» Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions for international students currently enrolled at Chapman.

If your question is not answered here or anywhere on our website, email us at iss@chapman.edu.

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F-1 students have a 60-day grace period in which they are permitted to do one of the following:

Begin a new program of study at Chapman University:
- Students must apply to the new program, be admitted, and be issued a Change of Education Level I-20 Form from the Graduate Admission Office.
Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Transfer to another institution:
- Students must apply to another institution, be admitted, and have Chapman transfer their SEVIS record to the new institution before the end of the 60-day grace period.
Apply for a change of status through USCIS:
- Application to change immigration status must be received by USCIS before the end of the grace period.
- ISS is unable to assist with the application process. Students should seek assistance from an immigration lawyer directly.
Depart the U.S. before the end of the grace period.

The U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Division indicates that invitation letters should come from the inviter (you). Support letters from our office would not be considered; thus, our university does not write invitation letters.

Here are a few recommendations of what to include in the letter:

Your name and immigration status in the U.S.
Your degree level at Chapman.
Name and date of birth of the visitor.
Your relationship with visitor (Parent, sibling, etc.).
Reason for the visit (Graduation Ceremony).
Approximate Arrival dates and departures.
State the visit is temporary and that the visitor will be returning home on the departure date.

You can also add your copy of Form I-20, I-94 record, and Unofficial Transcript.

» Frequently Asked Questions

What are my options after graduation from Chapman?

I want to invite my family to the U.S. to attend my graduation. Where can I request an invitation letter?

Contact ISS