Resources for Current International Students

Additional Time Allowance on Exams

International Students who are non-native speakers of English may request additional time for exams. Please contact Lisa Lee (leels@uwec.edu), ESL Academic Coordinator, with any questions. 

Request Additional Exam Time

Scholarships

Gold for Blugolds is where you can find  information about scholarships for continuing international students including scholarships from the Center for International Education and Academic Departments. 

Health Insurance

All international students, scholars, and their dependents are required to purchase the medical insurance plan offered by UWEC. This is a Universities of Wisconsin Policy.  For questions about your UWEC insurance plan contact the CIE Department Assistant, Jennifer Tschernach. 

Enrollment Periods:

• Fall Semester: August 5th - December 31st
• Spring Semester: January 1st  - August 4th

For plan summary, claims information, contact information, and ID card visit the Wellfleet website. 

U.S. Taxes

All International students are required to file income tax documents every year, even if they do not work in the United States. The deadline to submit is April 15th. Sprintax offers tax support to students on F-1 and J-1 visas. The CIE is unable to assist with filing tax documents.

On-Campus Employment 

International Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the semester and full time on-campus during university breaks (Winter, Spring and Summer).  Below are the steps to getting an on-campus job: 

1. Apply for a UWEC job.  Handshake is a good place to search.
2. Receive job offer from on-campus employer.
3. Download and print a Social Security Verification (SSV) Form or pick up at CIE in Schofield 3. 
4. Complete sections 1 and 2 of the SSV form (Student completes section 1 ; Employer completes section 2)
5. Bring the SSV form to the Center for International Education (CIE) for signature by International Student Advisor.
6. Take signed form and immigration documents to the Social Security Office to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
7. Begin employment once start date has passed.  Students can begin employment as long as they have applied for the SSN. 

Follow your employers instructions for completing other employment forms such as W-4s and I-9s. UWEC Human Resources Office can also assist. 

Reporting a Change or New On-Campus Employment (J-1 Visa Holders Only)

The CIE is required to report changes to your on-campus employment to the US Government.  If you have any changes to your employment, you must complete an " Add On-Campus Employment" Request.
 

Inviting Friends or Family to Visit

Family members (other than your spouse and children) wishing to visit the US for a short time must apply for a tourist (B-2 or B-1/B-2) visa at the US embassy or consulate in their home countries.  The US State Department/Bureau of Consular Affairs has a website with additional information about applying for a tourist visa. There is no documentation available from the CIE for tourist visa applications.

Ensure that your family members have the following evidence, which will be helpful during the visa application process:

• Invitation letter from you: Write a letter of invitation that includes the following: your name and your reason for living in the US, the names of your family members who wish to visit, the purpose and approximate length of the visit, and whether you will provide room and board or any other financial assistance for the visit.
• Your evidence of funding: If you provide room and board or any other specific expenses of the trip (such as airfare), you should supply evidence of your funding such as a bank statement or employment letter. There is no minimum dollar amount that you must reflect; but you should indicate an amount that is reasonable for the level of support you are providing.
• Evidence of your status in the US: provide your family members with a copy of your I-20 (do NOT send the original) and other documents verifying your status in the US. (It is not necessary to get a new I-20 when inviting family members).
• Evidence of intent to return home: Your family members must prove that they will return home after visiting the US. Documents showing employment, property ownership, close family relations in home country, or enrollment in school (in the home country) are considered good evidence of intent to return home.
• Family Members' Evidence of Funding: If your family members intend to cover their own expenses, they should provide a bank statement, employment verification or other evidence of funding.

If you have a spouse or child(ren)(under 21 years of age) and you would like them to join you in the United States during your studies/activities contact your International Student Advisor for more information.