F-1 International Students

Eligibility

F-1 visa sponsorship is available to international students enrolled full-time in the Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences programs (master's and Ph.D.) or the International Student Research Training Program (certificate). The time limit depends on how long it takes to complete the program. Students must plan to live in the U.S. for the program duration but with no intention to immigrate or pursue permanent residency (green card).

How to Obtain an F-1

Form I-20

Form I-20, or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is the basic document for an F-1 visa application. City of Hope’s Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences processes this document for applicants once a formal program acceptance is fully executed. The average I-20 processing time is three weeks. The Form I-20 will be sent to J-1 visa applicants electronically via email with an electronic signature. Visa applicants must print and sign the document upon receipt.

F-1 visa processes and timelines

For Applicants Coming From Abroad

For applicants outside the United States, allow at least 12-16 weeks for processing and entry. See the process below.

  • Form I-20. Upon receiving the Form DS-2019 via email from City of Hope®, applicants should print and sign the document before submitting it to the U.S. embassy or consulate, along with the academic program acceptance/invitation letter previously received from City of Hope, as part of their visa application (DS-160 application). 
  • Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record fee. Upon receiving a new I-20, F-1 applicants must pay the SEVIS record fee before completing the visa application.

  • Visa application (DS-160). Please check the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate website for details. City of Hope is unable to assist with the DS-160 application processing.

  • Visa interview. Scheduling for appointments varies, depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate location. Check wait times online. Applicants may be subject to additional administrative processing after the interview and before the visa can be issued. Typically, this takes three to six weeks, but in rare cases, it might take longer than three months. Unfortunately, there is no expedited option.

  • Traveling to the U.S. F-1 visa holders may travel to the U.S. as soon as 30 days before the I-20 start date. City of Hope strongly encourages arrival at least two weeks before the I-20 start date for onboarding or clearance processing. Students must complete the registration and validation process and begin the academic program no later than 30 days after the I-20 start date. Please make sure to inform City of Hope of your arrival plan.

  • Form I-94 record retrieval. Form I-94 admission number/record is an important document that serves as evidence of legal and valid immigration status in the U.S. Upon arrival to the U.S., F-1 visa holders should retrieve Form I-94, review for accuracy and keep it on file for the program duration.

  • Registration and validation: Follow instructions received from City of Hope to complete the process.

For Applicants Transferring Schools Within the U.S.

F-1 visa holders under the sponsorship of another academic institution may request a transfer of their current records to City of Hope without leaving the U.S. Allow at least four weeks for processing. F-1 visa holders planning to travel overseas during the transfer process should inform City of Hope as soon as possible.

  • Start and end dates. The graduate school coordinates with the F-1 visa holder to confirm its program start date and the last day of the current academic program or Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization (for those who’ve completed their previous program) because the gap between these two dates cannot exceed five months.
  • Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record transfer processing. After City of Hope confirms the effective transfer date, the student should ask the academic institution he or she is leaving to initiate the SEVIS record transfer/release. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security usually schedules the effective transfer date after the last day of the current program or OPT authorization. City of Hope recommends requesting the transfer as early as four weeks before the effective date. City of Hope doesn’t require a transfer-in form, but students can contact for assistance with transfer-out forms at international@coh.org.
  • Form I-20. After City of Hope gains access to the SEVIS record, it issues and sends the new I-20 via email. Until City of Hope has access to the SEVIS record on the effective transfer date, we cannot issue the new I-20.
  • Registration and validation. Follow instructions received from City of Hope to complete the process. 

For Applicants Changing Status Within the U.S.

If in the U.S. with another nonimmigrant status, allow three to six months for a change of status. Until U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves the change of status, students cannot begin the full-time academic program at City of Hope — unless the current visa status allows them to study in the U.S. City of Hope cannot assist with the change of status; please consult the USCIS website or an immigration attorney. See the requirements and processes below.

F-2 Dependents

Spouses or unmarried children under 21 are eligible for an F-2 dependent visa. F-2 dependents receive their I-20 for their visa application (DS-160) process. They may apply for a visa or travel to the U.S. with the F-1 principal simultaneously or later. F-2 dependents must stay in the U.S. for the same period as the F-1 principal, and they can study but not work.

STEM OPT Employment

Most City of Hope entities participate in the E-Verify program and can support the STEM OPT Training Plan (Form I-983) processing and employ individuals with STEM OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD). City of Hope's International Students and Scholars Office can assist with Form I-983 STEM OPT Training Plan.

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