Frequently Asked Questions, Office of International Relations, UA Fort Smith

Frequently Asked Questions

Visa

How do I know if I am an international student?

You are an international student if you are:

Not a citizen or permanent resident (green-card holder) of the US.

What are Forms I-20 and DS-2019, and how can I obtain the one I need?

The Certificate of Eligibility is issued by Office of International relations after you have been accepted as a UA Fort Smith student, to enable you to apply for a visa stamp at the U.S. Consulate. The type of certificate depends on the type of visa for which you are applying. The I-20 is valid for the F-1 visa. The DS-2019 is valid for the J-1 visa.

What if my academic program or employment status changes while I’m attending UA Fort Smith?

While you are attending UA Fort Smith, you must notify the university’s Office of International Relations of any changes in your academic program or your enrollment, visa or employment status.

I want to bring my wife or children to stay with me in the U.S. What should I do?

Please contact Office of International Relations — you will receive some initial information about your rights and responsibilities when bringing dependents to the U.S. You will complete a request form for dependents, which will be endorsed by a DSO. You will have to submit this form, along with proof that you will be able to support your dependents financially. The university requires proof of an additional $4,000 for a spouse and $1,500 for each dependent child.

Can my parents be included in my I-20 or DS-2019 form?

No. Only spouses and dependent children can be added to your form.

When should I arrive at UA Fort Smith?

New regulations by the United States Department of Homeland Security specify that the earliest date students with a F-1 or J-1 visa may enter the United States is 30 days prior to the beginning of the university semester, as noted on your I-20 or DS-2019.

What is the difference between the F-1 and J-1 visa?

The F-1 (non-immigrant) visa enables you to enroll in academic and language study programs in the United States. You are permitted to remain in the U.S. up to 60 days after graduation, and you may request permission to stay in the U.S. for up to one additional year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in your field of study.

The J-1 (exchange visitor) visa enables you to enroll in a U.S. academic institution if your initial funding is “substantially” derived from sources other than personal or family resources, or if you are participating in an exchange program formally established by a written agreement between governments, or between the university and a foreign government or institution. You are permitted to remain in the U.S. up to 30 days after graduation.

Financial Aid

Am I eligible for financial assistance?

International students coming to the United States on non-immigrant student visas are not eligible for need-based financial aid.

Orientation for International Students

Does UA Fort Smith have an orientation program for international students?

Yes. Click here for the current program date.

What happens at International Student Orientation?

You will learn about the programs and services available to you at UA Fort Smith, receive academic advisement to guide your class registration and (if required) be tested for English proficiency. Orientation also includes a talk about student life by a current international student and sessions dealing with U.S. immigration requirements and UA Fort Smith policies and procedures. You will also have the chance to meet other international students who may become lifetime friends.

Is International Student Orientation mandatory for all international students?

Yes.

Social Security card

Do I need a Social Security card to open a bank account or apply for a job?

The only reason you need a Social Security card is to apply for a job. If you have a job offer, the Office of International Relations can help you obtain a Social Security number. To open a bank account, you will be asked to fill out a form attesting that you are exempt, as an international student, from the Social Security number requirement. Do you have any scholarships or offer financial aid to international students?

As an international student, you may apply for merit-based scholarships, but you are not eligible for need-based financial aid.

Admission requirements

Do I have to take the TOEFL or SAT?

First year students who have not completed four years of secondary study in an institution that uses English as its language of instruction or transfer students who have not completed at least two years of post-secondary study in an institution that uses English as its language of instruction are required to submit scores from one of the tests listed here:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
UA Fort Smith minimum requirements:

Internet Based Test (iBT) 61
Computer Based Test (CBT) 173
Paper Based Test 500
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

My transcript or recommendations are not in English. What should I do? I only have one copy of my transcript.

You must submit all original documents in its original language and then have them translated into English by an official translation agency. If you only have one copy then you may have your school submit a certified copy with the school's stamp and signature.

Are there deadlines for applying to the UA Fort Smith?

Application deadlines vary from year to year, and some colleges and departments have different deadlines too. You can check this year’s deadlines here.

Employment/OPT

Can my wife/husband work?

Spouses in F-2 status cannot work under any circumstances. Spouses in J-2 status may work with USCIS permission.

Can I work on campus?

Yes, you can, if you are a J-1 or F-1 student. On campus employment is a benefit of your status, but you cannot work more than 20 hours when school is in session. You may work up to 40 hours during the summer and winter breaks.

How long does it take to process the Optional Practical Training?

Generally it takes 6-8 weeks. However, in the peak periods in December and May it may take as long as 12 weeks to receive authorization. We advise students to apply for the OPT 2-3 months in advance.

When can I apply for Optional Practical Training?

You must apply for OPT before your academic program ends or your I-20 expires, whichever comes first. However, your practical training may begin any time within the 60-day grace period following your program completion.

Miscellaneous

I lost my passport and I-94 card. Can you replace it?

We cannot replace your passport or I-94. You will need to contact the embassy of your country in Washington, D.C. to report the loss and request a new passport. To replace your I-94 card, you will have to file form I-102 and send it to USCIS along with the appropriate filing fee.

If I change majors, do I need a new I-20 or DS-2019?

Yes, you do. Your form always has to reflect the program in which you are currently enrolled. This means, that you have to get a new form if you change your major or academic level.

I lived in Arkansas for over two years. Can I pay in-state tuition?

No, you can't. As long as you are in a "non-resident alien" status (F-1, J-1, F-2, J-2, etc), by definition you cannot be a resident of Arkansas, thus you don't qualify for in-state tuition.

My visa expired. Do I have to renew it?

You have to renew it only if and when you travel outside the United States. See visa and travel information for further details.

Can I renew my visa without leaving the United States?

No. Visas can be obtained and renewed only outside the U.S.

I have a valid visa in my old passport, but I have a new passport. Can I still use my visa?

Yes, you can use your valid visa in your old passport. When you travel, you will have to carry both your new passport and the old one with the visa in it. If you have to return your old passport when you get a new one, you will lose your visa, and have to apply for a new one before you return to the U.S.

Office of International Relations
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
5210 Grand Avenue, PO Box 3649, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72913-3649, USA
international@uafortsmith.edu, (Phone) 1-479-788-7166, (Fax) 1-479-788-7156

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