Colorado State University is a SEVP-Certified school offering F visas to those interested in studying in the United States. 

By providing a wide-variety of programs, services, and resources we strive to assist our international students with cultural adjustment, academic integration, professional growth, and internationalization of the surrounding Colorado communities. 

CSU Pueblo also supports international students and scholars in the J visa classification.  If you are a student or scholar on a J visa, please visit the Center for International Programs and Inclusive Excellence. 

What is a Designated School Official (DSO)?

DSOs are international student's biggest resource that can answer your questions and guide you through the process of studying at CSU Pueblo. They can assist you with the following:

• Issuing an I-20
• Maintaining status
• Changing your education level
• Changing your major, program, or degree level
• Being absent from classes
• Requesting a program extension
• Requesting an internship
• Traveling outside the United States
• Working in the United States
• Applying for work

For questions or concerns, never hesitate to reach out to one of your CSU Pueblo DSOs or visit The Center to be direct to an on-campus DSO. 

Internship Opportunities

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT permits eligible F-1 students work permission that is integral to their major field of study. "Integral" is understood by CSU Pueblo as being a required part of a student's curriculum to graduate. Not all major programs require internships for graduation. However, student's are able to substitute any 498, 598, 698, or 998 numbered course to fulfill any major 300/400-level requirement with advisor approval. 

Requirements for applying for CPT are as follows, but not limited to:

• F-1 students must be maintaining status and have attended CSU Pueblo for one academic year (or be within 90 days of 1 year)
• Must be in a program requires an internship to graduate, or be registered for and have an accompanying audit showing the substitution of 498, 598, 698, or 998 for a major 300/400-level requirement
• Submit a CPT Request Form to a DSO within the Registrar's Office

Minor and certificate programs do not qualify for CPT. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

There are two types of OPT available to F-1 students: Pre-OPT completed prior to program completion, and Post-OPT completed after graduation. OPT permits student work permission related to their major field of study; minors and certificates do not qualify for OPT. 

OPT differs from CPT in-such that an internship is not required to fulfill graduations requirements, students are required to apply for a work permit though USCIS, and issued an Employment Authorization Document. 

Requirements for applying for OPT are as follows, but not limited to:

• F-1 students must be maintaining status and have attended CSU Pueblo for one academic year (or be within 90 days of 1 year)
• Have not completed 12 more months of OPT at another institution
• Submit an OPT Request Form to a DSO within the Registrar's Office

STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT)

STEM OPT is a 24-month extension that relates directly to an F-1 student's major STEM field of study. It is available to students with STEM degrees that completed their program of study, and completed 12 months of participation in post-OPT. For additional information regarding STEM OPT, please reach out to a CSU Pueblo DSO. 

For a list of STEM programs, please refer to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics section of this catalog. 

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System that assists your DSO and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintain information regarding your F-1 records including, but not limited to your I-20. 

SEVIS is a critical tool to support you as an international student studying in the United States.

International Student Resources

Your DSO Team at CSU Pueblo

Tiaramarie Banham, PDSO

• 719-549-2900
• tiaramarie.banham@csupueblo.edu
• ADM 202

Aubrey Trujillo, DSO

• 719-549-2518
• aubrey.trujillo@csupueblo.edu
• ADM 202

Bonnie Fruland, DSO/RO

• 719-549-2332
• bonnie.fruland@csupueblo.edu
• OSC 104/106

Victoria Ruiz, DSO/ARO

• 719-549-2208
• victoria.ruiz@csupueblo.edu
• OSC 104/106

Kristin Olgin

• 719-549-2135
• kristin.olgin@csupueblo.edu
• ADM 212

The Center

The Center for International Programs and Inclusive Excellence develops, promotes, and supports a welcoming environment for our diverse campus community by promoting equity, educational opportunities, global understanding, and intercultural awareness where all members are valued, supported, and respected.

Located in the Occhiato Student Center (OSC), room 104/106, the Center is a space for students to seek resources and find community. The Center staff maintains an open door policy, ensuring that every student has an opportunity to be heard and helped when needed.

Study in the States

Study in the States offers free government resources that explain the rules and regulations governing the nonimmigrant student process in the United States.