International Student FAQs

I’ve been accepted. When will I receive my I-20?
Most students receive an I-20 within one week of acceptance and providing all of the required documentation to issue an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. All documentation to issue an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility must be received by June 1 for fall semester start and November 1 for a spring semester start.

My visa appointment is delayed or I can’t arrive by the first day of classes. Can I start classes remotely?
No. There is no option to start classes remotely. All international students must arrive on campus by the first day of their start term. If you are unable to arrive by the start of classes, you must defer your admission to the following term.

How long can I defer my admission?
UVA Wise allows for students to defer admission one term. 

I’ve deferred my admission for one term. Do I need to submit new financial documentation?
Students that have deferred only need to submit new financial documentation, if their original documentation is over six months old. 

Are international students required to have health insurance?
All UVA Wise students including international students are required to have current health insurance. UVA Wise does not currently provide health insurance for students to purchase. Although we do not recommend a specific policy, many students purchase International Student Insurance (ISI).

For more information on student health requirements, please review the UVA Wise Pre-Entrance Health requirements.

Health insurance documents must be English or a translation must be provided. 

What immunizations are required?
The UVA Health Clinic collects a pre-entrance health packet on every new student. The packet outlines the vaccinations required by Virginia state law as well as recommended vaccinations.

Are international students eligible for financial aid?
International students are not eligible for U.S. federal or state financial aid including federal work study positions, but are eligible for other sources of financial aid and scholarships. 

I need help financing my studies. How can I find out scholarship information? Are there other forms of aid available to international students?
All students should review Tuition and Costs for attendance and the Scholarships and Aid information provided by UVA Wise Financial Aid. Students can reach out directly to Financial Aid at finaid@uvawise.edu for more information about their specific scholarship awards. 

Are international students required to live on campus?
Yes, all first-time freshman are required to live on campus unless they are permanent residents of Wise County, Virginia or the City of Norton, Virginia; are married, or age 25 or older. First-year students include: first-time freshman (recent graduates of high school or secondary school) or transfer students with less than 30 credit hours. For all policies related to residence life, please review the Guide to Campus Living. 

Are international students required to purchase a meal plan?
All residential students are required to purchase a meal plan. Commuter meal plans are only available to students that reside off campus. Learn more information about UVA Wise Dining Services.

When do I register for classes?
All new students to UVA Wise complete a three-step orientation process that will assist you in becoming familiar with UVA Wise systems, processes, and expectations. After a student completes a pre-orientation module, then the student will have a 1x1 appointment via Zoom with an advisor to register for classes, and the final step is to complete orientation on campus, in person prior to the start of classes.

Can I pay my tuition before arriving on campus?
The Cashier’s Office at UVA Wise can assist you in paying your bill online with ACH, debit, or credit card through Nelnet Business Solutions (U.S. bank account required). For more information, view the Cashier’s Office webpage. 

Students will have an opportunity to set up U.S. bank accounts during the International Welcome to Wise Session held each semester upon arrival on campus. 

Is there transportation to and from Tri Cities Airport from the College?
Each semester the College arranges for shuttle services to and from Tri Cities Airport in Blountville, TN. Students review the transportation and shuttle information on the College website regularly. Pre-registration is required.

Please note, there is no mass transit, taxi service, or other form of regular transport between Tri-Cities Airport and the College.

What documents should I bring with me to campus?
You should bring your travel documents (passport & visa, I20 or DS2019, etc.) along with official copies of transcripts, diplomas, etc. 

Are international students required to attend an in-person orientation session?
Yes, all UVA Wise students are required to attend an in-person orientation session. Most international students opt to attend the orientation session offered prior to the start of classes. All new international students are also required to attend the Welcome to Wise Session hosted by the International Programs and Services Office. 

Are there jobs on campus for international students?
Yes, international students work a variety of jobs on campus. International students currently work in the Wellness Center, Library, Campus Dining, and other locations. More information about how to obtain an on-campus job is shared during the Welcome to Wise Session. 

For more information on F1 student visa employment, please visit: Students and Employment | USCIS

Can I work off campus?
In order to work off-campus, you must obtain work authorization from International Programs and Services Office prior to engaging in any employment.

For more information on F1 student visa employment, please visit: Students and Employment | USCIS

Can I apply for a Social Security Number?
If you are employed on campus or approved for off-campus work, you may be eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).  Please contact the International Programs and Services Office for more information.

What services and support are available to international students?
The International Programs and Services Office is designated to provide direct support to all international students at UVA Wise. This includes overseeing compliance for F1 visa students, workshops and programming to support academic goals, and social gatherings for UVA Wise’s international community.

Additionally, international students have access to a variety of student support services on campus including tutoring, mental health counseling, disability services, student recreation, etc. 

Are there local transportation services?
MetGo offers free transportation to the Town of Wise and City of Norton. Hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. There is no cost for this service. Learn more about MetGo.

Can I obtain a Virginia driver's license? 
If you have a valid home country driver’s license or an international driver’s license, you may legally drive in Virginia for 6 months after your arrival. Beyond that, the Commonwealth of Virginia requires you to obtain a Virginia driver’s license.

To apply for a Virginia driver’s license, you must have the following documents ready: Passport, I-94, I-20 and evidence you live in Virginia: an apartment contract or lease, a bank or utility statement, etc., showing your Virginia residential address. 

Most applicants will be required to take a written test of Virginia road rules and an in-car driving test. The citizens of most countries must do both, but Canadian, French, German and Korean citizens are often exempt. All decisions in this area are made at the sole discretion of the DMV.

For more information, please refer to the DMV for the Commonwealth of Virginia for eligibility. 

I will be traveling outside of the U.S., what documents do I need to reenter the U.S.?
To reenter the U.S. after a temporary absence (i.e., an absence of five months or less), you must have a properly endorsed (signed) Form I-20, a valid passport, and a valid F-1 visa (not required for citizens of Canada).

Am I required to file taxes?
You are required to file tax paperwork in the year following the calendar year for which you were in the U.S.  Any aid that is above tuition and mandatory fees is subject to tax withholding.  Please refer to the International Taxation website for more information.