Residential Pre-Collegiate Summer Session programs require a student visa for students who are not U.S. citizens. If you are already on a visa in the U.S. that permits you to study over the summer, you may not require visa sponsorship from the University of Chicago.
Please refer to the chart below to determine which option best describes your situation; this will indicate to you whether you need to request an I-20 from UChicago and subsequently apply for a F-1 visa stamp.
Do I need a Student F-1 Visa?
|
Your Current Status |
Visa document needed from University of Chicago? |
Explanation |
|
I am a current High School student and not a U.S. citizen. I will be attending one of the following High School programs: Immersion, Research in the Biological Sciences, or Stones and Bones. I do not have a student visa (F-1 or J-1 visa); nor do I have an F-2, J-2, H-4, T-D, or other type of dependent visa status in the U.S. |
Yes |
Proof of student status is required to qualify for a student visa. |
|
I am a current High School student and not a U.S. citizen. I will be attending one of the following High School programs: Immersion, Research in the Biological Sciences or Stones and Bones. I have a tourist (B-1 or B-2) visa. |
Yes |
Entering the U. S. to take credit classes under a tourist visa is a violation of visa status. If a student is found to be in violation of visa status it will make getting a visa in the future very difficult. |
|
I am current High School student and not a U.S. citizen. I will be attending one of the following High School programs: Immersion, Research in the Biological Sciences, or Stones and Bones. I am a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country and plan to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) |
Yes |
For credit study is not allowed under the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA. |
|
I was admitted to an Enrichment Program or Pre-College Connect. Do I need to request an I-20 or DS-2019? |
No |
You can participate in these programs with a tourist visa. |
|
I am a current student with an I-20 or DS-2019 from a different U.S. institution that is valid through summer 2024 |
No |
If you are maintaining your immigration record at your home institution, no SEVIS transfer of your immigration record is necessary |
|
I am a recent graduate from a U.S. institution and am on active or pending F-1 post-completion OPT |
No |
You can participate in a non-degree bearing program while on OPT or while your OPT is pending |
|
I am in F-2, J-2, H-4, T-D, or other type of dependent visa status in the U.S. |
No |
As a dependent of those in F-1, J-1, H-1B, or TN status, you are eligible to participate in Summer Session courses without additional sponsorship |
|
I am a Canadian citizen and none of the above apply to me, do I need to request an I-20 or DS-2019? |
Yes |
You will need an I-20 issued from the University of Chicago but will not need to apply for an F-1 visa to enter the U.S. Citizens of Canada are not required obtain a visa stamp from a U.S. consulate/embassy but do require an I-20 or DS-2019. |