Welcome to UWF!

UWF International Affairs welcomes international students from over 70 countries.  

This resource guide includes important information for F-1 students who have been admitted to UWF. 

International Affairs and the university also provide information by email.  

It is important that you check your email regularly.

This is an overview of how to maintain F-1 student status: Maintaining F-1 Student Status 

If you have any questions, please follow up with the contact listed below.





Who do I contact?

What are my next steps?

Additional Information


Proof of Financial Resources

international@uwf.edu



Request an I-20 

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 your I-20 by email.

If you plan to transfer your I-20 to UWF, please review Steps to Transfer an I-20

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.


Bringing a Dependent to the United States

If you plan to bring a spouse or minor children to the US with you, email international@uwf.edu to request an F-2 I-20. When you request your I-20, you must upload a passport and proof of financial support for each dependent.


Scholarships and Funding Opportunities

Awards and Scholarships: Undergraduate

International Affairs Scholarships and Linkages

Graduate Funding Opportunities

Additional Scholarship Information on uwf.edu

Funding Opportunities for International Students 


Please note that F-1 students are not eligible for federal work study and some types of aid or scholarships. It is important to read the eligibility requirements for each opportunity.



Apply for your VISA


 international@uwf.edu

Schedule a Visa Appointment

There are several steps to apply for a visa. You need your I-20 to make the appointment.

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

Be sure to print the visa application confirmation page to bring to your visa interview.

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


It is recommended to schedule an appointment in your home country. 

Four Steps to Help You Apply for a Visa 

Five Ways to Prepare for your Visa Interview

10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa This resource also has videos available through some US Embassy websites.


If you have a valid F-1 visa, you may use it to enter the United States.


Pay your SEVIS Fee if this is the first time you are studying in the US as an F-1 student.


The SEVIS I-901 fee should be paid at least 3 days prior to your visa interview.

Once you pay, print a copy of the SEVIS fee receipt. Be sure to keep this with your F-1 documents and bring it to the visa appointment.

To pay your SEVIS fee, go to www.fmjfee.com

Report your Arrival 

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

All new international students, including transfer students, must report their arrival to UWF International Affairs.

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

After you complete all the steps, International Affairs will review your information. When all steps are completed, you will get a new I-20. 

This I-20 shows CONTINUED ATTENDANCE. This means that you are enrolled and studying at UWF.



Health Insurance

international@uwf.edu 

F-1 students must maintain health insurance coverage for the entire period of study/program. This includes breaks and annual vacation.


There are 2 options F-1 for health insurance.

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 F-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 Fees for the UWF LewerMark International Insurance Plan

Payment options:

  • In person at the UWF Cashiers Office - cash or check only
  • In Transact (formerly CashNet) - This is a two step process.
  1. Make payment in Transact (formerly 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. 

Please note that many less expensive plans may not be approved. If you purchase a plan that is not approved, a refund is not guaranteed.

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.


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


Resources for the UWF Policy with LewerMark Student Insurance Plan

Click here

The chat function is staffed live by LewerMark professionals. If you have any questions, this is a good first step to find information.

  • 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.




Transfer your I-20 to UWF

international@uwf.edu 

Contact your current international student advisor. 

They need a copy of your admission letter to transfer your I-20 to the University of West Florida.

Transferring a Form I-20 to UWF 

This page has Transfer Instructions and the UWF SEVIS school code.

Email international@uwf.edu to inform the advising team that you will be transferring your I-20.

Arrival at a US Port of Entry



Arrive in Pensacola

international@uwf.edu 

You should always present your I-20 to a Customs and Border Protection Officer when you arrive in the US and state to the officer that you are entering as an F-1 student.


Arrive in Pensacola

Pensacola is served by the Pensacola International Airport (PNS). You should plan to arrive at PNS as your final destination. PNS is served by connecting flights from several major Port-of-Entry airports around the U.S.

If you arrive by plane, you can take a taxi, Uber or Lyft to your room. The fare ranges from $25-35 US dollars. 

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.


I-94 Arrival Form

The Form I-94 shows your current admission to the U.S. You must print a new copy each time you arrive in the U.S. Contact International Programs immediately if your I-94 does not show D/S or Duration of Status for the Admit Until Date.

Check out Study in the States for more information and the link to print your I-94: F-1 Students: Remember to Check for “D/S” on Your Form I-94.


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.





Who do I contact? 

What are my next steps?

Additional Information

F-1 Enrollment Requirements

Students work with their academic advisor to plan their courses.

Academic Advising

Enroll full time your first semester at UWF.


F-1 students must enroll full time during the academic year: fall and spring semesters.


Summer semesters can be a break for F-1 purposes if you plan to return in the following fall semester to continue your degree.


In your last semester, you may drop below full time if you enroll in all the courses needed to graduate and in at least one in-person course.

Full time enrollment:

Undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours with at least 9 face-to-face credit hours.  

Graduate students must enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours with at least 3 face-to-face credit hours.

Intensive English Program Students:

Students in the Intensive English Program do not need to register for classes. You will get a class schedule on the first day of classes.


Please note that your degree plan may require additional credit hours or enrollment in a summer semester in order to stay on track for a timely graduation. This section outlines F-1 minimum enrollment requirements.

Academic Advising,

Course Registration and Registrar Services

Newly Admitted First-year Students

Newly Admitted Transfer Students

Newly Admitted Graduate Students


Intensive English Program Students:

Students in the Intensive English Program do not need to register for classes. You will get a class schedule on the first day of classes.

Click here for step-by-step instructions that will help students register for classes in MyUWF.  

We recommend that you register for classes as soon as possible. 

New freshmen students must attend Orientation prior to registration.


Here are some other useful links.

Searching for Course Offerings

Registering for Courses

Academic Dates and Deadlines 

  • Fee payment deadlines
  • Drop and withdrawal deadlines
  • Semester dates and holidays

Enrolling in Getting Started With Canvas Course

Using the Classmate App for Students 

Classmate includes access to your Class Schedule, Detailed Course Information (including location), Syllabus (if available), eLearning (if available), Textbooks (if available), access to register a clicker, viewing the final exam schedule, and waitlist status.

UWF Bookstore


Transcript Requests

https://uwf.edu/offices/registrar/grades--transcripts/transcripts/

Enrollment Verification 

Documentation Request for Apostille

Request Course Description and Syllabi

Learn more at https://uwf.edu/offices/registrar/grades--transcripts/specialty-services/


Immunizations

healthservices@uwf.edu

UWF Student Health Services can assist you with questions about completing your immunization requirements.

Immunization Requirements

Immunization FAQs 

Please upload your documents before you contact Health Services.

This allows the immunization team to review your details.


Housing

housing@uwf.edu 

UWF On Campus Housing



On campus housing fills up quickly. We recommend that you submit a housing contract as soon as possible.

There will be limited rooms available. 

The housing contract is a legally binding document made between The Department of Housing and Residence Life and the student. Please read the cancellation policies before compleitng your contract.


If you are not able to arrive in Pensacola, UWF Housing will not charge you rent.

Room assignments will be made in the order contracts are received. 

This does not guarantee you a room, and you may also want to look for off campus housing.

Key pick up begins on August 20 for new students.

Students with a room assignment can arrange a date to pick up the key with UWF Housing.


You must submit Immunization documentation through Student Health Services before checking in.

Apartments and dorm rooms do NOT have sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, or study lamps. Although you will want to travel light and can buy these items after your arrival, you may want to bring some non-electrical items with you. Many electrical plugs will not fit U.S. outlets. We suggest you pack at least a towel, a face cloth, sheets, and a pillowcase. You can find additional information on what to pack here.  

If you are not able to arrive to study on campus, UWF Housing will not charge a cancellation fee or hold you to the contract.

See your Off Campus Options

There are many options for students who prefer to stay off campus. 

Use the interactive map to locate rooms or apartments near campus.

Review the lease (contract) carefully before you sign. 

Many leases are for 12 months. 

Some of the housing closest to campus is rented by room. 

Public transportation is limited, so it is recommended to live near campus if you do not plan to have a car.

Temporary housing options

Hotels - Local Discounts

These local hotels may offer special rates for UWF. Ask for the UWF rate when booking.

Vacation Homes & Condo Rentals - Airbnb - Airbnb

Woodsprings Suites - extended stay

Be sure to check the location when making a reservation. 

Many of these locations are not near campus. Public transportation is limited. If you do not have a car, you should stay near campus.




For more information, you can also visit Essential Campus Services


Who do I contact?

Overview

More Information

Nautilus Card

(UWF Student ID Card)

auxservices@uwf.edu



1. Students may make payment for the ID fee with cash, check or money order at the Cashier's Office.

2. Students bring your receipt showing payment of the fee and a government issued photo I.D. to the Nautilus Card office Bldg.

3. Your photo will be taken and the card printed while you wait.

The Nautilus Card is the official UWF identification card. 

It is also a library card, copy card, building access card, declining balance card and meal plan card.

Payments

stuacct@uwf.edu




Students can pay fees in Transact (formerly CashNet) or at the Cashier’s Office.

Tuition and Fees Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that some payment methods have additional fees.

It is every student's responsibility to be aware of deadlines as posted in the Registrar's Academic Calendar and Transact (formerly CashNet) Activity Details page.

A parent portal is available for online payments. Student authorization is required and must be submitted through the student's Transact (formerly CashNet).

Payment Plans. The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition, on campus housing, and meal plans at the beginning of each semester..

Academic Resources

UWF is dedicated to supporting academic success of all UWF students.


Please review the information in this section to familiarize yourself with requirements, information and services offered.

Services are free for students.

It is important to familiarize yourself with UWF resources.

Even if you studied at another university in the US, each university has its own processes and requirements.

The requirements here at UWF may be different from universities in your home country.

Be sure to work closely with your academic advisor and professors so that you stay on track to graduate!


The UWF Writing Lab

Tutoring and Learning Resources

Student Code of Academic Conduct

Student Accessibility Resources

Academic Integrity Module

University Libraries

  • The library offers spaces to meet, study and research.
  • Research librarians are available in your field to assist you. Ask A Librarian
  • There are many other free services, such as laptop and camera check out. Please review the library website to see all offerings.

New Graduate Student Online Orientation

  • The University of West Florida Graduate School's orientation for new graduate students is available online. The orientation will provide you with an overview of University services and extracurricular opportunities and an understanding of what to expect academically and financially as a new UWF graduate student.
  • https://uwf.edu/graduate/academics-research/ Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

New Student Orientation

  • All incoming freshmen are required to complete orientation in order to begin classes.

Virtual Transfer Orientation

  • UWF encourages undergraduate transfer students to complete virtual orientation. This optional, self-paced course provides useful information to acclimate you to UWF.


Transportation

Purchasing a Parking Permit

UWF Trolley Service

Free Passes for ECAT Bus Service

UWF Bike Shop


Parking permits must be purchased online. 

Students and employees should log into My UWF and search for the "Parking Transaction Portal" app, which will lead to the parking E-Business site.

UWF Parking Maps 

Appealing a Parking Citation

UWF Trolley Schedule

Target and Publix are 2.5 miles (3.7km) from campus. Wal-Mart is another option a little farther down Nine Mile Road. You can purchase food, toiletries, clothing, and items for your room or apartment. The UWF Trolley provides transportation to these locations beginning the first week of classes.

Postal and Passport Services

sfarmer@uwf.edu

UWF Postal and Passport Services operates a full-service U.S. Post Office in the University Commons (Bldg. 22).Pages on this Topic

Postal and Passport Services

More information

Dining Services

dining@uwf.edu

UWF Dining Services has 11 dining locations on campus. 

Use your Dining Dollars or Nautilus Card Declining Balance at any one of them.

First year students who live on campus must purchase a meal plan.

For all other students, a meal plan is optional.

Meal plans


The ability for F-1 students to do an internship, work on campus, or do other training is limited by federal regulations.

As an F-1 student, you have the opportunity to work on campus after you complete F-1 check in.

It is required to get the proper authorization before you start any position, both on campus and off campus.

Both paid and unpaid off campus work must have authorization and you must have an updated  I-20 before you start work.

  



Where do I find information?

What are my next steps?

Additional Information

On Campus Employment

UWF On Campus Jobs

Employment Opportunities with Recreation and Wellness


Students may also contact on campus vendors directly such as:

  • UWF Bookstore
  • UWF Dining
  • Chick Fil A and other Argo Galley restaurants
  • Off campus locations are not considered on campus employment.





New students must complete F-1 check in before they begin work.

If you do not have a social security number (SSN), you must apply and receive your SSN before you begin work.

  • You must have a job offer to apply for the SSN.
  • Processing takes 1-2 weeks.

During Fall and Spring semesters, F-1 students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.

  • This is for all on campus jobs combined. 
  • In summer semesters, students may work more than 20 hours per week.



Team Member Recruitment for Notetaker Positions

Tutoring:

Contact departments directly for tutoring positions.

Handshake  in MyUWF 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 

CPT is work authorization for internships, practicums and other training opportunities.

Submitting a Request for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

To comply with federal regulations, the training must relate directly to the student’s major area of study.

In addition, the training must be considered either:

A. Required for the completion of a degree.

B. Attached to a credit-bearing course.

F-1 students are eligible for CPT after they have been  enrolled for 2 semesters. 

For graduate students, you may be eligible earlier if  your program includes an internship or other training as a degree requirement.

Let your academic advisor know that you are interested in an internship. 

Your academic advisor can work with you to see if this is an option for your degree plan.

If CPT is approved, you must have an updated I-20 showing the approved dates prior to beginning work.

Both paid and unpaid training opportunities must be approved through the CPT process.


All currently enrolled UWF degree-seeking students, and alumni are eligible for UWF Career Development and Community Engagement (CDCE) services


Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Post-completion OPT gives F-1 students the opportunity to work in the United States after completion of their degree.

Application Guide and Resources for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Students are eligible to apply 90 days prior to graduation and up to 60 days after graduation.

Please review the resource guide for detailed information. 

You must include an updated I-20 with a recommendation for OPT on page 2 in your application.

OPT can be authorized one time per educational level. Please let your F-1 advisor know if you have previously had OPT work authorization.


All currently enrolled UWF degree-seeking students, and alumni are eligible for UWF Career Development and Community Engagement (CDCE) services

Volunteering

Volunteering in the United States

This Study in the States resource page outlines important information for students who would like to volunteer.

“Volunteering is a great way to ‘make a difference,’ to help people where there is need and participate in your community. As an F or M student, you may volunteer while you study in the United States, but you must maintain your nonimmigrant student status by complying with Department of Homeland Security rules and regulations.”

F-1 visa holders may volunteer for public service or religious or humanitarian objectives only. There are no exceptions to these limitations






FAQs

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