Visa Process

After you have submitted your online application and uploaded all the required documents (passport photo page, bank statement, and sponsor letter if applicable), we will review your documents. Allow 5 to 10 business days for review. We will contact you when the review process is complete. 

If your documents do not meet the requirements, we may request additional documents. If your documents and finances do not meet the minimum requirements, you cannot be accepted into the program.

If your documents are acceptable, we will email you instructions on how to take the online placement test. All applicants must have a high beginner level of English. If you have questions about the English proficiency requirement, email elc@uncw.edu. 

The Form I-20 is an immigration document required for international students to apply for the F-1 visa and attend classes at UNCW in lawful F-1 status. The I-20 must be kept current at all times during your studies at UNCW.

We will issue and email a Form I-20 to you. You will notify the UNCW English Language Center when you receive it.

Please note: The Form I-20 is not a student visa and is not a guarantee that you will be issued a student visa. You must continue with the steps below to obtain a student visa.

Allow one to two months for this process. The process varies by country, but this is the general process:

Complete Visa Application Packet

Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160).

Required application items:

• a digital photo of yourself (view photo requirements)
• $160 credit card payment (application fee)

You must have access to a printer to print the application confirmation and payment receipt.

Attend Interview

Schedule an interview with the U.S. Embassy. Locate a U.S. Embassy near you.

Required interview documents:

• passport
• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation page
• application fee payment receipt
• photo (take a printed copy to your interview in case the digital file failed to upload to the application)
• Form I-20 received from UNCW

Additional documentation may be required by your country. These typically include:

• school transcripts
• proof of intent to depart the U.S. upon completion of studies
• medical documents and immunizations made to prepare for travel
• bank documents and sponsor letters as proof of funding for educational, living, and travel costs

Receive Visa Decision

Approval

• You may be required to pay a reciprocity fee, also called a visa issuance fee. Find out if there is a fee for your country.
• Follow the steps provided by the embassy to receive your visa.

Denial

• If your visa request is denied, email elc@uncw.edu for advising.

Prepare for UNCW

After you are accepted into the UNCW English Language Center and approved for a student visa, prepare to travel to and attend UNCW.

• Arrange housing.
• Book your flight.
• Review your immunization records and begin necessary vaccinations.
• Review your health insurance policy.
  • Does it meet UNCW’s minimum health insurance requirements?
  • If your current health insurance policy does not meet UNCW’s minimum requirements, or if you do not have health insurance, you may purchase a plan in your home country or purchase the UNCW GeoBlue International Student health insurance policy.