International Advising

We consider each international student and scholar a valuable member of the Union community with specific and unique needs. With our personal attention, you can make the most out of the opportunities available to you at Union and in the U.S., whether your stay is for one trimester or the next four years.

The International Student Advising Office supports the international student and scholar community studying at Union on F1 and J1 visas. The office advises students and scholars on maintaining compliance with U. S. immigration laws and regulations related to their students visas. In addition, the office processes DS-2019s, I-20s, travel signatures and letters needed for travel, employment, maintaining status, social security numbers, and other immigration related matters. International Advising supports students and scholars through the adjustment to American culture and studying in the U.S., while helping them maximize immigration benefits and make the most of their experience. International Advising also works closely with campus partners to connect students and scholars to resources and support necessary for their success at Union.

Our Staff

Our staff is here to help you to find your way around the maze of questions and uncertainties surrounding your life at Union and studying in the United States.

For questions and information pertaining to CPT, OPT and leave of absence questions, schedule an appointment with Robin Olinsky, PDSO/Head Class Dean.

Schedule an appointment with Julie Harris, Coordinator for International Student Services/DSO for general international questions, including major declaration, on-campus employment and travel.

Fall 2024 drop in hours: Monday-Thursdays from 12:50-1:45PM and Fridays from 1-3PM. No appointment needed.

Upon your acceptance to Union, you will receive instructions from the Admissions Office on how to apply for your I-20. You must pay your deposit and your Union email account must be set up in order to complete the application.

The International Advising Office works to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to handouts or websites. Union College does not provide legal advice. Additionally, since legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of an independent, competent counsel or tax professional. Neither Union College nor the International Advising Office is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in these materials, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.

For convenience, we offer you the names of the following Capital District law firms that offer immigration legal services. Ultimately it is up to the individual to research legal counsel, and the decision to engage the legal service of one of these firms is entirely your responsibility. Please carefully review the legal firm’s retainer agreement before executing. A retainer agreement is a legally binding agreement that imposes obligations on you - including payment obligations.

Immigration Law Firms

• Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP (518) 487-7611
• Gafner Law Firm, P.C. (518) 512-9488
• Meyers & Meyers (518) 724-1885

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to research legal counsel and review the retainer agreement or contract before moving forward and hiring an attorney.