Visa Information

As an International Student, if you have been accepted to a degree or exchange program here at Western Carolina University you will need to be sure you met all the requirements to obtain the correct Visa. Most WCU International Students arrive with an F-1 Visa and in general, only students who are sponsored by their government or by a U.S. government agency are required to obtain a J-1 Visa. Please Note: The forms associated with the F-1 Visa is the Form I-20 and the form associated with the J-1 Visa is the DS-2019.

J-1 Visa applicants must present evidence that the greatest part of their financial support is from some source other than personal funds, whereas F-2 students may be completely supported by personal or family funds.

Learn more about how to obtain your visa, the specific details related to F-1 or J-1 Visa Status as well as additional training options below: 

In consultation with Western Carolina University Faculty and Administration, the WCU Office of Global Engagement (WCU Global) determines the visa and employment options for international students, scholars, visitors, and employees, which, in turn, permits the greatest benefit and flexibility to WCU and to the individual.

WCU Global works with federal and state government agencies, international organizations, U.S. and Foreign consular posts, and other entities to obtain appropriate visa documentation for admission to the U.S., authorization for employment, and maintenance of legal status for the WCU international population. In doing so, WCU Global uses the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to generate and issue the Visa documents needed to enter and study in the USA.