Office of International Students & Scholars Services
Welcome! Assalaam alaikum! Shalom! Yassas!
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides support and guidance on every aspect of international student and scholar life at Hartford International – immigration, cultural, academic, personal, and financial.
Congratulations on beginning your academic journey at Hartford International University. We are ready to help you get started and have gathered essential resources to guide you through securing your F-1/J-1 visa, making your way to the United States, and transitioning into life on campus.
OISS understands that living and learning in a culture different from your own can be both exciting and challenging. Our team is here to provide you with the guidance and tools to achieve your academic goals while taking advantage of all the opportunities that Hartford International University offers. If you have any questions, please email us at sevis@hartfordinternational.edu.
Welcome to HIU!
-
We are so happy that you are thinking about, will join, or are a part of our community. Over the last year, we have welcomed students from the following countries: Pakistan, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Lebanon, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Egypt, Tanzania, and Cameroon.
Note: It is the responsibility of each F-1 student to be familiar with the immigration requirements and to maintain their status while in the U.S.
If you have any questions, please email sevis@hartfordinternationl.edu. We will be more than happy to meet with you over Teams or Zoom.
Spring 2025 International Student Orientation will be held on Zoom. This is mandatory for all incoming F-1 students.
For information about the F-1 visa process and regulations, please see the pages below.
Full Course Load Expectation and Online Enrollment
-
The J-1 Exchange Visitor program was founded as part of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (The Fulbright–Hays Act) and falls under the purview of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Its stated purpose is: "to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange.” The J-1 Exchange Visitor immigration status allows individuals to participate in cross-cultural, academic, and learning experiences in the U.S. with a designated Program Sponsor on a temporary and non-immigrant basis. The Department of State provides more information about the J-1 Exchange Visitor program on its BridgeUSA Website.
You can also read The Exchange Visitor Program Participant Welcome Brochure which contains contact information for the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program.
Hartford International University is an approved J-1 Program Sponsor for the following categories: Research Scholars, Professors, and Students. All participants in our J-1 Exchange Visitor program must abide by the federal regulations pertaining to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and all institutional policies.
J-1 Visa Orientation and Pre-Arrival for Students
J-1 Visa Orientation and Pre-Arrival for Research Scholars and Professors
J-1 Scholar Estimated Fees 2024-2025
Prescribed Course of Study for J-1 Non Degree Student
J-1 Visa Orientation and Prearrival for Non-Degree Students
Maintaining J-1 Non-Degree Status
English Proficiency Attestation
-
In these workshops, OISS staff provided an overview of OPT eligibility, the application process and timeline, and requirements for maintaining your F-1 visa status during your post-completion employment.
-
Community Organizations with Resources for Immigrants:
- Building One Community
- Catholic Charities
- Connecticut Immigrant & Refugee Coalition
- Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
- CT Students for a Dream
- Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services
- The Neighbor Fund
Know Your Rights Materials:
- Informed Immigrant
- Immigration Legal Resource Center
- IRIS, Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services
- National Immigration Law Center
- National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild
Legal Services:
Leave a voicemail with your name and phone number if they do not answer.
- American Immigration Lawyers Association: 203-946-4811
- CIRI, Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
- Connecticut Legal Services Immigration
- DOJ list of accredited immigration attorneys by State/City
- Greater Hartford Legal Aid: 860-541-5000
- Muslim Justice Center CT: 959-759-1821
- Immigration Advocates Network Legal Services Directory
- IRIS, Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services
- New Haven Legal Assistance: 203-946-4811
- United Coalition for Immigrant Services
- A comprehensive guide to preparing your family for immigration enforcement
State of Connecticut Family Preparedness Plan:
Other Resources:
- CTLawHelp
- Help from a lawyer
- Immigration and citizenship resources
- Immigration attorneys (American Immigration Lawyers Association)
- NAFSA Public Website
- Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut (Provides free advice for low-income people with legal problems in Connecticut.)
Join our mailing list
Keep up with all the latest happenings at Hartford International.