International

Western’s International Student Admission Process:  

  1. Student submits application including:  
  1. International Student Financial Guarantee 
  1. Bank Statements 
  1. Passport 
  1. International Health Statement Form 
  1. Proof of Inoculation 
  1. English Ability (Must have prior to first day or Western will purchase for the student and will charge it to the student's account.) 
  1. Proof of Medical Insurance  
  1. Pay International Application Fee 
  1. High School Transcripts  
  1. Optional: College Transcripts 
  1. Admissions reviews application for all needed documents and their validity.  
  1. 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:  
  1. Spring Semester: November 1st 
  1. Fall Semester: July 1st 
  1. Student secures visa appointment – confirms with admissions staff what semester they will be attending.  
  1. Spring Semester last day to confirm student has received their visa to attend upcoming semester:  
  1. Spring: December 1st 
  1. Fall: August 1st  
  1. 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. 
  1. All students will once visa is received, admissions will issue a letter of acceptance. 
  1. Housing Deposit will be expected to be paid if they are living on campus by August 1st.  
  1. After the students pay the I-901 Fee ($350) can register for courses.  
  1. Advising Department helps advise and register students.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student Arrival to Campus:  

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

Ongoing Student Needs:  

  1. Step-by-Step Guide: Working On-Campus & Getting a Social Security Number (SSN)
  2. Student applies for an On-Campus Job
  1. Student secures an on-campus job offer 
  1. Once the student provides Western’s PDSO/DSO the job offer documentation. 
  1. PDSO Verifies Work Eligibility 
  1. Be in valid F-1 or M-1 visa status 
  1. Must be enrolled full-time at Western 
  1. Employment must be on-campus (e.g., bookstore, library, dining services, or roles funded and operated by the school). 
  1. Do not exceed 20 hours per week during academic terms (can work full-time during school breaks if continuing the next term). 
  1. Updates work authorization on I-20 prints three copies, one for Western’s documentation, the other two for the student. 
  1. PDSO/DSO Creates Two Letters 
  1. The first letter is a work authorization letter from the PDSO/DSO  
  1. The second letter is a job offer letter on our official school letterhead, signed by the hiring supervisor. It should include: 
  1. The student’s full name 
  1. Position title and duties 
  1. Employer's name and department  
  1. Work hours per week 
  1. Start date 
  1. Supervisor's contact information 
  1. Student Gathers Documents for SSN Application to Be Taken to the SSN Appointment 
  1. Valid passport with visa 
  1. I-94 (retrievable online at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov) 
  1. Form I-20 (endorsed for authorization to work by the PDSO/DSO) 
  1. Supervisor’s signed job offer letter, provided to student by the PDSO/DSO 
  1. PDSO/DSO’s employment verification letter 
  1. Completed SS-5 form (Application for a Social Security Card): https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf 
  1. The student takes documentation to the Rock Springs Social Security Administration (SSA) Office: 
  1. 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. 

  1. After SSA appointment the student takes the documentation received at the appointment to Western’s human resources department 
  1. Once approved, once approved the student's card will be mailed to their U.S. address within 2–4 weeks.  
  1. 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.