Degree-Seeking Students Pre-Arrival Steps

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.

In order for OISS to issue an I-20, U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations require students to provide proof of financial support to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Documents Required to Receive your Form I-20:

1. Copy of Passport Biographical Page
2. Proof of Financial Support. Documents submitted must meet these requirements:
   • Dated no older than 6 months
   • The total amount of funding (bank statements/letters, scholarships, graduate student funding, etc.) you provide must equal or exceed the cost of attendance listed below.
   • Bank statement or letter from your bank must be in English and must include:
     • account holder's name
     • funds/balance currently available
     • currency in which the funds are displayed on the document(s)
     • If a bank statement or letter is not in the student's name, a Sponsorship Letter, signed and dated by the account holder(s), is also required.
   • Scholarship Award Letter, if applicable.
   • If you are a graduate student who has been awarded an assistantship or other financial support from your academic department, follow the instructions in the I-20 application to send the additional F-1 Graduate Student Funding form to your graduate department advisor to complete.
3. Please click the Apply Now button below to begin the I-20 application. You must login with your UNCW account credentials (username without "@uncw.edu"). Your UNCW account information is provided in your acceptance letter.

2022-2023 UNCW Cost of Attendance*:

• Undergraduate Students: $40,999 USD
• Graduate Students: $41,462 USD
• TABSA Students: $19,141 USD

*Please note the Cost of Attendance is an estimate given by the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid and may not be true costs for every student.

Enter the U.S. and Check In with OISS

You may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days prior to the start date of your academic program. Please the "Earliest Admission Date" under the Program of Study section on page 1 of your I-20.

When you arrive in the U.S., the Customs & Border Protection (CBP) officer will ask to see your passport, F-1 visa stamp (for everyone except citizens of Canada), form I-20, proof of I-901 SEVIS fee payment, and financial documentation. The CBP officer will inspect your documents and then return them to you.

After arriving in the U.S., you must complete the OISS Check-In (required to register your F-1 immigration record at UNCW) and attend the OISS International Student Orientation. More details are available on the F-1 Planning Your Arrival website.