Obtaining a Student Visa
The International Student Services/Study Abroad Office (ISS/SA) will help you through your visa application process.
There are 2 types of student visas for Parkside: F-1 visas (for degree-seeking students) and J-1 visas (for exchange students). Each visa has its own regulations and procedures.
To apply for either visa you need to be academically accepted to the University.
Provide the University with a Sponsorship Form and supporting bank statements showing that you have sufficient funds to pay for your educational experience.
Those requiring a student visa must also submit a clear, easy-to-read copy of the personal information page of your passport.
The University will then send you an immigration document called a “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status or Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status” (called an I-20 or DS-2019).
Spouse and Children
For those who have an accompanying spouse or children, be sure to inform the Parkside ISS/SA Office as additional immigration documents are needed.
Transferring Student Visas
If you are transferring from another US institution, contact your current school to arrange transfer of your I-20 to Parkside. This enables the Parkside ISS/SA Office to issue you a new Parkside I-20.
Once you have the Certificate of Eligibility form, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online. A SEVIS I-901 receipt should be printed and presented at your visa interview.
Then submit the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application (with fee) so a visa interview can be scheduled. Learn more about completing the DS-160.
Schedule your visa interview. Please prepare by reading “10 Points to Remember in Your Visa Interview”. Please email the ISS/SA Office if you do not receive a visa. We can work with you to reissue documents and, if necessary, defer your enrollment.
Important: Do not attend your visa interview without reading "10 Points to Remember in Your Visa Interview"
Faculty/Staff Exchange Visas
Faculty or staff sponsored for a J-1 visa by a UW Parkside academic department should contact the ISS/SA Office for detailed information.
Visa Regulations
F-1 and J-1 students are required to abide by the following regulations in order to maintain their visa status.
- Make sure your student information is correct and up to date (Address, Major, Completion Date) on your SEVIS record.
- Be enrolled full-time
- Online classes are limited to one per term.
- Before leaving the US, you must obtain a travel endorsement from ISS/SA to be allowed to return.
- No Unauthorized work is allowed (on-campus work is permitted).
- Keep your passport valid.
- Cannot remain in the US beyond program completion (grace period 30 or 60 days)
 Laine Philippa |
 Karin Basken |