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International Application & Immigration Process

International Application & Immigration Process

The Clayton State International Student Services (ISS) Office is here to support students applying to Clayton State.  Review this website to learn more about how to apply to Clayton State as an international student, the application, and immigration procedures.  

PLEASE NOTE: ISS is not involved in the admissions process. AFTER acceptance, ISS will issue immigration documents required for a new visa, or a SEVIS transfer.

ISS does not offer support for students seeking Reinstatement to F-1 status or a Change of Status to an F-1 Visa due to exceptionally long adjudication times. It is recommended that students seeking Reinstatement or Change of Status return to their home country and apply for an F-1 visa.

Admissions Process

Clayton State University
Edgewater Hall
Admissions Office
2000 Clayton State Blvd.
Morrow, GA 30260-0285

Phone Number:
(678) 466-4115

Email:
admissions@clayton.edu 

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday:
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Friday:
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

F1 Visa Process

There are 2 types of U.S student visas:

  • F-1: students admitted to a program of study. F1 students are the most common type of international student in the U.S. ISS is your primary contact on campus. Please see below.

  • J-1: exchange visitors participating in the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program. The OIP (Office of International Programs) is your primary contact on campus.

The steps below will assist you in the process of applying for an F1 Visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country. The F1 Visa and related documents allow you to travel to and enter the U.S.

STEP 1. Apply for Admission to the University

What Category of Applicant Are You?

STEP 2. Financial Verification

Regulations require international applicants to document their ability to fully pay for their first year of study. You must show adequate funding to cover not only tuition, but also meals, housing, books and insurance. The Financial Verification Form is used to complete this step. Students can't be issued an I-20 until this step has been completed.

If you have any dependents, please see our F-1 & J-1 Dependents Website to learn more about the additional requirements that need to be submitted.  

Note: Please read the form carefully and submit all necessary documentation to the ISS@clayton.edu email. 

STEP 3. Issuance of an Initial I-20

Once Steps 1 and 2 are complete, ISS will use information you provided to issue an "initial" form I-20.

This documentation will be sent to your Clayton State email address.  Please make sure you have taken the necessary steps to access your Clayton State email.  

If you require tech support assistance for accessing you email please reach out to The Hub by visiting their website

STEP 4. Application for the F-1 Visa

Once you receive the "initial" I-20, you are eligible to apply for the F-1 Student Visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country.

Check out our helpful resources here for additional assistance with this step: 

Note 1: Transfer Students: If you are transferring from another U.S. college or university, your SEVIS record must be transferred to Clayton State before ISS can issue a Clayton State form I-20. Please complete the Transfer In-Request Form.

Note 2: Next Degree Level Students: If you are a current Clayton State student who will begin a higher degree level program at Clayton State (ex: BA to MBA) you will need to provide new/updated financial certification and verification documents before an updated I-20 for your new degree can be issued.