OFFICE OF
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS
http://www.ncat.edu/~isa
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) provide services and programs for international (foreign-born) students and scholars. The office staff provides assistance with pre-arrival preparation, arrival/adjustment assistance, the admission process, housing, insurance, and immigration matters. Orientation and advisement are provided to assist students with their adjustment to the University and community. In cooperation with various departments and organizations, including the International Student Association, the office provides activities that enhance cultural, social and personal development. The Association is open to all international students and scholars with an interest in the goals of the organization. Registration with the Office of International Students and Scholars is required.
Students and scholars are
encouraged to promote multicultural understanding by participating in a variety
of activities in the Greensboro community.
Approximately two hundred and eighty international students attend the
University and they represent over 50 countries in the following regions:
Africa, Asia, Caribbean/West Indies, Central America, Europe, Middle East, North
America, and South America.
All international (foreign-born) students are required to verify their immigration/residency status to the International Students and Scholars Office before registering at the University and notify the Office immediately of any change in their immigration status and address.
All F-1 non-immigrants are required to obtain an I-20 [Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status for Academic and Language Students] from this institution prior to enrollment. (I-20’s issued by another institution are not valid for attendance at A&T). The requirements for an I-20 include acceptance to the University, a TOEFL score of 550 or above; a financial guarantee (letter of support, bank statement and verification of salary from sponsor’s employer); and a deposit for the first year’s tuition and fees. Proof of valid immigration status is required if the applicant is currently residing in the United States. Individuals seeking J-1 status should contact the OISS Director prior to submission of the application for current immigration regulations and University procedures. Possession of a social security card does not necessarily mean a student is eligible to work off-campus.
Immigrants must provide the International Students and Scholars Office with a copy of their Permanent Resident Card. Foreign-born U.S. Citizens are encouraged to register with the Office and submit a copy of their U.S. Naturalized Citizen Certificate. All other applicants should provide the documents necessary to verify current immigration status. Information received helps the Office with statistical reports on the international student population, maintaining a cultural resource base and international student advising.
All non-immigrants are required to attend the International Student Orientation held during the registration period. The immigration law requires F-1 non-immigrants to complete their registration with the International Students and Scholars Office within 15 days after classes begin.
All non-immigrants are responsible for maintaining their legal immigration status. Non-immigrant students in F-1 visa status are required by United States Immigration regulations to enroll full-time, except for the summer terms. Full-time enrollment is defined as enrollment every semester in a minimum of 12 credit hours. F-1 non-immigrants are not eligible to work off-campus without approval from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. F-2 and H-4 non-immigrants are not eligible to work.
The legal regulations governing non-immigrant students are complex. The Director of the International Students and Scholars is available to explain these regulations in detail and strongly urge non-immigrants to seek advice about their legal immigration status.
It is mandatory for students and scholars on F and J visas to maintain comprehensive health and accident insurance coverage that includes repatriation and medical evacuation. In addition, the policy must have specific levels of coverage to ensure that it is adequate to provide for medical costs in the U.S. Students are advised not to purchase insurance policies prior to arrival unless they cover the period from departure until enrollment in a new policy at the University. Government sponsored students and students with pre-existing medical conditions who have insurance should not cancel their insurance in order to purchase the plan available through the University. These students should consult with the Director of International Students and Scholars in regards to their coverage.
Any F or J non-immigrant who fails to provide proof of adequate insurance by the end of the regular registration period to the Director of International Students and Scholars will be billed for the insurance plan available through the University.
F and J visa holders are considered as non-residents and are assessed non-resident (out-of-state) fees.
The office is located in Murphy Hall, Room 221, at the corner of Nocho Street and S.G. Thomas Drive. The telephone number is (336) 334-7551; the fax number is (336) 334-7001. Mrs. Sharon R. Martin is the Director of the International Students and Scholars Office and Adviser to the International Student Association. Mrs. Martin’s e-mail address is martins@ncat.edu. The University’s homepage address is http://www.ncat.edu.
Application packets for
international students are available in the International Students and Scholars
Office and the Admissions Office.