Immigration Information

Students who wish to change the purpose of their visit to the United States must file a request with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the previously approved stay expires. Students may apply to change their nonimmigrant status if:

1. They were lawfully admitted to the U.S. with a nonimmigrant visa
2. Their nonimmigrant status remains valid
3. They have not violated the conditions of their status
4. No crimes have been committed

Until the student receives approval from USCIS, they should not assume that the status has been approved. This is a request made for individuals who are not currently in F-1 status and wish to change to F-1 status while in the U.S.

To request a change of status, please come to the IEI office or email us at iei@memphis.edu.

Option 1: Exit and Re-Entry

When the student has their I-20, they can temporarily leave the U.S., apply for the F-1 visa in the same way that a new entrant to the U.S. would apply, and then re-enter the country as an F-1 visa holder. This option is fast and the only method for individuals seeking a multiple-entry F-1 visa page to be added to their passport.

Option 2: Filing an I-539 Change of Status Request

Students who do not immediately need to change their status can fill out and submit the Form I-539. Along with an I-20, the I-539 is a request that allows the individual to live under the same rules and benefits as an individual who holds an F-1 visa. Processing times for this option can be as long as five months.

Change F-1 visa to another visa type

Some F-1 students studying at the UofM have the opportunity to change their status to another visa type for the following reasons: 

1.  Marriage 
2.  U.S. Employment
3.  Becoming a U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder)
4.  Other: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/complete/change-of-status

If your visa status changes because of any of the reasons listed above, you are required to notify our office of the change so that our office can terminate your F-1 SEVIS record. You are not required to notify IEI while your change of non-immigrant status is still being reviewed and if you are enrolled full-time and maintaining your F-1 status.

Please come to the IEI office if you status has changed or email us at iei@memphis.edu.

F-1 students are required to have a valid, local mailing address and a permanent foreign address at all times (P.O. box addresses are not valid or acceptable for this purpose) on their University Records. You should keep all of your addresses up-to-date in your student records. Changes in addresses (local and permanent) must be updated on your MyMemphis account within 10 days of the address change. Once you update your address in MyMemphis that information will go to the International Student Services portal. Please email the IEI office at iei@memphis.edu and notify them that you have moved and updated your new address.  .  

Instructions for Updating Address in MyMemphis

Go to myuofm.memphis.edu Click on Student Pages. Click on My Resources. Scroll down until you see Personal Information on the left. Click on update addresses.

Local Address

This must be a valid, residential address in the U.S. This address cannot be an address outside of the U.S., outside of Tennessee or the address of your academic department. 

Permanent Address

This must be a valid, residential address in the U.S. This address cannot be an address outside of the U.S., outside of Tennessee or the address of your academic department. 

Email

You are required to use your University of Memphis email account because the University considers this email account to be your official email address and will use it to send out important information. You must check your University email on a regular basis.

Please contact IEI@memphis.edu for Transfer in instructions.

To transfer to the University of Memphis, you must first notify your current school's DSO of your intent to transfer and provide him with the following: 

• Your UofM acceptance letter
• The date you want your SEVIS record released to the UofM
• Contact the IEI office at IEI@memphis.edu for instructions for transferring in.

Please contact the IEI office to start the process to transfer to another U.S. SEVIS-approved institution:

To transfer to another U.S. institution that can accept SEVIS records, you must first notify your DSO at the Intensive English for Internationals (IEI) office of your intent to transfer and provide your international advisor with the following:

• Written confirmation of the acceptance to the new school.
• Written request/permission to begin the transfer on a specific date.
• SEVIS school code for the transfer-to school.
• Contact information for the new school's DSO.

The IEI office will work with you and the DSO at your new school, to choose a transfer release date. This date is when the DSO at your transfer-in school takes responsibility for your SEVIS record. Several factors go into selecting this date:

• Academic needs
• Travel and employment plans
• Projected start date of your new program.

Once your transfer release date arrives, the IEI office will not have access to your SEVIS record, and your new DSO can create a new Form I-20 for you. It is important to get a new Form I-20 (signed by your new DSO and you) as soon as possible. To maintain your status, register for classes and contact your new DSO within 15 days of the program start date listed on your new Form I-20.

F-1 students who are unable to complete all of their degree requirements by the program end date listed on the Form I-20 may request for a program extension. I-20 extension requests must be made at least one month before the expiration date on the Form I-20.

Students May Request an I-20 Extension for the Following Reasons:

• Extended time to complete IEI

Eligibility Requirements

• You must have continually maintained legal status, to include keeping a valid, unexpired passport.
• You must provide proof of adequate funding to cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of the extension. 
• Extensions will be granted for a maximum of one year at a time. If additional time is needed, a second request may be submitted for the following year. 
• Note: F-2 dependent extensions are granted at the same time as extensions for the primary F-1.

To request for an I-20 extension, please read the following instructions:

Please come to the IEI office to request an I-20 Extension 

Credit Hours 

Intensive English for Internationals: No online classes may count towards minimum enrollment requirements.

Note that these are not University rules but are instead U.S. Federal Regulations.  Please see below the relevant federal regulation under 8 CFR 21

• (G) For F-1 students enrolled in classes for credit or classroom hours, no more than the equivalent of one class or three credits per session, term, semester, trimester, or quarter may be counted toward the full course of study requirement if the class is taken on-line or through distance education and does not require the student's physical attendance for classes, examination or other purposes integral to completion of the class. An on-line or distance education course is a course that is offered principally through the use of television, audio, or computer transmission, including open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, or satellite, audio conferencing, or computer conferencing. If the F-1 student's course of study is in a language study program, no on-line or distance education classes may be considered to count toward a student's full course of study requirement. (Revised effective 1/1/03; 67 FR 76256 )

Students that are in the United States on F-1 and J-1 visas are required to attend classes full-time each semester. If it is necessary for the student to drop below full-time hours, they must complete a Request Authorization for Reduced Course Load form. Any student that drops below full-time without prior approval will be considered out of status. Please see the full-time hour requirements below.

Immigration Regulations allow certain reasons for students to take a reduced course load:

• Temporary illness or medical condition

You should contact the IEI Office if:

• You have a medical issue and have obtained a doctor's note that suggests withdrawal from classes.

Reminder: You should not remain in classes beyond the completion of your program. 

Tax Reporting Requirements 

All international students, scholars, and their dependents present in the U.S. during any part of the previous calendar year are responsible for filing annual tax forms with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Filing tax forms is required for all F and J visa holders, including dependents. This is a requirement even if you did not work or earn income in the U.S as you are legally obliged to file the form 8843. International students who worked or received a stipend, grant, or allowance in the USA may also need to file the Form 1040NR. 

If you received income from the University of Memphis, your 1042-S will be uploaded to your MyMemphis portal under the employee tab. Please contact  taxaccounting@memphis.edu for information on your 1042-S.

 The tax deadline is April 18, 2022.

• Submit form 1400NR or 1040NR-EZ if you had income. This includes graduate assistantships, student worker positions, internships, practicums, etc. Your employer should provide a W-2 if you fall into this category. 
• Submit form 8843 if you received no income and/or only scholarship income. This applies to athletics scholarships, merit scholarships, etc. 

 

Sprintax Tax Preparation

The University of Memphis has arranged free access to Sprintax Tax Preparation, to guide international students through the tax preparation process, prepare the necessary documents and check if any refunds are due to the student.

To use Sprintax Tax Preparation:

1.Register with Sprintax

2. Complete the online questionnaire

3. Enter your unique code emailed to you by CIES in the box on the 'Review Your Order' Page

4. Sprintax will prepare your tax return

Finally, once you complete the tax preparation process in the Sprintax software, you must print, sign and mail your documents to the IRS. If you have any questions, the Sprintax team will be happy to help via their 24/7 live chat facility.

 

Do I need a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer I.D. Number to File Form 8843? 

The general answer is no. Nonresident international students and scholars, for tax purposes, who are not required to file an income tax return (Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ), but are required to file Form 8843  do not need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If an international student or scholar has been issued an SSN or ITIN, the number should be included on Form 8843.

An exception to this rule is for individuals who are eligible to be claimed as exemptions on a U.S. income tax return. If a dependent can be claimed they must have an SSN or ITIN. Only dependents from a limited list of countries may claim an exemption for their dependents on their U.S. income tax return (Form 1040NR). An exemption for a spouse or dependents is only applicable if the country of tax residence (for the F-1 or J-1) is:

Canada
Korea
Mexico
India (applicable only to F-1 and J-1 students)

 

External Tax Resources:

IRS Tax Treaty information 

IRS Foreign Students and Scholars Tax information 

Study in the States FAQs

IRS - International Taxpayers 

Forms Required to File a Tax Return 

Intensive English for Internationals (IEI) Student Health Insurance

Good health is a necessary component of academic success. To help you maintain yours, the University of Memphis has partnered with Wellfleet Insurance Company to offer a robust and student-focused insurance policy to meet the needs of IEI students on campus. Wellfleet has been in the student insurance industry for over 25 years and has always delivered innovative insurance solutions to the marketplace. The Wellfleet plan is ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliant and for international students.  .

Intensive English for International (IEI) students on F-1 visas are automatically enrolled in the UoM Wellfleet plan once they are registered for classes.  The insurance cost will be added to the Tiger express account at the same time as tuition and other fees are assessed.  The UoM assesses these fees at the beginning of each new session.

More information about the Wellfleet plan and cost can be found here.

You will be automatically enrolled in the University of Memphis Student Health Insurance Plan during your IEI term and the cost will be as follows:

• Fall 1 2026: August 1 - October 15, 2026 $
• Rates to be announced for Fall 1, 2026 through Summer 2027

If you have questions related to the policy coverage, you can see the benefits on https://www.studentinsurance.com/Client/2268

 

FAQs for Intensive English for International Students

Who is required to have health insurance? All international students (holding F or J visas), whether graduate, undergraduate, or IEI (Intensive English for Internationals) students, with active course enrollment are required to have health insurance.

Beginning January 1, 2024 all international students (holding F or J visas) will be automatically enrolled in the University of Memphis Student Health Insurance Plan. 

Where can I find detailed information the plan and what it covers? For more information visit: https://www.studentinsurance.com/Client/2268

When does my insurance coverage begin?  Following are the effective dates

• Fall 1 2026: August 1 - October 15, 2026 $
• Rates to be announced for Fall 1, 2026 through Summer 2027

How is the payment billed? International students will have their premium billed to their Tiger express account after the last day to add classes.

What is ACA compliant and why does the university require ACA complaint coverage?  ACA-compliant refers to a health insurance plan that meets the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html. The University of Memphis has this requirement in place to ensure better coverage for its students. 

Can I extend the Wellfleet Student Health insurance coverage after I leave IEI? 

Your coverage is valid through the effective end date of your last session of study in IEI.  If you continue your studies in the undergraduate or graduate programs at the University of Memphis, you will continue with this insurance.  

How do I get an insurance card? Once enrolled, you may print a copy of your insurance card from the Wellfleet Student website at https://www.studentinsurance.com/MyAccount/Account/Index/2268

How do I enroll/register? If you are an international student, you will be automatically enrolled in the insurance plan and you will continue to be enrolled in the plan as long as you are an enrolled student at the University.

This automatic enrollment process is handled by the University of Memphis. 

Can I purchase coverage for my spouse and children? Yes, international students can enroll their dependents. If you purchase additional plans for spouse or dependents, you will do so directly with the Wellfleet Student Health Insurance Company when completing your enrollment through their web site https://www.studentinsurance.com/Client/2268 and payments will not go through the University. Instructions for dependent/spouse enrollment will be made available within student account once enrolled in the plan.

Am I covered during the summer? Yes, if you are enrolled in the plan during the Summer session, you are enrolled until July 31, 2026. The fall coverage will begin August 1^st.

How can I get a copy of the plan? Visit Wellfleet Student on the web at https://www.studentinsurance.com/Client/2268 and follow the link to “Discover your benefits”. 

How do I know if my doctor is in the Wellfleet/Cigna PPO network? Visit https://www.studentinsurance.com/Client/2268 and select “Find Health Professionals.”  

Is pregnancy covered? Yes, pregnancy is covered under the same benefits as any other condition.  

Is dental treatment included? A pediatric dental benefit is included in the policy to cover preventive dental care for insureds to the end of the month in which the Insured Person turns age 19 (see page 41 of the plan certificate for details). The policy does not cover routine or preventive dental care for insureds age 19 and above. A dental discount program through Careington Dental is available at an additional cost as a value-added benefit for members. You may visit https://wellfleetstudent.com/careington-dental/ for more information or to enroll in the program. 

Are vision-related care and preventive vision services included? A pediatric vision care benefit is included in the policy for insureds to the end of the month in which the Insured Person turns age 19 (see page 42 of the plan certificate for details). The policy does not cover routine or preventive vision care for insureds age 19 and above, but a value-added vision discount program is included for members at no additional cost. You may visit https://wellfleetstudent.com/davis-vision/ for more information about the Davis Vision Discount Plan.

Admission Requirements:

• Any international student who is a graduate of a secondary school and is 18 years of age prior to arrival in the United States may make an application to the IEI program.
• Official transcript in English showing grades and courses
• A copy of your passport photo page
• Affidavit of Financial Support signed by your sponsor(s)
• Bank letter(s) or bank statements from sponsor(s)
• Dependent (child or spouse) information (if applicable)
• Application fee: $100 

 Apply here and submit the documents.

For a step-by-step process, please click here.

Apply for your I-20 depending on your current status:

• New Students (Not holding any US Visa Status currently): This status applies to students who are currently overseas and intending to come to the US on a new F-1 visa. Please click on the button below for information on how to apply for your I-20.

        I-20 Application

• Transfer- In Students: This status applies to students who are currently attending an institution in the US and are planning to transfer their F-1 student record to The University of Memphis, please click on the button below for information on transferring your record.

         SEVIS Transfer Application

• Change of Visa Status: This status applies to students who are currently in the US with a visa status other than F-1 and need to change their visa status to F-1. For example, if you are currently on an H-4, F-2, B-1, or other type of Visa and need to change to an F-1 status, please click on the button below for more information on changing your status.

      Change of Status Application 

• Housing: If you want to live on campus, we recommend Centennial Place for the traditional dormitory experience or Carpenter Complex for apartment-style living. These locations are open during holidays and breaks for international students.
  For more information about Housing click here.

 

• Immunization: IEI students are required to show documentation for the following Immunizations and tests:
  • • • • MMR- Measles, Mumps Rubella (2 Shots, positive blood work or medical/religious exemption)
        • Varicella – Chicken Pox (2 Shots, positive blood work or medical/religious exemption)
        • Negative Tuberculosis (TB) test or positive TB test with a clear chest x-ray

When you application has been approved, IEI will send you an Acceptance Letter for the ESL program and an I-20. The I-20 allows you to apply for a student visa known as the F1 visa. Please note that the I-20 is not a visa, nor does it guarantee a visa.

• Applying for a Visa: You should apply for your visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence. For visa application instructions click here.

 

• SEVIS fee: Prospective IEI F-1 students who are applying for an initial F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate visa exempt and applying for entry to the U.S. in F-1 status at a Port of Entry are required to pay the SEVIS Fee. For more information about the SEVIS fee click here.

 

• Required documentation: Find the required documents for a US visa here.

After obtaining the U.S. visa and arriving on campus, you need to visit the IEI office for your check in. You have to present the following documents for your check in:

• Passport
• Copy of signed I-20 (for F1 and dependents)
• Visa (for F1 and dependents)
• I-94
• Statement of Financial Responsibility
• Proof of Immunizations
• Local  Address 
• Local Phone Number
• Be prepared to pay fees 
  • For students from Saudi Arabia: Provide SACM financial guarantee

Please complete your Check-in Here.

Admission Requirements:

• High School Completion
• A photo of yourself
• Immunizations: IEI students are required to show documentation for the following Immunizations and tests:
  • • • • MMR- Measles, Mumps Rubella (2 Shots, positive blood work or medical/religious exemption)
        • Varicella – Chicken Pox (2 Shots, positive blood work or medical/religious exemption)
        • Negative Tuberculosis (TB) test or positive TB test with a clear chest x-ray

For more information about Immunizations click here.

Apply here and submit the documents.

For a step-by-step process, please click here.

After you have been accepted to the IEI Program, you need to visit the IEI office for your check-in. You have to present the following documents for your check-in:

• Statement of Financial Responsibility
• Proof of Immunizations
• Local  Address 
• Local Phone Number
• Be prepared to pay fees 
  • For students from Saudi Arabia: Provide SACM financial guarantee

Please complete your Check-in Here.