UFIC is a separate department from the International Admissions Office. The evaluation of the admission application, transcripts, credentials, credits, and/or funding decisions is made exclusively by the Office of Admissions and the academic departments. UFIC works with international students once admission is granted.
Undergraduate students with admissions-related questions may contact the Office of Admissions; graduate students may contact the academic department to which they applied.
The admission letter will be sent to the student directly from either the academic department or the Office of Admissions, not by UFIC. The student will need the letter for the visa application process.
The initial email from UFIC will direct the student to complete the New International Student Request online. This will include submitting the Sponsor Certification Form, proof of funds, and a copy of the passport photo page. This is required for all students regardless of the source of financial support.
Generally, acceptable proof of funds include liquid assets accounts, education loans, scholarships, and assistantship/fellowships. Non-acceptable sources would include salary, credit cards, insurance policies, and non-liquid assets such as property.
The New International Student Request also requires additional information and addresses for the production of the I-20. Once submitted, UFIC will process the I-20 for the student and any accompanying dependents. The student will receive an email confirmation once the I-20 is issued.
When the I-20 is ready, the student will be notified by email. We will issue the I-20 electronically and will provide instructions regarding how to access the I-20. The student will then log in, download, and print their I-20 for use during the visa application process and for travel to the U.S.
Once the student has the admission letter and I-20, the student must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee and then schedule an appointment with the US Consulate or Embassy for the Student Visa application. More information about the Visa Process and U.S. port of Entry, is available on our website.
The English Language Institute (ELI) at the University of Florida offers English Language programs for those needing to improve their English language skills. Some academic programs offer the possibility of receiving admission into the program, on the condition that the student successfully completes an English Language program from ELI and passes all mandatory testing. When the University of Florida admission is conditional on attending the UF ELI, the student will receive an I-20 Form directly from ELI for the student visa application. Once the student successfully completes the English Language proficiency requirement and is ready to begin the academic program, a SEVIS transfer will be scheduled. Once the SEVIS/I-20 record transfers from ELI to UF, the I-20 for the academic program will be processed, similar to all other SEVIS transfer students.
If you cannot attend your specific F-1 advisor’s Virtual Office Hours, you may send your questions by email using the Contact Us form. Your F-1 advisor will reply to your email.