International Student Resources

As an international student, you will want to become familiar with our campus' International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). As they are the main resource on campus for all things international

International Students Requesting Visa Eligibility

All international applicants requesting visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019) are required to demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to cover the cost of their education while in the United States. There are three ways to show support:

1.Funding from Personal Funds: a bank statement with sufficient funding for at least one year's total cost ($81,911) see details on the Declaration and Certification of Finance Form

2. Funding from a family member or personal sponsor: a bank statement with sufficient funding for at least one year's total cost plus one of the following: Declaration and Certification of Finance Form verifying sponsorship for full length and cost of the program OR a signed Letter of Sponsorship detailing the amounts and length of sponsorship.

3. Funding from an employer, government of other organization: a signed Letter of Sponsorship detailing amounts and length of the sponsorship.

* please make sure you also include your passport and passports of any dependents

International Student Check-In

International Student Check-In is a federally mandated process that requires every international student to report to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and have their immigration documents reviewed. Check-In should be completed as soon as possible after arrival to the United States.

International Student Orientation

In addition to the MSA Orientation, International students should plan to be on campus for ISSS Orientation.  It will be on Monday, June 3rd.  Additional details to come.

Immunization History

McKinley Health Center will allow first-time incoming international students to submit their immunization forms after the April 1st deadline. They understand that it is difficult to obtain all vaccinations before arrival, so you have until after you arrive on campus in the summer to submit the immunization form. If you are missing any immunizations you will need to reach out to McKinley to schedule those appointments when you get on campus - 217-333-2700.

The only consequence is that McKinley will place a hold on your student account which will NOT allow you to register for classes. Class registration is June 4th. If a hold is placed on your account. The MSA Program will NOT be able to remove the hold. We do not have permission to remove any McKinley holds. Therefore, you would need to work with them and provide any documentation they need.

OPT

F-1 post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to be employed in the United States one year after completion of studies. Graduate students may apply for OPT after finishing all coursework. Employment must be directly related to field of study and correspond with education level. Multiple employers are permitted; however, each position must be related to field of study and reported to ISSS. No job offer is needed to apply. However, OPT applicants are only allowed a total of 90 days unemployment during their initial 12-month OPT period.

Please direct all status and OPT questions to ISSS at isss@illinois.edu