International

Western’s International Student Admission Process:  

  • Student submits application including:  
  • International Student Financial Guarantee 
  • Bank Statements 
  • Passport 
  • International Health Statement Form 
  • Proof of Inoculation 
  • English Ability (Must have prior to first day or Western will purchase for the student and will charge it to the student's account.) 
  • Proof of Medical Insurance  
  • Pay International Application Fee 
  • Evaluated High School Transcripts (For Evaluation use the following link: https://spanside.my.salesforce-sites.com/SpantranApplication?Id=29b282a0-0f5b-4939-9b1b-ff3031e21bb6  )
  • Optional: College Transcripts 
  • Admissions reviews application for all needed documents and their validity.  
  • Admissions administer an I-20 to the student after the review of all documentation and a welcome admittance letter. Last day I-20 will be administered for each semester:  
  • Spring Semester: November 1st 
  • Fall Semester: July 1st 
  • Student secures visa appointment – confirms with admissions staff what semester they will be attending.  
  • Spring Semester last day to confirm student has received their visa to attend upcoming semester:  
  • Spring: December 1st 
  • Fall: August 1st  
  • If a student is unable to schedule a visa appointment prior to the visa deadline, their application will be deferred to the following semester, contingent upon securing a visa appointment. 
  • All students will once visa is received, admissions will issue a letter of acceptance. 
  • Housing Deposit will be expected to be paid if they are living on campus by August 1st.  
  • After the students pay the I-901 Fee ($350) can register for courses.  
  • Advising Department helps advise and register students.   

Student Arrival to Campus:  

  • Students must arrive to campus 4-5 days before school begins – Admissions will confirm with student.  
  • Housing Staff picks up student on weeknights and weekends.  
  • Admissions staff picking up students during weekdays.  
  • PDSO meets with student and enters student information into SEVIS.  

Ongoing Student Needs: 

Step-by-Step Guide: Working On-Campus & Getting a Social Security Number (SSN)

Student applies for an On-Campus Job

  • Student secures an on-campus job offer 
  • Once the student provides Western’s PDSO/DSO the job offer documentation. 

PDSO Verifies Work Eligibility 

  • Be in valid F-1 or M-1 visa status 
  • Must be enrolled full-time at Western 
  • Employment must be on-campus (e.g., bookstore, library, dining services, or roles funded and operated by the school). 
  • Do not exceed 20 hours per week during academic terms (can work full-time during school breaks if continuing the next term). 
  • Updates work authorization on I-20 prints three copies, one for Western’s documentation, the other two for the student. 

PDSO/DSO Creates Two Letters 

  • The first letter is a work authorization letter from the PDSO/DSO  
  • The second letter is a job offer letter on our official school letterhead, signed by the hiring supervisor. It should include: 
  • The student’s full name 
  • Position title and duties 
  • Employer's name and department  
  • Work hours per week 
  • Start date 
  • Supervisor's contact information 

Student Gathers Documents for SSN Application to Be Taken to the SSN Appointment 

  • Valid passport with visa 
  • I-94 (retrievable online at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov) 
  • Form I-20 (endorsed for authorization to work by the PDSO/DSO) 
  • Supervisor’s signed job offer letter, provided to student by the PDSO/DSO 
  • PDSO/DSO’s employment verification letter 
  • Completed SS-5 form (Application for a Social Security Card): https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf 

The student takes documentation to the Rock Springs Social Security Administration (SSA) Office: 

Address: 79 Winston Dr, Rock Springs, WY 82901 

Phone: (307) 382-8200 (call to verify hours) 

* Check whether your local SSA office requires an appointment. 

Tip: Student should wait at least 10 days after arriving in the U.S. before applying for an on-campus job to allow time for immigration status verification. 

After SSA appointment the student takes the documentation received at the appointment to Western’s human resources department 

  • Once approved, once approved the student's card will be mailed to their U.S. address within 2–4 weeks.  
  • When the student receives their social security card, they must provide a copy to Western’s human resources department 

PDSO responsibilities:  

  • Handles all travel requests.  
  • I-20 semester updates 
  • Handles SEVIS updates for all students requesting transfer. 
  • OPT Paperwork for graduating students.