General Information
What is the mission of International Student Services?
The mission of International Student Services (ISS) is to actively promote international and intercultural understanding and to cultivate a mutual commitment and support for international education throughout the campus community. Learn more at https://ualr.edu/international/iss/
Who are considered international students at UA Little Rock?
International students with F-1 or J-1 visas are considered traditional students whose main reason for being in the United States is to pursue research or academic studies.
New Students
How do prospective international students receive admission?
Once an international student chooses to attend UA Little Rock, they will go through the regular admission process. International graduate students apply through the Graduate School, while international undergraduates apply through the Office of Admissions. Students who do not yet have academic English proficiency can begin their program in UA Little Rock’s Intensive English Language Program.
What evidence of financial documentation is needed for incoming international students?
By federal law, new F-1 and J-1 international students must demonstrate documentation of financial support for an estimated cost of living and attendance in their first year of a new program. Learn more at https://ualr.edu/international/financialguarantee/.
What is the Immigration Verification Form?
The Immigration Verification Form is an additional document required during or after admission to allow an international student advisor to determine immigration eligibility and issue the appropriate documents, including Forms I-20 or DS-2019. Learn more at https://ualr.edu/international/ivinstructions/.
What is an I-20 or DS-2019?
An I-20 or DS-2019 is an immigration document issued to eligible students who have received admission to UALR. The I-20 is issued to students who will enter with an F-1 visa, while a DS-2019 is issued to students participating in J-1 programs. These documents must be valid and accurate throughout the duration of their program of study. Learn more at https://ualr.edu/international/immigrationdocuments.
When should new international students arrive to campus?
Newly admitted international students are permitted to arrive in the United States up to 30 days before the commencement of the new semester. It is essential for these students to attend the mandatory orientation for new international students, which takes place one week before the semester starts. This process enables them to fulfill immigration reporting requirements, complete necessary checklist items, register for classes, and adequately prepare for a successful initial semester. Learn more at https://ualr.edu/international/arrival/.
What is the Immigration Reporting hold?
This hold requires all incoming F-1 and J-1 visa holders (transfers and first-time students) to report to International Student Services with their immigration documents and U.S. address and attend international student orientation.
Why is the Immigration Reporting hold necessary?
This hold ensures all students meet their initial Homeland Security requirements and become properly oriented to UA Little Rock for a successful first semester.
Enrollment
What are the enrollment requirements for international students?
F-1 and J-1 international students are required to enroll full-time each spring and fall semester. Full-time enrollment is defined by the Records Office as 12 credits for undergraduates and defined by the Graduate School as 9 credits for graduates. Students can receive permission for reducing their course load for medical or academic reasons.
Is enrollment required in the summer term?
Summer enrollment is optional unless 1) the program requires summer enrollment; 2) summer is the student’s first semester in F-1 or J-1 status; 3) summer is the first semester after a leave of absence; or 4) the student is not otherwise maintaining their immigration status.
What are the restrictions for online courses?
Full-time enrollment for international students also includes minimum courses requiring physical presence at UA Little Rock. The minimum physical presence requirement for undergraduate courses is 9 credits and 6 credits for graduate students. Lectures, labs, local internships, and hybrid courses all meet the physical presence requirement. After the physical presence requirement is met, a student may take additional classes online without restriction.
What are the options for enrolling below full-time?
Options for reduced course load include medical recommendation, initial difficulty with English language or US teaching methods, or final semester with less than full-time remaining for graduation. Academic requests for Reduced Course Load must be recommended by an academic advisor or program coordinator. Learn more at https://ualr.edu/international/rcl/.
On-Campus Student Employees
What jobs are international students eligible for?
F-1 and J-1 International students may be eligible for graduate assistantships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, extra labor, hourly positions, or Trojan Works. International students are not eligible for federal work study.
What are the hourly restrictions for international student employees?
F-1 and J-1 international students are limited to 20 hours per week during the spring and fall semesters. They may work over 20 hours during summer or official university breaks. Students with other visa types may have more or fewer restrictions.
What is the process for hiring an international student?
After choosing an international student for a role within your department, provide them with a formal job offer letter. The department responsible for hiring must then finalize all necessary documentation with Human Resources, the Graduate School, and any other relevant departments in order to officially bring the new employee on board.
What is the student’s responsibility after receiving a job offer letter?
After receiving a written job offer, the student will submit the online On-Campus Employment Eligibility Form for Non-Resident Alien Employees (NRA) available at https://ualr.edu/international/nra/
How do students receive their Social Security Number?
International students who do not yet have a Social Security Number (SSN) can apply for an SSN after they have been issued a valid job offer letter. When they complete the NRA form, an international student advisor will review their SSN eligibility and issue an SSN support letter if needed. For most students, they will be able to apply for an SSN and receive their number within 10 days. However, some students may need to go through a secondary screening process, which delays the receipt of their SSN.
Can students begin working without their Social Security Number?
Students must have their Social Security Number and finish the onboarding process with Human Resources before they can start working. If they haven’t received their card yet, they are allowed to begin working using only the number.
When will on-campus work authorization end?
In most cases, on campus work authorization will continue as long as the student is enrolled full-time and meeting the other F-1 immigration requirements. However, on-campus employment authorization ends on the last day of finals of the student’s last semester. This date is listed on the student’s I-20.
Off-Campus Work Authorization
When can students work off campus?
In general, students cannot work off campus without specific work authorization. Work authorization may be granted for an academically required internship (CPT), due to severe economic hardship, or after graduation (OPT).
Do students need academic credit for an internship?
To qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), F-1 students need to have finished two full academic semesters and must be gaining work experience that is a required part of their program. Many students collaborate with the Office of Cooperative Education and Internship Placement to enroll in a co-op course during the semester they are doing their internship. Additionally, students who require practical experience to complete a final project, thesis, dissertation, or other degree requirements may also qualify for CPT.
J-1 students do not need academic credit to receive authorization for Academic Training related to their major area of study. Academic Training can be before or after graduation.