International Students and Domestic Students Who Studied Outside the U.S.

An applicant is considered an international student if he or she:

Is not a U.S. citizen,
Is not a U. S. permanent resident, and
Holds or intends to hold a temporary, non-immigrant visa.

All required documents must be on file in the Graduate College by the deadlines posted on the website. In addition to meeting the requirements listed in the Admissions section, international students must also submit the following:

English Proficiency Exam

Students whose native language is not English will be expected to provide test scores for either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Scores must be sent directly from Educational Testing Services (ETS) to UTRGV. Student copies will not be accepted.
The TOEFL institution code for UTRGV is 6570.
Scores are valid for two years. If the test date was more than two years ago, the applicant must retake the examination and request an official report from ETS to be sent to UTRGV.
UTRGV does not accept institutional (or residual) TOEFL exams taken at another institution.
The minimum acceptable total score is 550 for paper/pencil tests or 213 for computer-based tests or 79 for internet-based test (Note: some programs require a higher score, please check the program requirements for more information with the Graduate College).
The test bulletin of information and registration forms are available online at www.ets.org.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to the Graduate College. Students scoring below a 6.5 on the IELTS will not be eligible for admission. For more information, visit www.IELTS.org.

Alternative English Proficiency Exam

Prospective students may make a written request to take an alternative English proficiency exam in place of the TOEFL or IELTS. Prior to consideration of the application, the UTRGV Graduate College must approve the request.

Exceptions to an English Proficiency Exam

Lifetime residents of Australia, Canada (other than Quebec), New Zealand, United Kingdom, or the United States (other than Puerto Rico).
Students who have recently and successfully completed at least 30 hours from an accredited U.S. university in one of the countries listed on the UTRGV Graduate College website.
Students who have completed the Advanced Level of the Intensive Program from the Language Institute (LI) at UTRGV may submit their certificate of completion with their application.

English Translation of Educational Records

In addition to the official transcripts required for admission, a notarized English translation must be included to allow for accurate interpretations.

Evaluation of Educational Records

In addition to providing a translated transcript, students must have their official transcript(s) evaluated by Foreign Credentials Service of American (FCSA) or World Educations Services (WES).

Students may send copies of their transcript(s) directly to FCSA or WES. The student must bring the original copy of the transcript to the Graduate College and a copy will be made and placed in the student’s file. This can be done at any point after the application is submitted or during the student’s first semester, but must be done before the student registers for the second semester. Students not complying with this requirement will not be able to register for future semesters.
Failure to submit a complete/correct application and official transcripts from all institutions attended will result in one of the following: rejection of application, withdrawal of admission offer, or disciplinary action which may include expulsion if the student is enrolled.
All submitted documents become the property of UTRGV and will not be returned. Application documents will remain on file for one year if the applicant does not attend the university. Documents will be retained for seven years for students enrolling in a master’s program and 10 years for students enrolling in a doctoral program.
All submitted documents become the property of UTRGV and will not be returned. Admission documents will remain on file for one year if the applicant does not attend the university. Documents will be retained for seven years for students enrolled in a master’s program and ten years for students enrolled in a doctoral program.
Additional information is available at www.foreigncredentials.org or at www.wes.org.

Financial Documentation

In accordance with immigration regulations, all international students are required to submit to the Graduate College documentation showing sufficient funds to cover all living and academic expenses for the first year of study. The yearly amounts range from $5,450 – $25,000 depending on the student visa category, course load, and nationality. For more information, please review our Affidavit of Financial Support form found on our International Admissions and Student Services (IASS) website.

Documentation must be in the form of letters from the bank or bank statements showing specific dollar amounts available. These documents are not valid unless dated within six months of the date of acceptance.
Each student will need to complete an Affidavit of Financial Support to show proof of sponsorship. This document is not valid unless dated within six months of the date of acceptance.
If you have been offered a scholarship you will need to provide documentation (award letter) and dollar amount of the scholarship to our office.
If you have been offered an assistantship by the university you will need to provide documentation (award letter) and dollar amount of the assistantship to our office.
Eligible Mexican students may also apply for the Mexican Tuition Waiver and provide all financial documentation that is required (download an application form at the UTRGV International Admissions and Student Services website). If students are approved, they will qualify automatically to pay in-state tuition.

Current Non-immigrant Documents

All international applicants must submit a current copy of their valid passport to ensure the spelling of their name is consistent on all immigration and university documents.
Once a student has been admitted to a graduate program, the Office of International Admissions and Student Services will issue a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant F1 Student ( I-20 form), which you will need to take to the nearest U.S. Consulate and apply for a student visa (detailed instructions will be included once the I-20 form is issued).
For international applicants who plan to attend on a visa other than F-1 or F-1 border commuter student status, proof of that visa status is required. The student must provide copies of all valid non-immigrant documents.
If a student has applied to the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permanent residency but the case is pending, the student must provide copies of the receipts to our office to verify student eligibility.

Proof of Mandatory Medical Insurance

The University Of Texas System Board Of Regents passed Regent Rule 50402, which requires international students to have medical insurance compliant with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Students on an F-1 visa will be required to have this medical insurance coverage. UT System has established new criteria determining when an international student can request a waiver by providing alternate health insurance coverage. In order to be approved for the waiver, your alternate health coverage must meet or exceed the requirements set in the System regulation, be PPACA compliant and you will need to provide the required documentation to our office. Students enrolled at UTRGV who are a citizens or permanent residents of Mexico are exempt from this medical insurance requirement; purchase is optional.
A student requesting a medical insurance waiver, must submit proof of medical insurance to the Office of International Admissions and Student Services. If the waiver is not approved, the student will be billed automatically on the statement of charges each semester. Please see medical insurance requirements on the IASS website.

Procedure after Admission for International Students — Issuance of I-20

Upon completion of the application process, an admitted student will be issued a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant F1 Student (I-20 form) by the International Student Specialist/Advisor, who is the Designated School Official (DSO) and required information will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students then will present the I-20 from to the American Consulate or embassy in their home country to obtain a student visa (F-1) and enter the U.S.

Duration of Status: A non-immigrant student may be admitted for a “duration of status” (D/S). This means that the student is authorized to stay in the United States for the entire length of time during which the student is enrolled full-time or part-time in an educational program and any period of authorized practical training plus 60 days. While in the United States, the student must maintain a valid I-20, visa (unless exempt from visa requirements), and a valid foreign passport.
Student on a Visa: For initial admission, the student must attend the school specified on the I-20 form. If for some reason the student decides to transfer to another school, the student needs to contact immediately the International Student Specialist/Advisor to make the appropriate changes on the I-20 form through SEVIS.
Re-entry: A non-immigrant student may be readmitted to the university after a temporary absence of five months or less from the United States, if the student is admissible. The students may be readmitted by presenting a valid foreign passport, a valid visa and either a new Form I- 20 or a properly I-20 endorsed for re-entry if the information on the I-20 form is current.
Travel Endorsement: All international students must obtain a travel endorsement on the third page of the I-20 from the International Student Specialist/Advisor every year. Please request a travel endorsement at least seven days before the departure date.
Transfer: A non-immigrant student is permitted to transfer to a different school provided that the transfer procedure is followed in SEVIS. To transfer to a different school, the student should first notify the Office of International Admissions and Student Services to obtain a SEVIS release form and provide an acceptance letter from the new school. Transfer will be in effect only if the student submits the SEVIS release form signed by the DSO of the new school and an acceptance letter from the new school to the International Student Specialist/Advisor within 15 days of beginning attendance.
Extension of Stay: If the student cannot complete the educational program for the anticipated length of the program, the student must apply for an extension of stay. An application for extension of stay is obtained at The Office of International Admissions and Student Services. The application must be submitted to the International Student Specialist/Advisor at least 30 days but no more than 60 days before the expiration of the student’s stay.
Change of Major: If a student decides to change a major or program of study, they will need to contact the International Student Specialist/Advisor before so he or she can make the appropriate changes to the I-20 form. This would include changing from language studies to a bachelor’s program, from a bachelor’s program to master’s or doctoral program, from an Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to a new degree program, and from one level of degree program to one of the same level (e.g., master’s to a second master’s). Once the International Student Specialist/Advisor has reviewed the case, the student will need to go to the Graduate College to make the official change and provide appropriate documentation to our office.
On-campus employment: On-campus employment requires authorization from the International Student Specialist/Advisor. Students must be in good academic and immigration standing to qualify for this benefit. Students are allowed to work on campus; if they work without proper authorization off campus, the student may fall out of status and will not be able to be reinstated into the school. On-campus employment is limited to part time (20 hours or less per week) during the fall and spring semesters. It may be full time (more than 20 hours per week) during the summer and official school breaks.
Distance Education: An F-1 student is permitted to enroll in classes for credit or classroom hours, no more than the equivalent of one class or three credit hours per session, term, semester, trimester or quarter may be counted toward their full course-of-study requirements if the class is taken online or through distance education and does not require physical attendance for classes, examination or other purposes integral to completion of the class. An online or distance-education course is a course that is offered principally through the use of television, audio or computer transmission, including open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, satellite, audio conferencing or computer conferencing. There are special considerations for hybrid classes, for more information, students must contact their International Student/Specialist Advisor.
Student Reinstatement: Students who have violated their F-1 student status (i.e. by not obtaining appropriate employment authorization prior to working, not enrolling full-time in the program of study, forgetting to extend I-20 prior to expiration date, not being eligible for extension but needing additional time to complete program, or otherwise failing to maintain status) should schedule an appointment to meet with an International Student Specialist/Advisor as soon as possible to discuss their situation.

Federal regulations that govern your stay in the U.S. can change very rapidly. To stay up-to-date regularly, visit the International Admissions and Student Services website often or make an appointment at your convenience to see an International Student Specialist/Advisor. International students are required to report any changes on their non-immigrant status immediately to the office.

Office locations:

UTRGV Brownsville Campus

International Admissions and Student Services

One West University Blvd.

MAIN Bldg. 1.308

Brownsville, TX 78520

Phone: 956-882-7092

Email: international@utrgv.edu Fax: 956-882-6817

Hours of Operations: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

UTRGV Edinburg Campus

International Admissions and Student Services

1201 West University Dr.

STAC Bldg. 3.128

Edinburg, TX 78539

Phone: 956-665-2922

Email: international@utrgv.edu Fax: 956-665-2281

Hours of Operations: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm