/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Southwestern-Medical-Center/json/2024-2025/General-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Southwestern-Medical-Center/json/2024-2025/General.json

International Applicants

The Office of International Affairs ensures that foreign nationals holding nonimmigrant visas who are at UT Southwestern for the purpose of internships, academic training, research, or employment obtain and maintain legal temporary United States visa status and/or employment authorization, in accordance with federal law and UT Southwestern policies. The Office of International Affairs should be contacted a minimum of four months prior to an international student’s first day of orientation to allow for the review and processing of immigration documents, visa application at a U.S. Consulate/Embassy abroad, and timely arrival on campus.

In addition to meeting the general requirements for school admission, all applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Test scores must be sent directly from the TOEFL Information Center to the Office of Admissions, UT Southwestern. (Photocopies will be used for review only and are not accepted as official.)

TOEFL is computer-based. The test is offered at Sylvan Technology Centers, specified universities, and Educational Testing Service field offices.

Transcripts of records from foreign universities must be evaluated with subject, grade, and grade-point average breakdowns. It is preferred that the applicant provide the transcript(s) with this information translated into English to facilitate review. Translation service is available from Educational Credential Evaluators for a fee. For applications and fee information, contact ECE, P.O. Box 514070, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3470, call 414-289-3400, or visit the ECE website. ECE evaluations should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. ECE requires at least one month to prepare an evaluation after all documentation is complete.

Before the Office of International Affairs will issue a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status,” evidence of financial support while in the United States must be demonstrated. The minimum amount of financial support for an academic year is more than $17,000, plus the costs of tuition and fees. This amount is subject to change each year. In addition, proof of financial support in the amount of $2,000 for each dependent is required. There are two ways to demonstrate proof of financial support:

1. If the student is awarded a stipend, a letter from the school’s Dean indicating the amount of the stipend, or;
2. In the case of those students who will receive partial or no funding from UT Southwestern, a financial statement must be provided guaranteeing adequate funds as stated above for educational, living, and other expenses while in the United States.

The Office of International Affairs will provide additional instructions to admitted students so that the appropriate documentation can be submitted in order to determine eligibility for the Form I-20.

Once a student is issued the Form I-20, the document must be presented to U.S. consular officials when applying for the F-1 visa at the U.S. Consulate/Embassy abroad. It is the responsibility of the incoming student to inform the Office of International Affairs on the progress of the visa application. A visiting senior medical student who is enrolled in his or her final year of studies at an international medical school must apply for a B-1 visa in order to complete medical electives at UT Southwestern. Participation in a maximum of two medical electives for a total of eight weeks is allowed.

Immediately after an F-1 student enters the United States, said student is required to report in person to the Office of International Affairs. Further information may be obtained from the Office of International Affairs.