INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Once steps one through five are complete, fill out the International Student Admission Checklist. Mail all required documents, along with the checklist to:

Indian River State College,
International Student Office
3209 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34981, USA

As loyal and impactful supporters of Indian River State College, Jack and Jean Fielden have pledged significant leadership gifts to support the growth of the college’s student scholarships in health sciences and mathematics. Published authors, the Fieldens also played a key role in developing the Pioneer River Press, providing an avenue for publication with a portion of sales directly benefiting IRSC scholarships. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience training employees at some of the world’s largest corporations, Dr. Jack Fielden and his co-authors published Throw Me the Bottom Line…I’m Drowning in Email! The Press provides an opportunity to pursue publication with a portion of sales directed to support IRSC scholarships. Jack’s visionary leadership and dedication will forever be remembered as foundational to the success and enduring impact of the lifelong learning initiative at Indian River State College.

Once you have been accepted by the College, you must secure important documentation to gain student status and entry into the United States. Acceptance to Indian River State College does not guarantee you will be granted a student visa by the U.S. Embassy in your country; nor does it guarantee you will be granted a change of status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

●      I-20 Certificate of Eligibility

• Once your documents have been reviewed and approved, you will be issued the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility), a three-page document issued by the school through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It includes specific information such as program beginning and end dates and tracking numbers.
  • F-1, F-3, J-1, M-1 or M-3 visa applicants are required to pay a one-time fee of $200 to the Department of Homeland Security before you can be issued student visa status to study in the United States. The fee is valid from the time you are issued the status until the time you change status, fall out of status or leave the United States for more than five (5) months. The fee can be paid online or by mail using Form I-901. Make sure you keep copies of all transactions and print a copy of the online receipt.
  • The I-20 is issued for two years. (NOTE: The third page of the I-20 includes the travel signature, which is valid for only one year.  The signatory is an IRSC counselor/advisor or other designated school official. It is your responsibility to check to make sure the signature is still valid. If the signature has expired, you will not be able to travel or be allowed re-entry into the United States.
  • Do not let your I-20 expire. If you need an extension of the I-20, contact the IRSC International Student Services Office in a timely manner before the expiration date. If your I-20 expires, you will be out of the F-1 student status. It is your responsibility to check the I-20 form. You may be given an extension on the I-20 dates if needed as long as you are continuously enrolled.

●      F-1 Student Visa

• After receipt of the I-20 form, make an appointment with the embassy in your country to obtain the F-1 Student Visa. This visa reflects the status given to you to enter the U.S. temporarily for the sole purpose of study.
  • If your F-1 Student Visa expires while you are in the United States, you may remain in the U.S. as long as you are in valid F-1 student status; you should update the visa the next time you travel to your home country.

●      I-94 Card (Arrival/Departure Record)

• The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, in either paper or electronic format, is issued by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer to foreign visitors entering the United States. This documents your legal status, your initial entry date and port of entry. It should note F-1 and D/S (Duration of Status). This document is your permit to stay in the United States and should be kept in your passport.

●      Passport

• A document issued by a national government which certifies, for the purpose of international travel, the identity and nationality of its holder. You must possess a passport that is valid at all times. Plan to renew your passport at least six months prior to the expiration date at your country’s Consulate in the United States or in your country.

Upon approval of F-1 Student Visa and arrival to the U.S., report to the International Student Services Office located in the W-Building, Massey Campus (main campus in Ft. Pierce), with your updated I-20, I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) and passport. You will not be cleared to register until we receive these documents.

Students may present SAT® or ACT® scores or register for the P.E.R.T. college placement test. P.E.R.T. is an untimed computer adaptive test that provides information about reading comprehension, English, and mathematics skills. These tests help to determine the most appropriate courses for each student.

The onboarding process at IRSC begins with student orientation. International students should plan to attend International Student Orientation in addition to the mandatory New Student Orientation.

○      International Student Orientation: International Student Orientation is an excellent way to get acquainted with fellow students and the Campus. Orientation will familiarize you with College policies and procedures as well as Immigration policies and procedures with regard to your F-1 Student Visa, admissions process, scholarships, registration, testing, various degree programs and other useful information. You should attend an orientation session scheduled at the beginning of each semester. You will be registered for an orientation session the first time you meet with your counselor/advisor.

○      New Student Orientation: International Students must also attend New Student Orientation. This onboarding program is designed to familiarize students with all of the available College resources.

The RiverMail system is the official means of electronic communication for student information. You should check your account regularly for important registration and student services updates. New students must activate their free RiverMail email account.

All degree-seeking students are assigned an advisor once all their transcripts and supporting documents are received. During your first term at IRSC, your assigned advisor will help you develop a Guided Pathway/Academic Plan—a customized road map of all courses required for your degree or certificate program—that will be utilized for course selection throughout your enrollment with IRSC.

Withdrawing from Class

International students who withdraw from class, fail to maintain full-time status or otherwise terminate or interrupt their course of study without first obtaining approval will be considered out of status. Immigration allows withdrawals only under specific reasons. If you need to withdraw below the required hours, contact International Student Services immediately.

F-1 Students and Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) divides aliens into residents and non-residents for tax purposes. These rules are different than USCIS rules governing immigration status. Generally speaking, aliens who are in the United States for more than 183 days in any three-year period are considered resident aliens for tax purposes and are taxed in the same way as U.S. residents. To find information about U.S. income taxes for nonimmigrant students, visit the IRS website.

F-1 Student Employment Eligibility

Students with active F-1 status may be eligible for employment:

• On-campus: As long as you are in active F-1 status, you are eligible to work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the spring and fall semesters. You may work additional hours if you wish during vacation periods and academic breaks.
• Off-campus: Working off-campus requires special authorization and is available only in certain situations. You must be in F-1 status for at least one academic year. You will be out of status if you work without authorization.

Note: A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to United States Citizens, permanent residents and temporary (working) residents. Only those who have authorized employment are eligible for a Social Security Number. You do not need a Social Security Number to open a bank account, rent an apartment, open a utility account, set up a cell phone account or receive a driver’s license.

Housing for International Students

Living in the United States will be very exciting. Finding the right place to live will enhance your experience.

On-Campus Housing for International Students

The River Hammock student residence complex is located on the IRSC Massey Campus. The River Hammock is open only to students enrolled at IRSC. Limited space is available, and students need to apply in advance of their enrollment period.

Apartments feature a central living area, dining room and kitchen. Four individual bedrooms with two full baths assure your privacy and an environment conducive to studying. A complete kitchen appliance package, central heat and air conditioning, telephone and cable TV outlets are a few of the many amenities.

If you are interested in living on campus, contact Student Housing at 1-772-462-7246 to fill out an application. Due to space, on-campus housing is limited to athletic and fine arts recruits only.

Off-Campus Housing for International Students

Many students prefer the independence of living off campus. You should exercise care in selecting the right apartment or house. When choosing an apartment, consider its cost, proximity to campus and safety.

Websites for cities in the four-county area:

• Port St. Lucie
• Fort Pierce
• Stuart
• Vero Beach

Driver License and Transportation

• You must have a valid Florida driver’s license to drive.
• Go online to make an appointment and get information on the documents required to obtain a driver’s license or identification card.
• IRSC partners with South Florida Commuter Services, a program of the Florida Department of Transportation, to provide transportation options for students through the Commuter Connector.