Frequently Asked Questions

All undergraduate students need to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits to be full-time. All graduate students need to be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credits to be full-time. Students may take 1 online course per semester.  

• Ex. 9 credits in person, 3 credits online to fulfill undergraduate full time status requirement
• Ex. 6 credits in person, 3 credits online to fulfill graduate full time status requirement  

Yes, as an international student you can acquire a driver’s license. Connecticut permits a student or visitor to operate a motor vehicle in Connecticut for up to one year with a foreign license. If the license is in a language other than English or Spanish, the license must be accompanied by an international driver permit, which serves as an English translation of the foreign license. For more information on requirement documents, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles.  

Yes, students need to report changes of addresses and additionally, any updates to personal information. You may request a Change of Address form at the Registrar’s Office. 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a benefit that allows students to participate in off campus internships, work, clinicals, externships or other experiential learning that is part of their academic programs and directly related to their majors. CPT must be authorized for both paid and unpaid experiences.  

• Eligibility: enrolled on a full-time basis for at least a full academic year 
• Application: Contact your DSO about applying for CPT. You must have internship, clinicals, etc. prior to requesting CPT. Please gather the following documents/information: 

Your employment offer letter on company letterhead stating how many hours per week, and start and end dates. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study. 

DSO requests OPT in SEVIS on behalf of the student. Student has to choose Pre Completion or Post Completion OPT. DSO gives student an updated I-20. Student must file I-765 “Application for Employment Authorization” within 30 day period after OPT recommendation. DO NOT turn in application before DSO recommends OPT, otherwise application will be denied and student will have to complete again and pay fee again. 

To apply for a social security number (SSN), go to www.ssa.gov and click on the Card & Record tab. Click Number and Card. Scroll to Request a Social Security number and begin the application online. Once completed, you must visit a Social Security office with your documentation within 45 calendar days. At the end of the application, you have the opportunity to schedule the in-person appointment at the SSA office.  

Documents/Information needed for in-person appointment: 

• Most recent copy of your I-20 
• Letter from university DSO stating your current school status and employer 
• Letter from supervisor stating your job, employment start date, number of hours you will be or expect to be working, supervisor’s name and contact information  
• Unexpired passport