Immigration and Visas
Getting a Visa
After being successfully admitted, you will receive an admissions email containing the contact information for your UNMC International Student Advisor.
- The advisor will contact you with information about requirements for getting an I-20
- The I-20 will be sent through FedEx to the address you give your advisor.
- After I-20 is issued, you’ll pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
- Arrange a visa interview with your local U.S. Embassy.
- Bring I-20, I-901 receipt, and other admission documents to your interview.
Education USA provides more resources, information, and advice about obtaining a student visa.
Please Note
- Having an I-20 does not guarantee the issuance of an F-1 visa.
- Process of changing visa status inside the U.S. can take 3-5 months.
If you are already in the United States with a different visa status, you may be eligible to change your visa without leaving the country. For more information or to find out if you qualify, contact UNMC’s International Advisor.
If you already have an F-1 visa and are studying or have graduated within the last five months at a United States school, notify Graduate Studies. SEVIS requires you to request the school to release your record to UNMC. After the release date, UNMC can process a new I-20 form. Contact UNMC’s International Advisor for more information.
Maintaining Your Immigration Status
International students with F-1 or J-1 visas must remain enrolled full-time during the academic year to keep legal immigration status. This means taking at least 9 credit hours per semester for the fall and spring terms.
- Summer enrollment may be optional depending on when you begin or complete your program. While a summer term may not be required to keep your international student status, it may still be required by the program itself.
- If you plan to enroll for less than full-time during the fall or spring semesters, you must speak to the International Student Advisor and your Program Specialist for Graduate Studies before reducing your hours.