Visas and entry to the United States
Once you apply to the university and submit all the required documentation:
- Admissions application including plans for your course of study
- Immunization Record
- Official Financial Statement from bank
- Proof of Health Insurance coverage for period in which you will be enrolled at UWF
Carefully read the regulations for J-1 student visa holders noted on page 2 of the DS2019 Certificate of Eligibility. You must read, sign, and date your DS-2019.
Take your DS-2019, passport, financial certification, and I-901 SEVIS $180 fee confirmation receipt to the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to apply for a J-1 student visa. The 901 SEVIS fee may be paid on-line at: www.fmjfee.com. (To pay the fee online enter: DS-2019 then use the SEVIS number above the bar code on your DS-2019 and UWF’s school code beginning with MIA214F. Print out the confirmation receipt.)
Make your visa appointment for a date at least three days after you pay your I-901 SEVIS fee. Depending on the embassy, it may take more than one visit to obtain a visa, and the Consular Officer may ask you to provide additional information. This is not unusual at some embassies. Currently, all males between the ages of 18 and 45 must also fill out an additional State Department form when applying for a visa. All applicants for student visas must now have an interview with a U.S. Consular Officer. It may take weeks to obtain a student visa. If at all possible, we suggest you obtain your visa before you purchase your airline ticket.
After you obtain your J-1 student visa, you may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30-days before the program start date on your DS-2019. After your program is over (the completion date on you DS-2019), you are allowed to stay for 30 days in the U.S. to travel here and complete your affairs. Consider this when booking your return airline flight back to your country. You are not allowed to remain in the U.S. as a J-1 student visa holder after the 30-day period is over.
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