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International Students

For information on maintaining your legal F-1 or J-1 visa status while studying at the UO, visit ISSS's website on immigration regulations. Consult with your ISSS Advisor on any questions or changes related to your visa. For more support regarding travel, employment, taxes, social security, reducing your academic course load, withdrawals, ITINs, emergency financial aid, and more, visit ISSS's website for current students.

Checklist

While studying at the University of Oregon, you must maintain legal F-1 of J-1 status. Use the following checklist to help with ISSS's website on immigration regulations:

❑Number of Credit: Enroll 9 graduate credits including at least 6 in-person or hybrid credits each term. Speak with an international student advisor any time you want to drop below full-time or withdraw from classes in a term.

❑ GPA: Attend and pass all your classes and maintain a grade point average (GPA) each term of 3.0 or higher to avoid issues with I-20 extensions or travel.

❑I-20 Expiration Date: Complete your program by the program end date listed on your I-20, or talk to an international student advisor about an I-20 extension before the I-20 expires.

❑Valid I-20: If you remain outside the U.S. for five or more months, you must request a new "initial" I-20 and pay a new SEVIS fee in order to re-enter the U.S.

❑Passport Expiration Date: Maintain an unexpired passport valid for at least six months into the future at all times. If your passport is going to expire in less than one year but you need more time to complete your academic program, please contact your home country's embassy or consular office to renew your passport.

❑Visa Expiration Date: Renew your visa if you must travel outside the U.S. Consult with ISSS on if you are eligible to stay in the U.S. on an expired visa.

❑Travel signature: Get a travel signature on your I-20 and bring it with you when traveling outside the U.S. You cannot re-enter the U.S. from international travel without a valid travel signature.

❑Change of Address, Phone, or Email: Update DuckWeb within 10 days of a change of your U.S. address, phone number, or email address. 

Dreamers

UO students who will be renewing their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) have access to an immigration attorney at no cost. Please contact Justine Carpenter to request a referral. Financial assistance may be available to assist with the DACA renewal fees. 

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International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)

ISSS, a unit within the Division of Global Engagement, is responsible for the following core services for international GEs:

• visa sponsorship
• pre-arrival onboarding and communications (in collaboration with other campus partners)
• orientation
• work authorization
• compliance with federal regulations

Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF)

The GTFF is a labor organization and an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers that represents roughly 1,300-1,500 graduate students performing instructional, research, and administrative assignments. The GTFF is available to support international and Dreamer GEs with a wide range of resources, advising, social engagements, and more.

GTFF Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

The GTFF collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is a written contract that is negotiated between the GTFF and UO and outlines the terms and conditions of employment for GEs. The current GTFF CBA is in effect through June 15, 2026.

Download a PDF version of contract.
 

Important CBA Articles for International GEs

General Duties and Responsibilities Statements (GDRS)

Familiarize your self with your hiring unit's GDRS that describes the conditions under which GE assignments are made including a general description of the job requirements, appointment and reappointment process, workload and work assignment information, health and safety information, discrimination grievance procedures, and absence procedure.

UO's Office of Human Resource (HR)

GEs have access to UO's HR resource for support including accommodations, family resources, and learning opportunities.

Teaching Engagement Program (TEP) GE Support

TEP has a dedicated page for GE support. They provide support tailored for International GEs and their unique needs. Email Ali Söken at alisoken@uoregon.edu to set up a one-on-one meeting -or- request a training. Drop-in office hours are also available.

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Immigration Resources & FAQs

The UO will continue to monitor and timely communicate any immigration updates, and their potential impact to our international, Dreamer, and undocumented students, faculty, and staff through this website. Check back frequently.

This website includes guidance for immigration enforcement, advisement for travel, and more.

Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) Updates 

If you have questions and concerns about Federal Executive Orders and their impact on your research activities, check this webpage. The OVPRI frequently updates it. 

UO Basic Needs 

If you are facing challenges with access to adequate food, stable housing, affordable childcare, or meeting other basic needs, reach out to the Basic Needs Program. 

Financial Support 

Check out UO's internal funding opportunities. Many fellowships and awards are calling for applications now.

Legal Services 

ASUO Student Legal Services: ASUO offers an incidental fee-funded legal service program exclusively to UO students. You can obtain free legal advice on issues such as landlord disputes, family law issues, criminal and non-criminal offenses, traffic accidents, name changes, etc.

UO Dreamers Legal Resources: Check out the list of legal resources available for UO Dreamers, undocumented, and DACA students.

Division of Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Resource List for Undocumented, Immigrant and DACA Students

UO's Division of Equity and Inclusion has complied a list of resources available for undocumented, immigrant and DACA student.

Freedom of Expression

The university has established guidelines regarding free speech. Learn more university policies about free expression and available resources. If you have concerns regarding safety, bias, harassment, or similar, here is information on reporting a concern.

UO's Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy

This policy defines prohibited discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), and retaliation; outlines reporting options and obligations; and describes the investigation process for complaints of discriminatory misconduct. This Policy applies to all students, staff, faculty, university partners, and other individuals participating in or seeking to participate in, or benefit from, the university’s programs or activities, whether on or off campus, including education and employment.

It is the policy of the university to maintain an environment free of discrimination against any person because of their real or perceived “protected characteristic” including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, family or marital status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law. Protections under this Policy include protection from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on characteristics and stereotypes associated with a protected characteristic (e.g., sex or racial stereotypes).

For questions regarding this policy, email the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance at oicrc@uoregon.edu. 

Dreamers

The Dreamers website provides a list of on-campus and off-campus resources.

UO students who will be renewing their DACA have access to an immigration attorney at no cost. Please contact Justine Carpenter to request a referral. Financial assistance may be available to assist with the DACA renewal fees. 

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

ISSS is a valuable resource for international graduate students. They provide advising, resources, scholarships, emergency funding, visa compliance, programming, and so much more. 

Tax Filing Support
If you earned any taxable US income, you may need to file a federal and state tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and State of Oregon. Check out the ISSS website to learn about the process and support available at UO.

CPT/OPT Options 
f you are on an F-1 visa, you may apply for work authorization called Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) to engage in off-campus employment before or after your graduation. Learn more about these options on the ISSS webpages.

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