International Students & Scholars
F-1 Status
F-1 student status is the most common status used by international students at UVA. In general, F-1 students must engage in a full-time course of study at the University. The ISO will issue Form I-20 to eligible students who indicate that they would like to pursue F-1 status. Form I-20 supports applications for F-1 visas and F-1 status. Most students apply for an F-1 visa stamp at a U.S. consulate abroad. In general, only after receiving an F-1 visa stamp may these students apply to enter the U.S. in F-1 status.
J-1 Status
J-1 status is used by many different visitors to the U.S. At UVA J-1 status is most often used by visiting and exchange students and by international scholars. J-1 status is a nonimmigrant classification, which means that you must demonstrate to the U.S. government that you not intend to reside in the U.S. on a permanent basis. You must also demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language. Form DS-2019 provides evidence of eligibility for J-1 status.
Other Nonimmigrant Statuses For Students
Many students study at U.Va. in a qualifying derivative status that depends on the status of their spouse or parent. Note that individuals in certain statuses (such as F-2, B or M-2) are forbidden from engaging in any type of full-time study.
Mandatory Check-In Meetings
All new international students of any status are required to attend a check-in session (check-in session schedule). Failure to attend will have serious consequences for any status that is related to the University and will cause any international student's registration at the University to be blocked.
Honor Code
The UVA Honor Code is both a model for, and the envy of, many other American universities' honor systems. Few other American universities place such emphasis on honor in personal and academic affairs, or refer to it so often. Like all UVA students, international students are fully bound to the University's culture of honor, and the policies and procedures designed to promote and to secure it.
Prospective J-1 Exchange Students
J-1 exchange students visit UVA as full-time students for a period of usually one or two semesters pursuant to a formal reciprocal exchange agreement between UVA and their home institution.