Office of International Programs

After you receive your student visa, you will probably travel to the U.S. either by air or by land.

Although you have been admitted to Appalachian State University, if you are coming from another country, the U.S. Embassy/Consulate makes the final decision in granting you a student visa.

The Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a database used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect, track, and monitor information regarding exchange visitors, international students, and scholars who enter the United States on F, J, or M visas. SEVIS is managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.

Many U.S. visa types allow those visa holders to study. There are only a few visas, however, that are specifically intended for non-U.S. citizens to come to the U.S. to study. At Appalachian, these visas include:

In general the answer would be yes. However, if the traveler is leaving Boone on 2/15/2014 to go to the airport but the flight does not leave until 2/16/14, then the start date on the insurance form should be 2/16/2014. The International Travel Insurance Plan is only in effect while the traveler is abroad.

You will find links to both forms here: http://international.appstate.edu/travel

A copy of your approved Travel Authorization: The travel authorization MUST reflect all required approving signatures. Obtain the signatures of the Department Chair/Director (or Immediate Supervisor), the College Dean (or Unit Vice Chancellor), and the Vice Provost for Resource Management in the Office of Academic Affairs.

If you have any questions regarding amount of dependent insurance, please contact our office at 828-262-2046.

Yes, you can purchase insurance for a spouse and/or dependent(s) who are joining you abroad for the same travel dates. 

You will see the rates for the different types of coverage on the International Travel Insurance Form. Please provide complete information for your spouse and/or dependent(s) in the spaces provided on the insurance form.

NO. The travel MUST be related to university business.

Exception: If the traveler spends some "Personal Days abroad" either before or after the university-related business abroad, we can extend the insurance for those days up to (30) days on either side. However, the traveler will have to pay the university for these extra days of coverage.