Once you receive your immigration packet, you will need to obtain an F-1/J-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy to enter the United States. In order to obtain your F-1/J-1 visa, you will need to make an appointment at the local U.S. Consulate in your home country. The waiting time for an interview can vary, so make your appointment as soon as possible.

*Note - Canadian Citizens: You must pay the SEVIS fee​​, although you do not need to apply for an F-1/J-1 visa. Canadian students are exempt from the visa requirement, although they will be considered in F-1 or J-1 status when they enter the U.S. with their I-20 or DS-2019.

During the student visa interview, all applicants must provide documentation, such as:

The information listed above is not an exhaustive list. Please always check the Department of State's website before your interview.

Helpful Links:
Study in the States
NAFSA: 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa

Full-Time Students: International Students must be registered full time as required by their degree program required by Immigration Services. Please follow the curriculum arrangement from your department when registering courses. International students in F1/J1 status are NOT eligible for Reduced Load.

Enrolling in additional coursework: First year students are not permitted to enroll in additional courses unless they have been awarded transfer credit for required first year courses. Your curriculum has been carefully planned, keeping in mind such issues as course sequences and prerequisites, work load and time management, requirements for practicum training, etc. 

Online Courses: For international students, only one Online Course (maximum 3 credits) each semester can be counted towards your degree progression.  Please keep in mind when registering courses.

Transfer Credits:​ Credit hours earned at another regionally accredited institution may apply to the TCSPP degree program if it meets the conditions stated in the Student Handbook. Please refer to the Acad​emic Catalog and Student Handbook Transfer Credit and Course Waiver policy for details on how to submit a packet for transfer credit/course waiver consideration.  If you are not familiar with it, please consult with your Enrollment Counselor for details.

PLEASE NOTE: THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM MAY UNDERGO CHANGES AND REVISIONS DURING YOUR COURSE OF STUDY. Changes will be announced by your academic program and you will be informed of any new or different requirements for degree completion.

How does registration work? Registration is a first-come, first-registered system. Students may log in to the Academic Portal and register for courses during Open Registration period.  You will receive notification of your registration for each semester.  After all students are registered, students can drop or add a course with an open seat during the open registration period only. Please note that waiting until the end of the Open Registration period to select classes will likely mean that your course schedule will be inconvenient, and a course section of your preference may be full. There is no waitlist option for closed courses. Closed classes are closed, although there may be availability as other students add/drop.

We may add more sections or cancel under-enrolled course sections, as necessary. Students will be notified via their TCSPP school email when such changes are made. Faculty may be reassigned to accommodate new courses and sections. Students typically are not notified of faculty changes unless the course is Professional Development Group. Students are encouraged to review their course schedule especially before the beginning of the semester to ensure accuracy.

All students will visit the following website to complete course registration. Please note that you will need your provided username and password in order to access registration.

Registration website: https://apps.th​echicagoschool.edu

The simplest and best registration tip we can offer is this: After your registration is complete, log out of the registration system, log back in, and print a copy of your confirmed schedule. If you registered correctly, your classes will have a status of "Registered" instead of "Selected" or "Bookmarked." By doing so, you can confirm that your requested registration was approved. You should save this c​​opy of your schedule.

CANVAS: Canvas is The Chicago School's online learning management system. Students will have access to courses in Canvas the Friday before classes begin, if not sooner.  Canvas can be used to post syllabi, host discussion boards, turn in assignments, and much more.

To access Canvas, visit http://tcsedsystem.instructure.com. Please review the quick start guide, found at http://guides.instructure.com/m/8470 to become familiar with Canvas and how it may be used.

TCSPP School Email: Once you have submitted your deposit to attend classes at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, your TCSPP student email will be the primary form of communication used by the school and faculty. It is important to check email frequently to ensure you do not miss important updates, information and communications.​

Once you have obtained your visa (if required), you will use it with your I-20/DS-2019 and passport to enter the United States. You will also need proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee. You may also need to show proof of funding as well, so it is a good idea to bring copies of these financial documents with you. Be sure that you do not pack your passport, SEVIS I-20/DS-2019, SEVIS fee receipt, or proof of funding in your checked baggage. These documents should be hand carried. If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present the documents at your port of entry. As a result, you may not be able to enter.

​​Students in the U.S. with a status ot​her than F-1 or J-1

International Student Orientation is mandatory for new international students. Not only do we cover many important topics, but you will have a chance to get acquainted with campus offices, learn about the student services available to you, meet with your Designated School Official (DSO), and meet new people!

Students currently in the U.S. with a valid I-20 or DS-2019
​ If you are currently in legal F-1 status and do not plan to return to your home country before beginning classes at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, you should plan to have your SEVIS record transferred to us from your current institution. 

How Do I Transfer My SEVIS Record?

To transfer your SEVIS record, please fill out the Transfer-In form. After you fill out the form, please give it to your Designated School Official (DSO) at your current institution and request they transfer your SEVIS record. Also request that your current DSO submit the SEVIS transfer form to us to verify you are in status and eligible for transfer. 

Transferring your SEVIS record: When making the request at your current institution, you will need to identify a SEVIS release date. This date must not be any sooner than 5 months prior to the date you are able to start classes at TCSPP and no later than the first day of International Student Orientation (the required report date at TCSPP for international students is the first day of orientation). 

**Note If you are currently working on Optional Practical Training (OPT), be advised that once your SEVIS record is released, your OPT is automatically terminated and you are no long authorized to work. 

After your SEVIS Record Has Been Transferred

Your Chicago School I-20/DS-2019 will be issued to you when your SEVIS record is released and you have reported to the Office of International Student Services. Please keep in mind that you are still required to provide the Financial Statement before we can issue your new I-20/DS-2019.  If you need your I-20/DS-2019 prior to the start of classes (e.g. if you plan to travel internationally before you begin your studies), please contact your DSO at your campus. It is pertinent that you check in to the Office of International Programs and Services at International Student Orientation or before classes begin. If you are unable to do so, you should contact your DSO.

Lastly, it is essential that you attend the international student orientation. Attendance is required of all international​ students, including transfer students. Staff will address immigration regulations, school policies and procedures and cultural adjustment issues.