It is the University’s responsibility to ensure that persons coming to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls are properly documented for entry to the United States.

There are many complex rules and regulations that govern the entrance of international students into the United States. It is your responsibility to:

• Obtain a visa to enter the U.S.
  
• Maintain lawful status
  
• Maintain a valid passport throughout your stay in the U.S. and for up to six months beyond your stay, if possible
  
• Have sufficient funds to cover all of your academic and personal expenses during your stay.

Obtaining a VISA
In order to enter the U.S., you must obtain a J-1 or F-1 visa from the United States Embassy or Consulate in your home country. After being admitted, you should apply for your visa immediately in order to avoid delays.  

When preparing for your visa interview you will need to remember the following:  

• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at least 3 days before your visa interview and bring the receipt with you to the appointment. You can pay the SEVIS fee online at www.fmjfee.com. Remember to print your receipt!
  
• Complete the 'Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160' https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. 
  
• Pay the visa application fee. See your local embassy or consulate website for further information.
  
• Prepare the following documents for your interview:
  
• • Valid passport
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • UWRF admission letter
  • Two 2x2 passport sized photographs
  • Information showing ties to your home country
  • Receipt of SEVIS I-901 fee payment
  • Evidence of financial support
  • Check your local embassy or consulate website for any additional information they may require
    

Helpful Hints

• Dress professionally.
  
• Be organized. Have all of the necessary materials prepared and accessible.
  
• If you do not hear the visa officer's question, politely ask him or her "Excuse me, would you please repeat the question?"
  
• Be prepared to talk about your academic plans and future career goals in detail.
  
• Be knowledgeable about the academic program in which you plan to participate.
  
• Relax. You'll be just fine if you are prepared, organized, and confident.  

Specific requirements for visa application procedures may be obtained from the website for the U.S. consulate. A list of consulate websites can be found at: http://usembassy.state.gov.

Important Note for Students Applying for F1 Visas: As soon as you are able, please let us know the date, time, location and appointment number for your visa interview so we can provide additional documentation if necessary. This information should be sent to Carolyn Brady at carolyn.j.brady@uwrf.edu.