Navigating the World of Immigration at UCF Global: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students, Scholars, and Faculty
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is home to a diverse community of over 3,400 international students from 137 countries. UCF Global plays a crucial role in supporting these students, scholars, and faculty as they navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration regulations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements, resources, and procedures related to immigration at UCF Global, drawing upon the information provided to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Introduction: The Role of UCF Global
UCF Global actively recruits international students, aiming to enrich the campus with diversity and global perspectives. Their recruitment strategy involves building strong relationships with international universities, organizations, and students, often through faculty involvement in recruitment activities such as presentations and meetings with prospective applicants. UCF Global serves as a vital resource for international students, scholars, and faculty, providing guidance on visa regulations, employment, taxation, and cultural adaptation. This article will delve into the specific requirements and resources available through UCF Global.
Admission and Initial Steps for International Applicants
Eligibility and Application Process
International applicants are generally admissible to master’s and doctoral degree programs only. Those seeking an F or J visa cannot be admitted as non-degree seeking students. The application process involves several key steps:
- Online Application: Complete either the undergraduate or graduate application online, declaring a major for admission.
- Deadlines: Be aware of and adhere to the deadlines for submitting all application materials.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants from countries where English is not the only official language, or who have not earned a degree from a university where English is the only official language of instruction, must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- Transcripts: Doctoral and master’s applicants to programs requiring the GRE must submit official transcripts for evaluation. The College of Graduate Studies employs International Credential Evaluators to review credentials from institutions outside the U.S. (excluding applicants to master’s programs in the College of Business Administration and Rosen College of Hospitality Management). For master’s programs that do not require a GRE, a course-by-course evaluation from an evaluation service is required.
- Visa Documents Checklist: UCF Global manages the visa documents checklist for each international applicant.
- I-20 or DS-2019: UCF Global will issue a Form I-20 or DS-2019 upon request, submitted through the myINTL portal using your Network ID (NID) and password. Immigration documents, including financial support, are not required for an initial academic decision.
- Financial Documentation: Submit financial documents demonstrating the required amount for the program. If using personal funds, provide a recent official bank letter or statement. If supported by a sponsor, include a signed affidavit of support and the sponsor's bank letter or statement. A sanctioned educational loan letter may also be provided.
- SEVIS I-901 Fee: Pay the mandatory SEVIS I-901 Fee at least 3 days before the visa interview at fmjfee.com, using information from the Form I-20 or DS-2019.
- Visa Application Fee: Pay the visa application fee, currently $185 USD. Instructions for payment can be found on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the visa will be applied for. Use the Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by UCF if multiple schools have been issued.
Timing Considerations
The visa application process can vary significantly by country, typically taking from one week to four months. February is considered the optimal month to admit international students for the fall semester, and August for the spring semester. UCF Global provides department coordinators with lists of admitted students who have incomplete immigration files each semester.
Estimated Annual Expenses
International students should be prepared for the following estimated annual expenses:
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- Tuition and Fees: Undergraduate tuition is based on 12 credit hours, while graduate tuition is based on 9 credit hours for fall and spring enrollment. Some programs may have different rates, and additional credit hours may be required depending on the program.
- Living Expenses: Due to rising costs, financial planning should account for a 5 to 10 percent annual increase in living expenses and/or tuition.
Transferring to UCF
International students transferring from another institution need to have their SEVIS record electronically transferred to UCF before classes begin. Students in the UCF Global IEP and Pathway Program may need clearance signatures from UCF Global on their online Transfer Out Request.
Maintaining Immigration Status: Key Responsibilities
Maintaining lawful F-1 or J-1 status is paramount for international students. This involves adhering to several key requirements:
Full-Time Enrollment
Enrolling full-time is a crucial requirement. During the fall and spring terms, F-1 and J-1 students must enroll full-time. Summer terms are optional unless a student is starting or graduating in the summer. UCF Global English Program students must maintain continuous enrollment, with no online courses permitted. Immigration regulations limit the number of online courses that can count toward the minimum enrollment requirement.
Reporting Changes
Any changes in address, phone number, or major/academic program must be reported to UCF Global within 10 days. Address formats should be accurate and include any apartment number.
Program Extensions
If more time is needed to complete the program, a program extension must be requested before the I-20 or DS-2019 expires. Extensions are granted for compelling academic or medical reasons, not for delays caused by academic probation or suspension. The student's academic advisor must support the request.
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Avoiding Unauthorized Employment
International students are not allowed to work off-campus without prior authorization from UCF Global. Working without authorization constitutes a serious violation of F-1 and J-1 status.
Grace Period
F-1 students have a 60-day grace period after completing their program or OPT/STEM Extension.
Filing Taxes
All international students must file tax forms with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) every year, even if they have not received income in the U.S. IRS Form 8843 must be filed every year by all international students present in the U.S.
Reduced Course Load (RCL)
In limited situations, exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement may be granted through a Reduced Course Load (RCL). Students must obtain approval for an RCL from UCF Global before dropping below full-time enrollment. A Reduced Course Load Form must be completed and submitted to UCF Global by the Add deadline published on the Academic Calendar.
Concurrent Enrollment
Students may meet their full-time enrollment requirement by simultaneously registering in classes at UCF and another institution, known as concurrent or transient enrollment. After receiving academic approval, students must complete the Reduced Course Load Request Form and be registered at UCF for at least half of their required credit hours.
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Leave of Absence
Students needing to take time off must contact UCF Global in advance to request an F-1 Leave of Absence. If approved, the student's SEVIS record will be terminated for "authorized early withdrawal," and they must depart the U.S. within 15 days of the last date of enrollment.
Annual Vacation (IEP and GAA Prep)
Students in the Intensive English Program and GAA Prep may request an annual vacation after enrolling for four consecutive sessions. Vacations are for one session only and must be requested by the first day of classes using the Annual Vacation Request Form.
Change of Level
Students admitted into another degree level must request an updated I-20 or DS-2019. F-1 students completing a program and not applying for OPT must request a Change of Level I-20 before the end of the 60-day grace period.
Change of Status
Students who change their immigration status must report this change to UCF Global within 10 days.
Name Change
Students who have legally changed their name and updated their passport must report this change to UCF Global within 10 days.
SEVIS Transfer
Students planning to transfer to another institution must also receive immigration authorization to begin studying full-time at the new school, typically through a SEVIS transfer.
Conduct Sanctions
Conduct sanctions can impact F-1 or J-1 immigration status if they affect a student’s ability to continue as an enrolled student.
Reinstatement
If an F-1 student fails to maintain lawful F-1 status, they may apply to USCIS to regain status through a process called Reinstatement, after consulting with a UCF Global Immigration Advisor.
Resources and Support for International Students
SEVIS Immigration Orientations
Upon arrival, students are required to attend one of the SEVIS immigration orientations offered by UCF Global.
Cultural Adaptation and Academic Success
UCF Global serves as a resource to help international students with their social and academic adjustment. Faculty members are encouraged to assist international students in adapting to their new environment.
Global Knights Welcome Event
New students can attend the Global Knights Welcome Event to meet other students, Global Student Ambassadors, and the UCF Global Team.
Online Orientation
All international students admitted to undergraduate, graduate, and pathway programs need to complete an online orientation in WebCourses.
Arrival and Transportation
Students are encouraged to arrive at least 1 or 2 weeks before classes begin, but no more than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on the Form I-20 or DS-2019. Most students arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is a 30-minute drive to the UCF main campus. Taxis, shuttle services, and ride-sharing services are available.
Housing
UCF Housing and Residence Life offers a variety of on-campus residential communities, but the majority of international students live off-campus in nearby apartment complexes. Students should consider transportation, rent and utilities costs, amenities, and apartment size when choosing housing. It is important to read the lease carefully before signing.
Holds
Students may encounter holds on their accounts for various reasons, including expiring health insurance, past-due charges at the UCF Student Health Center, unpaid parking tickets, past-due tuition or housing payments, or placement on Attendance Probation.
Employment Options for International Students
International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible for certain types of employment in the United States, ensuring the type of employment is considered "authorized" or legal.
On-Campus Employment
Students maintaining their F-1 or J-1 status are generally permitted to work on UCF’s premises, limited to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. J-1 students must receive written approval from their UCF Global Immigration Advisor prior to beginning on-campus employment.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a temporary employment authorization for F-1 students in degree-granting programs to gain practical experience directly related to their field of study prior to graduation. This employment must be off-campus and an integral part of the student’s curriculum. Eligibility for CPT must be determined by a UCF Global Immigration Advisor.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a temporary employment benefit for F-1 students who have been maintaining immigration status, allowing them to work off-campus in a field directly related to their course of study. Students are eligible for one year of OPT per higher education level.
Academic Training
Academic Training is a type of off-campus employment authorization available for J-1 students to gain work experience within their field of study. Doctoral students are eligible for a maximum period of 36 months.
Economic Hardship Employment
Economic hardship employment allows students to work off-campus for 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during vacation periods.
Social Security Number (SSN)
International Students must apply for a SSN in-person at the local Social Security Administration Office.
J-1 Exchange Visitors: Professors, Research Scholars, and Specialists
UCF also hosts J-1 exchange visitors, including professors, research scholars, and specialists. These individuals come to the U.S. to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries through educational and cultural exchanges.
Categories of J-1 Visa Holders
- Professors: Individuals who primarily teach, lecture, observe, or consult at a postsecondary educational institution. They must have at least a Bachelor’s degree and can stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 5 years.
- Specialists: Experts in a field of specialized knowledge or skill who come to the U.S. to observe, consult, or demonstrate their special skill or knowledge. They are allowed in the U.S. for a maximum of 1 year.
- Research Scholars: Individuals primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project.
Obtaining a J-1 Visa
The first step in obtaining a J-1 visa is to request a form DS-2019, initiated by the UCF department, not by the prospective scholar. Scholars are responsible for understanding and following the requirements to maintain their immigration status.
Program Extensions
Delays in research may warrant a program extension for the visiting scholar.
Health Insurance
Federal regulations require J-1 scholars and J-2 dependents to carry health (medical) insurance during the entire length of their program.
Two-Year Home Residency Requirement (212(e))
The two-year home residency requirement requires exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents to return to their "home" country for at least two years after completing their exchange program before being eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, permanent residence, or nonimmigrant H or L visa. A waiver of this requirement may be requested.
Participation Bars
- 12-Month Bar: Individuals who were on a J-1 or J-2 visa for more than six months in the previous year are not eligible to use the J-1 Professor or Research Scholar categories for a 12-month period.
- 24-Month Bar: Exchange visitors who participate as J-1 Professors or Research Scholars are restricted to a 24-month bar on “repeat participation” in the same categories after completing their program.
Transferring to Another Institution
J-1 scholars transferring to another institution may do so by requesting a record release date in SEVIS from an immigration adviser. The purpose for the transfer must be to continue the same program goals and objectives.
Notification of Departure
Scholars leaving their program are requested to notify an immigration adviser and their hiring department.
Grace Period
Scholars on J-1 visa have a 30-day grace period from the DS-2019 end date, during which they may not continue to engage in their program activities.
Supporting Dependents
F-1 and J-1 students may obtain an I-20 or DS-2019 for their eligible dependents, including a spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21.
Requesting Dependent I-20 or DS-2019
New incoming students may request an I-20 or DS-2019 for their eligible dependents as part of their initial request. Required documents include financial documentation and a copy of each dependent’s passport. In the case of adding a spouse, a marriage certificate with certified English translation is required.
Dependent Employment
J-2 dependents may apply for work authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as long as employment is not to support the principle J-1 visa holder.
Family Visits
Students can invite family members to the United States to share in their experience at UCF.
Supporting Family Member Visa Applications
Students can provide supplemental documentation for their family member(s) during their visa application, including:
- Official transcripts
- Official enrollment verification letters
- Letter of invitation
Taxation for International Students
It is important to note that when working in the United States, taxes will be deducted from every paycheck. All international students need to file tax forms to the Internal Revenue Service every year. The forms students need to file will depend on if they have received income in the US or not. All international students must file IRS Form 8843 every year they are present in the US. UCF Global offers free tax software for Nonresident Alien (NRA) international students and employee’s to complete their annual tax return.
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