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International Students Need to Know

International Students are individuals who will be or are studying at CNM full-time in degree or exchange programs in legal student immigration status (F-1 or M-1 Student status).

International Student Scholarship

$5,000 Scholarship for F1 and M1 Students 

Applications for the 2017 scholarship are now open.

Deadline: September 28, 2017

Global Student scholarship 

This $1,000 scholarship will assist one international student looking to study at an American university for a least 10 months.

For full information on the scholarship, including application information, visit https://studysoup.com/scholarships/global-student

Changing Status

Do you have a current visa, and you'd like to change your status to an F-1 or M-1?

Forms

International Student Certification of Finances

International Student Verification Form

Sample Affidavit of Support

Scholarships for International Students

At this time, CNM does not offer financial aid for international students, but there are organizations that offer scholarships, fellowships, and grants for students who want to study in the United States. We encourage you to search for private and government sponsors for educational expenses. 

International Student Insurance

All international students studying at CNM are required to have health insurance. Read more about how health insurance in America works and purchase one of the four plans available.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Fall 2017

Application Deadline

June 1

Deadline for Submitting I-20 Supporting Documents

July 15

Registration Deadline

August 1

Payment Deadline

August 4

Term Begins

August 28

Spring 2018

 

Info session on post-completion OPT

January 19 

1st day to file for OPT (pre-completion or post-completion for 2-term programs)

January 29 

1st day of OPT may begin (pre-completion or post-completion for 2-term programs)

April 30

Summer 2018

 

1st day to file for post-completion OPT for 3-term programs

May 7

Last day to file for post-completion OPT for 2-term programs

June 28

1st day of post-completion OPT for 3-term programs may begin

August 6

Fall 2018

 

Last day to file for post-completion OPT for 3-term programs

October 4

1st day to file for post-completion OPT for 4-term programs

September 10

1st day of post-completion OPT may begin for 4-term programs

December 10

Spring 2019

 

Last day to file for post-completion OPT for 4-term programs

 Feb. 7

Pre-Arrival Planning

Before You Leave

Make copies of important documents, including visa application documents, and leave them with a family member or friend. Email a set to yourself and pack originals and a copy in your carry-on luggage.

Read

Start reading news stories and articles about current events in your home country and in the US. People you meet will be interested in talking politics with you and it will help you get a feel for the kind of environment you'll be dropping yourself into. You might also find it helpful to purchase a travel guidebook. Popular brands include the Lonely Planet and Frommer's guidebook series.

Mobile Phone / SIM Card

Check with your carrier to see what your options are. Do you already have a decent international plan? Does your phone need to be unlocked to accept a sim card? Need a new sim card? Here's one option: https://www.j1simcards.com

New Student Orientation 2017

All new international students are required to attend New Student Orientation on campus Tuesday, August 22nd - Thursday, August 24. Therefore, please plan to arrive in Albuquerque no later than Monday, August 21st. 

Visa Compliance

Student Responsibilities

Basics:
  • Keep your passport valid for at least 6 months into the future
  • Enroll in a full class schedule (12 hours or more)
  • Make progress towards your degree
  • Meet with your DSO before traveling outside of the US
  • Complete an income tax return each year
  • Do not accept employment or internships without prior approval from your DSO. If approved, work no more than 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring terms
  • Ask for an I-20 extension BEFORE the current form expires
Things you must report to your DSO within 10 days:
  • Change of address
  • Change of legal name
  • Early graduation
  • Change of academic major or minor
  • Change of financial sponsor
  • Any other change of information on the I-20
If you travel outside of the US:
  • Carry with you
  1. Your I-29 with a travel signature* dated within the last 12 months
  2. Your valid passport
  3. Your valid visa
  4. Proof of enrollment 
  5. If you changed status while in the US, a change of status approval notice (I-797)

* To obtain travel signatures on your I-20, bring the document to your DSO at least 1 week before you depart.

  • Reminders:
  1. Check to see if the countries you are visiting require a travel visa
  2. If your US visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa at a US Consulate or Embassy abroad. Plan accordingly
  3. Make sure there are no holds on your student account

CPT and OPT

Are you ready for an internship, a practicum, or other study-related work? Download the CPT Reporting and OPT Reporting forms and make an appointment with your DSO.