International Students
Welcoming Students from Around the Globe
Programs of Study
Concordia Theological Seminary welcomes international students and is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant F-1 category students. International students follow the same admission procedures as domestic students; however, they must also demonstrate satisfactory English language proficiency.
English Language Proficiency
The Form I-20 & Visa Application
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- Obtain the initial Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” which proves you are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States.
- Pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee.
- Apply for an F-1 Student visa.
Maintaining Student Status
While studying in the United States, F-1 students must maintain status by fulfilling the necessary requirements. These requirements include maintaining a full course of study, making sufficient progress in the academic program, and reporting required information to a PDSO/DSO. For a further information on maintaining status, visit the DHS Study in the States Website.
Designated School Officials (DSO)
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- Working in the United States
- Applying for a driver’s license
- Applying for a Social Security number (SSN)
- Changing your program
- Transferring to a new school
- Being absent from classes
- Taking a vacation
- Traveling outside the United States
- Moving to a new address
- Changing your name
- Requesting a program extension
International Student Employment
Students in F-1 status may be eligible for several types of employment:
- On-campus. On-campus employment is work that F-1 students whose status is “active” in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) may apply for.
- Off-campus. Off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study, and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) emergent circumstances.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT must be directly related to the student’s field of study and commensurate with the student’s educational level. The training must be a requirement of the program of study.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a form of training, often paid, that directly relates to your program of study. You can apply for OPT during your program of study, which is known as pre-completion OPT, or after you finish your program of study, known as post-completion OPT.
F-1 Students must communicate with a DSO or PDSO about eligibility for any type of employment. An international student must obtain a Social Security number for employment in the United States.
Contact Us
We are located in the Student Services area (L-13) of Loehe Hall.
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Eli James
Coordinator of International Students (PDSO)
(260) 452-2154
Eli.James@ctsfw.edu
Mrs. Cindy Johnson
Graduate School
(260) 452-2203
Cindy.Johnson@ctsfw.edu
Dr. Detlev Schulz
Director of International Studies
(260) 452-3131
Detlev.Schulz@ctsfw.edu
Mailing Address:
6600 N. Clinton St
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Fax: (260) 452-2257
Student Consumer Information
Additional Student Support
Dr. Detlev Schulz
Director of International Studies
Detlev.Schulz@ctsfw.edu
(260) 452-3131
Eli James
Coordinator of International Studies (PDSO)
eli.james@ctsfw.edu
(260) 452-2154
Mrs. Cindy Johnson
Graduate School
Cindy.Johnson@ctsfw.edu
(260) 452-2203
Welcoming Students from Around the Globe
Our mission to teach, reach, and care goes beyond the United States. Students come from around the globe to gain the knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes that will further prepare them to be of service to Christ’s Church in their native countries.
Part of studying at CTSFW is engaging the wide variety of experiences and backgrounds our students bring to our campus community. Since 2011, students from no less than 32 countries have taken courses on our main campus and earned degrees in our programs. As we live and learn together, we look forward to lifelong partnerships serving God’s people around the globe.