International Students

Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)

The following information is available: Summary of Major U.S. Government Regulations for International Students

The Office of International Education (OIE) serves as a primary resource for UW-L international students, scholars, and staff. We will provide you with information and documents to assist you in maintaining your valid U.S. immigration status. We will be sending you newsletters throughout the year to keep you informed about immigration matters, health issues, things to see and do within our community, U.S. income tax information, and information about the International Student Organization (ISO). In addition to immigration matters, our office can help meet American friendship families through La Crosse Friends of International Students. The Office of International Education also maintains records and statistic relating to international students on our campus.

The following includes information concerning various documents, policies, and regulations that apply to individuals holding F-1 student visas and J-1 student visas.

PASSPORT VALIDATION

It is YOUR responsibility to keep your passport valid for a minimum period of at least six month into the future at all times. The Office of International Education will photocopy certain portions of your passport. Should you lose your passport, having photocopies of important sections may reduce the time needed to have the document replaced. To renew your passport, you must contact your country’s embassy or consulate. The address and phone number of these may be obtained by contacting the Office of International Education or accessing the Internet under consulates and embassies.

VISA

The visa that you obtained from the American Embassy allowed you to ask for permission to enter the United States. A nonimmigrant visa is valid only for the purpose for which it was issued. Do not worry if your visa expires while you are here. Once you have been granted entry, your visa DOES NOT determine how long you may remain in this country. As long as you are a full-time student, the date on our I-20/DS-2019 will determine your departure date. If your visa has expired, renew your visa only if you leave and wish to return to the U.S.A request to have a visa renewed must be made at an American Embassy or Consulate.

 FORM I-20 (STUDENT) COPY OR DS-2019

When you are approved by an immigration official for entry into the U.S., the SEVIS I-20 and /or DS-2019 form must be updated by your foreign student advisor each time you leave the country and reenter the U.S. You are required to present your FORM I-20 or DS-2019 to the border official along with a valid passport and visa in order for you to be readmitted to the U.S. These forms are also used by a dependent spouse and/or child who is seeking reentry to the United States.

FORM I-94

This small white card has your admission number printed across the top. It also has the date you entered the U.S., the city entered, your visa type, and an expiration date or D/S. D/S stands for duration of status, the period of time in which you are pursing a full course of study in any educational program(s). This form should be kept stapled in your passport next to your visa.

Keep all government documents in a safe place. If you lose any of these documents, see the Office of International Education for assistance in replacing them.

FULL COURSE OF STUDY

The immigration and Naturalization Service requires individuals holding F-1 and J-1 immigration status to maintain full-time enrollment during mandatory academic terms. Undergraduate students at UW-L must take at least twelve (12) hours of credit. A graduate/master’s student is expected to complete nine credit hours per semester (the last semester and thesis are exceptions). You may be permitted to enroll for less than a full course of study for certain academic or medical reasons that can be verified by the foreign student advisor.

AUTHORIZED VACATION

During an authorized vacation you may remain in the U.S. without attending school or you may choose to be enrolled for less than a full course of study. You must be enrolled as a full-time student during the next available academic term following an authorized vacation.

 REINSTATEMENT OF STATUS

If you do not maintain the student status requirements set forth by BCIS regulations (I.e., not being enrolled during a required number of hours for full time enrollment), you must apply for reinstatement of your student status. An application for reinstatement of status must be filed with BCIS, a letter explaining the circumstances contributing to your violation of status, supporting documentation and a completed Form I-539 must be submitted.

INCOME TAX

All F-1 and J-1 students are liable for both U.S. federal income tax and Wisconsin State Income tax. The tax forms 1040NR and 8843 must be filed between January 1 and April 15. Remember to keep a copy of all your tax forms to obtain your “tax clearance” when you leave the U.S. remember to inform your employer that foreign students do not pay social security (FICA) tax.

OFF CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

To work off-campus, you are required to receive permission from the OIE and the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).  You must have maintained proper F-1 status for at least nine (9) months and be in good academic standing prior to applying. Students requesting employment based on economic hardship will have to apply at the BCIS office.See our advisor for details. If you are working off-campus without permission from BCIS, you are violating your immigration status.

Obtaining a Wisconsin Identification

For further information/questions, you can contact Diane Sasaki at 608-785-8921 or sasaki.dian@uwlax.edu.

Office of International Education
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
116 Graff Main Hall
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601 USA
 

Telephone: 608-785-8016

Fax: 608-785-8923

E-Mail: uwlworld@uwlax.edu