Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility How to Apply | University of West Florida
Skip to main content

IEP Application Process

Prepare for college. Prepare for life. Apply to IEP.


UWF IEP Application Instructions
English Español 日本語 한국어
繁體中文 简体中文 العربيـة</a Français
Deutsch Bahasa Indonesia Italiano Português
Pусский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt

Before You Begin

  • A credit/debit card is required to pay the application fee.
  • A valid email address is required. Be aware that secure information concerning your application will be sent to this email address. The applicant's email address must be the personal email address of the real student applicant. Do not use a family member’s or recruiting agent’s email address.
  • Prospective students should review the International Student Life Cycle prior to applying to learn about the process of studying in the U.S.
  • If you have problems with or need assistance with the application, please call 850.474.2479.

After submitting your application, you will receive emails with step-by-step instructions to help you complete the application process.

1. Complete the IEP application form using one of the links above under "Apply to IEP at UWF."

2. You will need to pay the application fee by credit card during the application process.

    3. Prepare and upload the following documents needed for an I-20 (“Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”) in order to obtain an F-1 student visa:

    • You must submit a clear, full copy of your passport data page (face/photo page) before your immigration documents can be issued. Your name must appear on your Form I-20 exactly as it appears on your passport. 
    • Applicants who request an I-20 must show evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees and living expenses while at UWF.

    Next Steps

    Once your application has been approved, we will issue and print your I-20 and an email will be sent to you with instructions to submit payment for shipping form to you.

    Activate UWF Accounts

    Activate MyUWF Account
    MyUWF contains the information and all of the online services you need to complete the admissions process. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate your account. Detailed instructions are available if you need assistance accessing or completing the activation process.

    Activate UWF Email Account
    Your student email account is activated automatically when you create your MyUWF account. Student email is provided through Gmail and serves as the official electronic mail system for all University-related communications, policies, announcements, tuition bills and other information. Your email address is your ArgoNet (MyUWF) username followed by @students.uwf.edu.

    For help on how to use your UWF Gmail account, refer to the Gmail Support page.

    Visa And Immigration

    After receiving your acceptance documents and I-20 form, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to schedule a visa interview. You must show proof of SEVIS fee payment at your visa interview.

    1. Pay SEVIS I-901 Fee
      After you receive your Form I-20, the next step is to pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee. Regulation requires that all international students pay this fee before the Department of State issues them a visa. Visit the Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee page and watch the I-901 SEVIS Fee payment tutorial to learn about each step of the payment process. The University of West Florida school code is MIA214F00366000.
    2. Apply for Student Visa (F-1)
      1. Identify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is most convenient for you to visit.
      2. Pay your visa fee,
      3. Obtain acceptable photographs,
      4. Complete your online DS-160 visa application,
        The street address for the University of West Florida:
        Street Address (Line 1): 11000 University Parkway
        Street Address (Line 2): Building 71, Room 147
        City: Pensacola
        State: FLORIDA
        ZIP Code: 32514
      5. Get a list of all required documents you must bring, and schedule your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of permanent residence.

      For more information on submitting a student visa application, visit the official Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website. You can also read more about preparing for your visa appointment interview and information on student visas on the Study in the States visa resource page.

      Health Insurance

      F-1 Student Visa holders are required to have health insurance at all times while enrolled in classes. This is a U.S. law and a UWF requirement.

      There are two options for meeting this requirement:

      Option 1: Purchase the UWF pre-approved health insurance plan provided by Insurance for Students. (Fastest & Easiest)

      Option 2: Use a private health insurance plan and provide a copy to UWF. UWF must review your private health insurance plan. Submit your plan early by completing a health insurance waiver.

      You may purchase a private insurance policy that meets Florida's minimum requirements for international student insurance. After you purchase a private policy, you must also submit a health insurance waiver by the waiver deadline for your IEP semester so we can review your policy.

      Health Insurance Waiver Deadlines
      SemesterWaiver Deadline
      Fall August 15
      Spring December 1
      Summer April 15

      If you do not do this by the waiver deadline then you will be required to purchase the UWF Insurance Policy. To find more information about insurance for UWF international students, please see Maintaining Required Insurance in F-1 or J-1 Visa Status.

      Immunizations

      Florida laws require that all students provide documentation of immunization records.

      You must upload copies of your immunization and vaccine records through Med+Proctor. You must complete this or you cannot enroll in IEP classes. For nstructions about how to properly submit your immunization documentation, visit Create an Account with Med+Proctor.

      Housing

      UWF Housing and Residence Life allows IEP students to rent rooms and apartments on-campus while enrolled in the program. Please visit their website to learn about your options including the living-learning community Global Living. This community brings together students from all corners of the world in their own unique community at UWF. Interested in finding out more about the Global Living Community? Click here to find out more.

      Off-campus, privately owned apartments and other rental options are within walking distance of IEP as well. Unfortunately, IEP staff cannot help you apply for housing whether on-campus or off-campus.

      Register for Orientation

      All new IEP students must attend International Student Orientation prior to starting their coursework. You will receive a special email when orientation dates are announced and registration is open.

      English Placement Testing (EPT)

      All new IEP students must take the English Placement Tests. The tests will assess your grammar, writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. The results of the tests are used to determine your IEP level and class schedule.

      Dates and deadlines for your semester will be updated on the IEP website as they become available.

      Update Local Address & Phone Number

      Immigration regulations require all international students to report any change in their local address within 10 days of moving. Not updating your information could put you at risk of losing your F-1 status. Students can update their information in MyUWF

      Orientation is a series of information sessions and activities to teach you the IEP program rules and review responsibilities to maintain F-1 status. A short tour of campus is included as part of orientation.

      All new IEP students must attend orientation.

      Immigration Check-In

      Immediately contact your designated school official (DSO) when you enter the United States. After orientation you must make a special appointment to meet with your DSO to review your documents and verify your local U.S. address and U.S.-based phone number. This is a requirement for all F-1 student visa holders.

      Prepare for IEP Classes & Pay Tuition

      After the EPT tests, you will be emailed a list of your IEP classes and the books and materials you should purchase. You must purchase all of your books and materials before the end of the second week of class.

      Tuition and fees are added to student accounts during the first week of IEP classes. Students must pay all tuition and fees by the deadlines on the calendars. Students who fail to pay tuition in full by the end of the second week of the term are subject to being removed from classes due to non-payment. Accepted payment methods are listed on the Student Accounts and Cashier's Office webpage. Please note that some payment methods, including payment or installment plans, may not be available to IEP students.

      International Student Life Cycle

      Flow chart from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website Study in the States that outlines the steps required by the federal government to study in the United States, and includes supplemental information about employment and training eligibility for F-1 students.

      This chart does not include steps that you must complete with UWF in addition to the U.S. requirements.

      View International Student Life Cycle graphic