Global Connections Office

The Global Connections Office (GC) exists to serve as the primary resource for UW-River Falls international students and scholars. The staff works closely with other members of the university and the community to ensure that each student’s stay here is pleasant, productive, and memorable

.The staff assists in:
- Providing personal and/or academic counseling
- Conducting orientation programs for new students
- Facilitating transactions with the Department of Homeland Security, and with other governmental and sponsoring agencies
- Processing medical insurance forms and assisting in applying for Social Security card (as needed)

Immigration Information

The Global Connections Office (GC) will provide you with information and documents assist you in maintaining your valid immigration status. Keep all documents in a safe place. If you lost any of the following documents, contact the Global Connections Office (GC) for assistance in replacing them.

PASSPORT

It is your responsibility to keep your passport current at least six months into the future at all times. Have your passport renewed six months before its expiration date. To renew your passport, you should send it to the nearest consulate office of your country. The OIP has a list of consulate addresses.

FORM I-20 or DS-2019

This is the form you received from UW-River Falls which allowed you to apply for a visa to enter the U.S. As long as your are a full-time student, the date on your 1-20 or DS-2019 determines your departure date. This form must be signed by your International Student Advisor each time you leave and re-enter the country. If you need additional time to complete your studies, you must see the International Student Advisor for an extension.

VISA

There are two types of student visas: F-1 and J-1. These are provided in the form of a stamp in your passport by a U.S. Consul or Embassy abroad granting you entry into the U.S. Before you travel outside the U.S. go to the OIP to have your passport pages checked. You also need your I-20 or DS-2019 signed in order for you to be able to re-enter as a student.

FORM I-94

This small white card has your admission number printed across the top. Always keep your I-94 stapled in your passport along with your I-20 or DS-2019.

EMPLOYMENT

When you work in the U.S. you must file income tax reports between January 1 and April 15 of the year, for income received during the previous year. Taxes are withheld from your paychecks (you are exempt from paying Social Security taxes during the first five years of studies), but you must still file a tax return. In most cases, you will get a refund.

ON CAMPUS

Students can work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours a week when classes are in session and 40 hours per week during vacation. You will need to complete several forms for student employment, which you may request from the Office of International Programs.

OFF CAMPUS

For F-I students, working off-campus will require permission from immigration and in some cases from the International Student Advisor. Failure to comply with this could lead to deportation. A student must have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year (9 months) to be granted such permission. Please see your International Student Advisor for more information.

PRACTICAL TRAINING

If you wish to do practical training, The USCIS can grant permission for up to 12 months after graduation. Your I-20 must be endorsed by the International Student Advisor and you have to apply to immigration on several forms which are available in the Office of International Programs. Curricular practical training in your academic field can be authorized by your International Student Advisor. For more information, check with the Office of International Programs.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY IN THE UNITED STATES

If you need to extend your stay in the U.S., check with the Office of International Programs. You are allowed to remain in student status as long as you are a full-time student until the date which appears on the I-20 or DS-2019.