Navigating International Student Visa Requirements at UNC Universities
For international students aspiring to study at the University of North Carolina (UNC) system, understanding the visa requirements is a crucial first step. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the F-1 and J-1 visa processes, on-campus employment regulations, and other essential information for international students at UNC institutions.
Understanding F-1 and J-1 Visas
The F-1 visa is for individuals wishing to pursue academic studies in the United States, while the J-1 visa is for exchange visitors participating in educational or cultural exchange programs. Both visas require specific procedures and documentation.
Obtaining the I-20 or DS-2019 Form
The initial step for prospective F-1/J-1 international students at UNC Charlotte is to obtain either an F-1 Form I-20 or a J-1 DS-2019 Form from the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSO). These forms are essential for the visa application process.
Financial Certification
To receive the I-20 or DS-2019, the ISSO requires the submission of a completed Financial Certification Form (FCF). This form demonstrates that the student has sufficient financial resources to cover their educational and living expenses. Current financial documentation that lists the sources and amounts of financial support you have secured for the current or upcoming academic year is required.
Paying the SEVIS I-901 Fee
After submitting the FCF and receiving the I-20 or DS-2019 from UNC Charlotte, the next step is to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee. F-1/J-1 students typically pay this fee once per program. It is recommended to pay online for the fastest processing. A copy of the SEVIS fee receipt is needed for the visa interview.
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Visa Application and Interview
The online form used to request a visa appointment is called a DS-160. When scheduling the visa appointment, visa issuance fees may also be required, separate from the SEVIS I-901 fee. It’s best to apply for the F-1/J-1 visa in your home country.
During the visa interview, it is crucial to answer the visa officer’s questions accurately and honestly.
Transferring SEVIS Records
For students already in the United States on an F-1/J-1 visa status, a SEVIS transfer might be the best way to come to UNC Charlotte. This involves transferring immigration documentation, allowing the student to keep their unique SEVIS identification number.
English Proficiency
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. UNC Asheville accepts TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) minimum score considered: 550 on paper-based test and 80 on the Internet-based test, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge English C1 Advanced and Cambridge C2 Proficiency. This requirement may be waived for applicants who have lived in an English-speaking country or attended an English-speaking school for a specified period.
Financial Resources
In order to obtain a student visa, you must be able to provide written evidence demonstrating you have adequate financial resources for the entire time needed to complete your degree program. After a student is offered admission, the International Student and Scholar Services office provides information on the financial documentation and what to expect from the visa process. You must have minimum liquid assets to cover the cost of insurance, books and supplies and direct out-of-state cost of attendance.
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On-Campus Employment for International Students at UNC
International students at UNC with F-1, J-1, H-1B, M, or Q immigration status are often eligible for on-campus employment. However, there are specific regulations and procedures to follow.
Eligibility and Work Authorization
International students with work authorization are permitted to work as student employees on-campus at UNC. International students holding F-1, J-1, H-1B, M, or Q immigration status must check-in with ISSS and submit an offer letter from their hiring department before starting to work.
Finding On-Campus Jobs
Like all other students at UNC, international students can visit Finding a Job for more information on how and where to find available student employee job opportunities at UNC. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that employment is considered “on-campus”. Jobs that do NOT qualify as On-Campus Employment: Positions at UNC Hospitals, the Carolina Inn, and most businesses located on Franklin Street. Students are not permitted to work off-campus without prior authorization.
Social Security Number (SSN)
International students holding F-1 or J-1 immigration status will not be eligible for a social security number unless they have obtained an on-campus job offer. These students must obtain a letter from ISSS in order to apply for an SSN at the Social Security Administration office. Once the international student receives an SSN they will need to update Section 1 of Form I-9.
Hiring Process
Once an international student receives and accepts an offer to work as a student employee on campus, the hiring representative will need to submit a hiring request in ConnectCarolina. Student records should indicate an international student’s status, which will trigger a notification to Payroll Services.
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Required Forms and Tax Information
Like all new student employees, international students must complete several required forms in order to start working and to receive a paycheck. However, unlike other students, international students being hired as student employees CANNOT complete tax forms online via the Self-Service tab in ConnectCarolina. Once the student receives an SSN, the hiring representative will need to enter the SSN in ConnectCarolina so that it can be accessed by Payroll Services.
Working Hours
International student employees holding F-1 or J-1 immigration status may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year while classes are in session. They may work over 20 hours per week during official University breaks or during the summer if they intend to enroll for the subsequent semester.
J-1 Employment Restrictions
International student employees holding J-1 immigration status are only authorized to engage in the terms of employment explicitly indicated in their on-campus employment authorization letter signed by ISSS. Students with J-1 immigration status must obtain, in advance, a new or updated authorization letter to engage in any new or additional employment beyond what was originally authorized. This includes working additional hours beyond what has been authorized, working outside of the dates the student has been authorized, and changes to the location of employment and/or the employing department/organization.
Taxes
International students may be subject to both federal and state income taxes like any other student employee. International student employees holding other types of immigration status will be contacted by Payroll Services at the time of hire if they are eligible to receive tax treaty benefits. Please note that eligibility to receive tax treaty benefits cannot be checked until the international student obtains an SSN.
Additional Information for International Students at UNC Asheville
Application Process
Submit the application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You can apply through the College For North Carolina (CFNC) or the Common Application. Arrange for your official school transcripts to be sent to us. All first-year applicants are required to submit an official transcript from their secondary school. All transfer applicants must submit official transcripts of all work taken at any college or university, whether or not they expect to receive transfer credit. All academic transcripts not in English must be translated by an official third-party organization such as WES, SpanTran, or another NACES approved service. Occasionally, we may request a full course evaluation from first-year applicants. must secure a course-by-course analysis from one of the above third-party organizations.
Visa and I-20 Timeline
- Spring semester: November
- Embassy or consulate:Your UNC Asheville acceptance letterAn Affidavit of Financial Support for International Student ApplicantsA bank statementFor further information on obtaining the F-1 visa, go to travel.state.gov.
- immigration official along with your F-1 visa (stamped in your passport) and I-94 form (obtained on the plane).Have Questions?
Two-Year Home Residency Requirement for J-1 Visa Holders
Certain J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement. Exchange Visitors subject to this requirement are required to return to the home country for a period of two years upon completion of the J-1 program. or home country government funding, a Exchange Visitor “Skills List,” or participation in graduate medical education. Before applying for a waiver of the two year home residence requirement, students should check with an ISSS advisor.
Key Considerations for International Students
- Timely Submission of Documents: Ensure all required documents are submitted to the ISSS in a timely manner to avoid delays in the visa application process.
- Valid Passport and Visa: Before leaving your home country, confirm that your passport and visa are still valid for entry into the United States.
- Financial Planning: Understand if your country’s government limits the amount of money that may be sent to its students in the United States, and make arrangements to ensure that your funds will be available.
- On-Campus Employment Rules: International students seeking or accepting employment are responsible for ensuring that employment is considered “on-campus”.
- Seek Guidance from ISSS: The ISSO typically assists students who need F-1 or J-1 visa sponsorship after they have already secured admission to the university.
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