International Students
Brodschi Hall
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
(502) 852-6602 voice
The International Center provides services for international students and scholars including admission information, immigration advising, orientation for new arrivals, personal counseling, housing assistance, identifying scholarships, and advising and support for the American International Relations Club (AIRC). Program activities include the annual AIRC International Banquet, seasonal activities, the Contact Family Program, Kansai Gaidai December home stay, and monthly International Teas.
How the program works
The International Center is the primary liaison with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State. International Center staff members are well-informed about general immigration regulations and can advise students on proper compliance with DHS procedures. Students should make an appointment with the International Student Advisors to discuss specific questions or concerns. It is important that the students do not rely on the advice of friends regarding immigration matters. Situations often vary, so the International Center should be contacted on all matters that might affect a visa status. Students should consult with the International Center before doing anything that might jeopardize the right to remain in the U.S., such as beginning a new degree objective, changing marital status or sponsors, transferring schools, leaving the U.S. (even to Tijuana), or securing employment.
Important things to remember when working with F&J non-immigrants:
Immigration documents – I20 for F1 students and Ds2019 for J1 students. All students who enter the United States with a US visa (other than Canadians who are only required to have a passport) are required to have a passport, immigration documents, and financial proof.
Students visit a US embassy after receiving their immigration documents and apply for a visa. The visa only permits entry into the country. Once here, students maintain their status by enrolling full time and keeping immigration documents current. Students may at times need to extend their completion dates on the immigration documents. The ACADEMIC ADVISOR’S RECOMMENDATION IS REQURED in order to extend the completion date. If a visa expires while a student is studying in the US, there is not a problem unless the student leaves the country. If the student departs the US, they will have to apply for a new visa before reentry will be permitted. Travel requires that the student have a valid passport and immigration documents signed within the last year.
Enrollment – Undergraduates must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 hours for per semester for fall and spring. Immigration doesn’t require that students enroll for the summer semester. Students are allowed to enroll less than full time under certain circumstances, but prior approval from the International Center is required. The International Center places a negative service indicator in PeopleSoft for all international student accounts following registration periods in order to prohibit withdrawl from classes without first consulting with an international student advisor.
Work – Students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week on campus when school is in session but can work full time during vacation periods set by the University (IE. winter, spring and summer breaks). Any other work performed by a student on campus or off must first be approved and authorized on page three of the immigration document (I20).
