Before You Arrive......

Immigration Requirements

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.

The rules and regulations governing the entrance of all international students into the United States are complex.

It is your responsibility to:

1. Obtain a visa to enter the U.S.

2. Maintain lawful status

3. Maintain a valid passport throughout your stay in the U.S. and up to six months beyond your stay, if possible.

4. Have sufficient funds to cover all of your academic and personal expenses during your stay.

Obtaining a Visa

International students and scholars must submit the following information to the U.S. Consular Office in their own countries to apply for a student (or scholar) visa:

- A valid passport obtained from your government. If you already have a passport, be certain that it is valid for at least six months beyond your expected stay in the U.S., if possible.

- A properly completed and signed I-20 form for an F-1 Student Visa or a DS-2019 form for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, from the admitting U.S. institution.

- Bank statements or any documentation that demonstrate to the Consular Office that you have sufficient financial support for your entire academic program and maintenance.

And, demonstrate to the Consular Office that you are a student who plans to return to your home country upon completion of your college program. This is necessary to show that you are a bonafide non-immigrant.

Any questions regarding visa applications, visa approvals or denials, should be addressed to the U.S. Consular Office in your Country.

Financial Information

U.S. visa regulations require that all international students certify and provide evidence of adequate funds to meet all of the expenses that will be incurred during their proposed program of study. As a state university, and following federal and immigration guidelines, UW-River Falls cannot provide financial assistance to all international students. On the other hand, UW-River Falls has one of the lowest tuition/fees rates in the country among institutions of the same size and importance, while offering a first-class education to all of its students. UW-River Falls charges a minimal admissions fee, does not charge for books (except for graduate classes), and undergraduate tuition rates are the same cost for 12-18 credits per semester.

U.S. immigration laws and economic conditions restrict employment opportunities for non-residents. On-campus work is allowed, although we cannot guarantee work for all international students. On-campus work is restricted by immigration law to twenty hours per week while school is in session and forty hours per week during breaks and summer. This income will not be enough to pay for tuition and other expenses.

In addition, U.S. immigration regulations state that employment permission for off-campus work cannot be granted in the first year of study. Off-campus work after the first year requires Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).

Currency Restrictions and Transfer of Money to the United States

Before making final plans to depart, each student should become familiar with the regulations of his or her own government regarding currency restrictions and the transfer of funds. Some governments restrict the amount of money that can be taken out of the country. Others may restrict funds until a letter form the admitting institution in the U.S. has been received confirming the student’s enrollment. You should learn before leaving home what letters, if any, are needed from UW-River Falls, in order to authorize funds for transfer.

If you expect to receive money from outside the U.S. while you are studying here, make sure that all necessary arrangements have been made for the transfer of these funds before you depart.

If you are planning to bring a check for a large amount of money, see about obtaining a check issued through a U.S. based bank as it will be easier and faster to cash. For your information, you will be required to pay a $100 deposit before you can register for classes. The bill for tuition/fees, room/board, and international fee will be sent to you if you do not pay it when you register. Have money available to cover these costs upon arrival.

Be aware that international money transfers may take up to 30 days to clear and there is a service charge for the transfer.

Health Insurance

Because medical costs in the U.S. are very high and can cause severe financial hardship to the uninsured, the University of Wisconsin System mandates that all its institutions require all international students to carry comprehensive health insurance at all times in case of serious illness and accidents that require hospital or surgical care.

All UW-River Falls international students and scholars are required to purchase and have in force the UW System negotiated International Student Inquiry and Sickness Insurance Plan. The cost of this health insurance is approximately $700 per year. You will be assisted in completing the application upon arrival to campus. Premiums for this plan will be placed on your University bill.

Some routine health services are provided at the River Falls Clinic at no expense to you at the time of treatment. This service is made available through your student fees. You will be responsible for payment of any major treatment that is provided to you either personally or through your comprehensive insurance plan.

You will not be allowed to register without proof of comprehensive health coverage.

It is recommended that students receive any needed immunizations and carry their records to the U.S.

In particular, students born after 1957 should have two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, since there have been outbreaks of measles on some college campuses. Also, students should be sure they are currently immunized against tetanus and diphtheria, and may want to inquire about being immunized against Hepatitis B and have a tuberculosis screening.

Students may want to have a general health (physical/eye/dental) exam to make sure all necessary preventative measures have been taken prior to departure for the U.S.

It is also recommended that if you wear glasses, you should bring an extra pair or the prescription for your glasses in case they break or you lose them. If you are taking medication, you should bring a prescription along for refills so that a doctor here can prescribe that same or an equivalent medication.