Our Mission

To promote and facilitate the
internationalization of education.

By U.S. immigration regulation, before individuals may be admitted to a U.S. college or university in the F-1 (student) visa category, they must meet all entrance requirements. Additionally, they must show evidence of English competency and ability to fund their educational and personal expenses while in the U.S. The International Advisor is the certifying authority for English competency and funding. The Office of International Programs issues the immigration form I-20 to the students, enabling them to apply for an F-1 VISA at any U.S. embassy or consulate worldwide.

Student requirements:

• Maintain full-time status during their entire course of study, while making progress towards satisfactory degree completion.
• Notify the Office of International Programs of residence address changes within ten days of the move.
• Request Office of International Programs approval for change of major prior to the change occuring.
  
  
  The Office of International Programs is responsible for monitoring and reporting according to U. S. immigration requirements.

"INBOUND" Students (J-1 VISA status students coming to UAF):

Foreign students wishing to attend UAF must show evidence of funding and adequate English ability. They are recommended by their "home" educational institution.

Upon acceptance as an exchange student, the OIP issues the immigration Form DS-2019, enabling them to apply for the U.S. J-1 VISA, and works closely with the students in making sure they are properly enrolled as non-degree students and registered for appropriate classes. They provide enrollment information to the UAF Admissions Office and Registrar's Office for student system processing. OIP Staff also assist in making housing arrangements for the students on campus. At the conclusion of the program, UAF transcripts are requested and sent to the students' home educational institutions. The students must maintain full-time student status and provide address change notifications.

"OUTBOUND" Students (UAF students going abroad):

A UAF student must make application and be approved by the Office of International Programs and be accepted as an exchange or study abroad student. As the liaison between students and the foreign educational institution, the OIP assists students in applying to partner exchange institutions and study abroad affiliate programs. The Office of International Programs provides information and assistance in obtaining the appropriate foreign travel VISAs as necessary. Upon completion of the program the OIP receives final transcripts and evaluates them for academic credit to be granted by UAF. The information is forwarded through Admissions to the Registrar's Office for recording in the students' official record.

Employment based VISA Status (H1-B, TN, etc): 
Contact:  International Advisor Carol Holz and Program Coordinator Sue Wolfe

The Office of International Programs provides assistance to UAF Schools, Institutes and Departments wishing to employ non-U.S. citizens in the processing of the H-1B (specialty occupation) VISA applications. Assistance is provided for TN(Trade NAFTA, generally Canadian and Mexican)employees. Limited information is given out regarding applications for Permanent Residency.