Requirements
Requirements for all incoming students:
Language Requirements
If your first language is not English, you must submit an official TOEFL score. If the TOEFL score does not meet our school’s standards or if you did not take the TOEFL exam, you will be required to take our in-house Language Proficiency Test when you arrive at UIW. Intensive ESL classes at UIW are taught by ELS Language Centers, and may be required upon the results of this exam. International students, are required to pay the session fees. Theses session fees are per session and are in addition to UIW tuition. For more information, visit the English Proficiency webpage.
Health Insurance Requirements
All international students, including exchange visitors, are required to participate in the “Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan” provided through our school. No other health insurance will be accepted. Each student will be automatically enrolled and charged health insurance fees along with tuition and other fees to their student account.
U.S. Entry Policy
If at any point before you enter the US, you decide to attend another US institution, not UIW, email intl@uiwtx.edu your new plans and we will update your immigration record, you may or may not need to apply for a new visa for your new U.S. institution. However, once you enter the US with an I-20 or DS-2019 from our university, you are required to complete the UIW Immigration Check In Process immediately with our university before you are eligible to transfer to another institution. If you do not use the enclosed “Certificate of Eligibility” to obtain a visa or if you can’t come to the school as planned, you must email intladmis@uiwtx.edu your new plans.
Late Arrival Policy
Late arrival is not acceptable; arriving late will place you at an academic disadvantage as well as complicate your visa status. If you are denied a visa, please contact intladmis@uiwtx.edu
Immigration Requirements
The office of International Student and Scholar Services is here to help you navigate the US immigration rules and regulations. However, please be aware, U.S. law places the responsibility of learning and complying with U.S. Immigration rules and regulations solely on the student. Failure to comply with these regulations will jeopardize your immigration status and may result in your US immigration status being terminated and consequently to be forced to leave the US.
- How to maintain your F-1 or J-1 status once you arrive in the United States:
- Register as a full-time student every Fall and Spring semester
- Always keep your I-20 / DS-2019 valid
- Extend I-20 / DS-2019 form before expiration date
- Keep a valid Passport at all times
- Work no more than 20 hours per week on-campus during the Fall and Spring semester.
- Do NOT work Off-campus without authorization from the ISSS office.
- Request a Travel Endorsement before leaving the U.S.
- Report a change of address to ISSS within 10 days of moving.
- Report any changes of degree Level, Major or minor, and source of Funding at ISSS
- File taxes by April 15th
Remember to ALWAYS ask questions if you are uncertain of the rules.
Please contact our office through phone, 210.805.5705, email intl@uiwtx.edu or come visit us in person.