Welcome

Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers

I am interested in your university, can you send me information?

You may find information on ULV programs and admissions requirements from the following web site: http://www.ulv.edu/l2/admissions.phtml

How much does it cost to study at ULV?

Undergraduate Programs: Please see http://www.ulv.edu/catalog/fin_info/tf_ug.shtml. Also contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions: Extension 4026

Graduate Programs: Please see http://www.ulv.edu/gaas/int.phtml

What are the minimum English Language requirements for study at ULV?

For undergraduate programs: a 500 score on the TOEFL

For graduate programs: a 550 score on the TOEFL. Note that the School of Business and Global Studies (SBGS) has a "Pre-MBA Program" for which a student may qualify with less than a 550 score on the TOEFL. Contact the SBGS.

I have been admitted to study in a program at ULV, I have received my letter of admission, and I have paid the $200 non-refundable confirmation fee. When will I get my I-20?

Applicants in the U.S. will need to submit a copy of our transfer form (http://www.ulv.edu/is/immigration/transfer.pdf) completed by an advisor at the school you previously attended. It is important that your previous school fills out this form and returns it by mail or fax to ISAC. We will give you your new I-20 at orientation. If you must travel home before the first day of classes, we will give you a "transfer pending" I-20 for that travel.

Applicants in their home country will need to apply for the F-1 visa in the nearest U.S. consulate. Please check the following web site: http://travel.state.gov/links.html. When applying for the F-1 visa, take the admission letter/s and financial certification (bank statement and ULV certification document). For an outline of the steps in the process, see Getting an I-20 from ULV: Steps In the Process. http://www.ulv.edu/is/immigration/steps.phtml

I am transferring to ULV from another institution in the U.S. How do I do this?

It is very important that you communicate with both your current school and an advisor at ISAC regarding your plans to study at ULV. Under SEVIS, you may only get a new I-20 from one school, so try to be certain of your choice before you request that your SEVIS record be transferred there. After you have been admitted, paid your tuition deposit and talked to an ISAC advisor, notify your current school that you intend to transfer to ULV. Fill in your portion of the transfer clearance form and give it to the International Student Center at the institution you are transferring from. The form will be sent to the ULV International Student Center-by fax, by regular mail, or by you in a sealed and signed envelope. Remember that this process must be completed within two weeks of the first day of classes.

How long do I need to attend school before taking a vacation?

If you are in a semester program (14-16 weeks), you may take a vacation only during the normal summer months (June-August).

If you are in a term program (10-12 weeks) you have the following options:

You may take the normal summer months as vacation (June-August or September)

You may attend 3 terms continuously and then take a vacation.

What do I do if I lose my I-20?

File a police report and bring a copy of that report to the International Student Center

Write a letter to the International Student Advisor in the International Student Center explaining what happened and requesting a replacement for your I-20.

The International Student Center will check your record and, if everything is ok, issue you a copy of your I-20.

When may I register for classes?

If you are in the United States, you will register after you have been admitted and you have met with your advisor. (Remember that you must complete your transfer to ULV from your previous school within the first two weeks after the first day of classes.)

If you are in your home country, you will register after you arrive and meet with your advisor.

I am in my home country and I have been admitted to ULV. How will you send my I-20 to me?

We will normally send it by regular air mail, to the address on your application. If you wish to have us send it by 2- 4 day airmail (such as Federal Express or DHL), you may have a relative or friend in the United States send us a check or money order for the shipment, or pay by international money order. You will need to ask the international student advisor for the cost of this special shipment.

Can you help me find housing?

While the ISAC is not a housing office, we will do what we can to help students find reasonably priced and comfortable housing. The following are suggestions in your search.

Residence Halls are for undergraduate students. Because they fill very quickly, students should try to apply for space as soon as possible. While there is no deadline for application, the sooner you apply, the better are the possibilities that there will be space.

Housing in the area--ISAC List. The ISAC keeps a list of housing possibilities that is updated periodically and has brief notes describing the housing. The list is available in the International Student Center. A copy of the document can be sent to you be email as an attachment.

Housing in the area--Home Stay. An excellent way to begin your stay at ULV is to live with an American Family. Dinah Esquival works with the ISAC in helping students find a placement that is comfortable for them. Questions? Ask the ISAC personnel or call Dinah at 626-966-9035.

I have questions about Optional Practical Training (OPT).

When may I apply?
If you plan to do OPT after you graduate you should attend an OPT workshop 60-90 days before you graduate. Remember you must apply before you graduate to be eligible for OPT.

When do you hold the workshops?
Two - three Workshops are held each term/semester.

How long does the workshop last?
45 - 60 minutes

How do I sign up?
Stop by the ISAC and sign up. When you sign up, pick up an OPT "packet" or go to http://www.ulv.edu/is/immigration/optional.phtml
What is an OPT packet?
It describes what you need for the workshop and provides a checklist for applying for OPT.

If I travel home and wish to return to continue my studies at ULV, I must get a signature or endorsement from the international student advisor. How long does the endorsement for travel on my I-20 last?

Although your I-20 states on page 3 that the endorsement is good for one year, we recommend you renew it every six months. The endorsement is good for 6 months.

How long can I stay in the country after graduation or following completion of OPT?

After you graduate or finish OPT, you have 60 days to do one of the following:

Transfer to another program at ULV or another school.

Return to your home country.

I am a Pre-MBA student, I have completed my program successfully, and I am changing to MBA. When do I get my new I-20?

When you have finished your Pre-MBA classes, you must get a letter from your academic advisor stating that you have completed the Pre-MBA program. We will then issue an I-20 for your MBA program. Don't let your Pre-MBA I-20 expire. If you need more time to finish your Pre-MBA classes, contact ISAC to discuss getting an extension.

Must I be a full time student during all of my studies at ULV?

There are only a few conditions under which you may take less than a full course of studies. Please contact the ISAC if you have questions.