International Students & Scholars Information
International student services and programs are organized and administered by the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) staff, located in the International Center. The Office serves as an administrative, advising, and programming unit for all international students and scholars at the University of Louisville. The staff is trained to assist international students and scholars, solve problems, handle matters with immigration, and answer general questions about life in Louisville or in the United States.
The ISSS's major administrative responsibility consists of processing all United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents for the University's over 600 international students and 125 scholars for the purpose of admission, travel, employment, extension of stay, or change of status. The office publishes a newsletter and plans activities to keep international students informed of immigration rules and regulations and other matters that might be of interest.
The ISSS serves as an advising and counseling resource to international students and scholars. We encourage students experiencing problems with language, health, finances, personal relationships, adjustment, homesickness, course work, careers, or any other issues to come to the office for help. We also encourage international students to seek out other student services on campus and participate in off-campus and on-campus activities, such as the American and International Relations Club, Contact Family Program, the Speaker's Bureau, and Multicultural Center activities.
Programs coordinated by the ISSS include formal orientation sessions for new international students every semester. Conducted by the staff of the International Center and several volunteers from the University and community, orientation covers various topics, including immigration matters, healthcare and medical insurance, student activities, security issues, banking, registration, and a campus tour.
The International Center also sponsors the Contact Family Program - a program that brings together international students/scholars and American hosts in the community. Other programs coordinated or co-sponsored by the International Center include the monthly International Teas, Brown Bag Lecture series, the annual International Banquet, and the American International Relations Club's cultural, educational, and social activities.
Off-Campus Housing List
Temporary Departure
Make sure that you and any dependents are traveling with a valid SEVIS I-20 signed within the last 12 months or SEVIS DS-2019 signed within the past twelve months. The primary student/scholar and each dependent must possess their own signed immigration document.
Make certain that your passport is valid at least six months into the future and your visa stamp is valid with multiple entries. Passport renewal information can be found at www.state.gov.
Travel to another country other than your home country may require an entry visa. This information can be found at www.travel.state.gov/visa/reciprocity/index. Please verify this before departure. If you are visiting Canada, please view the website www.cic.gc.ca for important visa requirement information. For additional information on Canada go to www.amcits.com. To make an appointment in Canada for a visa go to www.nvars.com.
Review your visa. If you decide to travel and your visa is expired (you can stay in the U.S. with an expired visa), you will need to apply for a new visa before being allowed to return to the U.S. It would be best if you obtain an appointment with the American Embassy to apply for your visa prior to leaving the U.S. You may review the U.S. Embassy Consular website in your country at the Department of State website at www.state.gov.
There have been an increased number of visa applicants that have been required to undergo a Security Advisory Opinion (SAO). View the following websites to obtain additional information on SAO’s and other topics: travel.state.gov or www.state.gov/travel.
National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). Please go the following website to obtain details on who is required and what this process entails: www.dhs.gov
When traveling outside the U.S., you should take a current I-20 or DS-2019, updated financial statement or departmental letter indicating receipt of graduate assistantship, fellowship or employment and proof of registration for the upcoming semester.
Canadian students crossing the border either by car or plane should present their I-20 at the border and make certain that your I-20 is stamped and you receive an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. Upon initial entry, be prepared to present proof of financial support. No United States visa is necessary for Canadian citizens.
Optional Practical Training. If you are on optional practical training, you must travel with an I-20 signed within the last six months, your Employment Authorization Document and a letter from your employer. We do not recommend that you travel while on OPT if you are not employed. Port of Entry personnel are now requiring an employer letter indicating proof of employment.
Travel Checklist
Make sure that you and any dependents are traveling with a valid SEVIS I-20 signed within the last 12 months or SEVIS DS-2019 signed within the past twelve months. The primary student/scholar and each dependent must possess their own signed immigration document.
Make certain that your passport is valid at least six months into the future and your visa stamp is valid with multiple entries. Passport renewal information can be found at www.state.gov.
Travel to another country other than your home country may require an entry visa. This information can be found at www.travel.state.gov/visa/reciprocity/index. Please verify this before departure. If you are visiting Canada, please view the website www.cic.gc.ca for important visa requirement information. For additional information on Canada go to www.amcits.com. To make an appointment in Canada for a visa go to www.nvars.com.
Review your visa. If you decide to travel and your visa is expired (you can stay in the U.S. with an expired visa), you will need to apply for a new visa before being allowed to return to the US. It would be best that you obtain an appointment with the American Embassy to apply for your visa prior to leaving the U.S. You may review the US Embassy Consular website in your country at the Department of State website at www.state.gov.
There have been an increased number of visa applicants that have been required to under go a Security Advisory Opinion (SAO). View the following websites to obtain additional information on SAO’s and other topics: http://travel.state.gov/ or http://www.state.gov/travel/.
National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). Please go the following website to obtain details on who is required and what this process entails: http://www.dhs.gov. If you registered at an airport upon entry, you will need to leave the US at either the same airport or one equipped to record your exit as entry was recorded. Vist http://www.ice.gov/ > special registration>Walkaway Materials.
When traveling outside the US, you should take a current I-20 or DS2019, updated financial statement or departmental letter indicating receipt of graduate assistantship, fellowship or employment and proof of registration for the upcoming semester.
Canadian students crossing the border either by car or plane should present their I-20 at the border and make certain that your I-20 is stamped and you receive an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. Upon initial entry, be prepared to present proof of financial support. No United States visa is necessary for Canadian citizens.
Optional Practical Training. If you are on optional practical training, you must travel with an I-20 signed within the last six months, your Employment Authorization Document and a letter from your employer. We do not recommend that you travel while on OPT if you are not employed. Port of Entry personnel are now requiring an employer letter indicating proof of employment.
Extension of Stay
You do not have to apply for an extension of stay as long as you maintain status and make normal progress toward completing your degree and your I-20/DS-2019 does not expire (see item #5 on your Form I-20/item #3 on your DS-2019). If you cannot meet the expected completion date, you must apply for an extension at the International Center at least 30 days BEFORE the expiration date on your I-20/DS-2019.
Procedure
Obtain certification (in the form of a letter or email message to the International Student Coordinator) from your academic advisor attesting to the valid academic reasons why you were unable to complete the program on time and specifying an expected completion date.
Obtain an original bank statement or other original documentation verifying your source of financial support (i.e., letter from department stating the amount and duration of financial reward). You will need to speak with an International Student Coordinator to find out the total amount that must be verified.
After you have provided the advisor's certification and financial documentation, the International Center will prepare a new I-20. You will need to contact the International Center to schedule an appointment to obtain the new I-20.
Tax Information
Healthcare and Insurance
For information and details regarding Health Care and Insurance Plans, please visit the Student Health website.
Social Security Number
A social security number is necessary for anyone who is employed in the United States. On October 13, 2004, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published a rule that changes the documentation requirements for F and J students who are applying for a Social Security Number (SSN) on the basis of on-campus employment.
On and after October 13, 2004, F and J students who apply for an SSN on the basis of on-campus employment, will have to present a letter from their Designated School Official (DSO) at the International Center, stating that the student is in good immigration status and authorized to engage in on-campus employment. The student will also need to provide a letter from the department where they will work. A sample departmental letter is provided below.
There is no fee. It will take approximately three weeks to receive your social security card. You will be given a letter indicating that you have applied for a card and you can use this letter to be placed on payroll.
The Social Security office is located at 601 W. Broadway and the telephone number is 502-582-6690. For general information and services, call 1-800-772-1213. The office hours are Monday 8am-4:30pm, Tuesday - Friday 9am-3:30pm. It is best if you do not go during the noon-2pm time. The International Center has directions and Social Security applications available for you.
For more information visit www.socialsecurity.gov
Departmental Letter for International Students Applying for Social Security
Kentucky Driver's License
If you are a non-U.S. citizen and wish to apply for a Kentucky Driver’s License, Driver’s Permit, or I.D. card, you may visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet webpage for more information and an application.
The notarized letter for proof of full-time student status (F-1 Visa) may be obtained from the Registrar's Office and should be dated within 30 days of the appointment verifying that you are a current student at the University of Louisville. The Registrar's Office is located in the Houchens Building, Room 316 on the lower level. The verification letter for an Exchange Visitor (J-1 Visa) may be obtained from the International Center.
Employment
Below is a brief explanation of the work benefits associated with F-1 student status. In order to obtain authorization when necessary, you will need to speak with the International Student Coordinator. J-1 students should contact the International Student Coordinator to find out about the employment benefits for which they are eligible.
On-Campus
You may work on campus provided (1) you are maintaining F-1 status, (2) you do not work more than a total of 20 hours per week (including hours spent on teaching and research assistantships and any authorized off-campus work) while school is in session, and (3) you do not displace a U.S. resident. You do not need authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, check with the International Student Coordinator before beginning any on-campus employment to make sure that you can accept the employment. During vacation periods, students who are eligible and intend to register for the subsequent academic term are permitted to work full time.
Off-Campus
In order to be eligible to work off-campus, you must (1) be maintaining lawful F-1 status, (2) have been in F-1 status for one full academic year, and (3) be in good academic standing. Two types of off-campus work are available through Economic Hardship or Practical Training.
Employment based on Economic Hardship
F-1 students are eligible for off-campus work authorization based on unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control and if on-campus employment is not available or is insufficient. Such circumstances may arise because of loss of financial aid or on-campus work without fault on the part of the student or unexpected changes in the financial conditions of the student's source of support. A student must make a good faith effort to locate employment on campus before applying for employment based on economic hardship. In order to apply for Economic Hardship employment you will need to schedule an appointment with the International Student Coordinator.
Immigration Attorneys in Kentucky
Bowling Green
Wade T. Markham II 270-781-6500
Covington
Tomoyuki Otsuki 859-655-6868
Kelly Schoening 606-341-1881
Shane C. Sidebottom 859-491-4444
Crestwood
David Funke 502-241-8221
Lexington
Charles R. Baesler, Jr 606-231-3944
Cheryl K. Harris 606-233-2012
Judith Jones-Tokeman 859-396-7230
Mauritia G. Kamer 859-226-2218
Glen M. Krebs 859-254-0080
Sharon K. Morris 859-281-6981
Christopher Thomas 859-288-4601
Wael M. Ahmad 859-259-2021
Louisville
Dennis M. Clare 502-587-7400
Gregory Clare 502-451-3030
Shannon Antle Hamilton 502-587-3400
Gretchen Hunt 502-581-7241
Evaristo Martinez 502-587-0509
Hon. Romano L. Mazzoli 502-852-8859
Dennis McKiernan 502-587-9312
Lydia Morgan 502-584-1141
Rusty O'Brien 502-587-7400
Dan L. Owens 502-568-0383
Steffani Powell 502-637-9097
Ron Russell 502-587-7791
Kenji Tashiro 502-587-3712
Daniel Alvarez 502-582-2292
Versailles
Allan Blaine Chappell 859-879-1154