After You Have Been Admitted


Applying for an F-1 Student, J-1 Student, or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

The process for obtaining a visa is generally the same regardless of the consulate you are using. However, local policies and procedures might vary so be sure to contact your US consulate for specific details prior to your appointment.

Items to have to apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa:

  • the original I-20 or DS-2019 form you received from the University of Connecticut.
  • proof of your financial ability to pay all costs related to your study at the University. It should be the original bank statements or offers of support that were provided to meet the university’s financial declaration.
  • your official admission letter from the University of Connecticut.
  • a printed receipt indicating that you have paid the $100 SEVIS fee (Form I-901). This fee must be paid and fully processed before you arrive at the consulate for your visa interview.
  • your passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you plan to enter the United States.
  • If you have dependents who are applying for F-2 or J-2 visas, you will need documentation that verifies your marriage or parental relationship.

Contact your closest US consulate, request any applications and pay any fees that might be appropriate prior to your appointment.

As you apply for your F1 or J1 visa, you need to show “nonimmigrant intent,” Which means that you need to show evidence that you plan to return to your home country after finishing study in the United States. If you cannot demonstrate this nonimmigrant intent, your visa may be denied.

There are several useful web sites that will give you more information:

Housing Information

An application for housing will be included in your graduate school admission packet.

For more information regarding on-campus housing opportunities, consult the UConn Residential Life web site.

For information about off-campus housing availability in the Storrs-Mansfield area, visit the UConn off-campus housing website.


Immunization Requirments

A health history form is part of the Orientation packet that is mailed to each newly admitted or transfer graduate student. University policies require that you submit your health immunization history prior to the start of your first academic semester.

For more information regarding immunization requirements, consult the Student Health Service web site.


Registering for Classes

New international students with F-1 or J-1 visas must attend the orientation provided by the Department of International Services and Programs (DISP) before registering for classes. For more information on orientation times and registration, please visit the DISP web site.

Please note, before you register for classes, you need to meet with your academic advisor to best plan your course schedule. Full-time registration is required by your F-1 or J-1 visa status and must be completed by the 10th day of classes.


Sending/Receiving Visa and Final Admission Packet Information

Your initial I-20 or DS-2019 documentation, along with your final admission packet, will be forwarded to the mailing and billing address you indicated on your application. Please note that it will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks for your documentation to reach you if mailed by regular overseas mail. If you wish to have your documents expedited by express mail, please contact your graduate program to coordinate the arrangements. Documents cannot be expedited to a post office box address and must have a valid phone number attached for delivery confirmation.


Scholarships/Funding for International Students

In general, financial assistance comes from your academic program. Please contact them directly for any available opportunities. As an international student, you do not qualify for need-based financial support from our Student Financial Aid Office due to the nature of federal and state funding regulations.


Transferring Your Current F-1 or J-1 Visa Status to the University of Connecticut

If you hold a current F-1 or J-1 visa and wish to transfer from your current U.S. university, you must wait until you receive an offer of admission from the University of Connecticut. At that time you will be contacted by our Graduate Admissions Office and be given a UConn transfer document. The international office at your present school will then need to fill out the form with the your intended date of transfer. Your admission file will not be finalized until we receive the completed transfer document.

Please note that if you are transferring between universities with an F-1 or J-1 visa, you are not permitted to remain in the United States if you do not begin classes within 5 months of the transfer date.