Immigration Information

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

There are many complex rules and regulations governing 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 academic and personal expenses during your stay.

Obtaining your Immigration Documents

Once you receive your email from International Student Services informing you of your acceptance to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, you can request the documents you need to obtain a visa. It is recommended you request your immigration documentation immediately to avoid delays in your visa application process.

Immigration documents will be sent to you through eShipGlobal University Express Mail Services (UEMS), a trackable delivery option that allows you to receive your documents in a safe, quick, and dependable manner.

Follow the instructions in our printable guide to order your documents through eShipGlobal. These instructions will also be provided to you by email from the International Student Services office.

Obtaining a VISA

In order to enter the U.S., you must obtain an F-1 visa (degree-seeking students) or J-1 visa (exchange visitors) from the United States Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Ensure you have completed the following requirements before your visa interview:

• 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 here. Remember to print your receipt!
  For more information on how to pay the SEVIS fee visit: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/prepare/paying-the-i-901-sevis-fee, you can also watch the following video which provides a step-by-step guide to the SEVIS fee paying process: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/i-901-sevis-fee-payment-video.
  • Note: You will need your SEVIS ID number to pay this fee. Your SEVIS number is listed on your immigration document and consist of an “alpha” character (N) and up to 11 numerical characters.
  • The current SEVIS fee for F-1 visa applicants is $350 and for J-1 visa applicants is $220
• Complete the 'Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160 and pay the non-refundable fee by visiting: https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx/.
  • The current visa application fee is $160.
  • For further information concerning visas visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html
• Prepare the following documents for your interview:
• • Valid passport.
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
  • Visa application fee payment receipt.
  • Certificate of Eligibility, either I-20 or DS-2019.
  • SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
  • UWRF admission letter.
  • If you did not complete the Form DS-160 online, bring two 2x2 inches passport sized photographs, complete specification can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html. 
  • Evidence of financial support.
  • Information showing ties to your home country.
  • 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 did not hear or understood the visa officer's question, politely ask him or her to 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: https://www.usembassy.gov/.

Important Note for Students Applying for F-1 and J-1 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.