Background
The International Student Fee covers the cost of maintaining university compliance with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of State (DOS) regulations.
The University Fees Committee originally approved the International Student Fee in 2002 after Congress passed legislation requiring creation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is a program that is required by law, but it is not funded by the government, which means that the responsibility for funding and maintaining the program falls on those who are required to use it.
SEVIS-approved schools must follow immigration regulations for admission and enrollment of international students through on-going monitoring and reporting in SEVIS. DHS and DOS approve schools through re-certification and re-designation every two years. Failure to maintain compliance would make the University of Arizona ineligible to admit or enroll international students.
Services Provided
The International Student Fee is used to provide a comprehensive suite of services for international students throughout their University of Arizona experience, including the following:
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Pre-arrival guidance on visas and entry to the United States
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SEVIS reporting, including initial record activation, address changes, semester enrollment and program/major changes
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Software licensing to facilitate immigration requests and reporting (MyGlobal) and tax filing (Sprintax)
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Immigration document processing, including travel signatures, CPT authorization, program extensions, and reduced courseload authorizations
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Trained international student advisors available 5 days/week to help international students navigate complex and ever-changing F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations
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Retention and engagement programs to support international students
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Airport pick-up for newly arrived students to campus
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Mental health counseling from embedded UArizona Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS) counselor
Fee Posting
As an F-1 or J-1 student, you will be charged the fee at the beginning of every semester of enrollment. The fee amount depends on when you were last admitted and enrolled at the University of Arizona:
Please be aware that the list of mandatory fees on the Bursar's Office website does not include the International Student Fee because it is only charged to F-1 and J-1 students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does "SEVIS Reporting" mean?
A. International student advisors must comply with federal laws and regulations by keeping international student records updated in SEVIS. Reporting requirements include:
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Initial registration for newly arrived students
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On-going registration each semester to confirm continued enrollment
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Changes to student/dependent name or address
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Academic program and status, including early program completion
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Disciplinary action taken by the school, resulting from criminal conviction
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Failure to maintain status or complete program
For more information and reporting deadlines go to SEVIS Reporting Requirements for Designated School Officials.
Q. What kind of document processing does ISS provide?
A. For a comprehensive list of ISS document processing services go to Forms & Requests.
Q. Can I be exempted from the fee if I do not attend ISS advising or events?
A. Due to on-going SEVIS reporting requirements, the fee is mandatory for all enrolled active F-1 and J-1 students on a University of Arizona I-20 or DS-2019.
Q. Who should I contact if I believe I have been charged the fee in error?
A. Fee reversals are available in the following circumstances:
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If you are enrolling in another status (not F-1 or J-1) that took effect by the first day of the semester
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If you are not enrolling for the semester and dropped your classes by the first day of the semester
Contact intl-dso@arizona.edu if you believe you qualify for a fee reversal.
