International Center University of Florida

International Student Advisors

The UF International Center is open for business operations and our staff is available via email, phone, and Zoom appointments during this period. In-person services will be offered Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 12 Noon and 2 PM to 4 PM, excluding observed holidays.​

If you have questions related to Covid-19, please refer to the two following resources first.

Webinar: Continuing F1 Students Town Hall
Please note, this webinar was recorded on Friday, July 24, 2020 from 10:50am - 11:40am EST. Shortly after the webinar, at 12:30pm EST on July 24, 2020, SEVP provided updated guidance. The July 24, 2020 SEVP guidance provides updated information which actually benefits our new/Initial students. This guidance modifies the information provided in the recording from the 8:47 minute mark to the 9:14 minute mark. Please refer to the FAQ which UFIC has provided on July 27, 2020 regarding Fall 2020 enrollment for new/Initial students. The webinar was also heavily focused on questions primarily applicable to the continuing F1 student population who have an active SEVIS record as of Spring 2020.

TEMPORARY Registration Accommodations due to Covid-19:

• Fall 2020: Please refer to Fall 2020 F1 Students FAQ
• Spring 2021: Please refer to Spring 2021 Online Course Registration Guidelines for F-1 International Students
• Spring 2021: Please refer to Spring 2021 F1 Students FAQ

Virtual office hours for current F-1 students are available!

These office hours provide students with an opportunity to meet with an International Student Advisor and ask general questions related to F-1 processes such as CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, program extensions, changes of degree level, reduced course loads, SEVIS transfers, etc. An appointment is not required to attend Virtual Office Hours. Please join during the days and times mentioned in the above table.

During the times available, stated below, F-1 students may click the link and will arrive in the Zoom waiting room. Participants will be seen in the order that they join. Depending on how many people join and the nature of their questions, there may be some waiting time. Students are asked to be patient as they wait their turn in the Zoom waiting room.

  International Student Advisors   

Michele Shepherd
F-1 International Student Advisor (DSO): Surnames A-C
mshepherd@ufic.ufl.edu
(352) 273-1540

Ethel Porras
Assistant Director, F-1 International Student Advisor (DSO): Surnames D-J
eporras@ufic.ufl.edu
(352) 273-1509

Steve Ghulamani
F-1 International Student Advisor (DSO): Surnames K-L
sghulamani@ufic.ufl.edu
(352) 273-1532

Candice DeBose-Tyson
F-1 International Student Advisor (DSO): Surnames M-Q
cdebose@ufic.ufl.edu
(352) 273-1503

James Everett
F-1 International Student Advisor (DSO): Surnames R-V
jeverett@ufic.ufl.edu
(352) 294-3238

Kristin Fischer
F-1 International Student Advisor (DSO): Surnames W-Z
kfischer@ufic.ufl.edu
(352) 273-1524

To make an appointment with your International Student Advisor, please call (352) 273-1541.