Applying
What are the international application deadlines?
May 1 for fall and October 1 for spring. They are firmer than domestic deadlines because immigration processing takes time, so apply early (international admission requirements).
What do I need to submit?
The application, official secondary and any postsecondary records with certified English translations, proof of English proficiency, and financial documentation showing you can cover the first year.
How do I prove English proficiency?
With an approved English proficiency exam, or qualifying prior study in English. Some programs set a higher communication requirement; the accepted exams are listed on international admission requirements.
Do my records need an evaluation?
Yes. Records are reviewed by an approved credential evaluation service, and Porter accepts course-by-course reports directly from that service. Nursing, education and engineering may ask for syllabi to confirm lab and clinical hours.
Do I need the ACT or SAT?
No. Scores are optional for international applicants, as for everyone; English proficiency is the separate requirement (test-optional admission).
Is financial aid available?
Most U.S. federal and state aid is not, but Porter and outside scholarships and on-campus jobs are. Plan on the non-resident rate: $17,880 in 2026–27 tuition, and a full cost of attendance on campus of $33,070.
Your I-20 and arrival
When will I get my I-20?
After you are admitted and your financial documents are certified. International Programs issues it, and you use it to apply for a student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate (international students).
I am already studying in the U.S. How do I move my record?
Ask your current school to transfer your SEVIS record to Porter after you are admitted; International Programs then issues a new I-20 (SEVIS transfer in).
Is there an orientation?
Yes, and it is required. International students arrive the week before general New Student Orientation for immigration check-in, a status review, banking and health insurance setup (international orientation).
How do I get from the airport?
The nearest international arrival airport is in the Cities, about 75 minutes west. The Global Education Office coordinates a shared airport pickup before fall orientation.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. International students are enrolled in the student health plan automatically unless they waive it with comparable coverage (health insurance).
Where do I stay over winter break?
Most halls close for winter break; apply for break housing, which moves you to a designated open hall for the closure. Applications open in November (housing during breaks).
Keeping F-1 status
What are the basic rules?
Enroll full time every fall and spring, keep your passport and I-20 valid and matching your program, and never work off campus without authorization (maintaining F-1 status).
Do online classes count?
Only up to a limit toward full-time enrollment. Check with an adviser before building a mostly online schedule.
Can I drop below full time?
Only with Reduced Course Load approval for an allowed reason, granted before you drop. Dropping first and asking later can end your status.
What do I have to report?
A change of address, name, major or funding source, within 10 days.
Can I travel outside the U.S.?
Yes, with a current travel signature on your I-20 from the international office. Talk to an adviser before you book.
Something went wrong with my status. What now?
Contact International Programs the same week. Reinstatement or a travel fix is often possible when the problem is caught early.
Working
Can I work on campus?
Yes, without separate authorization: up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session and full time over breaks. You need a Social Security number to be paid, and the international office writes a support letter once you have a job offer (on-campus work).
Can I do an internship or co-op off campus?
With Curricular Practical Training authorized in advance and tied to a required co-op or internship in your program. Never start off-campus work before the authorization is approved.
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training: usually 12 months of work authorization in your field after you finish. Apply as early as 90 days before and no later than 60 days after your program end date (OPT, explained).
Can I extend OPT?
Graduates in eligible STEM programs can apply for a 24-month extension, for three years in total. It requires an E-Verify employer, a formal training plan and regular reporting (STEM OPT extension).
Where can I learn the details?
CPT and OPT workshops run monthly during the academic year in Founders Union; bring your I-20 and any job offer details. Start the OPT process the semester before you finish.
Life in Porter Falls
How do I open a bank account?
International Programs runs sessions on banking and phone plans during orientation. See banking and credit as an international student.
How cold does it get?
Cold. Orientation includes a winter coat loan, and peer mentors help with the practical firsts; see winter readiness before December.
How do I meet people?
Every new international student is paired with a continuing-student mentor. The International Student Organization and International Night are good places to start.
Where can I get help with academic English?
Multilingual Student Support, (715) 555–0174, offers academic-English courses, conversation tables and partners. Writing Center consultants trained for multilingual writers help at any stage (English language support).
How do I get around without a car?
The Porter Loop and the Porter Falls city buses are free with your Porter Card, and the regional coach runs to Lake City and the Cities. See the parking & transportation FAQ.
Fictional information
UW–Porter Falls is a work of parody. These answers describe a fictional university and are not immigration advice; no I-20 is issued here, and real students should rely on their own school’s designated school officials.