Pre-Arrival Checklist

The Pre-Arrival Checklist will help you prepare for your arrival at UW-River Falls (UWRF). You must complete the following steps:

1. Visa Process

Once you receive your admission package, make sure to review, sign and date your “Certificate of Eligibility” for non-immigrant status. You should receive either a form I-20 or a form DS-2019. These forms are very important documents that will be required to complete the visa process. You will need to apply for a visa to enter the United States (U.S.); if you have received an I-20 you will apply for an F-1 visa and if you have received a DS-2019, you will apply for a J-1 visa. Follow this visa process:

• Pay the SEVIS fee, Form I-901
• Complete the 'Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160
• Pay the visa application fee
• Prepare for and attend your visa interview

Learn more about how to prepare for your interview on the Immigration Information webpage. Complete the visa process as soon as possible, but make sure your visa appointment is not more than 120 days prior to your program start date.

Please contact iss@uwrf.edu if you have any questions or concerns about the visa process.

2. Activate Your Falcon Account & UWRF Email

All UWRF students have a Falcon Account that gives access to important university resources. You need to activate your account online using the Password Service Center website.

Note: Your Username is your UW-River Falls Student ID number, also known as your "w number," and can be found on your admission letter. You will need to enter your 7-digit student ID preceded by a lower case "w", for example w2600000. Also, the Falcon Account instructions ask you to enter the "Last 4 digits of SSN (0000)" this refers to the U.S. Social Security Number or SSN.  If you do not have U.S. SSN, you need enter four upper case "X" in the corresponding box, just like this: XXXX.

After you have activated your Falcon Account, you can check your UWRF email. UWRF email accounts are the official means of communication for UWRF students. You need to check your email regularly.

Please contact dots@uwrf.edu if you have questions or concerns regarding your Falcon Account.

3. Pay Your Housing Deposit & Select Your Housing and Meal Plan

All first and second year undergraduate students, or those who are 21 years or younger, are required to live on campus. Those who live on campus must pay a housing deposit to secure on-campus housing and sign a housing contract for an entire academic year (9 months). This contract cannot be broken unless a student withdraws from UWRF, transfers to another school, is an exchange student at UWRF for only one semester, or has a documented medical need that Res Life is unable to accommodate.

Note: All international students using funds from outside the US could also use Flywire to pay their housing deposit.

Additionally, most on-campus residences require students to choose a meal plan as well. Housing information can be found on the Residence Life webpage, while Meal Plans can be found on the Dining webpage. Please contact reslife@uwrf.edu if you have any other questions or concerns regarding housing. Please contact dining@uwrf.edu for questions about meal plans.

If you are not required to live on campus and chose to live off-campus, you do not need to complete this step.

4. Submit Your Travel Plans

To prepare for your arrival, all international students are required to complete the Travel Plan Form to International Student Services (ISS) no later than 10 days prior to the arrival date listed on the admission letter.  All new international students are required to attend International Student Orientation (ISO), for this plan to arrive in River Falls on the arrival date listed on your admission letter.

For transportation options from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to River Falls, refer to the Transportation page.

Other Recommended Steps

• Schedule a medical check up and update your immunizations (For a list of recommended immunizations, click here)
• Schedule a vision and dental check ups before departure. Please note that the medical health insurance coverage does not include vision nor dental coverage for individuals 9 year old or older.
• Are you an international student with a documented disability (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Acquired Brain Injury, PTSD, Physical, Sensory, Psychological, or Learning Disability, etc.) who require academic accommodations for classes? Click here to learn more about the services provided by the Disability Resource Center.
• Did you know that UWRF hosts over 120 active student organizations? Browse for Organizations here
• If you drive, click here to learn more about obtaining a driver license in Wisconsin.

Immigration Information

It is the University’s responsibility to ensure persons coming to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls are properly documented for entry to the United States (U.S.).

There are many complex rules and regulations governing the entrance of international students into the United States. It is your responsibility to:

• Obtain a visa to enter the U.S.
• Maintain lawful status.
• Maintain a valid passport throughout your stay in the U.S. and for up to six months beyond your stay, if possible.
• Have sufficient funds to cover all academic and personal expenses during your stay.

Obtaining your Immigration Documents

Once you receive your email from International Student Services informing you of your acceptance to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, you can request the documents you need to obtain a visa. It is recommended you request your immigration documentation immediately to avoid delays in your visa application process, for this read emails carefully and review draft documents, and follow instructions.

Obtaining a VISA

In order to enter the U.S., you must obtain an F-1 visa (degree-seeking students) or J-1 visa (exchange visitors) from the United States Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Ensure you have completed the following requirements before your visa interview:

• Complete the 'Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160 and pay the non-refundable fee by visiting: https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx/.
  • The current visa application fee is $185.00
  • For further information concerning visas visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html
• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at least 3 days before your visa interview and bring the receipt with you to the appointment. You can pay the SEVIS fee online here. Remember to print your receipt!
  For more information on how to pay the SEVIS fee visit: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/prepare/paying-the-i-901-sevis-fee, you can also watch the following video which provides a step-by-step guide to the SEVIS fee paying process: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/i-901-sevis-fee-payment-video.
  • Note: You will need your SEVIS ID number to pay this fee. Your SEVIS number is listed on your immigration document and consist of an “alpha” character (N) and up to 11 numerical characters.
  • The current SEVIS fee for F-1 visa applicants is $350 and for J-1 visa applicants is $220
• Prepare the following documents for your interview:
  • Valid passport.
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
  • Visa application fee payment receipt.
  • Certificate of Eligibility, either I-20 or DS-2019.
  • SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
  • UWRF admission letter.
  • If you did not complete the Form DS-160 online, bring two 2x2 inches passport sized photographs, complete specification can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html. 
  • Evidence of financial support.
  • Information showing ties to your home country.
  • Check your local embassy or consulate website for any additional information they may require.

Helpful Hints

• Dress professionally.
• Be organized. Have all of the necessary materials prepared and accessible.
• If you did not hear or understood the visa officer's question, politely ask him or her to repeat the question.
• Be prepared to talk about your academic plans and future career goals in detail.
• Be knowledgeable about the academic program in which you plan to participate.
• Relax. You'll be just fine if you are prepared, organized, and confident.  

Specific requirements for visa application procedures may be obtained from the website for the U.S. consulate. A list of consulate websites can be found at: https://www.usembassy.gov/.

Important Note for Students Applying for F-1 and J-1 Visas: As soon as you are able, please let us know the date, time, location and appointment number for your visa interview so we can provide additional documentation or guidance if necessary.

International Student Orientation (ISO)

All new international students, both F-1 and J-1 visa holders, are required to complete ISO prior to the start of classes on the first semester. ISO is designed to help you meet other students and to familiarize you with campus resources and services.

Some of the topics discuss during ISO are:

• Health Insurance
• Banking
• Immigration information
• Employment information
• Meal plan information
• American and Campus culture
• Tuition payment information
• and much more!

You will receive more details and the ISO schedule prior to arrival day. Please contact iss@uwrf.edu if you have any questions or concerns regarding ISO. 

Academic Year 2023-2024

Fall 2023 semester: August 30-September 1, 2023

Spring 2024 semester: January 18-19, 2024

Academic Year 2024-2025

Fall 2024 semester: August 28-29, 2021

Spring 2025 semester: TBD

Transportation from the airport

Listed below are the most cost-efficient ways to reach River Falls, WI from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP, Homepage | MSP Airport).

1. UBER or LYFT

You can choose to take an Uber, Lyft, or another app-based ride service. These services are provided from both MSP terminals. Make sure you request a ride by using the apps. 

2. AIRPORT TAXI SERVICE

At the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport you can choose from a variety of different taxi services, at a charge of around $110.00 - $150.00 for a ride to River Falls, WI.

3. GROOME TRANSPORTATION

This service offers more affordable transportation from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport to Hudson, WI than taking a direct taxi ride from the airport. The cost for the passenger service is between $34.00 - $39.00 per person and you are allowed to bring two standard size bags with a maximum weight of 50 pounds each. You are required to have an advance reservation of three hours - otherwise the shuttle does not stop in the Hudson, WI location. You can make a reservation on their website. This service will drop you off at the Hudson Park & Ride  (I-94/County F/Carmichael Rd -Hudson, WI 54016). Once you are in Hudson, you can call the Hudson Taxi Service for transportation to River Falls. Note: The estimated cost for the Hudson Taxi Service to drive you to River Falls, WI (8 miles) is approximately $25.00-$30.00.

Contact Information

• Groome Transportation: 715-830-9400 Eau Claire Shuttle - Groome Transportation - Book Now
• River Falls Taxi: 715-425-7878 River Falls Transit (runninginc.net)
• Hudson Taxi Service: 715-386-8111 or 1-800-392-8294  A Taxi - (ataxitwincities.com)