| | What are my next steps? | |
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. 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 NumberJ-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 1Payment 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. Payment options: - In person at the UWF Cashiers Office - cash or check only
- In Transact (formerly CashNet) - This is a two step process.
- Make payment in Transact (formerly CashNet)
- Email stuacct@uwf.edu to complete insurance payment.
Option 2Use your Own Insurance PlanDeadline: 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 | international@uwf.edu | 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. |
Future Travel in J1 Status | international@uwf.edu | What Documents to Have in FloridaWhen you are traveling in Florida, you should always have either a Florida State ID or copies of your passport and immigration documents. Travel in the U.S.When you are traveling outside Florida, you need to have proof of your legal immigration status. You can do this by taking your passport, Form DS-2019 and I-94 with you. If you are not sure what these documents are, visit International Affairs and we can help you. | Leaving and Re-Entering the U.S. Before leaving the U.S., it is very important to check if you need a visa to enter another coutry. International Affairs cannot tell you if you need a visa to enter anohter country. You must research that yourself or contact the embassy of the country you intend to visit for more information.
The following documents are required for re-entry into the U.S. You must carry these original documents with you. Do not pack them in your luggage. 1. You must have your passport valid for at least six months from your re-entry date. 2. You must have your Form DS-2019 with a valid travel signature. Travel signatures are valid for 6 months. Bring your DS-2019 to the International Center if you need a travel signature. 3. You must have a valid visa. If your visa is not still valid, you must plan to renew it while you are abroad. We recommend that you extend your visa in your home country.
It is important to note that after the end date on your DS-2019, you may not return to the US in F1 status. You may return in other statuses.
|