International Students
At Atlantis University, we’re very proud of the international character and cultural diversity of our students. We welcome students from every corner of the world. We also take the international admissions process very seriously. That’s why we’ll give you all the support you need through every step of this journey.
Current International Students
AU students holding an F-1 visa are responsible for complying with the rules and guidelines of their immigration status established by the Department of Homeland Security, SEVP/SEVIS, and the university. Failure to comply with these regulations will place your SEVIS record or I-20 status at risk of termination.
F-1 Status Maintenance as per SEVP Regulations
The following employment authorizations may be available to F-1 students, subject to eligibility and DSO approval: CPT (offered only for the MBA with Concentrations program), Pre-OPT, OPT, STEM OPT, and Economic Hardship authorization. Additional employment authorizations may apply as approved by USCIS.
Enroll in a full-time course.
Undergraduates: must take 12 credits per semester.
Graduate students: must take 6 credits per semester.
Maintain the required attendance established by the university.
At Atlantis University, the minimum attendance rate is 80% per semester.
Report your most current U.S. address
And maintain a valid, unexpired I-20.
Remain in compliance with SEVIS regulations related to working in the U.S.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
In accordance with SEVP Broadcast Messages 2608-01 (August 12, 2026) and 2608-02 (August 24, 2026), Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a form of employment authorization available to F-1 students only when practical training is an integral and required part of an established academic curriculum, as defined by SEVP regulations. CPT is not an elective option — it is only authorized for programs in which practical training is a required component of the curriculum for all students enrolled, regardless of citizenship.
At this time, the only Atlantis University program approved for CPT is the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Concentrations, through its required practicum course, MBA 710 (Applied Business Experience). All students enrolled in this program must complete this practicum as a condition of graduation.
Students in other graduate or undergraduate programs are not currently eligible for CPT authorization, as practical training is not a required component of those curricula.
Graduate International Students
Summer Breaks & Annual Vacations
Atlantis University is a semester-based institution, operating three semesters per year: Winter, Summer, and Fall. Each semester is 16 weeks (4 months) in length and is divided into four terms: A, B, C, and D.
- Summer breaks apply to undergraduate programs, and to some graduate programs. Students should confirm with their academic advisor whether their program includes a summer break.
- For programs with a summer break, the break occurs during Summer Terms C and D (typically July and August).
- Students planning to travel during a break must meet with their DSO to obtain a travel signature on their I-20 and confirm that all academic and administrative obligations — including outstanding holds, financial obligations, and enrollment requirements — have been met.
Graduate Students
- Graduate students are required to be enrolled full-time (6 credits) each semester, comply with all program and university obligations as stated in the University Catalog, and complete their program of study within the timeframe allowed by the university.
- As per SEVP policy, students may take one Distance Education course (up to three (3) credits) per semester after completing their first academic year in the program, provided they remain enrolled full-time.
- International students facing extenuating circumstances that may require a Leave of Absence should meet with their international student advisor to discuss the impact on their F-1 status.
Online Classes for International Students Policy
International students on F-1 status must be enrolled in a campus-based program of study and may not enroll in a distance education program. See the University Catalog for the definition of campus-based and distance education programs. As an exception, students may take one online course (up to three (3) credits) per semester as part of their full course of study, as permitted under SEVP/SEVIS regulations.
For additional information, please refer to the following link:
Summer Vacation Policy
F-1 students may be eligible for one annual vacation period, taken during their program’s designated summer break, without it affecting their F-1 status. To remain eligible, students must meet the following requirements:
- Complete one full academic year (two consecutive semesters, or eight consecutive months).
- Meet the required attendance and academic performance standards.
Be advised: all students taking a summer vacation must pre-register for the following semester and obtain clearance with the Bursar’s Office prior to the start of the vacation period.
For additional information regarding SEVP/SEVIS annual vacation, you may visit the following link:
Leave of Absence
Leave of Absence is separate and distinct from a planned summer or annual vacation. Students taking a scheduled break during an approved vacation period should follow the Summer Vacation Policy above, not the Leave of Absence process.
Leave of Absence requests are granted only to international students facing extenuating circumstances, such as critical medical conditions or emergencies. Students should contact their DSO before submitting a request; additional documentation may be required depending on individual circumstances. A student’s SEVIS record may be terminated during a leave of absence.
Administrative and Tuition Fees
A student’s financial obligations to the university remain in effect regardless of enrollment status — including during regular class terms, an approved summer break, or a Leave of Absence.
Students are responsible for complying with their program’s tuition and fee obligations as stated in their enrollment agreement. Failure to do so may result in restricted access to the student portal and inability to attend classes.
Scholarship and Grants — Loss of Eligibility
Students who have been awarded a University scholarship for more than one semester and subsequently withdraw before completing the program for which the scholarship was awarded will lose the scholarship for their final semester of attendance and will be responsible for repaying the corresponding balance.
Application Checklist
Use this checklist as a guide to what you’ll need to enroll at Atlantis University and to help keep track of submitted materials.
Undergraduate Application
- Completed Atlantis University application form.
- A non-refundable application fee of $50 (USD).
- A copy of your current passport, including a photo, name, address, and date of birth as they appear on the document.
- Official high school transcripts, translated into English.
- Test results from one of the following: IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English Academic, iTEP, or Cambridge English Qualifications. Certificates from English-language schools are also accepted.
- A bank letter confirming reliable financial support upon arrival in the United States. All applicants must provide a copy of a bank statement showing recent deposit and withdrawal activity, a sponsor’s bank statement, or other written proof of financial support sufficient to cover tuition and living expenses, as determined by the Office of International Affairs.
Graduate Application
- Completed Atlantis University application form.
- A non-refundable application fee of $100 (USD).
- Official transcripts, translated into English.
- A bank letter confirming reliable financial support upon arrival in the United States. All applicants must provide a copy of a bank statement showing recent deposit and withdrawal activity, a sponsor’s bank statement, or other written proof of financial support sufficient to cover tuition and living expenses, as determined by the Office of International Affairs.
- Test results from one of the following: IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English Academic, iTEP, or Cambridge English Qualifications. Certificates from English-language schools are also accepted.
- Proof of one year of professional experience.
Send the application document package to: Atlantis University, 1011 Sunnybrook Rd, Miami, FL 33136, United States.
What Happens Next?
Once all application documents have been submitted and reviewed, the university will issue an admissions decision. If admission is granted, students will receive: a formal letter of acceptance, an I-20 form, enrollment instructions, and information about housing and travel arrangements.
- A formal letter of acceptance
- An I-20 form
- Enrollment instructions
- Information about housing and travel arrangements
Obtain Visa
Applicants for a campus-based degree program are required to obtain the proper visa to study full-time.
What Is the Form I-20?
The Form I-20 is a multi-purpose document issued by a SEVP-certified educational institution certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time program of study and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to remain in the United States.
What Is the F-1 Visa?
After receiving an I-20, an international student must schedule an appointment to apply for an F-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The visa permits entry into the United States; students must present both the F-1 visa and the I-20 to the immigration officer upon arrival.
Program Completion Date
If a student is unable to complete their program by the date listed on their I-20, they must request a program extension from the Atlantis International Office at least one month before the completion date expires.
A student’s actual completion date may not necessarily align with the graduation ceremony date or the date listed on the I-20; many students complete their degree requirements before the I-20 completion date.
For undergraduate students, the completion date is the last day of final exams in the semester in which degree requirements are fulfilled.
For graduate students in programs with a thesis or dissertation requirement, the completion date is the day all degree requirements are fulfilled, including filing of the thesis or dissertation.
For graduate programs without a thesis or dissertation requirement, such as the MBA program, the completion date is the last day of final exams in the semester in which degree requirements are fulfilled.
What Is the 60-Day Grace Period?
Upon completing a program of study, F-1 students are allowed a grace period to depart the United States, request a school transfer, or change their immigration status. Under a DHS rule effective September 15, 2026, the standard post-completion grace period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days. Students who were admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S) before September 15, 2026 generally retain the 60-day grace period until they travel outside the U.S. and reenter, or file for an extension of stay — at which point the 30-day period applies. Students interested in working in the U.S. after completing their studies must apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization at least 90 days before their program completion date. Students should contact their DSO to confirm which grace period applies to their individual case.
Transfer Credits
Atlantis University accepts transfer credits from other institutions. International students requesting a school transfer must provide the following:
- A written notice to Atlantis University requesting the transfer.
- Written confirmation from the receiving school indicating acceptance.
Under a DHS rule effective September 15, 2026, F-1 students below the graduate level generally may not transfer schools or change programs within their first year of study, absent an SEVP-approved exception. F-1 graduate students are generally precluded from changing programs or schools, except in extenuating circumstances approved by SEVP. Students should contact their DSO to confirm current transfer eligibility.
On-Campus Employment
International students at Atlantis University enter the country on F-1 visas. F-1 students may be permitted to work on campus while pursuing their degree, and to pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon completion of their studies.
On-campus employment for F-1 students is limited to 20 hours per week (part-time). F-1 undergraduate and graduate students may begin on-campus employment upon completion of their first semester (approximately four months) at Atlantis University.
Part-Time Enrollment and On-Campus Employment
Any international student working on campus must be enrolled in at least the minimum number of credits required to remain in full-time status in order to be eligible for on-campus employment under U.S. labor law: undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester, and graduate students in at least 6 credits per semester. This is separate from a Reduced Course Load (RCL) request; on-campus employment does not authorize a student to fall below full-time enrollment without RCL approval from the international student office.
Exception:
- Students in their final semester may work on campus while enrolled below full-time status, provided they submit a Reduced Course Load form.
Off-Campus Employment That May Qualify as On-Campus Employment
Immigration regulations permit international students to work at an off-campus location under certain conditions:
- The employer is educationally affiliated with Atlantis University.
- The educational affiliation is connected to Atlantis University’s established curriculum, or to a graduate-level research project the university has contracted to perform.
- The employment is an integral part of the student’s academic program.
The international student office requires a letter from the student’s academic advisor confirming that the employment satisfies all of the above requirements. For clarification on whether a specific off-campus position qualifies as on-campus employment, students should schedule an appointment with an international student advisor.
Social Security Number
What Is a Social Security Number?
In the United States, a Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to citizens, permanent residents, and authorized temporary workers by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes; it is not intended for identification purposes.
Who Can Have an SSN?
Under current law, an SSN may be issued only to someone who:
- Is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or
- Has a valid job offer from the university and/or is otherwise eligible for legal employment.
Do I Need an SSN to Study at Atlantis University?
Students do not need an SSN to register for classes at Atlantis University, obtain a Florida driver’s license, or open a bank account. However, landlords, utility companies, cable providers, and cell phone carriers may request an SSN to run a credit check, which determines the deposit required to secure housing or activate services. Students without an SSN may be required to pay a higher deposit.
Can Students on OPT Apply for an SSN?
Yes. F-1 students on OPT may apply for an SSN through the Social Security Administration by presenting the following original documents:
- Passport
- I-94 Arrival/Departure record
- OPT I-20
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Students must wait until the start date listed on their EAD card before applying for an SSN. A letter from the international student office is not required for students on OPT.
STEM Extension
What Is a STEM Extension?
The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of additional practical training available to F-1 students who have completed a degree in a SEVP-designated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field and are currently on post-completion OPT.
STEM Extension Requirements
- The student must currently be on post-completion OPT.
- The student’s degree must appear on the SEVP STEM Designated Degree Program List (the relevant CIP code appears on the I-20, next to “Primary Major”).
Employment Requirements:
- Paid or unpaid.
- At least 20 hours per week.
- Directly related to the student’s field of study and appropriate to the degree level obtained.
Employer Requirements:
- Registered with the U.S. government’s E-Verify employment verification system.
- Agrees to report any termination of employment to the international student office within 48 hours.
How to Apply for a STEM OPT Extension
Students must file:
- Form I-765, with the required application fee.
- Form I-20, endorsed by the DSO, along with a copy of the STEM degree.
If the extension application is filed on time and the initial OPT period expires while the application is pending, USCIS will automatically extend employment authorization for up to 180 days.
Find out more about STEM OPT extension eligibility — Study in the States.
Insurance for International Students
Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning — including health insurance. Coverage options vary widely based on length of stay, country-specific requirements, and the activities a student expects to need coverage for.
Learn more about the insurance provider recommended by Atlantis University.
Change of Status
A Change of Status applicant is a prospective student currently in the United States under another visa status who wishes to obtain an I-20 and change their status to F-1 without returning to their home country.
How to Apply for a Change of Status
1. Apply to an Atlantis University program by submitting the admissions application.
2. Submit the following documents:
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa.
- Copy of I-94.
- Bank documentation from the student or a sponsor showing sufficient funds. (If the funds are from a sponsor, the sponsor must complete and return the statement of support.)
3. Pay the required university fees and deposit.
4. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
5. Complete and submit Form I-539 to USCIS, along with the required fees. Processing can take up to 13 months and may result in a request for further evidence or denial. The I-539 application is the student’s personal application; while Atlantis University can provide general guidance, the university is not permitted to provide detailed legal advice.
As Atlantis University does not assist directly in this process, all applicants are strongly encouraged to consult an immigration attorney for assistance with this step.
