International Center University of Florida

Once a exchange student nomination has been submitted, partners will receive a confirmation email. The Exchange Coordinator will approve the nomination, thereby initiating the online New Exchange Student Request for the incoming student. Students will receive temporary log-in credentials to access the application platform and be prompted to create their own log-in.

The online application New Exchange Student Request covers a number of requirements. Application materials will address requirements to obtain the appropriate US visa status as well as facilitate UF student account set-up and processes. The application platform has thorough instructions for each required document. Only applications submitted through the online platform will be reviewed. If materials are missing or insufficient, students will be emailed to revise documents and re-submit as necessary. 

Acceptance packets are issued together with any participating students from the same Partner Institution barring serious delays. Acceptance packets are sent directly to the Partner Institution to distribute to the participating student(s). Students can expect the required DS-2019 form to be issued in 2-4 weeks from the time of application approval.

After the New Exchange Student Request has been processed

Students can expect the Acceptance packets and tje required DS-2019 form to be issued in 2-4 weeks from the time of application approval. Once teh DS-2019 form has been received, students can initiate ther Visa process with US embassy at the home country. Students will be receiving informatio about the following items:

1. Obtaining your J1 Non-Degree Student Status:
   1. Verify DS-2019
      
      1. When you receive your DS-2019 form, review your DS-2019 form (and any dependent DS-2019 forms) to make sure that the information is correct. Please review the packet of information included with your DS-2019 form(s).
   2. Pay I-901 SEVIS Fee
      
      1. Bring your SEVIS fee receipt to your visa interview.
   3. Apply for J-1 Visa (Canadian nationals exempt from c-e)
      
      1. Review your rights and protections as a nonimmigrant visa holder
      2. Wilberforce Pamphlet (more languages available at the link above)
      3. Complete the online DS-160 application to be eligible to schedule a visa interview
      4. Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate near you and schedule your visa interview (not necessary for Canadian nationals)
      5. Review Required Documents for your visa interview
2. Pre-Arrival Information:
   
   1. Review Pre-Arrival Guide
   2. Students can arrive up to 30 days prior to the start date listed on the DS-2019 form. Other factors to consider
      
      1. When accomodations allow
      2. Travel prior to exchange
      3. Transportation from port of entry site
3. Course Registration Information:
   
   1. Students must first have a UF Account also known as a “Gatorlink Account”
      
      1. UF Student Acccount Set-Up Guide
   2. Students must meet pre-registration requirements. All requirements listed as “Holds” on a student’s Gatorlink account. Clear Holds via ONE.UF
   3. Students participating in programs with the following colleges will be registered by the hosting college:
      
      1. College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
      2. Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
      3. Levin College of Law
      4. Warrington College of Business
   4. All other students register by following instructions found here: https://registrar.ufl.edu/registration/reghowto
      
      1. Meeting Pre-Requisites – Students may have already completed pre-requisites for a given course at their home institution. If registration is prevented due to a pre-registration requirement, please contact the relevant undergraduate or graduate coordinator for the department: http://www.ufadvising.ufl.edu/college-advising-contacts/
      2. Students may be asked to provide a copy of their Academic transcript from their home institution to prove pre-requisites have been met. Students can download previously submitted transcripts from their exchange student application.
4. Online Check-In application: Online check-in application: Students will receive instructions over email to complete an online check-in application. Check-in applications can be started prior to arrival in the US. However, they cannot be completed until students have successfully entered the US. Complete the online check-in application prior to in-person orientaitno/check-in sessions.
5. Orientation: Students are invited to attend an Orientation designed for incoming international students. Orientation is a general, all-student session that covers an overview to life at UF, including resources and immigration status compliance requirements. Specific colleges may hold additional orientaitons designed for students participating in a program with that college.
6. Immigration Check-In (in-person): Students must complete an immigration check-in required by federal regulations. Students will be asked to bring all immigration documents (passport, visa, DS-2019 form) and attend a session where immigration information is reviewed more thoroughly. These check-in may be held in conjunction with orientaitons through other offices (Academic departments, housing etc.)