International Services

“Their Potential Is Our Priority”

(626) 812-3055
issimmigrationsvcs@apu.edu

International Services provides relevant resources and services to student-scholars from around the world. Services include a mandatory Global Student Orientation, immigration services, and cross-cultural support services. Numerous activities are provided throughout the year to introduce students to Southern California.

In addition, International Services promotes international understanding through specialized training and international awareness festivities on campus—for example, International Services cosponsors annual events such as Global Expressions, World Night Market, and Welcome events.

International Campus Fellowships

International students of APU form numerous Christian fellowship groups that meet regularly on campus to promote understanding of the Christian faith and provide opportunities for building friendships. Examples of these intercultural groups and ethnic organizations include Huaren Fellowship, Japanese Outreach, the Black Student Association, and the Middle Eastern Student Association. Learn more about APU’s intercultural groups and ethnic organizations.

Financial Aid

At present, limited scholarships are available at the postbaccalaureate level. Some teacher assistantships or graduate internships are available in some departments. For more information, see the specific program area.

Health Insurance

Any international student studying at APU on an I-20 or DS 2019 (F or J visa status) issued by APU must purchase APU student health insurance, which is paid twice a year and covers the student for 12 months. Student health insurance becomes invalid upon graduation or withdrawal from APU.

U.S. Immigration

Azusa Pacific University employs three international student advisers to assist students with immigration issues, from the initial issuing of the immigration documents to any immigration concerns or questions during their stay at the university. APU has been authorized to issue the I-20 (F-1 visa status) and the DS 2019 (J-1 visa status) by the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State.

APU is not responsible for the decisions made by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Legal Requirements for F-1 or J-1 International Students

To maintain legal status, the international student1 must:

  1. Be full time. For most master’s degree students in a 16-week term, 9 units is considered full time. For the 8-week term, 9 units over two 8-week terms is required. Doctoral degree students must carry a minimum of 6 units of weekly professor contact hours to maintain full-time status. Master’s degree students may not take more than one online or independent study class for every 9 units of coursework. For any exceptions to this policy, make an appointment with an ISS immigration adviser for counsel.
  2. Work only on campus. U.S. regulations allow F-1 and J-1 students to work on campus for 20 hours a week during the academic year or full time during vacation periods. (J-1 status students will need written verification by the Responsible Officer before starting employment on or off campus). Any off-campus employment must be officially authorized by the U.S. government. To obtain information about working off campus, students should make an appointment in the International Center for counsel. J-1 research scholars have different employment regulations; see immigration adviser for details.
  3. Report any change of name or address. The U.S. government requires notification within 10 days of any name or address change. Students must report the location of their physical residence (not a post office box) to:
  4. Obey all laws of the United States. For details of other specific immigration laws that could affect F-1 or J-1 status, contact ISS.

The above requirements do not constitute a comprehensive list. Students are also responsible for immigration laws not stated here.

1

An international student at APU is defined as any individual not holding a U.S. residency or citizenship. Any non-U.S. resident/citizen is required to apply to APU through the International Center.

Full-time status for international doctoral students in either F-1 or J-1 status should be consistent with university policy for full-time students. A minimum of 6 units per semester is considered full time, with the option of each school/program determining more for full-time status. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State require students to remain in full-time status during their entire academic program. There are instances in which an individual is permitted to carry less than a full-time schedule; for information on these instances, contact the ISS.

No more than the equivalent of one class or 3 units per term may be taken online or through distance education if the individual is in the U.S. and enrolled as a full-time F-1 or J-1 student.

If an individual is enrolled in an intensive study program (classes meeting on campus twice a year for sessions of two to three weeks, such as in the DMin or EdD programs), the student must leave the U.S. between terms or may remain and take one additional in-class course during the term separating the two intensives.