International Students
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday:
9:00 AM—5:00 PM or by appointment.
Contact Information
Welcome to CIAM International Student Success!
At CIAM, we are proud to welcome students from around the world into our various master’s programs. Our International Student Success Office is dedicated to supporting your academic journey, cultural transition, and overall well-being while you study with us. Start your application below
Quick Links
New International Students
CIAM has approval from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll nonimmigrant students in its MBA program. This allows CIAM to issue a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” and vouch for a student’s F-1 visa status.
Nonimmigrant students must meet the same admissions requirements for the program as all other prospective students. To be considered for admission, prospective students must be eligible to apply for a student visa (F-1) or must be resident in the United States in a temporary residency status that does not require a change of status in order to attend CIAM. Nonimmigrant students may only be enrolled on a full-time status and in the hybrid program. Once the student has enrolled, all changes in enrollment status, address, or program of study must be reported to the Registrar on an on-going basis and at the end of each term.
For more information on how to apply for or transfer your F-1 status, please contact [email protected].
I-20 Insurance
CIAM has approval from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll nonimmigrant students in its MBA program. This allows CIAM to issue a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” and vouch for a student’s F-1 visa status.
CIAM will not issue an I-20 until all requirements have been met. International students who are in the United States and already have a student visa will be processed as a transfer in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Other individuals already in the United States under a temporary status, which requires a change of status, must file an I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and pay any required fee to the appropriate agency prior to admission.
If you are currently in the US on an active F-1 status and have received an acceptance letter to CIAM’s MBA program, you must share the following information with your previous school to begin the SEVIS transfer process:
- A copy of your CIAM admissions letter.
- CIAM’s SEVIS school code:
- LOS214F54450000
Your requested SEVIS transfer date.
New transfer students must transfer their F-1 SEVIS record to CIAM before the start date of the following academic term. Failure to transfer by this deadline will result in a postponed program start date. Once you confirm your SEVIS transfer date with your previous school or if you need guidance on selecting your transfer date, please email [email protected].
If your SEVIS record is not in active status, DO NOT have your SEVIS record transferred to CIAM. Email [email protected] for further guidance.
Change of Status (COS)
If you have been admitted to CIAM, are currently in the US on a valid visa status other than F-1, and would like to be eligible for F-1 benefits (such as CPT or OPT), you may apply for a change of visa status (COS) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
NOTE: Applying for a COS does not guarantee a new visa status. The processing time for a COS can be lengthy. In some cases, applicants reported processing times of 1-2 years or longer. When possible, we recommend students apply for the F-1 visa at a US consulate in their home country. To view the estimated processing time for the I-539 – Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, visit USCIS’s Processing Times Page.
After being admitted to CIAM and receiving your F-1 I-20, you may begin your COS application with USCIS. You will need to fill out the I-539 form and provide supporting documents. The application form along with instructions can be found on the USCIS Page, I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. COS applicants may file online or via US mail.
International Student Advisers at CIAM may assist in answering basic questions regarding the COS process and the I-539 form, but CIAM may not submit the COS application on behalf of a student. If you wish to receive detailed guidance on the COS application process, we recommend working with an immigration attorney.
Depending on your current visa status, you may have the option to begin your studies at CIAM while your COS to F-1 is pending. However, you will not qualify for any F-1 benefits such as CPT. To learn more, please email [email protected]. If you cannot begin your studies at CIAM based on your current visa status or if you elect to wait until your F-1 status is approved before beginning your studies, the program start date on your I-20 will be deferred until your F-1 status is approved. An updated I-20 will be provided after deferring.
If you travel outside the US while your COS application is pending (including Mexico, Canada, or adjacent islands), USCIS will consider your COS application abandoned and cancel it.
When USCIS informs you that your COS to F-1 has been approved, you must notify us immediately by emailing a copy of your I-797 A, Notice of Action to [email protected].
Health Insurance Requirement
International applicants are required to have health insurance while attending CIAM. Health and accident insurance does not cover all medical expenses. In general, it covers the higher costs that result from accidents and serious illness. You may purchase the health insurance either in your home country prior to your travel, or after you arrive in the U.S. Please consider your options carefully, contact the International Student Success if you have any questions at [email protected].
If you choose to purchase International Student Insurance, the minimum coverage must provide:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness per policy year
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
- Medical evacuation to your home country in the amount of $50,000
CIAM has provided the following online resources to better assist you in your search for your insurance needs. These resources are provided for your consideration and are in no way affiliated with the school. You may visit the website or call to speak to a representative.
Compass Benefits Group
Tokio Marine HCC
HTH Worldwide
ISO Insurance
International Student Insurance
If you have been employed and will be employed during your study at CIAM on CPT, please provide proof of the health insurance sponsored by your employer confirming that you have at least the equivalent minimum coverage as stated above.