International Student Information for Faculty and Staff

What is an international student?

An international student is defined as one who is attending UAA on an F-1 (degree-seeking) student visa or a J-1 (non degree-seeking) exchange student visa.  Immigrants, refugees, students on other  nonimmigrant visas, and naturalized citizens are not technically considered to be international students; however, International Student Services is happy to provide assistance to and with these students as well. 

How do I find out if a particular student is considered an international student?

Contact us at International@uaa.alaska.edu.  Some students may be uncomfortable discussing their immigration status.

How are international students admitted to UAA?

You can find complete admission information for international students at http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/iss.

What happens if students do not have adequate proficiency in English to begin program courses?

The Community and Technical College offers two full-levels (12 credits each intermediate and advanced) in English-as-a-second language.  Placement into these courses is determined by a combination of Accuplacer scores, writing samples, TOEFL or IELTS scores and personal consultations.

What requirements do international students have to meet to maintain their visa status?

They must be enrolled full-time (12 credits for undergraduate students, 9 credits for graduate students), have health insurance, make normal academic progress (maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and avoid academic disqualification), report changes in address or other contact information within 10 days of a change, not accept off-campus employment unless authorized by International Student Services or the Department of Homeland Security, and maintain his or her documents.

What happens if an international student fails to maintain his or her visa status?

It depends on the situation.  Serious violations like dropping below full-time, working unauthorized off-campus, or becoming academically disqualified automatically subject the student to the possibility of detention or deportation.  Other violations (academic dishonesty, failing to report address changes) are initially treated differently, however, can also lead to termination of status if not remedied.

What effect can a "No Basis" grade have on the status of an international student?

A No Basis grade is treated exactly as a withdrawl.  If the No Basis grade causes the student to drop below full-time for a particular semester, his or her visa status will be terminated.

What resources are available through International Student Services to assist international students?

International Student Services offers facilitation of admission, New International Student Orientation, workshops of interest to international students, inter-cultural activities programming, document processing, assistance with ESL course placement and registration, and ongoing immigration and intercultural/adjustment advisement services. Workshops for faculty and staff on workign with international students are available upon request.

Can UAA departments hire international students?

Yes, as long as they are in status, which you can check with International Student Services.

What Human Resources paperwork is required when hiring international students?

    * New student hire packet

    * I-9 Employment Eligibility Form

    * UAA International Form

    * A copy of their Social Security card or copy of a letter from the Social Security office stating that the individual has applied for a social security number

    * Copy of I-20

What instructions do international students receive before arrival in Anchorage?

After international students are admitted, they receive a packet containing their admission letter, I-20, and pre-arrival information. For a sample packet, click following: New Student Guide.