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I-20/DS-2019 ↓

The form I-20 (F-1 visa status) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa status) is the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status. You must verify that your full name, city and date of birth, and country of citizenship on the form are correct. If you find a mistake, contact The International Student Coordinator (PDSO) immediately at ldobson@unca.edu.

Steps to Applying for a US Visa ↓

 

  1. Locate the Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Your Country. You can find information about embassy and consulate including location, instructions, and documents re-required to apply for a visa from www.usembassy.gov.
  2. Schedule an Appointment for U.S. Visa Interview. Your local Embassy or consulate will have specific instructions for scheduling an appointment.
  3. Prepare Documents for your Visa Interview. Successful visa interviews require preparation. Please check your local U.S. Embassy website for information on which documents to prepare and bring with you to the interview. If your dependents (spouse and children) will come with you to the U.S., you must provide proof of your relationship (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate). More information about visa preparation is available here.

 

Entering the U.S. ↓

 

When to Arrive

You may enter the U.S. in initial F-1 or J-1 status (meaning you are a new international student, not a SVIS transfer student) up to 20 days before the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.

Do not Enter the United States on a visa other than F-1 or J-1 if your primary plan is to study at UNCA. Individuals who enter the U.S on a B- 1/B-2 visa are NOT permitted to engage in study. They must apply for a change of status inside the U.S. or leave the U.S. and apply for a student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country and return to study at UNCA after obtaining the student visa.

What to Bring & Customs Declarations

In addition to all of your immigration documents, you may need to inform U.S. customs officials about items you are carrying into the country in your luggage. Do be aware that it is unlawful to bring some items, such as certain foods, into the U.S.

Visa Delay, Denial, and Postponement of Study

If you will not enroll at UNCA during the semester stated on your current Form I-20 or DS-2019 (either because of visa delay, visa denial, postponement of studies, or withdrawal of admission), please email ldobson@unca.edu. Please confirm if you would like to postpone your studies to a future semester (please specify the new semester) and request a new I-20 or DS-2019 for the future semester. A new Form I-20 or DS-2019 for the updated semester will be sent to you as soon as possible.

Once You Arrive ↓

 

Setting Up a Bank Account

Each bank has different requirements for setting up an account. However international students will generally need the following documentation to open a bank account:

  • Your passport with your J-1 student visa
  • Your DS-2019
  • Proof of NC residency, such as an official letter or bill addressed to you with your US home address
  • Verification of enrollment at your college or university (UNCA letter of acceptance)
  • A second form of ID, such as a driver’s license or government-issued ID card – check to confirm if a student ID card is acceptable

In addition to the documents needed to open a bank account, you are also required to make a cash or check deposit right away. For most banks, the amount is between $25 – $200 for your first deposit. Please check with your bank to make sure you are prepared beforehand.

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