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UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD IMMIGRATION & PRE-ARRIVAL GUIDE EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Important Dates
Table of Contents
All new exchange students are required to arrive in San Antonio, Texas between Friday, January 4 - Monday, January 7, 2019. IMMIGRATION CHECK-IN All new exchange students are required to report to ISSS by 1pm on Monday, January 7, 2019. Failure to Check-in by Jan 7, will result in the cancellation of your Immigration record & will require that you depart the U.S. immediately. Late arrivals will not be accepted into the U.S. Bring your documents # Passport, Visa, Form DS2019 # Any other documents given to you upon arriving the U.S. # UIW Admission Packet We will assist you in printing your form I-94 upon check in. INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION You are also required to attend the UIW International Student Orientation on Tuesday, January 8th through 10th from 9am to 2pm held at the ICC (address below). You will receive the detailed orientation schedule when you check-in by Jan 7, 2018.
Important Dates Pg 1
Pre-Arrival Pg 2
SEVIS Fee Pg 5
Visa Info Pg 6
Port of Entry
Location University of the Incarnate Word Dr. Burton E. Grossman International Conference Center (ICC) International Student & Scholar Services 847 E. Hildebrand Avenue, Room 200 San Antonio, Texas 78212
Pg 7
Pre-Arrival Information Confirm Visa Approval
Verify Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019)
Pay SEVIS/ I-901 Fee
Schedule Visa Appointment:
Port of Entry
Request Airport Pick-up (on campus students only)
Make Travel Arrangements
Welcome to Complete Immigration Check in with Int'l Office
Attend New International Student Orientation
Make Housing Arrangements
Pre-Arrival Information Certificate of Eligibility Verify the information is correct on your “Certificate of Eligibility” (called an DS2019 for J-1 visa) as you will present this document to your nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate when you apply for your student visa. You will need your “Certificate of Eligibility” to pay the SEVIS fee and then make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. SEVIS/ I-901 Fee: All students must pay the SEVIS fee before going to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for their visa interview. You should pay the fee within the first week of receiving your “Certificate of Eligibility.” Please review the “SEVIS Fee” page for further instructions and visit: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee
Visa Appointment: (Not Required for Canadian Citizens): Contact your nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate for an appointment. It can take quite some time to receive an appointment and, in certain cases, may take additional time until a visa is granted. To better prepare you for your visa appointment, please review the “Visa Info” enclosure in this packet. For information about the procedures and the list of documents you will need to bring with you when you apply, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s website at: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html If you have any questions about the visa appointment process, please feel free to contact the International Student & Scholar Services at intl@uiwtx.edu or 210-8055705
Visa Approval (Not Required for Canadian Citizens): Contact our office as soon as you receive your visa from the US Embassy/Consulate. If you are denied a visa, please let us know so that we can help you reapply at a later date. Email mjjonas@uiwtx.edu regarding the results of your Visa Approval or Denial Housing Arrangements All exchange students are required to live on-campus, contact the Exchange Coordinator at mjjonas@uiwtx.edu once your visa is approved to receive housing information. Travel Arrangements All exchange students are required to arrive in San Antonio, Texas, by 1pm Jan 7, 2019. If you arrive in San Antonio before Jan 4, you should arrange for a hotel and transportation at your own cost. Arriving in San Antonio after Jan 7 is not allowed. Always visit www.uiw.edu/iss for travel updates & warnings before booking your ticket. Driving: If you are driving please e-mail intl@uiwtx.edu to confirm which day and time you will arrive. UIW Campus and all offices will be closed for winter Holiday from Dec. 24 until Jan 2. Request Airport Pick-up As you are living on-campus, we will gladly arrange for transportation from the San Antonio Airport on Jan 4- 7. To confirm your arrival and request transportation, email intl@uiwtx.edu and include: date & time of arrival, airline & flight number, and departure city of your last flight segment arriving in San Antonio. To guarantee airport pick up & a place to stay your first night in the US, email your flight info by Dec 23, 2018
Pre-Arrival Information Reminders Port of Entry (POE) Information Please read “U.S. Port of Entry Information” page to ensure you have all the necessary documents and forms as you enter the U.S. If you encounter any difficulties at the US Port-of-Entry, contact our emergency line at 210-805-5705 or 210-829-6030.
Cancelling DS-2019 If you received a visa with UIW’s DS-2019 and you decide not to attend UIW, please contact 210-8053051or e-mail mjjonas@uiwtx.edu. Failure to notify us may cause issued with applying for any U.S. visa in the future
Academic Records If you did not submit your official, original transcript for admission, be sure to bring your official transcript with you to turn in upon arrival. Contact ETS to have your official TOEFL or TOEIC score sent to UIW (institution code 6303).
U.S.-Based Insurance Requirement All exchange students are required to participate in the “UIW Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan” provided through our school. Each student will be automatically enrolled and charged health insurance fees along with tuition and other fees to their student account. UIW will not waive the health insurance fee for other health coverage, including national health coverage from your home country (for example: Germany, Canada, France, Austria, etc.).
J-1 Cultural Requirement: All J-1 students are required to participate in 2 cultural events and 2 workshops each month to meet J-1 visa requirements. You will receive a list of program and workshop options when you arrive. We recommend you bring traditional clothing from you home country to wear for special events or cultural programs. For questions about events email intl@uiwxt.edu
Questions? Housing & Class Registration: Makailey Jonas mjjonas@uiwtx.edu skype: uiw.intl.admissions, WhatsApp: +1 (210) 427-7403 Kakao Talk: UIWTX Immigration, Visa Issues, Orientation & Arrival Jose Martinez or Sheena Connell intl@uiwtx.edu skype: intl.UIW
Return Flights and Housing: For your return flight back to your home country, as a J-1 visa holder, you are eligible to remain in the U.S. for up to 30 days after the end of the Fall 2018 term, December 14, 2018. However if you depart the U.S. before January 13, 2019 you cannot reenter on your J-1 Visa. On-campus housing for exchange students will be provided from Arrival until to December 14, 2018. You will be responsible for arranging your own lodging at your own expense after December 14, 2018. If your exchange program is two-semesters, you are responsible for lodging and meal expenses if you chose to remain in the US during between December 14, 2018 and January 14, 2019.
Pre-Arrival Information Stay up to date Stay up to date with new U.S. Regulations and Travel updates, be sure to check with your Airline and on the UIW ISSS website for any travel updates. http://www.uiw.edu/iss/updates.html
UIW International Ambassadors UIW INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADORS are exceptional current students, recent alumn, staff or faculty members who have a passion for helping new students adjust to the U.S. They each have a love for learning about new cultures and teaching others about their culture. As a new student, you will be assigned an Ambassador a few weeks before arrival to help you adjust, show you around campus and answer your questions about campus life. They will be there to welcome you to campus and throughout your first semester.
Questions? Housing & Class Registration: Makailey Jonas, mjjonas@uiwtx.edu skype: uiw.intl.admissions, WhatsApp: +1 (210) 427-7403, Kakao Talk: UIWTX Immigration, Visa Issues, Orientation & Arrival Jose Martinez or Sheena Connell intl@uiwtx.edu skype: intl.UIW
Stay Connected To meet other new students and get to know campus and receive reminders before you arrive: Spring 2019 GROUP: /935223089981590 UIW ISSS PAGE: /UIWintl intl.uiw
intlUIW
SEVIS Fee Information F-1 & J-1 students are issued a Form DS-2019 which has their PROGRAM CODE for UIW and their unique SEVIS ID starting with N00. You are required to pay the fee because it is used to link your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 with the online Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Payment of the I-901 fee will be recorded and tracked in SEVIS, the web-based system for collecting, maintaining, and managing information about J-1 students in the United States.
When do prospective students or exchange visitors pay the SEVIS fee? Applicants who require a visa to enter the United States must pay the SEVIS fee before going to the U.S. embassy or consulate for their visa interviews Applicants who are citizens of Canada, Bermuda, Bahamas and residents of certain other islands in the Caribbean wishing to apply for J-1 status at a Port of Entry into the United States must pay the SEVIS fee before appearing at the Port of Entry. Nonimmigrants currently in the United States on another valid visa status who apply for student or exchange visitor status must pay the fee prior to filing their change of status application. How will the payment be verified? The payment will be recorded in the SEVIS system. However, it is recommended that the paper I-901 receipt or Internet-generated receipt be brought to the visa interview. Individuals who file electronically will be able to print an electronic receipt immediately at the time of payment and do not need to request mailing. Individuals, who are paying by mail, may request Express delivery service for the I-901 receipts at an additional cost of approximately $35 (fee subject to change).
When must the fee be paid? The fee must be paid in time to ensure that the payment can be deposited and recorded in SEVIS prior to the scheduled visa interview. The interviewing consular officer will confirm that the fee has been paid by checking SEVIS. To allow for adequate processing time, the fee must be paid: At least 3 business days prior to the visa interview date if paying electronically OR at least 15 business days prior tothe scheduled visa interview if submitting payment though regular mail.
Fee Prices: Exchange visitors (J-1) with Form DS-2019: $180 USD Spouses & dependent children (J-2) do not pay this fee. How is the fee paid? www.FMJfee.com by using a credit or debit card and completing Form I-901 online OR Through the mail by submitting a completed Form I-901 and a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency Questions https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq.
Visa Information How to Apply The Department of State issues visas at U.S. embassies and consulates. A visa allows you to travel to the United States for a specific purpose. To identify the U.S. embassy or consulate that is most convenient for you to visit, go to the website of the embassy or consulate and follow the instructions on the site to do the following: Pay your visa fee Obtain acceptable photographs Complete your on-line DS 160 visa application Schedule an appointment for your visa interview
Reminders Proofread all of your travel-related documents (i.e., DS- 2019, Form I-901 SEVIS fee receipt and visa) to ensure they are correct. Make sure your name and birth date are written exactly the same way on all of your documents. If you find an error in a document, have it corrected by the people who completed the document before you apply for the next document in the process. Proofread your visa when the consular official returns your passport to you – mistakes in the visa information cannot be corrected once you travel. If you find a mistake in your biographical data or your visa type, contact the embassy or consulate to ask officials to correct the error. Be skeptical of anyone who claims the ability either to provide a document that you need or to get you a visa other than as this guidance suggests. Do not pay any other fees than the ones covered in this packet. For more information on submitting a student visa application, visit Travel.State.Gov, the official Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website. For more detailed information on becoming an international student in the United States, visit STUDY IN THE STATES website
You should make your appointment for your visa interview as soon as possible after receiving your Form DS-2019 and paying the I901 SEVIS fee. When you come for your appointment, a consular official will electronically scan your fingerprints. You must bring the following documentation to the interview: Form DS-2019 issued by UIW Printed Form DS-160, “Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application,” confirmation page Passport valid for at least six months after you plan to enter the United States Two-inch by two-inch photo of yourself (learn more about photo requirements) Receipt for your $160 visa application fee payment Receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee payment The visa interview is your opportunity to tell the consular officer about your plans while in the United States and what you will do when you have completed your studies. You should be prepared to show the following: Your UIW acceptance letter & form DS-2019 You have the financial ability to pay for program expenses (the amount shown on Form DS-2019). You may want to bring copies of financial documents you provided UIW for admission. You are prepared for your program academically. Bring copies of any standardized test scores, academic transcripts, diplomas or certificates from previous study you provided to UIW for admission Your stay in the United States is temporary (i.e., you are not permanently immigrating). The interviewing official may be interested in how you intend to use the education you receive in the United States when you return home. Check with the consulate, as some countries require additional documents.
Visa Information Question: How should I prepare for my visa interview? The best way to prepare for your interview is by relaxing and just being yourself! Do not memorize your presentation or rely on stories from others about what they think you should say and how you should say it. Simply be prepared to tell about yourself, and why you wish to study in the United States. Be clear about your academic and career goals after graduation. Remember the J-1 visas are non-immigrant visa, it cannot be used to stay in the U.S. permanently.
Question: I want to get a come back to the U.S. after my exchange program is over to do an internship, will that affect my interview? Remember, your main purpose of coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work. While many students may return to they U.S. after the studies or for another exchange experience, it should not be your main reason for coming to the U.S.
Question: The school that accepted me is not Harvard or another Ivy League school. Will this affect my interview? The consulate is not looking for specific institutions, and do not consider university rankings; but you should be able to explain why you chose a particular college, university, or program of study.
Question: Can I bring my parent or a older sibling to the interview? Do not bring parents or family members with you to your interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf. If you are under 18 years old and need your parents there in case there are questions, for example, about funding, they should wait in the waiting room.
Question: My sister is in the U.S., will that affect my chances? Having family in the U.S. does not necessarily signify that you have the intent to remain in the U.S. While it is important that you accurately document all family members in the U.S. on your application, they consider your intention to return to your home country at the conclusion of your studies and your ability to finance the education. Question: How long will it take to get my visa? This depends on many factors, among them, what type of visa, which U.S. consulate you are using, and whether your application will be subject to an additional security clearance check. In general, most U.S. visas are approved and issued within seven to ten business days, though some can take a little longer. If you are subjected to an additional background security check, such clearances tend to be approved within approximately four to eight weeks. Visit Travel.State.Gov on Visa Wait Times- for Interview Appointments and Processing.
Question: Is one major or program better than another at getting a visa approved?? What your major is does not matter, what matters is being confident in why you chose the major or program you are accepted to. Be prepared to explain your choice of pursuing higher education in the U.S. rather than joining the workforce at home Also, be clear in why you are choosing to study in the US versus your home country or any other place. Question: What if my visa is denied? Email MaKailey at mjjonas@uiwtx.edu as soon as you find out your visa application has been denied. If denied, you will receive a “Denial letter” or “Denial Brochure” from the consulate. Email the letter to our office and we will help you understand why you were denied and how you should try again.
Port of Entry Before You Travel US-VISIT is a comprehensive entry-exit registration system at all international airports throughout the United States, preclearance inspection facilities and designated seaports servicing cruise ships. All J-1 & F-1 students and their dependents will need to provide a scan of two index fingerprints and a digital photograph. Race, national origin, and religion are not factors in the US-VISIT program. Anyone could be subject to additional scrutiny and should politely follow directions of the Custom and Border Protection Officer if additional information regarding itinerary, length of stay, or other security questions is required. If you are an initial student or exchange visitor entering to attend school for the first time, you cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before the program start date indicated on your DS-2019 or Form I-20. Before leaving your country, confirm that your passport and visa are still valid for entry in the United States. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay. Also, check to see that your visa accurately reflects your correct visa classification. When you receive your nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, the consular officer will seal your immigration documents in an envelope and attach it to your passport. You should NOT open this envelope! The Customs and Border Protection Officer at the U.S. port of entry will open the envelope. BE sure to read this ENTIRE Port of Entry Information Sheet
When You Travel Do not check these documents in your baggage! If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will not be able to show the documents to the Customs and Border Protection Officer and, as a result, may not be able to enter the United States. Here are the documents you should carry with you onto the plane: Passport with J-1 or F-1 visa stamp SEVIS Form DS-2019 or Form I-20 and Evidence of financial resources Evidence of Student Visitor Status: school acceptance letter, proof of financials, proof of enrollment in classes (if available) Name and contact information for the UIW International Student Office (intl@uiwtx.edu & 210.805.5705) and pen
Secondary Inspection Whether traveling by sea, land or air, if your information cannot be automatically verified by the inspector or you do not have all the required documentation, you may be directed to an interview area known as “secondary inspection.� Verifications are done apart from the primary inspection lines so that an individual case will not cause delays for other arriving passengers. We strongly advise that you have readily available the name, address and phone number of our UIW International Student Office: Address: 847 E Hildebrand Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 Phone: 210.805.5705. In the event you arrive during non-business hours (evenings, weekends, holidays), your phone call will be forwarded to the UIW Campus Police, they will then contact our office. Failure to provide proper documentation and to comply with entry/exit procedures is cause to refuse the student or exchange visitor admission into the United States.
Port of Entry The Day You Arrive
LEGAL Immigration Check-In
If you are traveling by aircraft, the flight attendants on board will distribute CF-6059 Customs Declaration Forms and I-94 ArrivalDeparture Record Forms for immigration, before you land at your initial point of entry in the United States. Complete these forms while you are on the aircraft and submit them to Customs and Border Protection Officer upon your arrival. If you do not understand a form, ask the flight attendant for assistance.
All new students are required to report to the UIW International Office by 1pm Jan 7 , 2019. Failure to Check-in by Jan 7, will result in the cancellation of your Immigration record & will require that you depart the U.S. immediately. Late arrivals will not be accepted into the US.
Upon arrival at the port of entry, proceed to the international arrival terminal for inspection at one of the Department of Homeland Security stations. As you approach the inspection station, have your: - Passport & visa - DS-2019 or I-20 - Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record, and - CF-6059 Customs Declaration Form .
Bring your documents # Passport, Visa, Form DS-2019 or Form I-20 # Any other documents given to you upon arriving the U.S. # UIW Admission Packet We will assist you in printing your form I-94 upon check in.
The form I-94 should reflect the address where you will reside: On Campus – University of the Incarnate Word 4301 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209 or Off Campus: Address of Hotel or Home you are staying in. If you are entering through a land or designated sea port, the Customs and Border Protection Officer will provide the necessary CF-6059 Customs Declaration Forms and I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Forms at the port of entry. If you do not understand a form, ask the Customs and Border Protection Officer for assistance. Like all entering visitors, you will be asked to state the reason you wish to enter the United States. . It is important that you tell the Customs and Border Protection Officer that you will be a student or exchange visitor. Be prepared to include the name or address of UIW. Once your inspection is complete, the inspecting officer will: Stamp your SEVIS Form for the duration of status for F and J visa holders and Stamp the I-94 and staple it in the passport.
INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION You are also required to attend the UIW International Student Orientation on Jan 8 - 10, 2019 held at the ICC (address below). You will receive the detailed orientation schedule when you check-in by Jan 7, 2019. Location University of the Incarnate Word Dr. Burton E. Grossman International Conference Center (ICC) International Student & Scholar Services 847 E. Hildebrand Avenue, Room 200 San Antonio, Texas 78212