FAQ
Admission
Immigration
Academics, Scholarships & Tuition
Social Security Numbers
Health Insurance
OPT & CPT
Admission
What are the requirements for submitting transcripts and academic recrods for transfer credit evaluation?
We require a course by course evaluation. The official copy must be mailed directly from the agency to the Office of International Services at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Credential evaluation agencies are as follows:
NACES: www.naces.org/members.htm
AACRAO: www.aacrao.org/international/foreignEdCred.cfm
NOTE: Although your credential evaluation may indicate that you have completed a significant number of credit hours, UALR will only accept those credits which satisfy its degree requirements.
What are the ACT, SAT, & Accuplacer exam requirements?
If you are a first time entering freshman, UALR requires that you take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College test (ACT). Your scores must be mailed directly from the test center to UALR to be considered official. We recommend that you also fax your SAT or ACT scores to OIS to avoid processing delays. Faxed transcripts are considered unofficial.
If you are unable to submit ACT or SAT scores, you will be required to take UALR’s Accuplacer placement exam before you will be allowed to register for classes. If you plan to take the Accuplacer, please coordinate your travel plans to accommodate the extra time required to take the exam before classes begin. OIS recommends that you plan on arriving to UALR no less than one week before classes begin. Failure to take the Accuplacer before classes begin may result in the loss of valid status as an F-1 Visa holder.
What are the English language proficiency requirements?
If English is not your native language, you must demonstrate a level of English proficiency appropriate to the level of instruction at UALR. You may do this by taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The minimum required for undergraduate admission is 71 on the web-based test. Graduate applicants must satisfy the English proficiency requirement as stipulated by the academic program to which the student is applying.
The submission of IELTS scores will NOT satisfy the English language reuqirement. The TOEFL is the only English language exam accepted at UALR.
The TOEFL Requirement can be waived:
If you have attended school in the U.S. for the last six years and meet all of our specific regular freshman requirements for admission, we will waive the TOEFL requirement. You must instruct the high school or school board in the county where you graduated to send your final and official transcript and SAT or ACT scores to the UALR Office of Admissions to complete your admissions requirements.
If applicants applying within the United States have completed English composition (levels I & II) at a regionally accredited post secondary institution with a “C” grade or better.
What are the certification requirements for my financial support documents?
International applicants who plan to apply for an F-1 visa are required by the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service to provide the university with a statement and supporting documents of financial ability for the first year of study before an I-20 can be issued.
Two original sets of supporting documents should be obtained. Send one set with the application documents and use the other when applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
How long will it take for UALR to issue an I-20 after I’ve applied?
The application processing time is usually 6-8 weeks from the date your complete application is received at the Office of International Services. Processing time may be extended if certain required academic or financial documents are missing from your application. Therefore, we recommend that you send us ALL of the required admission materials and documents in one package/envelope to avoid any unnecessary delays. Processing time for Graduate School applicants is longer and might take up to 6-10 weeks. No matter what program you have applied to, the international admissions staff at The University of Arkansas at Little Rock works very hard to ensure that ALL applications are reviewed in a timely fashion. Please be patient, as our goal is to give you our decision as fast as we possibly can. Too many inquires via e-mail or phone regarding the status of your application or I-20 may result in the delayed processing of your application.
Can my I-20 issuance be expedited?
We WILL NOT be responsible for rushing I-20 forms to students who schedule their interview too far in advance, or too soon from the date of your application to UALR. It is important to understand that the time and attention required to process admissions and immigration paperwork is essential to avoid any potentially costly errors. When dealing with immigration, proper planning greatly improves the chances of a successful application to UALR and for a successful Visa interview!
Is it possible to determining my admission eligibility before I apply or before I submit all the required documents?
Unfortunately, we cannot determine if you are eligible for admission prior to the submission of your complete application. While we appreciate your interest in UALR, due to the large amount of applications we receive each semester, we do not have the resources to review your admission materials without an application and an application fee. We strive to review each applicant’s qualifications in the most fair, objective way possible. This is best accomplished when the admissions coordinator has a complete application with all of its supporting materials to review. Your eligibility will be determined once you send us a completed application!
Immigration
How do I stay in status? What documents do I need to keep valid?
In order to stay in status, students must maintain the required amount of hours for their respective education level. They also must make sure that their I-20, passport, and I-94 are valid. Student visas can expire and the student can stay in the US. However, when the student leaves the country they will have to renew their visa before returning to the US.
How do I renew my I-20, visa, or passport while in the US?
Your I-20 should be valid for the entire duration of your program of study. If you will graduate early, or will need longer time to complete your program, please schedule an appointment with the coordinator so that the appropriate changes can be made to your I-20.
Your visa cannot be renewed while in the US. You are allowed to stay in the US if your visa expires.
Your passport can be renewed while in the U.S. You will need to contact your embassy for information regarding renewing your passport.
What am I required to do when traveling outside of the US?
Students who are planning on traveling outside of the US should come to the Office of International Services before they leave and get their I-20 signed. Signatures from the coordinator are good for one year, but it is good to let the office know if you are traveling outside of the country.
Students who decide to travel outside of the country during the semester should come and see the coordinator before traveling for any extra documentation that will help them re-enter the US without any problems.
I have an H1-B visa, do I have any restrictions as far as studying at UALR is concerned?
H1-B students may study full or part-time while on this visa. They are not subject to the restrictions that are set in place for F-1 visa holders. The only restriction is that students on H1-B visas should not make their study at a university their primary focus for staying in the US.
I have an F-2 visa, do I have any restrictions as far as studying at UALR is concerned?
F-2 dependents may not engage in full-time study, and the type of study can only be “avocational” or “recreational”. If an F-2 dependent would like to pursue a course of study, they should apply for a change of status to an F-1 visa before the program of study is started.
I’m on another visa, and I want to change my status to F-1. What do I need to do in order to get the F-1 visa status?
In order to change your status to an F-1 student visa status, students must first apply to UALR and be accepted. When it comes time to create the I-20 for admission, the student needs to make sure that the office is aware that they will be applying for a change of status.
The student needs to meet with the coordinator in order to get the list or requirements for changing their status and talk about a timeline that will need to be followed in order to get the change of status completed in a timely matter. It generally takes 3-6 months to get a change of status approved, sometimes even longer.
Academics, Scholarships & Tuition
Are there any scholarships that I can apply for as an international student?
UALR recently begin a pilot program that awards international students in-state tuition if they meet the criteria that is set forth for the program. Please see our scholarships section for more information.
Students may also apply for private scholarships through their respective departments. Scholarship applications are generally due on March 1 of every year and apply to the next year of study.
I want to change my major, and I need to change it on my I-20. What do I need to do?
If you have already declared your major, you will need to contact the department that houses the program that you want to join and request a “change of major” form from them. Signatures from the student, academic advisor, and the chair of the department are required. This process can take up to six weeks.
If you have not declared your major, you can contact the coordinator and she can help you get your major corrected in the Banner system.
After either of these have been completed a new I-20 can be processed for you. But only after the change has been approved and applied to your student record.
I am an F-1 student, can I qualify for in-state tuition?
F-1 students are not allowed to qualify for in-state tuition as long as they have F-1 visa status. No exceptions are allowed.
I am an H1-B student, can I qualify for in-state tuition?
H1-B students must contact Keesha Bryant in Admissions and Financial Aid when inquiring about in state tuition because of their visa status.
Social Security Numbers
How do I get a social security number?
In order to receive a social security number, students must have a job on-campus. Once you have received an on-campus position, please bring your letter of employment to the Office of International Services. We will fill out the appropriate paperwork for Human Resources and will supply you with a social security letter from our office. Take the following to the nearest social security office for processing:
- Employment Letter
- Social security letter from Office of International Services
- Current I-20
- Passport, visa, and I-94 card
I don’t want a job, but I need a social security number to get an apartment, car, etc. What else can I do as an alternative to the social security number?
We will be more than happy to write a letter that verifies that you are a student at UALR and are attending your classes and are in good academic standing after verifying this information, and explain the situation regarding the reason that you do not have a social security number.
Health Insurance
Why am I required to have health insurance while attending UALR?
While most international students will remain healthy, medical emergencies are frequent and they can be catastrophic, especially for those living on a tight budget. Medical insurance can minimize the financial burden and reduce anxiety for students and their parents in the event of emergencies, accidents or illnesses. More importantly, having medical insurance is the law in the United States. The J-1 visitor program requires proof of medical insurance for those from others countries coming to the United States and other non-immigrant students and dependents are required to carry medical insurance as a condition of their legal status in the United States. Non-immigrants are prohibited from accepting public assistance, including assistance for medical emergencies.
Am I still required to purchase UALR’s medical insurance plan even though health care in my home-country is nationalized or subsidized by my government, or I have purchased an insurance plan in my home country?
Yes, you must purchase the health care plan offered through UALR in order to insure that your medical expenses are covered.
Am I are required to have medical insurance during the summer even if I am not enrolled in classes at UALR?
Yes. International students at UALR are required to maintain “continuous” coverage as long as they are students at UALR and have not officially withdrawn. In return, you are covered by the policy on-campus or off-campus, in the U.S. or outside the U.S., and while traveling to or vacationing in another country. The only time coverage is NOT provided is while you are in your own home-country.
How do I pay for my medical insurance?
International students pay the premium for 12-months coverage twice a year at the beginning of Fall and Spring semesters at the Cashier’s Office in Administration North on campus.
How can I qualify for a health insurance waiver?
Insurance waivers are only given in the following situations:
- Students who are covered under their spouses’ work insurance
- Students who are ministry sponsored and have their insurance paid through the ministry
- Students who are government funded and have their insurance paid through the government
These are the only situations where an insurance waiver may be granted. Proof of insurance is required for the waiver to be processed.
OPT & CPT
What is OPT? How do I know if I qualify for it?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a way for students to gain knowledge in their field of study and use the skills that they have obtained through their studies at the university in the work field. OPT is only allowed for students who are in their last semester of study and will be graduating, or students who want to work for a year after graduation.
Students who apply for OPT before they have completed their program of study are only allowed to work 20 hours per week until their graduation date is reached. After this date they are allowed to resume full-time, 40 hour a week positions.
Students who graduate are allowed to begin OPT as soon as they graduate, or have the option to start anytime during the 60 day grace period allowed by USCIS. Students who participate in OPT after graduation are allowed to work 40 hours a week.
It is strongly encouraged that students apply for OPT early in the semester that they are going to graduate in order to ensure that they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) by the time that they have requested to begin employment. Students do not have to have a job offer when applying for OPT . It is also strongly encouraged that the student make sure that they will graduate that semester. It is very difficult to change OPT dates, and if OPT is cancelled, you will have to pay the fee again to have it processed when you do graduate.
What is CPT? How do I know if I qualify for it?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) was designed to allow students to gain knowledge while studying by allowing them to do an internship in their field of study. Generally CPT is part-time, during the semester, and the only way that you can register for it is to take an internship course while you are doing the internship. Students at the undergraduate level must be beginning their junior year at UALR in order to be eligible for this. Graduate students can start when they begin their course of study if needed. Please come and talk with the coordinator if you are interested in participating in CPT.