There is a lot to remember when you first arrive on campus and we want to help you navigate the process. Below is an overview of visa requirements–that covers arriving at URI, maintaining your visa, course requirements, and employment–for new international students.

1. Register with OISS
   All new F-1 or J-1 students must register with the OISS. Within 30 days of your arrival in the United States, visit our office with your passport and I-20/DS-2019 form (and health insurance for J-1 students and dependents). Failure to report to the Office of International Students and Scholars is considered a violation of your student status by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
2. During your initial visit, bring the OISS Registration Form and submit it to the OISS.
3. URI Academic Requirements
   • To register for classes, visit Enrollment Services.
   • To register for a reduced course load, download the reduced course load form
   • To transfer to another university or college, download our transfer form
4. Maintaining your Status
   Now that you have been admitted to the US as an F-1 or J-1 student, the Department of Homeland Security requires that you maintain valid status by following good practices.
5. Part-time Attendance
   Please read your obligations as a part-time student.
6. Employment
   In general, this process requires the interaction of four university departments (sponsoring department, Human Resources, OISS, Payroll Office) and one government office (Social Security Administration). If you have been offered employment by URI, please consult your department secretary to receive information on the steps you must follow to complete the Human Resources and Payroll Office employment requirements. You will need the items listed below to complete this process. The department secretary will assist you in understanding the employment requirements and forms listed below:
   • Human Resources Forms (I-9, Drug Free Form, Internal Payroll form, W-4 Form, etc.)
   • Payroll Office (Foreign National Information Form)
   • Social Security Card (Social Security Administration)
   • OISS (letter confirming your status at URI)
     All foreign nationals MUST complete the Foreign National Information Form before they may begin their employment at URI. To complete the employment process at URI, please bring your completed form to the Payroll Office along with the following documents:
     • Passport
     • Visa
     • I-94
     • Social Security Card
     • I-20 (if an F VISA) or DS-2019 (if a J VISA) or your approval notice (if an H1B VISA)

     The Payroll Office will enter the information from your documentation into our Windstar software to determine your taxability. The Windstar software will print out the necessary tax documents which you will need to sign. The Payroll Office will forward your tax documents to the Federal government for processing.

Please note:

Orientation: The OISS will deliver a mandatory New Students and Scholars Orientation.
New Arrivals: Within 30 days of your arrival in the United States, visit our office with your passport and I-20/DS-2019 form (and health insurance for J-1 students and dependents). Failure to report to the Office of International Students and Scholars is considered a violation of your student status by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.