The International Student Services Office assists current F-1 international students with maintaining their nonimmigrant student status. The office has three full-time staff members dedicated to serving international students:
- Kathy Smid: Manager, International Student Services/PDSO
- Gabi Carr: International Admissions Representative/DSO
- Kayla Chepyator: Program Coordinator, Community College Initiative Program
Students who have not yet received an I-20 document for international admission to College of DuPage should contact Gabi Carr, International Admissions Specialist, at (630) 942-2979, or by email at intladm@cod.edu.
Services Provided
The International Student Services Office helps F-1 students maintain their immigration status by offering the following services:
- Mandatory F-1 International Student Orientation (offered each term for new F-1 international students)
- Group information sessions for change of status, reinstatement and practical training (scheduled upon request)
- Change of Address
- Change of Major
- Change of Program Level
- Authorization for Reduced Course Load
- Program Extension;
- Transfer
- Signature for Travel
- Change of Status
- Reinstatement
- Full-Time Enrollment Verification
- Opening a Bank Account
- Invitation for Family to Apply for B-2 Visitor Visa
- Obtaining a Social Security Number
- Obtaining a Temporary Visitor Driver's License
- Individual appointments scheduled upon request
To request any of the documents from the International Student Services office, complete and submit a Document Request Form. Allow at least two business days to process your request (except for travel signature requests).
- Signature on I-20 for travel purposes
- Letter for F-1 verification/full-time enrollment
- Letter for Temporary Visitor Driver's License
- New I-20 for change of major
- Letter for opening a bank account
- Letter of financial verification/reference for apartment rental
- Replacement I-20 (for lost or damaged I-20 only)
- Letter to assist an immediate family member applying for a B-2 visitor visa
For additional information on credential evaluation, immigration, income tax, insurance or traveling internationally, visit the following resources:
Foreign Credential Evaluation
- Transcript Evaluation at COD
- Credential Evaluation Company Listing
- National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
Immigration
- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- United States Department of State
- Study in the States
Income Tax
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Illinois Department of Revenue
- Sprintax: US Tax Preparation for Nonresidents
International
International Student Insurance
Travel Outside the U.S.
Community College Initiative Program
The Community College Initiative (CCI) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, offers participants from underrepresented groups and underserved areas a one-year, non-degree academic experience at a U.S. community college. The goal of the program is to enhance technical skills, leadership abilities and English language proficiency through internships, service learning and the community college experience.Learn more about the CCI program.
Contact Information
Kathy Smid
Enrollment Center
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 2280
(630) 942-3328
Email: intlstdt@cod.edu
Regular Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Evening appointments are available upon request.