MAINTAINING STATUS
“Maintaining Status” means following all the rules of your visa category. Students are responsible for learning and following the rules of their F or J immigration status. Failing to comply is deemed a violation of immigration status and may have serious consequences on their ability to remain
In most cases, UCF Global will contact students via their Knights email if there is an issue with their immigration status. Students must regularly check their Knights email account so they do not miss important communications from UCF Global. Time is a critical factor in immigration so it is important that students immediately respond to any correspondence from UCF Global so that we can assist in resolving the issue before important deadlines pass.
HOW TO MAINTAIN F-1 AND J-1 STATUS
Check-In with UCF Global
New students and current students who have been issued a new initial I-20 or DS-2019 must check-in with UCF Global by the start date of their I-20 or DS-2019.
Keep a valid passport at all times If a student’s passport is going to expire, they must contact their country’s nearest embassy to renew it.
Enroll full-time
Maintaining full-time enrollment is one of the most important requirements for F-1 and J-1 students. Click here for the enrollment requirements.
Report changes to UCF Global within 10 days
Changes such as changes in address, phone number, and major/academic program must be reported to UCF Global within 10 days. Click here for details on how to report changes to UCF Global.
Request an extension before the I-20 or DS-2019 expires
If students need more time to complete their program, they must request an extension before their I-20 or DS-2019 expires. Failing to request an extension before the I-20 or DS-2019 expires results in the loss of F-1 or J-1 status. Click here for information on how to request an extension.
Maintain good academic standing and make normal progress in their academic program
Students should attend their classes, do their best in their assignments, and seek assistance if they need it.
Do not work off-campus without prior authorization from UCF Global
International students are not eligible to work off-campus without first obtaining authorization in advance. Working without authorization is a serious violation of F-1 and J-1 status. Click here for more information about employment authorization options.
When traveling outside of the U.S., obtain a travel signature before leaving campus. Click here for more information about travel.
Depart the U.S. by the end of the Grace Period
F-1 students have a 60-day grace period upon completion of their program or OPT/STEM Extension. J-1 students have a 30-day grace period upon completion of their program or Academic Training.
File taxes
All international students need to file tax forms to the Internal Revenue Service every year. Click here for more details.
ENROLLMENT GUIDELINES
As an international student in F-1 of J-1 status, enrolling full-time is one of the key requirements of maintaining lawful status. Enrolling full-time is also referred to as maintaining a “full course load” or “full course of study.” Immigration regulations restrict the number of online courses international students may count toward meeting their minimum enrollment requirement. Refer to the charts below for the full-time enrollment requirements of each program.
TYPES OF COURSES AT UCF
UCF offers many modalities of courses. When registering for classes, international students must pay special attention to the course modality. The modality or “course instruction mode” can be viewed in the class detail for each course.
Sponsored students may have different requirements, please contact your embassy/cultural mission.
| In-Person Classes | |
|---|---|
| Code | Description |
| P | In-Person |
| M, MR, ML | Mixed-Mode |
| RL, RS | Reduced Seating |
| Online Classes | |
|---|---|
| Code | Description |
| W | Web-Based |
| V, VL | Online Video Content |
UCF GLOBAL ENGLISH PROGRAMS
Students enrolled in UCF Global English Programs must be continuously enrolled for the duration of their program. No online courses are permitted. IEP and GAA Prep students may be eligible for a one-session annual vacation after four consecutive sessions in the Intensive English Program.
| Fall and Spring | Summer | Number of Online Credits Permitted | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEP | 5 IEP Classes each session | 5 IEP Classes each session | All coursework must be in-person |
| GAA Prep | 5 IEP Classes each session | 5 IEP Classes each session | All coursework must be in-person |
| GAA II & GAA III | 14 credits | 12 credits | All coursework must be in-person |
| GAA UI | 12 credits | 9 credits | All coursework must be in-person |
UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDENTS
During the fall and spring terms, F-1 and J-1 students are required to enroll full-time. Full-time enrollment is defined as follows:
FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS
| Full-Time Enrollment Requirement | How many credits must be in-person? | |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 12 credits | 9 credits |
| Graduate | 9 credits | 6 credits |
| Master’s – Thesis Only Doctoral – Dissertation | 3 credits of Thesis/Dissertation | 3 credits |
SUMMER SEMESTER
Summer terms are considered optional* and thus enrollment is not required unless a student is starting a new program in the summer or graduating in the summer. *Graduate students must follow the College of Graduate Studies policies on enrollment requirements. Refer to the UCF Graduate Catalog for additional information.
| Full-Time Enrollment Requirement | How many credits must be in-person? | |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s- Starting a program in Summer A/C/D or Graduating | 9 credits | 6 credits |
| Bachelor’s- Starting in Summer B Only | 6 credits | 3 credits |
| Graduate- Starting a program in Summer A/C/D or Graduating | 6 credits | 3 credits |
| Master’s-Thesis Only Doctoral- Dissertation | 3 credits of Thesis/Dissertation | 3 credits |
REDUCED COURSE LOAD (RCL)
While international students must maintain full-time enrollment for the duration of their program, immigration regulations allow exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement in certain, limited situations. This exception is known as a “Reduced Course Load” or “RCL.” Students must request and receive approval for an RCL from UCF Global prior to dropping below the full-time enrollment requirement. Dropping below full-time without an approved RCL will result in the loss of F-1 or J-1 status. Federal regulations permit requests for a reduced course load for the following reasons, all of which must be supported by an academic advisor or medical documentation:
F-1 RCL REASONS
- Unfamiliarity with US teaching methods (First semester only)
- Initial difficulty with English language (First semester only)
- Initial difficulty with reading requirements (First semester only)
- Improper course placement (First semester only)
- Illness or medical condition
- Completion of course of study (Final Semester)
J-1 RCL REASONS
- Medical illness
- Bona fide academic reason
- Final semester
An RCL may not be requested or granted for any other reason including financial difficulty or the lack of available courses.
HOW TO REQUEST A REDUCED COURSE LOAD (RCL)
Students must complete the Reduced Course Load Form and follow the instructions on the form to obtain the necessary signature and/or supporting documentation. Incomplete requests cannot be considered.
RCL requests must be submitted to UCF Global by the Add deadline published on the Academic Calendar and prior to dropping or withdrawing from a full course load. Submissions received after the deadline are discouraged but will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
RCLS AND GRADUATE FUNDING
Per university policies, students must meet the standard full-time enrollment criteria to be eligible for a graduate fellowship or assistantship. Approval of an RCL does not change this requirement. Students not receiving a qualifying award are responsible for their full tuition and fees at the Non-Florida Resident rate.
TAKING CLASSES AT ANOTHER SCHOOL (CONCURRENT / TRANSIENT ENROLLMENT)
UCF F-1 students may be eligible to meet their full-time enrollment requirement by simultaneously registering in classes at UCF and another institution. This is called “concurrent” or “transient” enrollment. In order for courses taken at another school to count toward the full-time enrollment requirement, students must receive approval from UCF Global.
HOW TO RECEIVE APPROVAL FOR CONCURRENT/TRANSIENT ENROLLMENT
Students must first receive academic approval for transient coursework by following the instructions for transient students listed on the UCF Registrar’s Office website. After receiving academic approval, students must complete the Reduced Course Load Request Form and follow the instructions on the form to obtain the necessary signature and supporting documentation. Complete applications must be submitted to UCF Global by the Add deadline published on the Academic Calendar. Incomplete requests cannot be considered. Once approved by UCF Global, students must still be registered at UCF for at least half their required credit hours. (Students in the 2+2+2 Architecture program are exempt from this requirement but must maintain at least one course at UCF.)
TAKING AN F-1 LEAVE OF ABSENCE / AUTHORIZED EARLY WITHDRAWAL
International student are required to be enrolled full-time to maintain their F-1 status. In some situations, students may want, or need, to take time off from their studies. This is called an F-1 leave of absence or “authorized early withdrawal.”
Some common reasons for taking an F-1 leave of absence include:
- Family emergencies
- Personal issues
- Financial challenges
- Mandatory military service
Students who want to take time off from their studies or who are unable to enroll in courses are not permitted to remain in the U.S. on a student visa. Students must contact UCF Global in advance of not enrolling or withdrawing from classes in order to request an F-1 Leave of Absence. When an F-1 leave of absence is requested, a student’s SEVIS record is terminated for “authorized early withdrawal” and students must depart the United States within 15 days of the last date of enrollment if not enrolling In the current semester or within 15 days of withdrawing from classes. In general, students taking a leave of absence of less than 5 months who departed the US within 15-day period described above may be eligible for the reactivation of their SEVIS record. SEVIS record reactivation is reviewed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) upon the request of UCF Global and is not guaranteed. Taking an F-1 leave of absence may impact a student’s eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) so students need to discuss their plans in advance with a UCF Global Immigration Advisor.
HOW TO REQUEST AUTHORIZED EARLY WITHDRAWAL
After meeting with a UCF Global Immigration Advisor, students must submit the Exit Form along with a copy of their departure flight itinerary.
The F-1 Leave of Absence process is separate from the academic leave of absence process. Students should be aware of university policies regarding continuous enrollment in the UCF Catalog and request a leave of absence from their academic program, if needed.
RETURNING FROM AUTHORIZED EARLY WITHDRAWAL
Students returning from Authorized Early Withdrawal must be active in their program of study or have been readmitted to UCF. At least 60 days before the start of the semester, students must request the reactivation of their SEVIS record, if eligible, or receive a new initial I-20.
- Log into the myINTL portal with your NID and password
- Select “Current UCF Student”
- Next, select one of the following options based on the advice of a UCF Global immigration advisor:
- “Return from Authorized Early Withdrawal” or
- “Return from Absence of Greater than 5 Months”
- Follow the instructions on the form enter the necessary information and upload the required documents.
After reviewing your application, your UCF Global Immigration Advisor inform you of next steps.
ANNUAL VACATION - INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM STUDENTS ONLY
Students in the Intensive English Program and GAA Prep may request an annual vacation after they have enrolled for four consecutive sessions in the Intensive English Program or GAA Prep program. Annual vacations are for one session only. During an annual vacation, students may stay in the United States or travel outside of the U.S.
ANNUAL VACATION ELIGIBILITY
- Must be enrolled for 4 consecutive sessions in the IEP or GAA Prep
- Must intend to enroll in the next session immediately after the annual vacation
- Must request a program extension if I-20 will expire during annual vacation
- Annual vacation cannot be taken after level 8 unless the student is continuing to levels 9 and 10
HOW TO REQUEST AN ANNUAL VACATION
To request an Annual Vacation, students must complete the Annual Vacation Request Form and submit it to UCF Global by the first day of classes. If a student’s I-20 will expire during the annual vacation period, the student must first request a program extension.
REPORTING CHANGES
An important aspect of maintaining lawful F-1 or J-1 status includes reporting changes in information to UCF Global immediately. Failure to report changes is considered a violation of F-1 or J-1 status.
CHANGE IN ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER
If students move to a new address or change their phone number, they must report these changes within 10 days to UCF Global by updating their myUCF account. Once a student updates their myUCF account with a new address or phone number, UCF Global is notified and reports this information in SEVIS. It is important that addresses are entered correctly according to U.S. address formats and include any apartment number, if applicable. Additionally, students must always have a physical U.S. address (address where they live) listed in myUCF. P.O. Boxes may only be listed as mailing addresses. How to Update your Address in myUCF
CHANGE OF MAJOR
Students changing their major, adding a second major, or adding a minor, must request an updated I-20 or DS-2019 within 10 days of declaring the new major or minor. Please note that the new program must be active in the university system for an I-20 or DS-2019 to be updated.
F-1 STUDENTS
- Log into the myINTL portal with your NID and password
- Click on Form I-20 Request
- Select “Current UCF Student”
- Next, select “Change of Major”
- Follow the instructions on the form to enter the necessary information and upload the required documents
- If adding a second major or minor, indicate this in the “Remarks” section
J-1 STUDENTS
- Log into the myINTL portal with your NID and password
- Select “Form DS-2019 Request”
- Select the applicable student type
- Follow the instructions on the form to enter the necessary information and upload the required documents
CHANGE OF ACADEMIC LEVEL
Students admitted into another degree level must request an updated I-20 or DS-2019 for this change of academic level. There are specific timeframes when this must be requested.
| F-1 Students who have completed a program of study | F-1 students who have completed a program of study and who are not applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must request and receive a Change of Level I-20 before the end of the 60-day grace period. The new program must begin within 5 months from the date of program completion. |
| F-1 Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Students who are currently on OPT must request and receive a Change of Level I-20 either before accruing 90 days of unemployment or before the end of the 60-day grace period, whichever is earlier. The new program must begin within 5 months from the OPT end date. OPT ends on the date the Change of Level I-20 is issued. |
| F-1 Students on the 24-month STEM Extension of OPT | Students who are currently on the 24-month STEM Extension of OPT must request and receive a Change of Level I-20 either before accruing 150 days of unemployment or before the end of the 60-day grace period, whichever is earlier. The new program must begin within 5 months from the STEM Extension end date. The STEM extension ends on the date the Change of Level I-20 is issued. |
| J-1 Students | J-1 students may only change to a higher degree level (i.e. Bachelor’s to Master’s, Master’s to Doctoral). The updated DS-2019 must be requested and received before the current DS-2019 end date. |
HOW TO REQUEST A CHANGE OF ACADEMIC LEVEL I-20
F-1 STUDENTS
- Log into the myINTL portal with your NID and password
- Select “Current UCF Student”
- Next, select “Change of Academic Level”
- Follow the instructions on the form enter the necessary information and upload the required documents including financial documentation.
J-1 STUDENTS
- Log into the myINTL portal with your NID and password
- Select “Form DS-2019 Request”
- Follow the instructions on the form to enter the necessary information and upload the required documents
UPDATES TO IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS
Students must provide copies of any new immigration documents such as a new passport, visa, or I-94 to UCF Global.
HOW TO SUBMIT IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS TO UCF GLOBAL
- Visit global.ucf.edu/docintake/isss and log in with your NID and password
- Upload a copy of the new document(s) and include any remarks
CHANGE IN IMMIGRATION STATUS
Students who change their immigration status must report this change to UCF Global within 10 days of the change so their SEVIS record may be properly closed and their status updated in the university system. Contact a UCF Global immigration advisor for assistance.
CHANGE IN LEGAL NAME
Students who have changed their legal name and have updated their passport to reflect the new name must report this change to UCF Global within 10 days. Contact a UCF Global immigration advisor for assistance. Students should submit the Change of Name form to the UCF Registrar’s Office.
PROGRAM EXTENSIONS
Students are responsible for monitoring their I-20 or DS-2019 end date and requesting a program extension if they need additional time to complete their program. Program extensions must be requested before the I-20 or DS-2019 expires. Failure to request a program extension in time results in the loss of F-1 or J-1 status. To be eligible for a program extension, students must be maintaining their immigration status and be making normal academic progress towards completion of their program. Program extensions may only be granted for “compelling academic or medical reasons, such as changes of major or research topics, unexpected research problems, or documented illnesses. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for program extensions.” All requests for a program extension must be supported by the student’s academic adviser. UCF Global reserves the right to consult with a student’s academic advisor if academic progress is in question.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A PROGRAM EXTENSION
F-1 STUDENTS
- Log into the myINTL portal with your NID and password
- Select “Current UCF Student”
- Next, select “Program Extension”
- Follow the instructions on the form enter the necessary information and upload the required documents including financial documentation and a letter of support from your academic advisor.
J-1 STUDENTS
- Log into the myINTL portal with your NID and password
- Select “Form DS-2019 Request”
- Select the applicable student type
- Follow the instructions on the form to enter the necessary information and upload the required documents
OPTIONS AFTER GRADUATION
Upon completion of the program of study, the I-20 or DS-2019 end date is shortened to the date of program completion. F-1 students have a 60-day grace period and J-1 students have a 30-day grace period starting from the program completion date. F-1 and J-1 students have several options after graduation, however, they are time-sensitive.
- Begin a new program of study at UCF
- Begin a new program of study at another U.S. Institution (SEVIS Transfer)
- F-1 Students Only: Apply for Post-Completion OPT
- J-1 Students Only: Apply for Academic Training
- Change to another immigration status.
- Some students may be eligible to apply for a change of immigration status to USCIS while remaining inside the U.S. Please consult with your immigration attorney regarding this option.
- Depart the U.S.
- Complete the Exit Form and depart the U.S. by the end of your grace period.
SEVIS TRANSFER OUT
F-1 and J-1 students who have been admitted to another U.S. institution must also receive immigration authorization to begin studying full-time at the new school. This is accomplished most commonly through a SEVIS transfer. A SEVIS transfer is the electronic release of a student’s SEVIS record from UCF to the new school and must occur before a student begins studies at the new school. The SEVIS transfer process is separate from the academic transfer process.
BENEFITS OF A SEVIS TRANSFER OUT
- Students can remain in the U.S. between programs
- Students keep their same SEVIS number
- Students do not need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again
HOW TO REQUEST A SEVIS TRANSFER OUT
Students must meet with a UCF Global immigration advisor to review their eligibility for a SEVIS transfer and submit the following documents to UCF Global:
- UCF Global Transfer Out Form
- Copy of admission letter from the new institution
- Transfer In Form from new school, if applicable
Please note students may be required to get clearance signatures from UCF departments. Sufficient time to complete the transfer process will be needed. SEVIS records cannot be released in SEVIS without the documentation listed above.
DEADLINES TO SEVIS TRANSFER OUT
The deadline to complete the SEVIS Transfer Out process depends on a student’s situation.
| F-1 and J-1 Students who have not graduated and are eligible to continue in their current program at UCF | Prior to the start of classes |
| F-1 Students who have graduated | SEVIS Transfer Out must be completed before the end of the 60-day grace period following program completion |
| J-1 Students who have graduated | SEVIS Transfer Out must be completed prior to the program completion date |
| F-1 Students on OPT or STEM Extension | SEVIS Transfer Out must be completed prior to accruing the maximum unemployment or before the end of the 60-day grace period following OPT/STEM Extension, whichever is sooner |
| J-1 Students on Academic Training | SEVIS Transfer Out must be completed prior to the end of Academic Training. |
| All other situations | Consult with a UCF Global Immigration Advisor. |
CONDUCT SANCTIONS AND IMMIGRATION STATUS
Conduct sanctions can affect F-1 or J-1 immigration status if they impact a student’s ability to continue as an enrolled student.
All UCF Knights are expected to uphold the values of the UCF Creed:
- Integrity. I will practice and defend academic and personal honesty.
- Scholarship. I will cherish and honor learning as a fundamental purpose of my membership in the UCF community.
- Community. I will promote an open and supportive campus environment by respecting the rights and contributions of every individual.
- Creativity. I will use my talents to enrich the human experience.
- Excellence. I will strive toward the highest standards of performance in any endeavor I undertake.
The Golden Rule Student Handbook contains UCF’s policies and procedures which define students’ rights and responsibilities at the university. It is important that students familiarize themselves with their rights and responsibilities because all UCF Knights are held to these standards. F-1 and J-1 students going through a student conduct process are strongly encouraged to speak with a UCF Global Immigration Advisor early to discuss their immigration options. Students receiving a sanction which prevents them from continuing as an enrolled student have a very limited timeframe to pursue any applicable immigration options which is why students are encouraged to consult with their immigration advisor early in the process.
REINSTATEMENT (F-1 STUDENTS)
If an F-1 student fails to maintain lawful F-1 status, they may be able to apply to USCIS to regain lawful F-1 status through a process called Reinstatement. Reinstatement is not always recommended or applicable in all situation so students must consult with a UCF Global Immigration Advisor. In general, an F-1 student may be eligible to apply for reinstatement if they meet the following criteria:
- Student has not been out of status for more than five months prior to filing for reinstatement.
- Student does not have a record of repeated status violations.
- Student is pursuing or will pursue a full course of study in the next available term.
- Student has not engaged in unauthorized employment.
- Student’s violation of the status resulted from circumstances beyond their control.
To apply for reinstatement, gather the items listed on the Checklist for Reinstatement and make an appointment with a UCF Global immigration advisor.
DEPENDENTS & FAMILY INVITATIONS
FAMILY DEPENDENTS
F-1 and J-1 students may obtain an I-20 or DS-2019 for their eligible dependents. Eligible dependents include a spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. Eligible dependents may apply for an F-2 or J-2 visa at the same time as the principle visa holder or after the principle visa holder arrives in the U.S. Upon receiving an I-20 or DS-2019, the dependent must then apply to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an F-2 or J-2 visa
- New Students: New incoming students to UCF may request an I-20 or DS-2019 for their eligible dependents as part of their initial Form I-20 Request or DS-2019 request. Refer to the New Students section of this website for instructions.
- Current F-1 Students: Current F-1 students may request an I-20 for their eligible dependents at any time after their arrival to the U.S.
F-1 STUDENTS: HOW TO APPLY TO ADD ELIGIBLE DEPENDENT(S) TO I-20
- Log into the myINTL portal with your NID and password
- Select “Current UCF Student”
- Next, select “Add Dependent(s)”
- Follow the instructions on the form enter the necessary information and upload the required documents including 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. In the case of adding a child, a birth certificate with certified English translation is required.
J-1 STUDENTS: HOW TO APPLY TO ADD ELIGIBLE DEPENDENT(S) TO DS-2019
- Log into the myINTL portal with your NID and password
- Select “Form DS-2019 Request”
- Select the applicable student type
- Follow the instructions on the form to enter the necessary information and upload the required documents including financial documentation, dependent passport(s), and marriage/birth certificates as needed
GUIDELINES FOR F-2 VISA HOLDERS
- Eligible to travel outside of the United States and re-enter with a valid F-2 visa and travel signature as long as the principle visa holder (F-1 student) is maintaining immigration status.
- May not engage in any type of employment, including unpaid work.
- F-2 spouses may engage in part-time study.
- F-2 children may engage in full-time study at the K-12 level.
- All F-2 dependents who would like to enroll in full-time university-level study can inquire about how to apply for F-1 status
GUIDELINES FOR J-2 VISA HOLDERS
- Eligible to travel outside of the United States and re-enter with a valid J-2 visa and travel signature as long as the principle visa holder (J-1 student) is maintaining immigration status.
- May enroll in courses full-time or part-time as a degree seeking or non-degree seeking student.
- May apply for work authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as long as employment is not to support the principle J-1 visa holder. Once authorization is obtained, dependents may work full-time or part-time. Please refer to the Employment Guidelines for J-2 Dependents for more information.
- Must maintain and provide proof of health insurance throughout their stay in the United States.
FAMILY INVITATIONS
We encourage students to stay connected with their family during their time at UCF, which includes inviting them to the United States and the University of Central Florida. Having family members visit them in Orlando is a great way to share in their experience as a #GlobalKnight. To help a family member(s) secure a B-2 visitor visa, review the U.S. Department of State website on specific documentation required at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate during their visa interview. Students may also choose to provide supplemental documentation for their family member(s) during their visa application. For example, students may provide them:
| Official transcripts from the University of Central Florida | This will help to show a student’s personal academic history at UCF, supporting the case for their continued academic progress. Official transcripts must be requested through myUCF. Visit the Registrar’s Office website for further instructions. |
| Official enrollment verification letter from the University of Central Florida | This will help to show a student’s current enrollment at UCF, supporting the case for their current lawful stay in the United States.Official enrollment verification letters must be requested through myUCF. Visit the Registrar’s Office website for further instructions. Letter of invitation from international student. This will help to show a student’s relationship with the visa applicant, supporting the case |
| Letter of invitation from international student | This will help to show a student’s relationship with the visa applicant, supporting the case for their bona fide relationship with an individual currently residing in the United States. Click here for a sample letter of invitation to compose and sign. UCF Global does not provide letters of invitation for international students – the U.S. Department of State indicates that a letter of invitation is not one of the determining factors for issuing or denying a visitor visa. |
| Employment verification letter | Students who have recently graduated from the University of Central Florida and are engaged in Optional Practical Training, STEM Extension, or Academic Training may choose to request an employment verification letter from their employer to verify their employment status in the United States. |
| Additional supporting documents | These may include a student’s current passport, I-94, Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, F-1 visa or J-1 visa, graduation invitation card, commencement information, and/or financial documentation if the student plans to financially support the visitor. |
Remember, the family member must establish non-immigrant intent if they wish to be granted a B-2 visa, which means they must prove the intent to return to their home country after their temporary stay in the United States. Any documentation, including strong social and financial ties to their home country will be beneficial in their application. For information on how family members can obtain a B-2 visa, please refer to the U.S. Department of State website.
TAXES
It is important to note that when working in the United States, taxes will be deducted from every paycheck. There are a few different types of automatic deductions:
- Federal Income Tax
- Social Security Tax (or FICA)
- Medicare
- State Income Tax (not applicable in Florida)
FILING TAX FORMS WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS)
All international students need to file tax forms to the Internal Revenue Service every year. In addition to automatic tax deductions from their paycheck, all international students must file tax forms with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) every year. The forms students need to file will depend on if they have received income in the US or not. Even if students do not expect to owe the Internal Revenue Service taxes, they may still be obligated to report certain funds. All international students must file IRS Form 8843 every year they are present in the US. Form 8843 is due on the day taxes are due which is typically due April 15 of every year. If a student has earned income in the U.S., they will generally need to file the tax Form 1040NR. The due date is typically April 15 each year.
TAX PREPARATION SOFTWARE
UCF Global offers a free tax software for Nonresident Alien (NRA) international students and employee’s to complete their annual tax return. Information is sent to students’ Knights email during tax season. It is important to note that popular tax software (TurboTax, etc.) cannot be used for nonresident taxes. For more information click here.