A Division of the International Studies Office
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CPT NOTICE
Effective immediately, UVA is suspending the authorization of non-required, course-credit CPT requests. This includes opportunities tied to academic credit, which are integral to the program of study but not required for degree completion. Visit CPT Update | International Students & Scholars Program for the latest information.
Duration of Status & Academic Mobility
On September 14, 2026, a nationwide preliminary injunction was issued, which blocks the Elimination of Duration of Status rule from taking effect and prohibits DHS and USCIS from implementing it. The government is expected to appeal the injunction. Please continue to monitor our FAQ page, which we will continue to update with any developments as the case continues.
The Department of Homeland Security's rule introduces significant changes to regulations governing F and J visa holders, including:
- The elimination of Duration of Status
- Restrictions on academic mobility
For more information visit FAQ: Elimination of Duration of Status & Academic Mobility | International Students & Scholars Program
Newly Admitted Students
Congratulations on your admission to the University of Virginia! We welcome you to the international student body of more than 2,500 graduate and undergraduate students from over 100 countries. We look forward to meeting you. If you are an exchange student, please visit the exchange student page.
Please follow the steps below in the order listed to obtain your immigration document. Skipping steps will result in delay of creating your immigration documents.
| STEP 1: | Accept your offer with UVA including paying enrollment deposits, if required for your program.
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| STEP 2: | Please complete the ITS New Student Checklist Make sure you create your UVA email and setup your NetBadge authentication. |
| STEP 3: | Read the following resources:
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| STEP 4: | Complete I-20/DS-2019 Survey. Allow 5 business days from submission to be invited to the ISSP Connect immigration portal. |
| STEP 5: | You will receive a link to your UVA email with instructions to access ISSP Connect to complete your immigration request. Please use a laptop or desktop computer to complete immigration request. Do not use a mobile device. Ensure you complete all required fields and checkboxes within the request. Do not attempt to log into ISSP Connect prior to receiving the invitation to access the system as you will not be able to request your I-20 or DS-2019. |
| STEP 6: | Check your UVA email. You will receive an email when an advisor requires more information, or when your I-20 or DS-2019 is ready. |
Steps to obtain your visa document and application
- Pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee.
- If you received a Transfer I-20, you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
- F-1 or J-1 Visa Application Process
- Entering the U.S. under a new F1 or J1 status
Check-in with ISO and UVA
- Immigration Check In with ISO (Required)
- Upload your documents
- Update personal contact information
- Complete the online orientation presentation and assessment before you arrive on Grounds
- Complete Your Pre-Entrance Student Health Record
- Purchase mandatory health insurance coverage
- You will need coverage beginning your first day in the U.S. The University-approved Aetna plan does not begin until August 1.
- Required English language proficiency test for graduate students
- Determine if you need to take the University of Virginia English Language Proficiency Exam (UVELPE).
Failure to submit your documents to ISO will result in a block on your university registration and may potentially result in a loss of your legal status in the U.S.
ISO Orientation
Please check with your department and/or Orientation & New Student Programs for additional required orientation events.
| Graduate Student Orientation | Tuesday, August 18 10AM | Newcomb Ballroom |
| Undergraduate Student Orientation | Thursday, August 20 1PM | Newcomb Ballroom |
Global Greeters at UVA
The Global Greeters are UVA students who work with ISO to assist and welcome incoming international students during orientation, and to a lesser degree, throughout their first semester here on Grounds. See the main Global Greeters web page for more information. Follow Global Greeters and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram. More information about 2025 Global Greeters events coming soon!
UVA Student Council transportation from Dulles Airport
Students planning to arrive at Dulles are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of Student Council's AirBus service. Airbus is a shuttle bus service provided by UVA's Student Council which provides low-cost bus transportation from Dulles to UVA for students upon the start of the semester. Tickets will be available for purchase later in the summer. Learn more about Airbus here.
ISSP does not manage the Airbus service and thus cannot answer questions about Airbus logistics. For any questions, please contact [email protected]
For general information and to reach Charlottesville on other days, see the section Travel to Charlottesville.