International Students

Reduced Course Load Available to International Students in Final Semester

May 22, 2023 by White, Brian

International graduate students graduating in fall 2023 who need less than a full-time course load to finish can apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL).

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) encourages students who have no prior RCL requests to register and expect approval.

Students planning to graduate in fall 2023 who need only one class to graduate, yet hold on to more, place an unnecessary strain on program resources and possibly prevent newly admitted students from planning their schedules.

More information on RCL is available from the ISSO.

ISSO Newsletter Carries Key Requirements Information

May 08, 2023 by White, Brian

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) publishes a monthly newsletter which carries important Visa, travel and other information of interest to international students and their faculty.

The latest edition of the ISSO newsletter is at this link.

Job, Internship Search for International Students

February 06, 2023 by White, Brian

The job search is tricky for everyone, but even more so for international students. This session offers specific insights and tips on how to approach and navigate the job search. Food will be served!

To register, please visit the Center for Graduate Life and Learning.

Register International Teaching Assistants for English Language Assessment

January 09, 2023 by White, Brian

From Nicole Lanieri, Director of UNC Charlotte’s English Language Training (ELTI) Institute: Please remember to have international teaching assistants (ITAs) sign up for an English language assessment. ITAs who have previously earned a passing score on the UNCC assessment do not have to be evaluated again. As a reminder, this is required by state law.

All international teaching assistants who are paid from Teaching Assistant funds, regardless of assigned duties, are required to attend an English language assessment session. This requirement is specified in the TA contract. Neither length of time in the U.S. nor prior attendance or employment at a U.S. institution exempts ITAs from this requirement. ITAs who do not pass the assessment may be enrolled in ELTI’s ITA Communication Course to support their language development. This course is free to ITAs and is non-credit bearing.

Program directors were sent the following survey to distribute to their students. If you did not receive it, it means you were not on our list. If that is the case, please email Patricia Chukwueke at pchukwue@uncc.edu so that we can update our lists. You may access the survey link here.

If you have any questions about the general process for ITA testing, please contact Patricia. ITAs with questions about the testing process and other queries should email itasupport@uncc.edu.

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Returns to Pre-COVID Guidance for Spring 2023

September 29, 2022 by White, Brian

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) recently reported that SEVP allowances made for COVID that allowed F-1 and J-1 international students to enroll in more than one online class have ended. As of the spring 2023 semester, pre-COVID regulations will apply. International students may count only one online course towards full-time enrollment.

ISSO Director Tarek Elshayeb provided the following additional details:

As of spring-23, only ONE online course per semester can count towards F-1/J-1 course enrollment minimums.
Undergraduates – at least 9 of 12 credits must be in-person or hybrid
Graduates – at least 6 of 9 credits must be in-person or hybrid

Since taking full-course load of only online courses will no longer be possible, starting in Spring-2023:

In-person F-1 CPT internships will need to be within 1.5 hours driving distance from Charlotte.
All students, both new and continuing, will need to reside in the Charlotte metro area to attend their in-person courses.

Students with questions may schedule an appointment during ISSO Advising Hours.

ISSO Offers Fall Preview for Program Directors

June 20, 2022 by White, Brian

The International Student & Scholar Office (ISSO) will host a webinar on July 13 to provide a preview of topics concerning international students this fall.

Topics include:

Anticipated numbers of international students for Fall
Visa processes and anticipated delays
Late arrivals
Re-applications for admissions

Register via Zoom to receive a confirmation email with more details.

US Extends COVID-19 Visa Allowances for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Semesters

April 25, 2022 by White, Brian

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) recently informed faculty that, in an unexpected move, the U.S. government extended COVID-19 visa allowances made in March 2020 for the fall 2022 – spring 2023 academic year.

The impacts on the upcoming semesters, according to the ISSO include:

Continuing students (those enrolled as of spring 2022), can count more than one online course per semester towards F-1/J-1 course enrollment minimums For example, a continuing graduate student who tries to take all online courses for Fall 2022 will be in-status.
New students starting in the fall will need to take at least one in-person or hybrid course in their first semester
In-person F-1 CPT internships can be more than 1.5 hours driving distance from Charlotte for fall 2022, and new students will need to reside in the Charlotte metro area to attend their in-person course.
Continuing students with only online courses may reside anywhere in the U.S. and do not necessarily need to reside in Charlotte, depending on their exact courses.

A copy of the US ICE guidance is available for download.

Students with questions may make an appointment to speak with an ISSO advisor or visit the ISSO website for more ways to connect.

ISSO Updates International Students on COVID-19 and Entry Requirements

December 01, 2021 by White, Brian

As of Nov. 8, foreign nationals including all F-1 students are required to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the U.S. For purposes of entry into the United States, the accepted vaccines will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use vaccines. In addition to proof of vaccination, travelers entering the U.S. must also show proof of a negative COVID PCR-test administered within the 3 days prior to travel to the U.S.

Travel restrictions are in place for countries where the Omicrom variant has been discovered. These countries include South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) has communicated frequently with newly admitted, currently enrolled, and OPT international students regarding changing requirements for COVID-19 vaccination and entry requirements.

The following is a list of messages and content that have been shared with targeted students to-date:

Message for newly admitted students who accepted their admission offers
Stand-alone message for enrolled students and students on OPT
Monthly newsletters (October/November) containing the announcement for all enrolled, OPT students and visiting scholars
Updates to the ISSO website to reflect the latest CDC guidance on vaccination requirements and travel restrictions

Students with concerns or questions may reference the ISSO website for information or contact the ISSO office (intlsso@uncc.edu, 704‑687‑7781) to schedule an advising appointment.

EducationUSA Offers Europe Open Office Hours for Recruitment Assistance

November 02, 2021 by White, Brian

Join advisers from across Western and Northern Europe for open office hours on Dec. 7 and 9. The advisers will be ready to answer questions from representatives from U.S. higher education institutions about recruitment strategies, scholarship programs, upcoming events, and other items. Dates, times, and countries featured on each day are listed below.

Dec. 7 (Tues.) | 11–12:30 p.m. EST | Featured countries: Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg | https://iie-org.zoom.us/j/96208267010

Dec. 9 (Thurs.) | 11-12:30 p.m. EST | Featured countries: Finland, UK, Portugal, Ireland, Norway, Germany, Spain | https://iie-org.zoom.us/j/95713161140

Germany to Hold Graduate Studies Recruitment Fair in November
EducationUSA will host its first virtual Graduate Studies Fair for Germany on Tues., Nov. 23, 4-8 p.m. CET. U.S. higher education institutions will have a virtual booth and host group and one-on-one sessions with Germany’s top students. EducationUSA advisers will facilitate the event and share educational and funding opportunities. For more information on how to participate, please contact germany@educationusa.org.

Portugal to Hold Recruitment Fair in November
The Fulbright Commission and EducationUSA Portugal are inviting U.S. higher education institutions to join the EducationUSA Portugal Fair, which will take place virtually Nov. 18. The fair will offer an opportunity to connect with prospective undergraduate and graduate students. Registration is now open. For more information about the event, please contact EducationUSA Portugal adviser Dorian Rosca.

ISSO Details COVID Travel Rules to Incoming Students

November 02, 2021 by White, Brian

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) recently reached out to new students who intend to enroll for the spring 2022 semester to explain new requirements relating to the COVID-10 pandemic.

Following is the text of the ISSO message:

As the Spring 2022 semester approaches, we look forward to welcoming you to UNC Charlotte. As you can expect, COVID-19 will impact your travel plans. Please review the information below BEFORE you commit to international travel. Obtain your COVID vaccine(s) before entering the U.S. After November 8, 2021, all foreign nationals, including F-1 and J-1 students wishing to enter the U.S. must show proof that they are FULLY VACCINATED against COVID-19. See the U.S. government’s October 12, 2021 announcement. In addition to proof of vaccination, travelers entering the U.S. must also show proof of a negative COVID test administered within the 3 days prior to travel to the U.S.

Documentation requirements: Your COVID vaccine must be FDA or WHO approved Your vaccine and COVID test documentation should be hard copy (not on your phone) and in English It is fine to carry back up electronic copies on your phone Your name on your records should match your name as listed on your passport. Note: ISSO staff are not healthcare professionals; you should research what works for you in consultation with your doctor or medical care provider.

What should NEWLY ADMITTED students consider when planning travel to the U.S.?
1. Complete the Financial Certification Form (FCF).
2. Apply for the F-1 or J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate.
3. Pay the SEVIS fee online 3-5 days before your visa appointment and print out the receipt.
4. Follow the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ CDC Requirement for Proof of a Negative COVID test before entering the U.S.
5. Upon entering the U.S., carefully follow the CDC ‘After International Travel’ instructions and obtain a COVID test 3-5 days after travel.
6. Arrive in Charlotte (Charlotte Douglas International Airport-CLT) by January 5th. Arriving by this date allows you to participate in international student orientation before classes begin on January 10th.
7. Follow UNC Charlotte On-Campus protocols, such as wearing a face covering while participating in UNC Charlotte indoor activities.

Check official websites for up to date information: COVID related travel requirements can change quickly. Therefore, be sure to check official websites for update to date information before you leave home. We hope you all are staying safe and well,

Updated U.S. Travel Policy Requires Vaccination

November 01, 2021 by White, Brian

On Oct. 25 the White House and Centers for Disease Control announced a new vaccination policy that will go into effect for international travelers to the United States on Nov. 8 at 12:01 a.m. EST. As of that date, foreign national air travelers will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding a plane to the United States. The guidelines also include new protocols for testing. Exemptions will be made for noncitizens who are citizens of a foreign country where the availability of COVID-19 vaccination is limited. Details can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

How to Conduct the Job Search for International Students

October 11, 2021 by White, Brian

The job search is tricky for everyone, but even more so for international students. This session offers specific insights and tips on how to approach and navigate the job search. Food will be served!

To register, please visit the Center for Graduate Life and Learning.

U.S. Provides Update on India Student Visas

June 22, 2021 by White, Brian

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India have published an update on efforts to expedite student travel for the fall semester. The following text was taken from their website:

“Student visas remain a top priority for the U.S. Mission to India and we are making every attempt to facilitate student travel in time for the fall semester. As such, on June 14, 2021 we will open limited July and August student visa appointments at posts across India. Students may visit our website, https://ustraveldocs. com/in, to view availability and schedule an appointment.

Prior to your visa interview, please review your I-20 program start date. Students beginning a new program with a program start date on or after August 1 may travel to the United States up to 30 days prior to the program start date and do not need to submit a request for a national interest exception. Continuing students may also resume their programs on or after August 1, and travel 30 days before their program resumption date. We are unable to approve expedited requests for Fall 2021 students with scheduled appointments in July or August. If your appointment date may result in a potentially late start, please reach out to your school to discuss options.”

For more information, please visit the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India.

ISSO Shares Update on People Vaccinated Outside the U.S.

May 24, 2021 by White, Brian

The International Student & Scholar Office shared an update from NAFSA: Association of International Educators regarding requirements for people vaccinated outside the United States.

People who were vaccinated outside the United States with an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine and have received all the recommended doses do not need any additional doses. People who received the first dose of an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine that requires two doses do not need to restart the vaccine series in the United States but should receive the second dose as close to the recommended time as possible.

Some people may have received a COVID-19 vaccine that is not currently authorized in the United States. No data are available on the safety or efficacy of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized in the United States after receipt of a non-FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. However, in some circumstances people who received a COVID-19 vaccine not currently authorized in the United States may be offered revaccination with an FDA-authorized vaccine:

COVID-19 vaccines not authorized by FDA but listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO)²
- People who have received all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine that has been listed for emergency use by WHO do not need any additional doses with an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine.
- People who have not received all the recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine listed for emergency use by WHO may be offered a complete FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine series.
COVID-19 vaccines neither authorized by FDA nor listed for emergency use by WHO
- People who received all or some of the recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine that is neither authorized by FDA nor listed for emergency use by WHO may be offered a complete FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine series.

The minimum interval between the last dose of a non-FDA authorized vaccine or a WHO-listed vaccine and an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine is 28 days. Only people who have received all recommended doses of an FDA-authorized or WHO-listed COVID-19 vaccine are considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of public health guidance.³

ISSO to Host Town Hall on International Enrollment

May 17, 2021 by White, Brian

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, May 19th, 2021, from 10-11 AM EST, to discuss the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 (Academic Year 2021-2022) enrollment guidance that has been released by SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). At this event, ISSO staff will explain the continuing adaptations, while covering other relevant visa and immigration topics such as summer travel and employment.

The intended audience is currently enrolled international students who plan to continue in the Fall 2021 semester but you are all very welcome to attend so that you can hear the information firsthand. Also, please feel free to forward this announcement to any others in your department who may be interested or who were inadvertently omitted.

Please register by clicking here. A link to the event will be sent to you shortly before the event begins.

ISSO Sets Financial Certification Form Deadlines

February 11, 2021 by White, Brian

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) has published Financial Certificate Form (FCF) deadlines for international students for the upcoming summer and fall semesters.

The FCF helps UNC Charlotte obtain complete and accurate information about the funds available to international applicants who want to study in the United States.

More information is available from ISSO.

UNC Charlotte Ranked High in SEVIS Report

December 14, 2020 by White, Brian

In data shared by the International Student & Scholar Office, UNC Charlotte ranked high in a recent U.S. Immigration Department SEVIS by the Numbers (SBTN) report.

The report was part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) which reports data and trends on foreign national students pursuing an education at SEVP-certified schools.

Following are UNC Charlotte’s rankings on three such lists released by SEVP:

Top 500 F-1 Schools by Number of Active SEVIS Records (enrolled students). Rank: #98 (Download)
Top 100 School Campuses with Optional Practical Training (OPT) Authorizations by Active SEVIS records. Rank #60 (Download)
Top 100 School Campuses with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Authorizations by Active SEVIS Records. Rank #44 (Download)

Fall 2020 Students Targeted with NC Residency Message

September 07, 2020 by White, Brian

A message informing new graduate students of the process to apply for North Carolina residency was sent recently, targeting those admitted for Fall 2020 who are classified as nonresidents.

Should your students have questions about residency, please direct them to the centralized Residency Determination Service (RDS):

Phone: 844-319-3640

Email: rdsinfo@ncresidency. org

Website: www.NCresidency.org

Faculty with questions may contact Brenda.Sawyer@uncc.edu, 704-687-5122.

For more information on residency, please visit https://ncresidency.uncc.edu/.

ISSO Reviews International Student Enrollment Requirements

September 03, 2020 by White, Brian

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) recently distributed guidelines for enrollment of international students. Newly admitted F-1 international students (excluding transfers from other U.S. institutions and those changing degree levels) will need to meet the following requirements to maintain legal status in the United States:

Pursue a full course load (12 credits for undergrad and 9 credits for graduate)
Register for at least ONE hybrid course that counts towards the full time enrollment.

The ISSO is cross-referencing several data sets (including student self-reports) through Sept. 14 to identify potentially affected students. That information will be shared with the Chair of the appropriate department to assist them in their course registration. So far, the process has identified few students in this situation.

Instructors need to fulfill their in-person or hybrid components as planned starting Oct.1 unless the university moves to 100% online before that date.

If you have questions, please contact ISSO.

ISSO Assistance with New International Students

August 31, 2020 by Stanchina, Karla

As a special exception due to COVID-19, the U.S. government is allowing international continuing students to pursue 100% of their coursework online for the fall 2020 semester. This exception has not been applied to newly admitted international students, who must register for and attend at least one class with an in-person component in order to maintain their legal status in the U.S.

The International Student Scholars Office is advising colleges and academic departments anticipating newly admitted international students, to consider ways to provide flexibility for these students to meet the in-person component requirement as soon after September 7^th as possible. They recommend that academic departments consider the following strategies to incorporate an in-person component to a course:

Independent study, topics or research courses with a limited number of in-person meetings;
If a faculty member intends to teach a virtual course from an on-campus classroom setting, permitting a limited number of international students to participate in class in an appropriately socially distant manner for one or two sessions;
Minimal faculty engagement in a laboratory setting.

For additional assistance, contact the staff at ISSO