Guide to Graduate Life
at Illinois
Information for International Students
Technically, an international or foreign student is a person who is a citizen or permanent resident alien of a country or political area other than the United States; has a residence outside the United States to which he or she expects to return; and either is, or proposes to be, a temporary alien in the United States for educational purposes. For admission purposes, refugees and parolees are classified as international and must meet all requirements imposed upon international students except for the certification of financial resources.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
The International Student and Scholar Services office (ISSS) provides international students with a wide range of services, including advice and information on federal regulations applying to international students, health care, insurance and housing problems, alien income tax returns, social security numbers, English language problems, personal problems, and other matters. ISSS also maintains Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) data. International students must report all changes of educational status to ISSS. The office is located on the fourth floor of the Turner Student Services Building, 610 East John Street, C. Information is also available at www.ips.uiuc.edu/isss/.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
All students whose native language is not English are required to have the Educational Testing Service (ETS) submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or have their International English Language Testing System (IELTS) results received before they can be admitted to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A graduate applicant is exempt from this testing if, within five years of the proposed term of enrollment, he or she has completed at least two academic years of full-time study as defined by the home institution, or completed a graduate degree, in a country where English is the primary language and in a post-secondary institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
The University’s minimum scores can be seen at www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/instructions/04c.cfm, but many departments require higher scores. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for only two years before the proposed term of entry. Applicants who score below the Full Admission Status score, which can be found at www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/instructions/04c.cfm, or fail to submit a required TOEFL score may be admitted; however such students will be admitted on limited status and will be required to take the English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) offered by the Division of English as an International Language upon arrival. Students cannot receive a degree while on limited status. To become eligible for full status the student must meet one of the following criteria: (1) achieve an acceptable score on the EPT, or (2) successfully complete the course or courses prescribed on the basis of that test.
Everyone providing classroom instruction is required to demonstrate additional proficiency in spoken English. See www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/taengprof.htm for more information.
Financial Requirements
Before being admitted to the University, international students requesting an I-20 or DS-2019 (F-1 or J-1) must show proof of their ability to support themselves and any accompanying dependents during their course of study, including the summer months, whether or not they enroll for classes. It is important to note that international students who have not been offered financial aid by the University before arriving on campus should not expect it to be available. Students who have received a commitment of financial assistance for one year must realize that continued support may not be awarded.
Ordinarily, students admitted on J-1 and F-1 status are not permitted to work outside the University. Under current immigration laws, international students must obtain permission either from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or their J-1 program sponsor before they can obtain off-campus employment, and they must demonstrate that the necessity for such employment was unexpected and arose after they arrived in the United States. In addition, some students may request work authorization to take a job directly related to the field of study and commensurate with their educational level. In most cases, total employment cannot exceed 20 hours per week during the academic year.
International students are assessed nonresident tuition and fees. Transcripts or diplomas will not be released until all financial obligations to the University have been met.
The Graduate and Professional Admissions and Support Unit has more specific information concerning financial requirements for international students at www.grad.uiuc.edu/prospective/international.htm.
Maintenance of Status
An international student is required to maintain his or her nonimmigrant status while enrolled at the University. Usually students enter the country on either an F-1 or J-1 student visa. In some cases, the spouse of a student with J-1 status may enroll as a student without changing to J-1 visa status; F-2 dependents are not allowed to study. Those in F-2 status wishing to study should consult with International Student and Scholar Services upon admission to the University.
An international student must be working toward an educational objective in order to maintain his or her nonimmigrant status. Unless it is the last semester of enrollment, an international student must be enrolled full-time each term (except summer). International students must keep International Student and Scholar Services informed of their status and any change of address, and work through the staff of that office to make changes in their nonimmigrant status or extend their permission to stay in the United States.
Employment Eligibility
International students in F-1 or J-1 student status are generally permitted to work at the University of Illinois for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year. All international students must complete a Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification Form) in the hiring unit before beginning employment. Students must show proof of valid work status in order to complete the I-9.
In some instances, international students may receive authorization to accept employment pursuant to an internship, practicum, or after completion of a degree. Students should consult with a staff member International Student and Scholar Services to determine their eligibility for these benefits.
Health Insurance for International Students
See section above.
