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Important international topics

Traveling to the U.S. as an F-1 visa holder

F-1 students may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days (about four and a half weeks) before the start date of their program as listed on their I-20 using the F-1 visa only. Students should not enter using a different visa such as a tourist visa.

All international students entering the U.S. for their first term of study are required to enroll in on-ground courses. No more than one of your courses may be online.

Students must check in with SCAD ISSO in person, attend on-ground orientation activities, and participate in an online course about visas. New students — and those attending SCAD Atlanta or SCAD Savannah for the first time — will be sent a link to access the course, which will be accessible during the week of orientation.

F-1 visa holders should carry the following with them to enter the U.S. and check-in:

  • SEVIS I-20
  • Passport

Once you have received your I-20 form, you need to apply for a visa to enter the U.S. Students cannot apply for an F-1 visa more than 365 days before the start date of their program of study. Before arranging a visa interview, all F-1 applicants must pay the I-901 fee to activate the SEVIS I-20. The fee may be paid electronically. Once you have paid the fee, print out your receipt and bring it with you to your consular interview. Students must visit a U.S. embassy or consulate and present the following recommended documentation:

  • Valid passport
  • Valid visa (except for non-residents from Canada or the Bahamas)
  • SEVIS I-20 issued by SCAD
  • I-901 fee receipt

Upon arrival, all international students on F-1 non-immigrant visas are required to register for a full course load (15 credit hours for undergraduate students, 10 credit hours for graduate students, and 20 hours for ESL students) each quarter. Your first-quarter course schedule is predetermined by an academic adviser based on your ESL placement results. Additional information is available at travel.state.gov.

Pre-F-1 students

F-1 visa holders who will delay their entry to the U.S. and begin their classes online outside of the U.S. are considered "pre-F-1 students" until they start their first quarter of study within the U.S. Students who have not yet activated their F-1 status by way of U.S. entry and first quarter SEVIS I-20 registration are not yet subject to the immigration rules of the F-1 visa.

Pre-F-1 students should not enroll in on-ground courses.

SCAD Language Studio

All new international students for whom English is not their first language are required to take an English language placement test at the time of enrollment for their first academic quarter. Students who do not qualify for an exemption will be placed in the appropriate level based upon test results and will be required to complete English as a Second Language classes through the SCAD Language Studio before enrolling in the regular curriculum.

For questions about testing or the SCAD Language Studio, email sls@scad.edu.

Mail and receiving packages

Shopping online is a good way to safely purchase daily living items for both residence hall rooms and non-university housing. The ISSO department page in MySCAD lists commonly used online shopping platforms. You can learn more about mail services and Amazon locker usage on the SCAD residence life website. SCAD does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Wiring money and telegrams

When making payments, students can wire transfers to SCAD's bank in U.S. dollars. Allow five to seven business days for the bank to notify SCAD. Indicate the student's name and SCAD ID number at the bank of origin and pay any transfer fees.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
136 Bull St.
Savannah, GA 31401 USA

Routing number: 121000248
For further credit to: The Savannah College of Art and Design
Account number: 2000027630095
For final credit to: name of student and ID number
Swift number: WFBIUS6S (for international wires)

Failure to include the student's name on the wire transfer transaction may lead to lost funds. Remember to pay any applicable transfer fees at the bank of origin. Allow five to seven business days for the bank to notify SCAD. Indicate the student's name and SCAD ID number at the bank of origin.

Health insurance

Health and accident insurance is mandatory for all international students on non-immigrant visas. SCAD provides a reasonably priced policy that covers international students throughout their studies at SCAD. Dependent coverage may be arranged once you arrive in Savannah. Learn more about health care for international students.

Contact

Atlanta ISSO
404.253.3104
issoatl@scad.edu

Savannah ISSO
912.525.7304
isso@scad.edu

The ISSO sends out a biweekly newsletter email that highlights upcoming events and exhibitions at SCAD and in the community, as well as other important information for international students. You will automatically receive ISSO news once you arrive and complete orientation.