International Students

International Students

In June 2017, WSMS-TEP was approved by the Student Exchange Visa Program (SEVP) to issue I-20 forms to international students. The I-20 allows the adult learner to apply for an F-1 student visa to study in the U.S. throughout the duration of their teacher education program.

In addition to completing the WSMS-TEP application, students seeking an I-20 must also complete an in-person or virtual interview with Sheba Kapur. Students are required to provide financial information verifying they are able to cover tuition and living expenses while enrolled in the program.

Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. It is advised that international students submit their WSMS-TEP program application as soon as possible in order to ensure they have enough time to apply for the F1 visa. U.S. Embassy wait times can be found at this link.

An additional $250 administrative fee will be owed by the student if an extension is approved after the initial program end date. Extensions are granted only in rare cases and must be justified by extenuating circumstances.

If you have questions about the student visa program, please contact Sheba Kapur at skapur@wsmsnyc.org.

F1 Student Responsibilities

Hold a valid passport at all times. It is recommended that you keep your passport valid at least six months into the future.
Continually attend WSMS-TEP classes and complete assignments during the period of your program study dates.
Maintain good academic progress toward completing your credential.
Communicate with the Level Coordinator and International Student Coordinator if you experience difficulty completing assignments and staying on track to complete the program by the end date.
Report any address, email, or legal name changes to the International Student Coordinator within 10 days.
Maintain required health and accident insurance.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus work permission for F-1 international students who are currently pursuing a course of study in the United States and want to gain experience in their fields of study. CPT is not available after a student completes a degree program.

International students at WSMS-TEP may utilize CPT in order to complete their teaching practicum in the U.S.

CPT training must meet all of the following stipulations:

Training relates directly to the student’s major area of study, i.e. in a Montessori school.
CPT occurs before the student’s program end date on the Form I-20.
Authorization is for one specific employer and for a specific period of time.
A Designated School Official (DSO) authorizes CPT in SEVIS, and the authorization is printed on the student’s Form I-20.
Failing to obtain CPT approval prior to starting your CPT training experience will lead to immediate termination of your immigration record.

Once an appropriate internship has been approved by the Practicum Coordinator, students must obtain CPT authorization on their I-20 from a Designated School Official at WSMS-TEP before beginning employment; authorization cannot be back-dated. CPT authorization requires 10 business days to process.

Please note, if you plan to work in the U.S. you must also have a social security number. You will find more information about applying for your SSN at ssa.gov.

Travel Endorsements

A signed I-20 is not required to depart the U.S.; however, international students reentering the U.S. must ensure they have a valid travel endorsement on page two of their I-20. Only Designated School Officials (DSO) are permitted to sign the I-20 for travel.

Students who need a travel signature must request one prior to their departure from the U.S. A travel signature requires 10 business days processing time. Please arrange your travel/re-entry plans accordingly.

Please be sure to check the following before you travel:

Do you have your most recently issued I-20? Find the “Date Issued” in the “School Attestation” section on page 1 as well as the “Current Session Dates” on page 2. Email the International Student Coordinator (skapur@wsmsnyc.org) to request a new I-20, if necessary.
Is the I-20 travel signature valid? On your most recent I-20, check the travel signature in the “Travel Endorsement” section (page 2). The travel signature is valid for one year from the signature date or until the program end date listed on page 1 of your I-20, whichever date comes first.
Students requiring a new travel signature must request one prior to their departure from the U.S.Please arrange your travel/reentry plans accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions