need to file I-539 application with the USCIS)
Visa and Entry Timeline – How Early Can I Apply for my Visa?
You may apply for your visa up to 120 days in advance of the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. You will be able to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before that start date.
Preparation to Apply for F-1/J-1 Visa
Here are the steps involved in applying for a visa:
- Choose a U.S consulate or embassy
- Schedule a visa appointment and submit any preliminary documents
- Do your research. You may refer to the following article 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa published by NAFSA, which is the professional organization for international higher education administrators.
- Practice your visa interview
- Attend your visa interview
Once you have your visa and are ready to travel to the U.S., you should make your travel arrangements as soon as possible and prepare for your departure.
2. Traveling into the United States
1. U.S. Travel & Executive Orders on Immigration
In addition to the information below, please see executive orders regarding immigration page for additional travel guidance and information.
2. When to Arrive
You may enter the U.S. in initial F-1 or J-1 status (meaning you are a new international student, not a SEVIS transfer student) up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20 (located on the page one) or DS-2019 (start date can be found under #3 on page one):
3. Port of Entry Inspection
Admission into United States. Everyone arriving at a port-of-entry (airport, land, or sea) to the U.S. is inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
Please bring all of the documents in your bag (hand-carry)
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future)
- Visa stamp (does not apply to Canadian citizens)
- SEVIS Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) for ITU
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Supporting financial documentation
- ITU Acceptance Letter
We also recommend you review the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) travel FAQs before coming into the U.S.
4. Electronic I-94
The Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record” is a important record. It shows that you have been legally admitted to the United States, the class of admission, and the authorized period of stay. On I-94, you will find “D/S”which stands for ‘duration of status’. This means that there is not a specific date that your entry will expire. Rather, you are allowed to stay in the U.S. until your F-1/J-1 status ends (i.e. your entry will be valid for the duration of your status). The electronic arrival/departure record can be obtained at www.cbp.gov/I94.
3. Before you arrive on campus
1. Update your myITU password
Please follow these steps to change your password:
- Go to myITU from here.
- Click on the Profile Icon at the top of the page.
- Click on the “Personal Info” link.
- Click “Password.” You can change your password by entering your old and new passwords in the fields provided. Click “Save.”
Note: The maximum length for your password can be 10 characters only. After you change your password, please allow 5-10 minutes to let the system update your new password. After that, you can try to login again with your new password. (You do not have to log out at this time. You can continue using the system, but please be aware that, if you logout and try to login again, your new password may not work immediately.)
If you have any questions or issues regarding your myITU account, please let us know at support@ituservice.freshdesk.com.
2. Respond to your offer of admission and confirm your enrollment
All admitted students should respond to our offer of admission. You must pay your $600USD tuition deposit by the date indicated in your admissions offer. It will be applied to your first trimester tuition & fees and appear as a credit on your tuition bill once you register for classes. If you later decide not to enroll at ITU, you will forfeit your deposit.
You can submit your payment via major credit card* or wire transfer on the New Student Payment page by clicking here.
* ITU does accept credit cards at a 3% charge.
3. Meet with your advisor or attend an advisement webinar
New Student Advisement Webinars
Academic advising is integral to an optimal learning experience and your success as an ITU student. The ITU Academic Services office will assist you on your student journey and throughout your program with course selection, degree progress, academic policies, management of internships and more!
All newly admitted students are required to meet with an academic advisor. Advising appointments are offered in three ways:
- On-Campus appointment:
Admitted students are invited to visit with academic advisors one-one-one on campus Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm PST. To make appointment please call the ITU Information Center at (888) 488-4968 or by emailing the advising department at advising@itu.edu
- Skype appointment:
For those students who wish to meet their advisors one-one-one, virtually, Skype appointments can me arranged Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. To make appointment please call the ITU Information Center at (888) 488-4968 or by emailing the advising department at advising@itu.edu
- Program-specific webinar:
Another alternative for advisement is via our program-specific group advisement webinars. Please visit the Academic Services webpage here to view the New Student Advisement Webinars
4. Prepare for: submitting official documents & save the date for New Student Orientation
International Technological University requires all admitted students to present proof of undergraduate graduation prior to admission in a graduate program. Additionally, ITU requires submission of official test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS) and post-secondary transcripts prior to the add/drop deadline.
Check for Orientation registration dates under ‘Announcements’ on myITU’s home page. Be sure to register for New Student Advisement as soon as possible to be cleared for registration.
5. Apply for your I-20 and submit supporting documents
Complete the I-20/DS-2019 Application for Newly Admitted Students and submit it along with all other required documents.
Please be very careful in completing the form accurately in order to avoid mistakes or delays. Contact the International Students Office at iso@itu.edu for assistance.
Admissions Deferral
if you need to defer please see our admissions deferral policy.
4. After you arrive on campus
1. ID Cards
All students are required to have an ITU Student Identification Card (Student ID). Student ID cards provide personal identification, access to facilities, equipment rentals, library books, admittance to student-sponsored events, records for attendance, document pick-up, and in conjunction with VTA Smartpass.
New students are strongly encouraged to obtain their student ID prior to orientation or before first class by visiting the Information Center during normal business hours.
Please visit the Student ID Card page to learn how to get your ITU ID.
Please note: Students should carry their ID card at all times. The card is required for class attendance (check-in and check-out) and used in conjunction with your VTA Eco pass card to board the bus and light rail.
2. ISO Check-in
If Initial student coming from abroad, need to bring copy of F-1 Visa and I-94.
- F-1 students MUST check in with ISO in order as per F-1 regulations
- ISO will provide I-20 for all new students (Initials should have I-20 already)
- ISO will give presentation on how to maintain status and apply for internship
Please contact the International Student Office with any questions or concerns at iso@itu.edu.
3. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Requirement
Through ITU’s partnership with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), as required by the City of San Jose, SmartPass (formerly known as EcoPass) provides enrolled students unlimited rides on most VTA bus and light rail lines, when used in conjunction with an ITU Student Identification card.
All registering students must pay tuition, and the VTA transportation fee in order to request a pass. VTA fee is a mandatory non-refundable fee, and is required each trimester, whether or not student requests/uses pass.
4. Health Insurance Account Access
ITU’s United Healthcare health insurance plan is brokered through JCB Insurance Solutions, which is a low-cost health insurance provider. The health insurance plan offered through ITU has coverage dates by academic term, instead of by calendar year, which gives you more flexibility in your coverage.
All ITU students must have health insurance coverage, whether purchased through ITU, or through an alternative provider. If you are covered under another insurance plan, you will be required to opt-out of the health insurance plan offered through ITU. Please visit here for more information on ITU student health insurance.
5. Official Document Drop-off
ITU requires all admitted students to present proof of undergraduate degree completion prior to admission in a graduate program. Additionally, ITU requires submission of official test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS) and post-secondary transcripts prior to matriculation and the registration add/drop period on Sunday, May 20, 2018.
Please submit official transcripts and test scores by Sunday, May 20, 2018.
Submission methods:
Mail to:
Attention: ITU Admissions
2010 El Camino Real, #852
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Drop off to Drop Box:
Notify the Information Desk that you wish to drop off your official materials and you will be directed to the Official Document Drop Box (adjacent to the Security Office near the front Information Desk). Information Desk hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10:00am – 5:00pm
5. New Student Orientation
Location
Please plan to arrive at on time and stay for the entire duration of the orientation. Please note that any student that arrives past check-in will not be admitted. If you are traveling from outside of San Jose, please plan accordingly.
Please note that no Student ID’s will be issued on the day of Orientation. Please visit the ITU campus during normal business hours before Orientation Day to have your photo taken and ID issued.
Why Attend Orientation? Is it Mandatory?
Orientation is your introduction to the ITU community. It’s your chance to meet fellow students and discover what to expect this upcoming trimester. All new ITU students are required to attend orientation.
International Students
As an international student you will have the opportunity to check in and meet with an international student advisor.
What Will I Do At Orientation?
During Orientation you will:
- Meet with department faculty
- Meet ITU’s student government
- Attend ITU info sessions on topics like visa regulations and health insurance
- Learn more about university services and vendors in the area
What Should I Bring to Orientation?
You must bring the following documents:
- Your U.S. State ID, driver’s license, or passport
- Your receipt of paid fees for all trimester courses
- Your passport, visa, I-94, and bank statements (international students only)
Want to avoid long lines at Orientation? We recommend taking your photo ID prior to the event. Please be already registered by Orientation weekend. If you have further questions concerning orientation, please write to the orientation committee at orientation@itu.edu. We look forward to seeing you soon!
FAQ
Click here to access our FAQ and find answers for general questions concerning domestic and international students.
Need help?
If you have any questions, send a ticket to student services for assistance.
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