Immigration Regulations

Obtain Required Documents

In order to get legal status as an international student in the U.S., you must obtain the following documents. Be sure to keep these with you throughout your stay. You might also benefit from making copies of each in case they are lost, stolen or damaged.

1Valid Passport

You must maintain a valid passport throughout your program.

2I-20 or DS-2019

These forms act as certificates of eligibility for nonimmigrant student statuses. You can apply for these once you're admitted to UW-Green Bay.

• If you'll be on the F-1 visa, get the I-20. To issue the I-20, immigration authorities require verification of your financial resources for one academic year. Please submit the following to oie@uwgb.edu:
  • Bank Statement
  • Financial Support Statement
  • Copy of Student Passport
• If you will be on the J-1 visa, get the DS-2019. 51% or more of your financial support must come from a source other than personal/family funds. To issue the DS-2019, you'll need:
  • Bank Statement
  • Copy of Student Passport
• Whether you're a J-1 or F-1 Student, if you are transferring to UW-Green Bay from another institution within the United States, coordinate with your current international student advisor to complete the transfer clearance form and release your SEVIS record.
• Current processing time is two weeks. You'll receive an email when your I-20 or DS-2019 has been issued.

3Student Visa

Once you receive your I-20 or DS-2019, you can begin the process to obtain a visa while in your home country. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as you have your I-20. 

• Review the I-20 carefully for mistakes. If you find any errors, contact us. Once you familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations that govern the F-1 Student Visa, sign and date the "Student Attestation" section of the I-20 in blue ink.
• Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. Please notify us as soon as this step is completed. 
• Book an appointment with the U.S. embassy in your respective country. Note: Canadian students do not need a visa and may skip this step.
• Attend the Visa appointment with required documents:
  • DS-160 (the online application for your visa)
  • Valid I-20 from UW-Green Bay
  • Valid passport
  • SEVIS I-901 receipt
  • At least two passport-style photographs
  • Proof you have permanent residence outside the U.S.
  • Current and original financial documentation
• Check for wait times for scheduling a VISA appointment.
• If you can't obtain your visa and/or enter the U.S. before the mandatory orientation, contact us immediately.
  • DO NOT enter the United States with a Tourist or Business Visa (B-1 or B-2) as they prohibit academic study and you could be refused permission to stay in the U.S.
  • DO NOT enter the United States without a valid visa as you will not be permitted to change status within the U.S.
  • DO NOT enter the U.S. with an I-20 from another U.S. school as you are legally obligated to attend the school that issued your I-20 for a minimum of one academic term.
• If you're a transfer student from another U.S. university, check with the OIE staff  about your visa needs and updated I-20.

4I-94

The I-94 Arrival Card is the white card that the port of entry offices attached to your passport when entering the United States.

Be Enrolled Full Time

F-1 and J-1 visa holders must be enrolled full-time. This means that you are required to complete a minimum of 12 credits (9 credits for graduate study) each semester while at UW-Green Bay. Written permission to fall below full-time must be granted by your Designated School Official (advisor in the Office of International Education) before making a change to your course registration.

Prove Financial Resources

In order to attend university, you must prove to the U.S. Government as well as to UW-Green Bay that you have the financial resources necessary to support your tuition and living expenses while in the United States. Do not expect to receive any financial assistance or to work on campus.

Calculate Your Cost

Maintain Health Insurance

You must maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in the United States. The charge for health insurance is automatically added to your account as a student at UW-Green Bay.

See Health Insurance Info

File Taxes

Whether or not you earned income, you are required to file non-resident tax forms by April 15th of each year.

How to File Taxes

Report Any Changes of Address

Any changes to your address must be updated with the U.S. government within 10 days of a move. Also notify our office in the event of an address change.

Get Permission If Working Off Campus

You are not allowed to work off campus unless you obtain special permission from the U.S. Government as a result of serious, urgent, and unforeseen circumstances. F-1 students may obtain special permission in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or a written notation on your I-20 from the Office of International Education specifically allowing Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). A Social Security Card/Number does not grant you permission to work in the United States.

Interested in OPT?

Get Permission If Traveling Abroad

If you're planning to travel abroad while studying in the U.S., you must obtain permission from our office prior to leaving the United States. Note: You will not be allowed to reenter the U.S. without a properly verified immigration record.

Get Travel Endorsement

Complete Your Program of Study

If you are unable to complete your program of study in the anticipated time allotment, you must meet with us within the 30-day period preceding the program completion date indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019 to file an extension.

After Graduation

Within 30 days (J-1) or 60 days (F-1) of completing your program of study, you must either leave the United States, apply to change your nonimmigrant status, apply for Optional Practical Training (F-1 only) or gain admission to a new academic program and enroll in the next available term.