Who do I contact?

What are my next steps?

Additional Information

Proof of Financial Resources

international@uwf.edu

Request a DS-2019

The first step is to submit a copy of your passport and proof of financial support for your study program.

When this is complete, you will receive an email with your next steps and a scanned copy of your DS-2109.

Print all pages of the document, and sign/date in ink.  You need a signed, printed copy for your visa appointment and for travel.

We recommend that you complete this step as soon as possible so that you can schedule a visa appointment. 

If your plans change, please email international@uwf.edu with details.

Apply for your J-1 VISA

 international@uwf.edu

Schedule a Visa Appointment

There are several steps to apply for a J-1 visa. You need your DS-2019 to make the appointment.

Please consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website for information for that location.

If the earliest visa appointment is too late for you to arrive on time:

1  Schedule the first available  appointment 

2. Follow the instructions to schedule an emergency visa appointment

You can find more information on the  website of your embassy or consulate

You are able to enter the US up to 30 days before your program start date.

You can see this date on page 1 of your DS-2019.

Report your Arrival

Report your Arrival to UWF: F-1 and J-1 Students

All exchange students must complete report their arrival to UWF International Affairs.

You will complete these steps after you arrive in the US.

After you complete all steps, you will get an email to confirm that your arrival repart is complete.

Learning Agreements and Other Forms

If your home university needs forms completed to confirm your courses, arrival or completion of classes, please email them to international@uwf.edu or drop them off at the International Center.

US Phone Number

J-1 students must have a US phone number to maintain their status.

Students must have a US phone number for university mobile notifications used for emergencies.

One option is studentSIMS

You can also look into other affordable options after you arrive.

Health Insurance

international@uwf.edu 

As an exchange student to UWF, you are required to have health insurance that meets the State of Florida requirements - these requirements are higher than the basic J1 visa insurance requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: Travel insurance policies or policies that state they meet minimum J1 visa holder requirements for insurance in the US DO NOT MEET State of Florida requirements for international student insurance.

There are 2 options for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.

Option 1

The UWF Policy with LewerMark Student Insurance.

Payment Deadline: Insurance fees must be paid in full by August 22 for Fall semester and by January
14 for Spring/Summer.

UWF J-1 students are automatically enrolled. The fee for this policy is added to your UWF student account.

You must pay this fee in full.

Failure to comply with the payment deadline will result in immediate removal from all class enrollment.

Click here for 2023-2024 Fees

Payment options:

• In person at the UWF Cashiers Office - cash or check only
• In CashNet - This is a two step process.

1. Make payment in CashNet
2. Email stuacct@uwf.edu to complete insurance payment.

Option 2

Use your Own Insurance Plan

Deadline:  

Waiver request forms and required documentation must be submitted by email no later than 5 pm UWF Time on August 1 for fall semester and no later than December 1 for Spring/Summer. 

To submit the waiver request form: Click Here

If your waiver request form is not approved, you must pay for the UWF policy. 

Check carefully before purchasing!

Click here for more information on using your own insurance 

Email waivers@lewer.com if you have additional questions about submitting a waiver request form.

After the posted waiver deadlines:

• alternative insurance WILL NOT be accepted.

Maintaining Required Insurance in F-1 or J-1 Visa Status

Resources for the UWF Policy with LewerMark Student Insurance Plan

Click here

• Print your ID card
• Helpful videos
• Search for a doctor

Resources to understand US Healthcare and Insurance

UWF Student Health Services Frequently Asked Questions

• If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER).
• For non-emergency care, visit Student Health Services, an urgent care or doctor's office.

Arrive in Pensacola

If you arrive by plane, you can take a taxi, Uber or Lyft to your room.

UWF International Affairs is not able to provide airport pick up.

If you plan on using bank cards and accounts from abroad, make sure they will work in the U.S. before travel. You will only need cash for food, taxi services, and emergencies. Do not travel with large amounts of cash. After you have your new address, you may open a checking account at a local bank.

You are able to enter the US up to 30 days before your program start date. Look on page 1 of your DS-2019 for your start date.

UWF Campus Map

If you are confirmed to live on campus, enter the building number or the name of your residence hall.

Google Maps 

If you are living off campus, be sure to have the correct street address.