More Information and Considerations for International Students at UMW:
International students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 visa status must be knowledgeable about how to maintain your visa status for the duration of your program. Please contact the Center for International Education with any questions.
- Your Passport must be valid for six months beyond the period of your approved stay in the United States. Check your passport expiration date and get an extension if you need one. Refer to this directory of foreign embassies and consulates in the United States if you need to locate your embassy/consulate to renew your passport.
- Your Visa stamp in your passport, along with your I-20 or DS-2019, gives you permission to apply for entry into the United States. The visa must be valid at the time of any entry to the United States; it does not have to be valid for you to remain in the United States.
- Your I-94: Permission to stay in the United States is indicated on your I-94 admission record, which you can retrieve electronically at the Department of Homeland Security website. It indicates the date and port of entry to the United States, your immigration classification (F1, J1), and is marked “D/S” (duration of status).
- Your I-20 or DS-2019 is a permanent record of your F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant status, and you will need it for any necessary endorsements and certifications by our office. We will also use it to record transfers and employment recommendations. Your form I-20 or DS-2019 is used for re-entering the United States after a brief visit outside.
- Students on an F-1 visa have a 60-day grace period beyond the I-20 end date in which to depart the United States or apply for a change of status.
- Students or Visiting Language Instructors on a J-1 visa have a 30-day grace period beyond the DS-2019 end date in which to depart the United States or apply for a change of status. If you need to extend your time here beyond the date typed on your DS-2019, you are required to notify the Department of State. CIE will update DS-2019 for this purpose. Please consult our office if you need to stay beyond the date on your current DS-2019.
The following links include important information, resources, and services for international students at UMW. For more information on immigration or becoming a UMW student, please contact the Center for International Education (cie@umw.edu).
- University Police – The University of Mary Washington Police Department provides a safe and secure living, working, and learning environment to the University’s students, employees and visitors, with equal protection under the law and in accordance with University policies and regulations.
- Tuition and Fees – Look here for a list of current tuition and fee schedules.
- Student Accounts – Contact this office about billing of tuition, housing fees, dining charges, and other University fees; invoicing third-party payers; processing refunds to eligible students; and handling all inquiries concerning these transactions.
- Office of the Registrar – Services available in the Office of the Registrar include registration, transfer credit evaluation, final degree audit, cancellations and withdrawals, leave of absences, enrollment and degree verifications, veteran certification and issuing of transcripts.
- Community Service Opportunities – The Center for Community Engagement offers a variety of ways to volunteer in Fredericksburg and the surrounding area.
- Talley Center – The Talley Center offers crisis intervention, consultation, community referrals, training, and educational outreach programs to the entire UMW community.
- Honor System at UMW – UMW maintains a proud tradition of honor on both campuses. Each campus maintains a student-run Honor Council with elected student officers and representatives.
- Housing and Dining – The Office of Residence Life provides assistance when it comes to residence halls and meal plans. Choosing the right hall and meal plan is crucial to a student’s experience on campus.
- Transportation – Throughout Fredericksburg, there are numerous ways of getting around. This site will provide all necessary information in terms of transportation in the area.
- Eagle Essentials – This nifty booklet has everything you could need, from how to get involved on campus to resetting your password. Consult this publication when you have any questions and it will direct you to the right information.
- UMW Student Handbook. The Student Handbook is for undergraduate students at UMW. It has all the essential facts about our University mission, policies, where to go for information, student activities — you name it. The Handbook contains important information regarding University services as well as student conduct and judicial and honor processes.
- Student Health Center and Campus Recreation – Student well-being is our primary concern. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by visiting our Fitness Center and getting involved with Campus Recreation. When feeling unwell, make an appointment with the Student Health Center to consult with licensed medical professionals.
- Student Activities – Getting involved on campus is a sure way to make your time on campus exponentially better. The Office of Student Activities and Engagement can help you find the perfect club or organization for you.
- Fredericksburg Local Attractions, Lodging, and Dining – Fredericksburg, VA is rich in history and provides the perfect setting for a college town. Use this website to find what Fredericksburg offers.
All international visa holders MUST have a job offer PRIOR to obtaining a SSN.
- Once you have obtained a job offer, make an appointment to talk with your International Student Advisor in CIE about working and/or training in the United States. They will share important information regarding the regulations and requirements for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, and confirm whether you are eligible to apply for an SSN.
- You must wait at least 10 days after your arrival in the U.S. to apply for a number; this applies any time you go abroad and return to the U.S.
- Your I-20 or DS-2019 record must be in “active” status before you can apply. Typically, CIE registers/validates the records after the first week of classes, so your I-20 record will not be in active status until about the second week of classes.
- There is no fee to apply for the number.
- It usually takes about 2 weeks for your card to arrive in the mail.
- Social Security Application Forms must be submitted in person at the Social Security Office. The closest office is in Fredericksburg.
- All supporting documents must be originals. No notarized copies are accepted.
- Once you receive your Social Security Number, keep it in safe place. This number will be valid for the rest of your life, and it can be very difficult (and sometimes impossible) to find it out if you lose your card.
On-Campus Employment (information for J-1 and F-1 students).
F-1 Student Employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization. CPT allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in work that is directly related to your major field of study while you are a student.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization. OPT allows F-1 students to gain work experience related to your major while you are a student or after graduation.
- Employment with an International Organization. Allows full-time F-1 students to work for a qualified international organization.
- Economic Hardship
J-1 Student Employment:
- Academic Training (AT) work authorization:
- Paid or unpaid, authorized employment for J-1 students.
- May be taken prior to or following the completion of a student’s course of study.
- Includes internships, practica, or post-graduation employment.
The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires the UMW Payroll department to maintain information about your employment and residency status. To accomplish this, Payroll needs copies of the following documents (if applicable):
- Your Social Security Card
- Your passport
- Documents supporting your immigration status (I-20 or DS-2019, I-94, etc.)
- Your W-4 and VA-4 forms.
- Your Foreign National Data Form
The Center for International Education staff are not tax advisors. Please seek out tax preparatory services and/or consultants should you have questions in this area.
Below are some forms and documents you may need as a F-1 or J-1 visa holder. If you have any questions, please contact the Center for International Education.
| Name of Form | Description |
|---|---|
| Emergency Contact Information for Internationals | Current international students and VLIs use this form to update emergency contact information. |
| Travel in F-1 and J-1 Visa Status | Current international students use this form to review important information about traveling outside the U.S. |
| Reduced Course Load (RCL) Request Form | This form is for requesting authorization for a reduced course load (taking less than 12 credits) for immigration purposes. |
| Declaration of Major or Change of Major Form | F-1 visa students use this form to noticy CIE of declaration of new major or change in major and receive an updated I-20. |
| Change of Address Form | This form is for students reporting a change of address. |
| OPT Work Authorization | F-1 students use this to learn about Optional Practical Training. |
| OPT STEM Extension Application Instructions | F-1 students in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) read this website for instructions on how to extend their OPT up to 24 months. |
| J-1 Academic Training Information | J-1 students use this to learn about Academic Training. |
| J-1 Academic Training Request Form | J-1 students use this form to request authorization for Academic Training. |
| F-1 Student Social Security Issuance Memo | Required for issuance of a social security number to F-1 students. |
| J-1 Student Social Security Issuance Memo | Required for issuance of a social security number to J-1 students. |
Visit the International Student Medical Insurance page for more information including deadlines, policy costs, benefit information, and more.
Make sure you have your I-20 or DS-2019 signed for travel in advance of your departure from the U.S. DO NOT wait until the last minute to obtain the travel authorization signature (valid for one year).
Note: Students on OPT must have their I-20 travel authorization signed every 6 months.
Below is a list of transportation services that fulfill a variety of travel needs.
FXBGo Bus:
Free!! The FXGBGo bus has two regular routes that stop at the University of Mary Washington, one with service to the train station in downtown Fredericksburg and the other to the Central Park and Spotsylvania Towne Centre shopping locations. For more information regarding bus schedules, look for the Eagle Express Route here.
Uber/Lyft:
The Uber and Lyft apps are popular options for students that operate in Fredericksburg.
Amtrak
Amtrak trains stop at the Fredericksburg train station and offer service north to New England and south to Florida. In addition to their regular service, Amtrak trains run on weekends and holidays when the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains are not in service. Call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit their website.
Virginia Railway Express (VRE)
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is the fastest and most convenient way to make day trips to all the cultural attractions of the nation’s capital or to make Metro connections to the Washington, D.C. airports. These commuter trains start running as early as 5:15 a.m. and return as late as 7:40 p.m. during the week. Weekend service is offered by Amtrak. For more information on VRE call 703/684-1001.
Metrorail
Taking the DC Metro is a wonderful way to get around our nation’s capital. It is easy to make connections to Metro from the VRE or Amtrak. Metro also makes convenient connections to Reagan National and Dulles airports. Metro operates on weekdays from 5:00 a.m. until midnight and on weekends from 7 a.m. until midnight. For more information on Metro schedules, fares or parking call 202/637-7000.
**While not convenient with large amounts of luggage, it is also possible to get to Reagan National Airport using the metro via the Yellow or Blue lines or Dulles International Airport via the Silver line to Wiehle-Reston East station + the Silver Line Express Bus to Dulles airport.
Vamoose Bus
Vamoose Bus provides service between Virginia, Maryland, and New York City. One of the bus stops is in Lorton, which can be accessed via the Virginia Railway Express (VRE). Student can take the VRE from the Fredericksburg station to Lorton station, then transfer to the Vamoose Bus.
Megabus
To use Megabus, students can take the VRE/Amtrak from Fredericksburg to Union Station.
- Washington, D.C. to Boston, MA 10-11 hours
- Washington, D.C. to New York City, NY 4-6 hours
- Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia, PA 3-4 hours
Greyhound Bus
Greyhound bus offers services to:
- Boston, MA 12-14 hours
- New York City, NY 6-8 hours
- Philadelphia, PA 6-10 hours
Airport Shuttle Services:
ChopChop SHUTTLE: 703-441-9999 $125+tip, or visit ChopChopShuttleandTour.com
- Inform CIE (cie@umw.edu) that you are planning to transfer to a new school. The new school may have a transfer form that you and CIE will have to complete.
- Complete the I-20 Transfer Out Request form.
- CIE will release your SEVIS record to the new school. The new school cannot issue a new I-20 for you until they have control of your SEVIS record.
- You must go to the international student office at the new school within 15 days of the start of classes! There, your new international student advisor will:
- Verify that you are enrolled at the new school.
- Update your SEVIS record to show that you reported to the new school and completed the transfer within the 15-day deadline.
- Issue a new I-20 for the new school showing that the transfer is complete.