International Degree Seeking

You must submit new address information through Ursa whenever your address changes.  The U.S. government wants to know within 10 days any time you move while you’re in the United States — that includes moving from one room to another in the same dorm, or changing from one apartment to another in the same building complex.

Mailing Address in Ursa is what you use for your local living address in the United States.  It should always include your full street address including apartment number or room number, if you are not in a single-family house.

Permanent Address or Foreign Address are used to record your home address information outside the United States.  Please remember to update these if your address at “home” changes.

Please make sure you keep your phone numbers up to date in Ursa as well.

The primary reason you come to the United States as an F-1 student is obviously to study.  F-1 Students must be enrolled full time during fall and spring semesters, and full time in the summer if it is their first term (and must be enrolled in their final term, even if that term is summer).  Full time enrollment means

• Intensive English Program – 18 contact hours per week
• Undergraduate/Bachelor’s – 12 credits per semester
• Graduate/Master’s/Ph.D. – 9 credits per semester, depending on program.  There are additional exceptions for doctoral candidates and Master’s students with thesis only remaining.

One online class of up to three credits can count towards the full time load requirement for academic students.  English language learners cannot take any online classes.  There are some exceptions to the full time enrollment, but a reduced course load must be approved in advance by ISSS.

You must also continue to make “normal progress” in your academic program.

All employment and training (even if unpaid) in the United States requires special permission for F-1 students.  This includes internships, practicum classes, clinicals and student teaching.

• On Campus
• Off Campus
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • Economic Hardship

It is important that all of your immigration documents are correct and up-to-date at all times during your stay in the United States.  The ISSS team must report information on every student during each academic term, and whenever something happens that the government considers a “reportable event.”  Regularly check all of your documents to be sure they are valid.  Submit copies of any new passports, visas, or I-94s whenever you get them.

Before you travel outside the U.S., make sure that you have a valid travel endorsement (signature) on page 2 of your unexpired I-20 (and your dependents’ I-20s).  Travel signatures cannot be more than a year old when you re-enter the United States.  You must also have a valid visa and passport valid for at least six months after you enter.

When you re-enter, it is important to verify that you have entered in the correct status.  Always check your passport for an entry stamp that is marked “F-1” and “D/S” (or “F-2” and “D/S” for your dependents).  Also check your I-94 Arrival/Departure record online for the correct entry information.  Save a copy and upload one to your UNC Global profile.

Travel can be complicated.  See our additional travel information here.

F-2 dependent spouses may study part time, but may not engage in any employment or work of any kind while they are physically in the United States.  F-2 spouses who wish to study full time must apply for a change of status or get a new F-1 visa to return in F-1 status.

F-2 dependent children must enroll in school full time between the ages of 6 and 16.  F-2 dependent children “age out” (are no longer eligible for dependent status) at age 21, and must depart the U.S. or file ahead of time for a change of status to another category to let them remain.

Please see your ISSS advisor for additional information and assistance on changing status and aging out.

Students transferring to another SEVIS approved school may do so during their 60 day grace period after completing their program, or may request a transfer before completing their studies here. However, to transfer during a term, you must remain enrolled full time until your transfer takes effect.  Transfers require you to provide your admission letter to the new university and to complete our transfer out form.

Anyone who was in the United States in F or J immigration status during any part of a calendar year must file tax forms the following spring. For students with no U.S. income or U.S. based scholarships, usually you have to file one form called an 8843 to demonstrate that you are not subject to U.S. taxes at this time.  If you have any earned income in the United States, or you have a scholarship that covers more than tuition and books, you will need to file income tax forms and pay income tax, unless you take advantage of a tax treaty your country has with the United States.

ISSS provides access to Sprintax software to assist students and scholars with their U.S. tax obligations.

SEVIS, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is the U.S. government database that we use to issue Forms I-20, authorize employment, recommend immigration benefits, and report on international students through the course of their studies and any practical training.

International students of all kinds are required to carry insurance that meets certain standards at UNC, according to the Board of Trustees Policy.  Students are automatically enrolled in UNC’s Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at the time of course registration.

Students may request a waiver of SHIP insurance if they can show that they have another plan that is as good or better than the SHIP plan, but it must have all of the same coverage.

If you fail to follow all the rules of the F-1 category, you “violate your status”.  Being in violation of your status puts you at risk of administrative arrest, detention (immigration jail), and deportation.  It can also make it very difficult to re-enter the United States at some point in the future.

F-1 students with dependents should be aware than when an F-1 violates their status, all F-2 dependents also lose valid F-2 status.

If you are in violation of your status, there are two possible ways to correct the situation:

1. Reinstatement — applying to US Citizenship and Immigration services to “forgive” your violation.  It’s a slow and expensive process, and is not available if you have been employed in the United States since violating your status.
2. Reentry – getting a new F-1 I-20 to come back in a “new” F-1 status.  It’s like restarting the clock, and can be faster than reinstatement,  but you can also be denied entry.

There are many factors to consider regarding reinstatement and reentry. Please talk to your ISSS advisor as soon as possible if you believe you are in violation of your status.

Being arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will get your visa automatically canceled.  These are very serious offenses, and if convicted, you may be barred from returning to the United States for several years.

Marijuana (grass, pot, weed, dope, ganja — cannabis) in any form is not legal under federal (national) law, which supersedes Colorado law.  That means that it is never, ever, legal for you to buy, sell, or use cannabis in any form in the United States.  Use of marijuana can make you ineligible to enter the United States, and students have been denied entry when evidence of marijuana use was found on their phones or in social media.  Do not use cannabis, even medicinally, while you are in the United States, even if your friends tell you it’s “legal” in Colorado.

If you have any arrest for any kind of substance abuse, it is very important that you discuss it with your immigration advisor.  It can have serious impacts on your ability to enter the United States or take other immigration actions.   We don’t share the information with your home government or the U.S. government (they already know, anyway), but it is very important for us to know so we can advise you properly.

Study In the States website from U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Tax information for non-citizen students and scholars from the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

United States Code includes laws passed by Congress http://uscode.ecfr.io/  Title 8 refers to Aliens and Nationality

Some laws and regulations regarding non-immigrant “Aliens” in the United States

• IIRIRA § 641 – authorizing program to collect information relating to non-immigrant foreign students and other exchange program participants (SEVIS authority)
• INA § 101(a)(15)(F) & (J) – Immigration & Nationality Act definition of F-1 non-immigrant students & J-1 Exchange Visitors
• 22 C.F.R. § 41 – visa issuance for non-immigrants
• INA § 101(a)(15)(F) – admission of nonimmigrants
• INA § 214(m) – limitations for nonimmigrants attending public elementary or secondary schools
• 8 C.F.R. § 214.2 – 214.4 – F-1: requirements for admission, maintenance of status, extension of status, & school certification

U.S. Immigration law allows students to arrive in the USA up to 30 days before the start of classes. Office of Global Engagement requires all students to attend our International Student Orientation, which generally takes place the Friday before classes. Please plan your travel arrangements accordingly.

Ursa is the secure, electronic gateway to real-time information and tools for University of Northern Colorado faculty, staff and students. Ursa makes UNC’s day-to-day operations and long-range planning more efficient and more effective.

• Activate your Ursa account
• If you need help, view account activation instructions

When you are admitted to UNC, an e-mail account called BearMail is automatically created.  This account is the one used by faculty and university offices to communicate with you and it is important to use this UNC student email. This is the official form of communication between all parts of the university and you.

• Activate your Bear Mail Account
• If you need help, visit the Technical Support Center

One of your immediate concerns will be to find housing.

On-campus living offers many benefits for their residents. You’ll be just a short walk from classes, labs and libraries. You’ll have easy access to University Center events, the Campus Recreation Center and a variety of dining options. You’ll also be among the first to know about social events, sporting competitions, campus concerts and more.

Plus, you can’t beat the value and convenience of campus housing. Your telephone, cable TV and high-speed Internet access are included and you’ll save time, money and headaches not having to commute to campus.  You can also avoid large security deposits, first and last month rent being paid up front, and having to provide a U.S. based Social Security Number.

For details on housing options available to you or to claim your space now visit the UNC Housing website. For specific questions you can e-mail Housing & Residential Education or call 1-970-351-2721. They will be more than happy to assist you in your search for housing.

NOTE: You may be required to pay additionally for the housing during the days you arrive before the residence halls officially open. The Housing & Residential Education team can help arrange early arrival housing for those who need it.

Off-campus housing is also an option in Greeley. If you intend to look for somewhere to live off-campus, a great resource to start with is the UNC Off-Campus Housing website.

To pay your required SEVIS I-901 fee, follow these instructions:

• Go to www.fmjfee.com
• Select Pay I-901 Fee at the top of the screen
• Enter the requested information.  To find your SEVIS number, login to the international portal and select View All under your photo, or it is on the top of your I-20 or DS-2019
• Select form type or either Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
• You will need the school or program code
  • • I-20 School Code: DEN214F00137000
    • DS-2019 Program Code: P-1-03948
• Submit payment

Travel Reminders:
Travel Reminders for international students and scholars traveling outside the U.S. (good for all international students regardless of the country of origin).

Recommendations for Successful U.S. Visa Processing:
A Visa is required to enter the United States. It can take from three days to two months to get your visa and so it is important to start right away. When you go to the U.S. Consulate for your visa interview you will need to take these items:

• Form DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application completed online.
• Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 from our office. The primary visa holder must sign all DS-2019’s or  I-20’s. If under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must also sign the I-20 or DS-2019.
• Receipt proving payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee. View instructions on paying the SEVIS I-901 fee.
• Documentation of financial support for the period of your stay at UNC. This should be either:
  • An original statement or letter from your bank or
  • Scholarship or grant awards from you school or
  • Documentation showing the amount needed set aside for your use while in the USA
• Evidence of your residence abroad and your intent to depart the US after completion of your program. (This can be proof of enrollment for fall semester at your university, an employment contract, or other documents verifying your ties to your home country.)
• A valid passport. This is valid for a minimum of 6 months after the end of your stay in the USA.

Helpful Links:

• U.S. Department of State visa process
• Study in the States guide

Should you have any questions or concerns about your ability to enter or reside in the United States, please contact the Office of Global Engagement.

All new UNC students born after 1957 must complete a Certificate of Immunization against measles, mumps and rubella. Please note that this certification must be signed by a physician, nurse, or school authority. If you do not have proof of immunization, you must either obtain the required immunizations (you can do this after your arrival on campus at the Student Health Center) or sign the exemption statement at the bottom of the immunization form.  You can also review more information about immunization requirements on the UNC Immunization Requirements webpage. 

Download Certificate of Immunization

NOTE: You will not be able to register for classes until you submit this form.

Degree seeking students must receive advising from their academic or Departmental advisor before registering for classes. New and transfer undergraduates should contact their academic advisors. Graduate students should contact their department. Exchange students will work with their home school and the Office of Global Engagement. Intensive English students will register after they arrive and have been assessed.

To register for classes online go to Ursa. Degree-seeking undergraduates must have a “PIN” number in order to register, and will receive it during their advising session.  Be sure that you have enrolled full-time. For undergraduate, exchange and IEP students this is 12 credit hours; for graduate students this is 9 credit hours. For information about course requirements and for descriptions of courses, see the University of Northern Colorado Catalog.  The Schedule of Classes for each term is posted several months before the start of each term, and provides the list of classes available for that individual term.

To search for offered courses in a specific term, please follow these steps:
1. From the Schedule of Classes page click on the Go to the Schedule of Classes button
2. Choose the correct term (Ex: Fall 2022) and to narrow down choices, the subject (Ex: ANT – Anthropology), and mark the checkbox for Only show courses with seats available.
3. Click Run.
NOTE: Students coming on a J-1 visa (non-degree-seeking exchange and dual degree students) are not eligible to enroll in online courses.  When reviewing the course lists in the Schedule of Classes, students should check that the course they wish to take is listed as ‘Face to Face’ and not ‘Online’

All business courses must be approved by the School of Business. Please contact the Business Advising Center at  970-351-1233 to register for any classes beginning with a BA.

If you do not know which courses to register for or have problems registering for classes, please contact the Office of Global Engagement so they can refer you to the appropriate office.

Colorado definitely experiences four seasons — sometimes in the same week. While our climate is generally mild, it is certainly unpredictable, and you must be prepared for sudden changes of weather. Although the temperature rarely goes below 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C), it can be windy and feel quite cold.  The normal temperature range for January is between 35 and 50 degrees F (2 – 10 degrees C).  Snow falls occasionally, usually in small amounts of 2–3 inches and disappears within a few days.  Bring cold-weather clothes. If you have warm-weather clothes, either bring them or have them sent to you later. If you come from a cold climate and don’t have warm weather clothes, it is better to wait and buy them here. Throughout the spring the weather will become milder, but snowstorms do occasionally occur in March and April. Summer temperatures average in the upper 80’s (30 degrees C) and may reach 100 degrees F, but evenings cool to comfortable sleeping temperatures.

Office of Global Engagement (OGE) will provide opportunities shortly after arriving to purchase items that may have been forgotten or too difficult to pack.  It is not necessary to pack bedding if you live on campus. A linen packet will be provided for a short time when you check in to your building

Health Care and Health Insurance:

All UNC undergraduate students with 9 or more credit hours and all graduate students with 6 or more credit hours are required to have full medical insurance in effect.  This includes all off campus students.  All students meeting these credit requirements will automatically be set up in the UNC sponsored insurance plan.  If you have other insurance coverage and do not want the UNC insurance, submit an online waiver through your UNC Global portal. Your policy must meet UNC’s Minimum Requirements for International Students.  International students cannot waive on the UNC URSA site. You must go through the UNC Global Portal.

Waiver Information:
Due date for waivers is the 10th class day of the semester.  If waivers are ­not­ completed and submitted prior to the deadline, they will not be considered for approval, and you will automatically be enrolled in the UNC Student Health Insurance Plan for the current semester. The cost of the semester premium will be posted to your student bill each semester.

COMPARABILITY OF COVERAGE
To be eligible to waive participation in the UNC-sponsored health insurance plan, UNC’s Board of Trustees, generally speaking, allows for U.S.-based equivalent insurance coverage as a basis for waiver. In other words, such plans must be comparable with Gold or Platinum plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and provide coverage for all benefits and services included in the UNC SHIP plan (see UNCO 20-2021 Insurance Plan Brochure).

• Coverage must begin on or before the first day of the academic term in which the student is enrolled and extend through the entire term (or  the duration of the Exchange Visitor program, if longer)
• The plan must include both accident and sickness coverage and offer unlimited annual benefit
• The plan deductible must be $500 or less per individual, per accident/illness per year
• The plan must have maximum out-of-pocket costs $6350 per benefit year
• The plan must include medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000
• The plan must include repatriation coverage of at least $25,000
• The plan must cover in-network services at 80% or more
• The plan must include preventative services with no deductible or co-pay

The plan must provide the following benefits at a minimum:

• Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care you get without being admitted to a hospital)
• Emergency services
• Hospitalization (like surgery and overnight stays)
• Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (both before and after birth)
• Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment (this includes counseling and psychotherapy)
• Prescription drugs
• Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices (services and devices to help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain or recover mental and physical skills)
• Laboratory services
• Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
• Pediatric services, including oral and vision care (but adult dental and vision coverage aren’t essential health benefits)
• Birth control coverage
• Breastfeeding coverage
• Your insurance coverage should also cover testing and treatment in epidemic and pandemic situations.

In addition, plans for J-1/J-2 Exchange Visitors “must be underwritten by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-I” or above, a Standard and Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-” or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above. Alternatively, the sponsor may ascertain that the participant’s policy is backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country (22 CFR 62.14).”

Note: Accident or traveler’s policies do not generally qualify as comparable insurance and cannot be used to waive the university insurance requirements. You must upload your proof of coverage and policy (in English) in this application in the Documents section for this application to be considered complete.

If your plan does not meet the above requirements, you will be enrolled in the UNC Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

Please contact the Office of Global Engagement, located in Wilson Hall, for further information regarding the health insurance requirements. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in termination of your study or research program.

We recommend flying to Denver International Airport (called DIA, locally, but which has an official designation as DEN), which is the nearest major airport and nearest international airport. UNC is just about an hour drive from DIA, but there are no longer regular shuttles to Greeley.

Options for transportation from the airport to campus (don’t forget to download the ride share app in advance if you’re planning on using Uber or Lyft):

• bus through Amtrak: https://www.amtrak.com/routes.html
• Uber (prices vary)
• Lyft (prices vary)

Most international student will arrive before the residence halls officially open.

You must have completed a UNC Housing contract before arranging for Early Arrival Housing. The contract will state the official hall open date. Housing policy allows international students to arrive a few days early without charge, but you must make a requests.  More than a few days early may incur additional housing charges.  Details are available on Housing pages.

If you have any questions about this process, you can contact UNC Housing and Residential Education at Housing@unco.edu for more information.

Check-In

Our staff needs to review your immigration documents upon your arrival to the US. Please complete the Check In/Arrival Documentation request in the Global portal as soon as possible after arrival, and update your local/mailing address in Ursa .

Orientation

All incoming students are required to attend the mandatory orientation. Details about orientation format and dates will be shared directly to your Bear Mail.

During the year, Office of Global Engagement (OGE) organizes several events for students. These events include shopping trips to larger shopping centers and to cell phone stores, ice cream socials, welcome BBQs, dinners with OGE staff, department store/mall shopping trips, ice skating, and other fun events. These events depend on the season and change every semester.