A Comprehensive Guide for International Students at UIC
Embarking on an academic journey at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) as an international student is an exciting endeavor. It involves navigating a new educational system, adapting to a different culture, and understanding specific requirements related to your immigration status. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of essential information and resources to ensure a smooth and successful transition to UIC.
Welcoming International Students to UIC
The Office of International Services (OIS) at UIC recognizes the multifaceted nature of transitioning to a new country and university. To facilitate this process, OIS offers customized orientation programs and arrival resources designed specifically for new international students.
International Student Orientation
OIS hosts International Student Orientations throughout the year, providing a platform for admitted international students to connect with advisors and fellow students. These orientations offer valuable updates from the campus, pre-departure advising, and opportunities to build connections before arriving in Illinois. Attending the orientation provides confidence and helpful information.
The New International Student Summit, scheduled for early June 2026 for students starting in the summer 2026 term, and the Fall 2026 International Student Orientation events, hosted from Friday, August 14 through Friday, August, are highly recommended for all new international students. In particular, all international students new to UIC are strongly encouraged to attend the New International Student Summit on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.
A non-refundable Orientation & Check-in Fee of $199 is charged to all incoming international students' university bills to cover the costs of new international student services and programs, regardless of ISO participation. However, there is no additional charge for participation in selected ISO events.
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Support for Graduate Students
OIS collaborates with campus partners to support graduate students employed by UIC. The Graduate Employees Organization (GEO) represents Teaching Assistants and Graduate Assistants at UIC. The International Teaching Assistant Program (ITAP) supports international teaching assistants and the departments that employ them.
The Office of International Services (OIS)
The Office of International Services (OIS) is dedicated to supporting UIC’s international community, which includes over 4,000 international students, scholars, and employees from around the world. As a unit within the Office of Global Engagement, OIS is committed to fostering a globally diverse and welcoming academic community at UIC. OIS supports your arrival process by providing pre-departure resources and advising along with a robust orientation program. The Office of International Services, in collaboration with the Office of Global Engagement, also announces international student funding opportunities.
Maintaining F-1 and J-1 Status
International students at UIC primarily study on an F-1 visa, which connects academic plans and immigration status. The F-1 visa is first and foremost a student visa. Academic pursuits should be the main focus for those on an F-1 visa. This visa carries employment benefits that allow you to work on-campus and gain practical training in your field of study.
Full-Time Enrollment Requirements
International students in F-1 and J-1 status must maintain full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters. Summer enrollment is optional unless starting a program during the summer term, in which case full-time enrollment is required. Full-time enrollment definitions may vary between immigration purposes and academic units or programs.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) ended all COVID-19 guidance and associated international student enrollment allowances effective May 11, 2023. F-1 and J-1 international students must be enrolled full-time by the add/drop deadline of each fall and spring semester and maintain full-time enrollment for the duration of the semester. Dropping below full-time enrollment during the semester is a violation of status.
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Basic full-time enrollment requirements for various education levels and situations are defined below. All professional program students (e.g. Graduate students holding a 50% teaching or research assistantship. There are limited exceptions to the basic full-time enrollment requirements for immigration purposes. If you do qualify for one of the exceptions listed below, you must submit evidence supporting your reason for enrolling below full-time to OIS by the add/drop deadline. Please note that enrolling below full-time, although authorized by OIS, could affect your eligibility for other programs (e.g. CTA U-Pass).
Academic Changes and Immigration Records
Changes to academic plans often require updates to immigration records. Depending on the situation, additional action may be needed beyond basic status maintenance, academic changes, or employment. It is important to consult with an OIS advisor for guidance.
Scheduling Appointments with OIS
To address specific concerns or questions, students can schedule appointments with an OIS advisor through iAdvise. Meetings can be conducted in person at the OIS office or virtually via Zoom. Alternatively, students can join the OIS waiting room for assistance from an advisor in the order of arrival.
Financial Information
Estimated Expenses
The cost of attending UIC as an international student includes tuition and fees, living expenses, books, and orientation costs. Tuition and fees estimates are based on a course load of 12 credits per semester and are subject to change. Living expenses cover essential expenditures for housing, food, transportation, and miscellaneous costs.
The amounts reflect the bare minimum a student would need to live in Illinois. Variable expenses such as clothing, recreation, and incidentals, and the cost of travel outside Chicago are not included.
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The table of estimated expenses by degree level and program type shows the amount of funding needed for one academic year (nine months for most programs). Programs requiring year-round enrollment reflect a funding amount for 12 months of study.
Documenting Adequate Funding
International students must demonstrate adequate funding from acceptable sources by providing copies of financial statements to OIS. Acceptable account types for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance, along with sample bank letters showing the type of information needed on evidence of funding documents, are available from OIS.
Scholarship award letters must clearly state the terms of the scholarship, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses provided. Students admitted to programs with University funding (assistantships, fellowships, tuition waivers, etc.) may delay submission until an official letter of appointment or offer is issued by the academic department. If the funding does not cover the total estimated expenses, students must submit evidence of personal funds to cover the difference. Submitting documents as soon as possible is recommended to avoid delays with obtaining a visa, even if funding from the academic department is not guaranteed.
International Travel Guidance
Pre-Travel Consultation with OIS
It is highly recommended that the entire international community contact OIS prior to traveling internationally. Information provided is for informational purposes only and may change without notice. For the most current travel information, refer to the Department of State.
Required Documents for Re-Entry
Many of the documents needed for international travel are the same as you provided during your visa application process. To re-enter the U.S., you must have a valid/unexpired visa to return.
F-1 Students
- Passport with valid F-1 visa - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States.
- Form I-20 with valid travel signature - A hardcopy, printed by you or OIS, showing your signature and your OIS advisor’s signature.
- SEVIS (I-901) fee payment* - It is recommended that you carry proof that you have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Proof of enrollment* - It is recommended that you carry evidence of current full-time enrollment or future enrollment if you are traveling between academic terms.
- Evidence of financial support* - It is recommended that you carry copies of your financial support documents.
Without the appropriate documentation, you may receive a Form I-515A from the customs officer, and you will have 30 days to correct your status or risk falling out of status. and bearing the name of your current school or program.
J-1 Students
- Passport with valid J-1 visa
- Form DS-2019 with valid travel signature - Original, hardcopy document signed by you and OIS (or your exchange program sponsor if not OIS) in blue ink.
- SEVIS (I-901) fee payment* - It is recommended that you carry proof that you have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Proof of enrollment* - It is recommended that you carry evidence of current full-time enrollment or future enrollment if you are traveling between academic terms.
- Evidence of financial support* - It is recommended that you carry copies of your financial support documents.
Without the appropriate documentation, you may receive a Form I-515A from the customs officer and you will have 30 days to correct your status or risk falling out of status. and bearing the name of your current school or program.
Note: Canadian citizens do not need an F-1 or J-1 visa in their passport, but Canadian “Landed immigrants” (Permanent Residents without Canadian citizenship/passport) do.
Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR)
Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) allows certain students to re-enter the U.S. after a short trip to Canada or Mexico using AVR. Your travel must be to contiguous territories and for less than 30 days. AVR cannot be utilized by individuals who travel from a contiguous territory (e.g. Canada) to a non-contiguous country (e.g. via a contiguous territory (e.g. H-1B workers are allowed to take advantage of AVR for travel to Canada and Mexico ONLY, not the adjacent islands.
Visas for Canada and Mexico
If you intend to travel to Mexico or Canada, you may require a visa to enter either of those countries, depending on your citizenship. Contact the Mexican or Canadian government to confirm your need for a visa and how to obtain one.
Academic Credentials
International applicants must submit official academic credentials from all post-secondary schools attended. The Academic Credentials section will indicate the types of credentials that would be needed for either First Year or Transfer applicants. Transcripts, marksheets and other academic credentials must be official and submitted from all post-secondary schools attended. All documents submitted to UIC become the property of the University. Documents will not be released to the applicant or forwarded to other institutions or agencies. Please do not submit your original or only set of academic credentials. Syllabus of international coursework - showing subjects with course descriptions.
Application Fees
To apply, international applicants must submit a mandatory, nonrefundable total of $170 in application fees. This total reflects the standard $70 application fee, and a $100 international evaluation fee. This fee is in addition to the standard application fee of $70 and is paid upon submission of the UIC Application.
English Proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. Below are the only tests accepted as evidence of English proficiency at UIC along with the minimum scores* indicated for each. If you are unable to take any of the following tests, the UIC Tutorium in Intensive English (TIE) offers an assessment that we will accept.
*Note that colleges may set higher minimums for consideration of admission to certain programs. or other country where English is the only official language. or other country where English is the only official language. IGCSE and O level English. English proficiency requirements are not waived based upon the medium of instruction at a previously attended institution.
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