International Student Guide

International Admisson for Undergraduate Students

Please use this handbook along with other MICA handbooks as you become settled in Baltimore.

Visit the Office of International Education with any questions, or if you are not sure where to find help on campus. Check our events calendar for special workshops for F-1 students.

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Walk-In Hours: Mon-Wed 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Bunting Center, Room 200
Phone: +1 410 225-2243
Email: internationaleducation@mica.edu

*Please make appointments for immigration paperwork and issues at least two weeks in advance.*

Mike Rini
Associate Director, Education Abroad and Exchange Services

Brandie Shackelford
Assistant Director, International Student Services

View Limawararut
Administrative Assistant

Arrival and Orientation

The first few days in the U.S. can sometimes feel overwhelming for students who arrive from different countries and/or attend college for the first time. MICA organizes a special orientation program for all new students designed to help you learn about MICA and become a part of the community.

All international students with F-1 visas are required to arrive on time and attend the orientation. Carry the following items with you when you travel to the United States:

Passport and Visa
Form I-20
Proof of SEVIS fee payment
Copy of the financial documents used to obtain your I-20 and F-1 visa
Copies of any previously issued I-20s or other immigration documents
Traveling funds

F-1 students may arrive in the U.S. as early as thirty days before the program start date on your I-20. It is very important to enter the U.S. using your F-1 student visa, not your tourist visa or through a visa waiver program.

Student Resources

Arrival to the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is HIGHLY recommended. It is the closest airport to MICA and the only airport in Baltimore.

Shuttle Service: During Fall Orientation only, MICA offers a free airport shuttle from BWI airport to MICA’s dorms on move-in day from 7 am to 4 pm. You will receive an email during the summer about shuttle information and how to sign up before Orientation.
Ride Services (Uber/Lyft): Ride services/App-based ride services pick up and drop off passengers at the terminal curbs on the Upper Level/Departures.
Light Rail Service: You may take the Light Rail from BWI to a stop close to MICA however if you are traveling with a lot of luggage, it is recommended you take a taxi/car/shuttle to MICA. One way fare on the Light Rail costs $2.00 and the stop closest to MICA is the University of Baltimore/Mt. Royal stop. You will want to head south on West Mt. Royal (up the hill) towards MICA’s campus. For more information, go to http://mta.maryland.gov/light-rail

Complete the form below to request shuttle pickup for orientation move-in day:
Flight Information - Shuttles from BWI

MICA Transportation offers free services for students to assist with their transportation needs. All services operate during the academic school year.

Evening Shuttle: The MICA Evening Safety Shuttle offers free transportation to students who live within a limited range near MICA in Bolton Hill, Charles Village, Mount Vernon, and Reservoir Hill.
The MICA Circulator is a shuttle that operates on a fixed route schedule that covers all campus buildings, as well as several nearby shopping locations.
Shopping Shuttles: These shopping shuttles runs exclusively to H-Mart and Target at Canton Crossing bi-weekly.

Emergency Dispatch: +1 443 423-3333
Non-Emergency: +1 410 225-2355

Campus Safety officers patrol the MICA campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There are security guards and student monitors at Campus Safety desks near the entrances of most campus buildings.

If you are a victim of a crime or witness a crime or other emergency (accident, fire, medical, etc.), report it to Baltimore City Police/Fire/Ambulance (911) and then notify MICA Campus Safety. To reach Campus Safety, go to a staffed lobby Security Desk or call +1 410 225-2355.

MICA has an emergency notification system called Rave Guardian, which is free for all students, faculty, and staff. When you press a panic button on your cell phone, Rave Guardian will send an emergency notification to Campus Safety. To register, go to http://www.getrave.com/login/mica.

Campus Safety provides a 24 hour walking escort service to help you reach home safely. To request an escort, call Campus Safety.

International students are allowed to get a driver license, it will be valid for the program dates listed on your I-20.

There are specific step that students will need to follow, which you can find here.

The Social Security Administration will give a SSN to F-1 students who have secured paid employment.

A social security number (SSN) is used by employers to report tax and social security withholdings. An SSN is not required for opening a bank account, registering for school, filing a U.S. tax form or applying for a Maryland driver's license.

More info about Social Security numbers can be found here.

There are many opportunities for you to work in the U.S. while you are enrolled and after graduation. Please make sure you understand F-1 employment rules before agreeing to work for someone.

On-campus student worker position:

All F-1 students are eligible to work on campus.
You may begin working on campus immediately after arriving at MICA; If you already have a Social Security Number, you do not need to obtain special permission from the Office of International Education.
Do not work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session.
F-1 students are not eligible for work-study positions; only domestic student receiving federal funding may apply for work-study positions.
iLEAD: Leadership positions on-campus; may be paid or unpaid positions.
Review Student Position Openings on MICA's Careers page.

CPT: Curricula Practical Training (Off campus/internship):
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is the program for F-1 students through which you may be authorized to work off-campus in the United States before you graduate. Work that is part of this program must be credit-bearing practical training that is part of your course or degree.

After you attend MICA full time as an F-1 student for at least two consecutive semesters in good academic standing, you may apply for CPT.
The CPT employment must be related to your degree program.
You may work part-time (20 hours per week or less) while school is in session or any number of hours (full or part-time) during vacation periods. Vacation periods are Winter Break and Summer Break only.
CPT authorization is granted by the Office of International Education and registered with the U.S. government.

Local banks will be represented at the Resource Fair at the MICA orientation, or you can visit a branch to open an account once you become settled in Baltimore.

Having a local bank account will enable you to make money deposits/withdrawals and perform other banking activities while in Baltimore.

Banks Nearby to MICA:

M & T Bank: 715 N Howard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, ATM on campus in Fox Building
PNC Bank: 1100 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Chase Bank: 3222 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218; 1209 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201 (ATM only)
Wells Fargo: 7 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21202; 62 W Oliver St, Baltimore, MD 21217 (ATM only)

Documents you will need when opening an account:

Passport, valid 6+ months into the future
F-1 Visa
I-20
MICA ID card
Note: You do not need a social security number in order to open a bank account*

Each time you travel outside of the United States you will need the following documents to re-enter:

Your I-20 with a travel signature
Valid F-1 Visa
Passport
Admission letter or unofficial transcripts

F-1 Procedures

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have established many rules and procedures that are your responsibility to understand and follow.

Every international student at MICA is expected to be responsible for their immigration status by following these procedures:

Inform International Education if you move to a new address or change your phone number.
Check your passport and make sure it is always valid for at least six months into the future.
Notify International Education if any details listed on your I-20 have changed: your degree program, graduation date, financial sponsors, dependents, etc.
Before traveling internationally, make sure your immigration documents are in place for your return.
- On the date you re-enter the US your F-1 visa must be valid.
- On the date you re-enter the US Page 2 of your I-20 must have a travel signature dated not older than 12 months from a member of International Education staff.
Allow enough time for the Office of International Education to process your paperwork requests, especially when time limits are important (for extensions to your program, applications for practical training, travel signatures before school break, etc.) A minimum of one week is required.
Make an appointment with your Academic Advisor to discuss any academic concerns or problems with faculty or classes.
Always discuss employment opportunities (on-campus or off-campus), internships, or volunteer work with the Office of International Education.

The passport is the formal permit from your own country’s government to travel abroad. Your passport should be valid for six months into the future whenever you enter the US. While in the US, you may renew your passport at a Consulate for your home country or at the Embassy in Washington, D.C. Contact your embassy or consulate directly to verify the proper procedures. If you passport is lost or stolen, obtain a replacement as soon as possible.

When you enter the US the border official should stamp your passport and write F-1 D/S. If something else is written, contact International Education.

The visa is a stamp issued by the US Consulate in your home country and placed in your passport. The visa authorizes you to apply for entry to the United States.

It is your responsibility to check your visa and be sure of the type, number of entries permitted, and the dates the visa is valid. If your visa expires during your course of study, you must apply for a new visa while you are outside the US, either at the American Consulate in your home country or the country you are visiting. Remember: Visas may only be obtained from outside the US. You may not renew your visa from inside the US.

Everybody is assigned an I-94 number when they enter the US. You will receive a new I-94 number every time you enter the US. You may need to know your I-94 number if you apply for a drivers license, social security number, etc. I-94 numbers are recorded digitally. To retrieve your I-94 number, log on to: http://i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

You must present an I-20 when you apply for an F-1 visa at the US Consulate, and again when you enter the United States. It is a good idea to keep your I-20 with your passport and be sure that it is accessible at all times.

If you lose your I-20, contact the Office of International Education immediately for a replacement. It is a good idea to keep a photocopy of your 1-20 in a safe place.

If you forget to obtain a travel signature before you leave the US, contact the Office of International Education immediately. You will be responsible for the cost of mailing a new I-20 to your location abroad.

If you think you may not complete your degree by the program end date on your I-20, contact the Office of International Education as soon as possible. Depending on your circumstances, International Education may be able to extend your program end date and issue a new I-20. To receive a program extension, you must provide new financial documents similar to the ones you submitted to receive your initial I-20.

Regulations on employment for F-1 students are very strict. When you applied for an F-1 visa, you had to prove access to sufficient funds to maintain yourself for at least one year in the United States. The government’s expectation is that you will not need to work to support yourself financially. Persons with F-2 status (dependents of F-1 students) are not permitted to work.

Any type of work is considered employment, even an unpaid internship or selling your own artwork. Providing a service for compensation other than money (for example, babysitting in exchange for free room and board) is also considered work.

Please read the sections (below) about On-Campus Employment, CPT and OPT for further information about your employment and internship options while you are studying on an F-1 visa.

All F-1 students are eligible to work on campus. You may begin applying for on-campus jobs immediately after arriving at MICA; you do not need to obtain special permission from the Office of International Education. Paychecks must be issued by MICA, Parkhurst, or Campus Safety, and the job must be located on campus. You may work part time (20 hours per week or less) while classes are in session. During vacation periods when classes are not in session, you may work any number of hours.

At MICA, some on-campus jobs are reserved for students who qualify for a US government program called Federal Work-Study. F-1 students are not eligible for these work-study jobs.

After two consecutive semesters in F-1 status, you will be eligible for OPT. OPT authorization allows you to work off-campus.

There are two kinds of OPT: pre-completion and post-completion. You may apply for pre-completion OPT before you finish your degree program. Pre-completion OPT may be part-time while classes are in session, and part-time or full-time during vacation periods.
F-1 students are permitted to complete 12 months of OPT work per degree level. Most students use their OPT allocation AFTER graduation.
All OPT work must be in your field of study and require your level of education. Self-employment is permitted (be careful to follow all applicable business and tax laws related to self employment.
OPT authorization is granted by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You cannot apply for OPT by yourself; you must obtain a new I-20 from the International Education office to submit with the OPT application. The application fee is currently $380 and the government will take 60-90 days to review your application. Approval is not guaranteed.
You are not eligible to work until you receive an authorization card (EAD) and reach the start date listed on the card. Detailed information can be found on the International Education website.

All F-1 students must submit a federal tax form each year, even students who did not earn any money during the year. Students who earn income must submit both federal and Maryland state tax forms. The Office of International Education will send an email with more information at the appropriate time each year, but we cannot provide individual tax advice or complete the forms for you. You can obtain personal assistance from local state and federal tax offices.

F-1 visa holders are not subject to laws related to service in the United States military. However, male students in immigrant status (including legal permanent residents, illegal aliens, and refugees) are subject to these laws and must register with the Selective Service System.

Applying for Your F-1

Applying for your F-1 visa is a multi-step process and it is very important that you complete all of the steps necessary.

An I-20 is an immigration document provided by MICA that certifies you have been accepted to the college, that you can fund your first year of study, and includes information about your start date, graduation date, and major.
You will submit the documents needed to receive your I-20 to your Admissions Counselor, not to International Education. Once your I-20 is created, MICA Admissions will send your I-20 to you.
I-20s will be sent electronically according to the US Department of Homeland Security guidelines for F1 students. You must be print and sign the I-20 before visa interviews and travel to the US.

If you are already in the U.S. on F-1 status at a high school or college, you have already paid the SEVIS fee. If you ask your school to transfer your SEVIS record to MICA, you will NOT need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
If you do not currently have an F-1 visa, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee, a fee the U.S. Government uses to pay for administration of F-1 visas. You pay the SEVIS fee at http://www.fmjfee.com/. You will need your MICA I-20 in order to pay the fee.

You will need to visit the website of your local U.S. consulate or embassy for visa application procedures. However, all applicants will need to complete Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, to apply for your F-1 visa.

Canadian Citizens ONLY: You do not need to apply for an F-1 visa online. You will obtain your F-1 visa at the border. You will need to bring the documents listed in “Attend Visa Interview” section below to show the U.S. Border Agency Official when entering the United States.

Note: Your visa application fee is separate from your SEVIS fee.

After completing your visa application, you will want to schedule your visa interview at your local consulate or embassy. Make sure to check the consulate or embassy’s website about service hours and what you can and cannot bring to your interview.

You will want to bring the following items to your visa interview:

Proof of admission to MICA (Your acceptance letter)
Proof of payment of the visa application fee
Your MICA I-20
Proof of payment of the SEVIS fee
Passport (Valid at least six months into the future)
Financial support documents
Documents proving your intent to return to your home country after you complete your degree program (Examples: Employment, family obligations, future education, etc.)

Make sure to check all of the information on your visa and immediately contact your consulate or embassy if any information is wrong.

Emergency Info

Here at MICA, we have several services in place to help students experiencing medical emergencies. This resource sheet will help you understand who to call if you are experiencing a medical issue.

If you are still unsure as to whom to call, here are some helpful numbers:

Student Affairs: +1 410 225-2422
International Education: +1 410 225-2243

During the day from Monday to Friday, if you are feeling ill, contact Student Health Services at +1 410 225-4118. If you are too sick to walk over to Student Health, contact the Campus Safety Emergency Line at +1 443 423-3333. Campus Safety will come to your apartment and either help transport you to Student Health Services or call 911 for an ambulance. Campus Safety can also retrieve a wheelchair from the Student Health Center on a short-term basis.
During the evening or weekend, contact Campus Safety at +1 443 423-3333. Campus Safety will either transport you to the emergency room or call 911 for an ambulance. If Campus Safety takes you to the emergency room, they will ask you to bring a roommate or a friend who can let them know when you are ready to be picked up and brought back to campus.
If you don’t have a friend who can go with you to the emergency room, please ask Campus Safety to contact the Residence Life Staff Person on-call or the Student Affairs Staff Person on-call to assist you.
Once you are back on-campus, if your medical emergency results in missing class, please call the MICA Student Development Specialist, at +1 410 225-2422.
If you have follow-up medical appointments off campus, please call the Student Development Specialist so they can work with you on a transportation plan and support. They can also help you if you have sustained physical injuries that provide challenges for you in the classroom by identifying potential accommodations.

STUDENTS EXPERIENCING LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES (FAINTED, PASSED-OUT, ETC.) CALL 9-1-1.

During the day from Monday to Friday, call Student Health Services at +1 410 225-4118. If you are too sick and live near campus, call Campus Safety at +1 443 423-3333 to determine if they can help transport you to Student Health or the emergency room.
During the evening or weekend, first try calling Campus Safety at +1 443 423-3333 to determine if they can help. Otherwise contact 9-1-1 for an ambulance.
If you don’t have a friend who can go with you to the emergency room, please have Campus Safety contact the Residence Life Staff Person or call the Student Affairs Staff Person on-call to assist you.
Once you are back on campus, if your medical emergency results in missing class, please call the Student Development Specialist, at +1 410 225-2422.

getting settled at MICA and in Baltimore

Arrival and Orientation

Student Resources

F-1 Procedures

Applying for Your F-1

Emergency Info

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