Pre-Arrival Information
Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of North Georgia! Choose your student status below to request an I-20. If you have not yet applied and been accepted, please view the Admissions Options to get started with the process for applying at UNG.
Requesting an I-20
- The Center for Global Engagement will assist you with receiving the I-20 after you have been accepted for admission to UNG.
- All accepted students (both new and transfer students) need to submit the following to request an I-20:
- Valid passport
- Financial Affidavit
- Supporting Bank Documentation
- $36,000 for Associates, $43,000 for Bachelors or up to $44,500 for Graduate students
- Must be in English
- Does not have to be in U.S. dollars
- Must be issued/printed within the last six months
- Can be an official bank statement or statement from bank on signed letterhead
- Name on the account must match the sponsor signing the affidavit
- Must be considered liquid assets (checking, savings)
Receiving Your I-20
New students: Once you receive your I-20, please review to make sure everything is accurate. Since the I-20 is used to apply for your visa, but does not guarantee a visa, we strongly suggest that you wait to purchase your airplane ticket until you receive a visa. It is important that you plan to arrive no sooner than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20.
The next step is to apply for the F-1 visa. Contact CGE if you have any questions, and we look forward to seeing you in person.
Information for Exchange Students
New exchange students interested in attending UNG will first need to submit an Exchange Student Application (PDF) to the Center for Global Engagement. After receiving notification of acceptance, students may request a DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility to apply for the J-1 Exchange Visitors Visa to enter the United States no earlier than 30 days prior to their program start date.
Requesting a DS-2019
CGE must receive the following documentation from a student first before issuing a DS-2019:
- Valid passport
- DS-2019 Request Form (PDF)
- Financial Affidavit (PDF)
- Proof of Funding with supporting bank documentation if necessary
- $13,000 for one semester or $26,000 for two semesters
- Must be in English
- Does not have to be in U.S. dollars
- Must be issued/printed within the last six months
- Can be an official bank statement or statement from bank on signed letterhead
- Name on the account must match the sponsor signing the affidavit
- Must be considered liquid assets (checking, savings)
Applying for a Visa
Contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for specific details on how to obtain a visa. The wait time to receive a visa appointment will vary by location; therefore, you are strongly encouraged to apply early. Be prepared to present the following items at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
- SEVIS Form DS-2019 (J-1) or Form I-20 (F-1)
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application(Form DS-160) needs to be completed before the appointment. Bring the DS-160 confirmation receipt to the appointment.
- One passport size photograph
- Evidence of financial support (These should be the same documents you submitted for admission into UNG.)
- Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your program start date)
- Proof of English-language proficiency
- University of North Georgia admission/acceptance letter
- SEVIS fee payment receipt (must be paid at least three business days before going to the embassy)
- Any additional application materials required by the embassy or consulate in your home country. We recommend that you contact the embassy or consulate prior to your interview to ensure you have everything you need.