»International Student and Scholar Services

Here are some important links to help you as you prepare for your arrival at Chapman:

Important Information Regarding the F-1 Visa Application Process

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for international students: How to navigate the U.S. Immigration System

Citizens of Canada do not have to apply for an F-1 visa at the consulate. Entering the USA with an I-20 automatically puts you in F-1 status.  To find out more about how to obtain F-1 status as a Canadian student visit the website of the U.S. Embassy for Canadian Students.  

Supplemental form Required for I-20

Please print and fill out the following appropriate form: 

Undergraduate Student Supplemental Form

Graduate Student Supplemental Form

SEVIS Transfer Students

Please make sure you have given your old school a copy of the Transfer Form so that they can release your record to us. 

Housing for Graduate Students and Transfers Only

On campus housing is not guaranteed for graduate and transfer students but there are resources to help you find off campus housing. For help finding housing please visit the off campus housing website and fill out an interest questionnaire.

You can also visit the Roommate Corner on Facebook where Chapman students who are looking for roommates post their rooms for rent.

The International Student & Scholar Services also keeps a list of rooms for rent. You can contact Susan Sams if you are interested.

As stated in the International Student Handbook all incoming students must fill out a health form and return it to Student Health Services. To access the form and for more information please visit the Student Health Services website.

OPT 

Optional Practical Training or OPT allows you to work for one year, following graduation, in a job related to your major or field of study. Each semester, Susan Sams announces an OPT session for graduating seniors and grads which you are encouraged to attend for more detailed information. You can also make an appointment to speak with Susan Sams about OPT directly. Students must have been in good status as an F-1 visa student for at least one academic year at the time they are applying.

• OPT Information Packet and Application
• Sample I-765 Form
• I-765 Form 
• G-1145 Form 

STEM

Students who have received a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields may be eligible for a 17 month extension on their OPT. This is a once in a life time extension that is approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Once approved, an Employment Authorization Document or EAD card will be issued which shows the dates the student is eligible to work in the United States.

STEM Requirements

• Student must be on OPT at the time they apply
• Student must verify that they’ve completed a STEM degree
• Requirements for Employment:

CPT

Curricular Practical Training or CPT allows you to participate in an off-campus paid internship that is related to your major or field of study. CPT is an academic program that is not for employment purposes. You must prove that the internship will benefit your academic program. CPT is not required for unpaid internships or volunteer positions.  However, you may not receive any compensation for work performed in an unpaid internship.

CPT Requirements

• Student must have been in good status as an F-1 visa student for at least one academic year at the time they are applying.

• Student must already have a job/internship offer to apply.  Once student receives a job offer, go to the following site to begin the process of registering your internship with Chapman’s Career Development Center.

CPT is only authorized for a semester.  You must apply again if you would like to continue with your program beyond that first semester.

For information on how to apply or any other questions please contact the International Student & Scholar Services to set up a meeting to talk about CPT directly.

SEVIS Reporting Requirements

Your EV Program “Responsible Officer” is Susan Sams. Please see “contact us” information below for details on how to contact Susan Sams.

As your J-1 “Exchange Visitor (EV) Program Sponsor, Chapman University is required to validate your program participation within thirty days of the program start date listed on your DS-2019 and to report any changes of name or U.S. address. These reports are submitted electronically to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE using the Student Exchange Visitor Information System or SEVIS. As soon after arrival as possible, be sure to report in person to International Student & Scholar Services. Please bring your passport, DS-2019 and proof of health insurance coverage.

Following initial validation, you must notify Susan Sams of any changes to your U.S. address within 10 days of the change. A legal name change must also be reported within 10 days.  

You will need a “travel signature” from Susan Sams on your DS2019 if you are leaving the US temporarily during your program. We ask that you notify International Student & Scholar Services whenever you plan to be outside the US.

Prior to Arrival

You cannot enter the USA more than 30 days prior to the start date on DS 2019. For tax purposes, Chapman uses a software system called Glacier. If you will be receiving money from Chapman, an email from support@online-tax.net will be emailed to you which will ask that you set up an account in Glacier. You should complete the tax questionnaire and follow instructions regarding submission.  If you have questions about the questionnaire, you can email John Cebula: cebula@chapman.edu.

Procedure for Obtaining Your J-1 Visa

1. You must ensure that your passport is valid for a period of six months beyond the end date listed on your SEVIS DS-2019.
2. Make an appointment with the US Consulate or Embassy as soon as you receive your SEVIS DS-2019. Some offices have different procedures or forms you will need to submit, so it is best to review the website where you will be applying for the visa.  The following will help with finding your nearest US Consulate.
3. Before your appointment, you must pay a SEVIS FEE and print the SEVIS fee payment receipt. Take this receipt when you go to your appointment. The fastest way to pay the fee is through the SEVIS I‑901 Fee processing website by using a credit card and completing the online Form I901.

Health Insurance

The guidelines for health insurance are outlined in the Chancellor’s letter.  If you will be at Chapman long term and will participate in the Chapman health insurance plan for faculty, you will need to purchase a supplemental policy for repatriation and medical evacuation. Susan Sams can help you with this when you arrive or you can go online and purchase the "Medical Evacuation & Repatriation Plan" from Harbor Group Insurance prior to arrival.  If Chapman will be providing benefits (health insurance), keep in mind that the Chapman coverage might not be available up to 30 days after your arrival; therefore, you should make sure to have traveler’s health insurance covering a minimum of 30 days.

Housing Information 

Chapman has limited faculty housing. If your department has not arranged for your housing, please contact Susan Sams and she can help you find something nearby.

Things to keep in mind when you are looking for housing:

• There is the city of Orange (where you will ideally live since Chapman is located in Orange)
• There is the County of Orange (not to be confused with the city of Orange-see maps below)
• Housing is expensive in Orange County.
• Mass transportation system is not convenient or especially good. Southern Californians use personal automobiles and therefore spend a lot of time driving because everything is very spread out.
• Click here for a map of Orange County. 

The average price for a room rental (renting a private, furnished room in someone’s home) is between $500 and $800/month depending on what is offered and if bathroom is shared or private. If you decide to rent an apartment and live alone or with your family, almost all are unfurnished and you have to pay utilities. The average price for 1 bedroom (with kitchen/dining/bath) is approximately $1300/month.

Depending on your living arrangements, you may or may not have housing once you arrive in the U.S.  View Hotel & Motel information for a list of hotels and motels that can provide temporary accommodations for you until your living arrangements are ready.

In addition to the information found in the International Student Handbook, here is some additional information.

• DMV Information
• Steps to obtain a Drivers License
• Purchasing a Car

Study Abroad

International students are permitted to participate in Chapman's many global education programs all over the world. Prior to your departure on an overseas program, please check in with Susan Sams to let her know you will be leaving the country. Visit the following websites to learn more about types of programs and the application process:

• Fall and Spring Semester Study Abroad
• January Faculty-led Travel Courses
• Summer Faculty-led Travel Courses