INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

If you are coming to TTIC from outside the U.S. please review and monitor the current list of travel restrictions related to COVID-19, and plan your trip accordingly. The U.S. has restrictions on entry for non-citizens who have been present in select countries within the last 14 days. Keep an eye on the changing landscape of international travel, and reach out to TTIC International Affairs Office if you have questions. (Amy Minick aminick@ttic.edu)

Tax Withholding

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS/ NON-IMMIGRANTS:

All international students are responsible for paying taxes on their income as well as filing tax forms with the United States federal government. The amount withheld, as well as what forms to file are contingent on your residency status for tax purposes. All new students will need to schedule an individual orientation with the Human Resources and International Office Director to complete necessary paperwork related to tax withholding, and to determine your tax status as well as your eligibility for any tax treaty benefits. TTIC’s Office of Human Resources and International Affairs can assist you with questions about your individual tax status.

International Student FAQs

Who is the international student contact at TTIC?

Your international student contact at TTIC is Amy Minick, aminick@ttic.edu. Amy is the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) for SEVIS processing at TTIC.

Will I be applying for an F-1 or J-1 Visa?

Most students at TTIC apply for F-1 status; however, you may also apply for a J-1 visa. Please contact Amy Minick, aminick@ttic.edu, to discuss your visa status.

How do I obtain an F-1 or J-1 Visa?

TTIC has requested information from you that is necessary to process a document called the I-20 (for F-1 status) or the DS-2019 (for J-1 status). Once processed, the original I-20 or DS-2019, signed by TTIC's Primary Designated School Official (PDSO)/ Responsible Officer (RO), will be be emailed to you. You must print the document, sign it and bring a physical copy of the I-20 or DS-2019 to your appointment at the consulate.

You will then make an appointment at the US consulate in your home country.COVID-19 INFORMATION:: Many U.S. embassies and consulates are closed for regular visa processing due to COVID-19. Contact your local embassy/consulate to determine if they open for visa processing. A list of embassies is located at http://usembassy.gov.

You must take the physical I-20 or DS-2019 document and proof that you can financially afford to live in the US, to this appointment.

You must also pay the current SEVIS I-901 fee prior to the appointment (see http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/).

You will be given more information about the consulate visit when you make the appointment.

Also refer to http://usembassy.gov for website listings of US consulate offices, as some provide more information on what to expect at the consulate visit.

Once approval is obtained from the US consulate and your travel visa is issued, you can then travel to the US. You will not be allowed entry to the US more than 30 days prior to the start of the academic program.

I already have an F-1 or J-1 visa sponsored by my current school. Now what?

There are transfer procedures in SEVIS that will transfer sponsorship of your visa from your current school to TTIC. Contact Amy Minick, aminick@ttic.edu, to inform her of your situation.

What fees will I be expected to pay to obtain the F-1 visa?

There is a SEVIS I-901 fee students must pay prior to the U.S. consulate appointment. Refer to http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/ for details.

I'm really excited to come to the US. How soon can I arrive?

You can arrive at the U.S. port of entry no more than 30 days prior to the start of official enrollment in TTIC's academic program. TTIC’s autumn quarter begins on September 25. Do not plan to arrive in the US before August 25, to comply with the 30-day regulation. Arriving earlier than that date may result in you having to return to your home country at your expense. However, due to COVID-19, you may want to arrive 7-14 days prior to Orientation Week in order to settle in and give yourself time to monitor your health before Orientation sessions begin.

What exactly takes place at the US Port of Entry (POE)?

What do I need to do with all these documents when I finally arrive at TTIC?

During Orientation Week, you will set an appointment with TTIC's Primary Designated School Official (PDSO), Amy Minick, in order to complete paperwork and register in SEVIS. You will need to bring your I-20 or DS-2019, and your passport with you to the appointment.

Students also need to complete the TTIC International Student Check-In Form online once they have physically checked-in at TTIC, in person.

What other resources can I refer to regarding the F-1 or J-1 visa and the visa process?

Refer to https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/college-and-university-student/ for more information, or visit the Study in the States website.


Travel + Entry Tips

  • Don’t bring restricted items to the US (CBPlist)

  • Be calm and answer any questions succinctly about your academic program and your activities in the US

  • Jokes about terrorism, breaking laws, drugs, etc. are never a wise choice.

  • Be prepared in case of Secondary Inspection

  • See the ACLU’s Know Your Rights resources for Rights at Airports & Other Ports

  • Prepare your electronic devices

  • Customs & Border Protection may request to inspect your electronic devices. Tips on how to prepare your device before you travel.

  • Are you presenting your best self in social media and messaging apps?

  • How would you feel if US immigration looked at all of your photos and messages?

  • Is there any possibility it might appear that you are engaged in activities that violate US laws or your visa status or that show academic dishonesty?

University of Chicago Resources + Events for International Students (available to TTIC students)

International Student Association

International House: Sponsors special events and social gatherings, and the English Language Institute.

English Language Institute: TTIC will reimburse students for 75% of the cost of ESL course or tutoring tuition and materials fees, for up to one course per quarter (for international students whom English is not their first language). Eligible classes can be found at https://esl.uchicago.edu/.