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 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. 

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.

Future Travel in J1 Status

What Documents to Have in Florida

When 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. 

Who do I contact? 

What are my next steps?

Additional Information

Academic Advising

 &

Course Registration

Exchange students work with their advisor at the home institution to select courses.

Please review this guide carefully for more information on how to register for courses at UWF. 

Registration Guide for International Exchange Students at UWF

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

Exchange students are not required to have an advising PIN.

J-1 undergraduate students must enroll in at least 12 credit hours with at least 9 in-person credits.

J-1 graduate students must enroll in at least 6 credit hours with at least 3 in-person credits.

Here are some other useful links.

Searching for Course Offerings

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.

Immunizations

healthservices@uwf.edu

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

Apply early!

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.

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.

The Global Living Community on the UWF Campus

There are several openings in the Global Living Community. Please select Global Living when you complete your Housing Contract.

It is important to submit a housing contract as soon as possible to become a part of this unique housing community. You must first complete your exchange application to be eligible.

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

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.