Prospective Students

Greetings! We are happy that you are considering Western Kentucky University to continue your studies in the U.S. As you are learning more about what WKU has to offer, you may find the following links helpful:

(If you need Adobe Reader for any othe documents on this page, please click here. If you need Adobe Converter, please click here)

Already accepted to WKU? Click here for Pre-Arrival information!

About wku

History and Traditions

Academic Programs for Undergraduates
Academic Programs for Graduates

to apply

Undergraduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions
Tuition and Fees

after being accepted/admitted

Housing
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan
Health Insurance
On-Campus Employment

after you receive your acceptance package

How to Pay the SEVIS (I-901) Fee
Before going to your visa interview, you must pay the SEVIS (I-901) fee online.  Effective September 1, 2004, the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement Dept. requires that a SEVIS I-901 Fee Form be completed and the fee be paid by nonimmigrant’s seeking an F-1 student visa.  The form should be completed and the fee (current amount available online) paid online prior to your request for a visa interview from the U.S. Consulate.  Here is how to do this:

  1. Go to www.fmjfee.com
  2. Click “Proceed to I-901 Form and Payment”. 
  3. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click “I-20” button and “OK.”
  4. Fill out next page on personal information, click “Enter.”
  5. The form requires the “School Code” which is on your I-20.  The code is NOL 214F10733000.
  6. The form requires the SEVIS Identification Number on the I-20.  This number is in the upper right hand corner of the I-20 and begins with an N and has 10 digits.
  7. Check that the information is correct on the next page.
  8. The Credit Card Form has a place for Cardholder address. You MUST fill this in.  It is a required field.
  9. Print at least 2 copies of the receipt.

For information on visa application procedures at the U.S Consulate or Embassy nearest you, go to http://www.travel.state.gov/

How to Get Your SEVIS Number from WKU

To find out what your SEVIS Number is please follow the following steps:

  1. Go to the following link: https://ioffice.wku.edu/
  2. Click the “Limited Services” link on the left
  3. Click the “E-Mail me my Limited Access PIN”
  4. WKU will e-mail your PIN to the e-mail that is on file from your WKU Application
  5. Once you have your PIN you may log in to the “Limited Services” link with your WKU ID
  6. You will then be able to see the status of your I-20 and your SEVIS Number

Visa Interview Checklist

The U.S. government requires several forms to be completed before the visa appointment takes place. These forms are available at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate or online at: http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa.asp.
You will also need:

  1. A passport valid for at least six months.
  2. Your WKU I-20 form (included).
  3. WKU admission letter (included).
  4. Visa applications.
  5. Required photo(s).
  6. Visa application fee receipt.
  7. SEVIS I-901 payment receipt (see included instructions).
  8. Financial evidence that student has sufficient funds to cover educational and living expenses
  9. Any information that may verify the student’s intention of returning to their home country after completion of studies. This may include proof of property, family, or other community ties.
  10. Any other documents required by the local embassy/consulate.
When attending the visa interview, students should remain calm and answer all of the visa officer’s questions openly and honestly.

Prepare for Your Travel to Kentucky
What to Expect When You Enter the US
F-1 Student Visa Information

We hope these links will provide you with important information in your selection process. If you have any questions or concerns regarding immigration requirements or regulations, please feel free to contact us at:

Office of International Student and Scholar Services
Zuheir Sofia-Dero Downing International Center
Phone: 270.745.4857
Fax: 270.745.6144
Email: isss@wku.edu

health insurance

Do NOT purchase health insurance for your studies in the United States.  All of Western Kentucky University’s international students are automatically enrolled in Academic Health Plans insurance and it will appear on your university bill.  The cost of your health insurance is included in the amount shown on your I-20.  Please do not purchase health insurance in your home country.

Current rates for the 2009-2010 academic year:

08/01/2009 to 01/15/2010 $497
01/15/2010 to 08/01/2010 $497

To best utilize your Health Insurance, we recommend visiting WKU's Health Services located on campus. Health Services proudly staffs two Board Certified Physicians and a Nurse Practitioner within a brand new, modern facility. Their services range from routine physicals and doctor visits to lab work, x-rays, immunizations, urgent care, sports medicine, health counseling, and annual exams. They even house their own pharmacy. WKU's Health Services provides outstanding care to the WKU Campus Community.

WKU Health Services

HEALTH SERVICES POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

DEFINITIONS OF IMPORTANT HEALTH INSURANCE TERMS

Top