Admitted Next Steps

To obtain a student visa, you must complete a visa interview and successfully demonstrate the following to the consular officer:

• You are a student with a clear educational plan
• You have the financial resources to study in the U.S. for at least one year
• You have strong ties to your home country
• You plan to return to your home country after completing your studies

Before your interview

• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at least three days before your visa interview and bring the payment receipt to your appointment
• Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (Form DS-160).
• Pay the visa application fee. Visit your local US embassy or consulate website for fee information and payment instructions

Documents to bring to your interview

• Valid passport
• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
• Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status) or Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor J-1 Status)
• Proof of financial support
• UWL admission letter
• Two passport-sized photographs (2x2 inch/5x5 cm)
• Documentation demonstrating strong ties to your home country, such as family connections, employment opportunities, or property ownership

Important: Visa requirements and procedures may vary by location. Check your local US embassy or consulate website for any additional requirements before your interview.

Students transferring from US institutions

If you currently hold an F-1 visa and are transferring to UWL from another US institution, you must complete the UW-La Crosse SEVIS Transfer-In form.

• Save a PDF copy of the form
• Provide a copy of this form along with your UWL admission letter to your current international student advisor (the Designated School Official who signed your Form 1_20). Your advisor will transfer your SEVIS record to UWL.

Important: Your SEVIS record must be transferred to UWL before a new Form I-20 can be issued.

All new first-year, exchange, and some contract students are required to live in campus housing. Housing contracts are for the full academic year unless you are participating in a one-semester exchange or contract program. The housing contract is a legally binding agreement and cannot be cancelled without penalty after May 1.

To reserve a place in our residence halls:

• Review the housing application information
• Complete all required housing application steps
• Submit your housing contract as soon as possible. On-campus housing is in high demand, and spaces fill quickly.

Off-Campus Housing:  Living off-campus is not recommended for first-year students. If you plan to live off-campus, you should secure housing before you arrive in La Crosse. Rental housing in the area can be competitive, and affordable options fill quickly. To help you navigate the rental process, review the Off Campus Housing information.

Merit-Based Scholarships

In recognition of outstanding academic achievement, UWL awards merit-based scholarships to selected international students. Admitted students are automatically considered for these funds; no separate scholarship application is required.

Funding is limited; students are encouraged to apply early for admission to be considered for available funds. Fulfilling scholarship requirements does not guarantee an award. Students are not eligible to receive both merit-based scholarships listed below.

• Vice Chancellor's Scholarship for New International Students
  This merit-based scholarship is awarded each semester to new international students with excellent academic records. Undergraduate degree-seeking students may apply for this scholarship after they are admitted. 
• Malaysian American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP) Scholarship
  This scholarship is awarded each semester to transfer students from American Degree Transfer Programs in Malaysia. The scholarship amount is 50% of the non-resident tuition, which is approximately USD $5,000 per year.

Foundation Scholarships

Other scholarship opportunities include UWL Foundation Scholarships. The Foundation awards over $500,000 in scholarship money each year. Admitted students can apply for Foundation Scholarships annually from October 1 through January 15.  

Orientation required for all new international students and is an important part of your transition to UWL. New international students must attend both:

• New International Student Orientation
• New Student Orientation (NSO)

What to expect

• Learn about campus resources and student services
• Receive information about maintaining your immigration status
• Explore campus through a guided tour
• Participate in a shopping trip to purchase essentials
• Attend a banking information session
• Meet other new students through social events and activities
• Learn about opportunities to get involved on campus

Orientation will help you become familiar with life at UWL, the La Crosse community, and U.S. immigration regulations. As an international student, you are responsible for understanding and maintaining your immigration status while meeting academic expectations. Orientation provides the information, resources, and support you need to successfully navigate these responsibilities.

International Education & Engagement (IEE) staff and current students will be available throughout orientation to answer questions, help you navigate campus, and support your transition to life at UWL.