Office of International Programs

All students who attend Appalachian are required to provide proof of immunizations and information about your health history to enroll at the univeristy. Please read this letter from Health Services to learn more about exactly what is required of you and how to fulfill these requirements before you attend.   

IMMUNIZATION AND HEALTH RECORDS REQUIRED TO ATTEND APPALACHIAN

All international students at Appalachian are required to enroll in and maintain health insurance during their entire course of study. Appalachian has partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide an insurance plan that meets the required coverage of your student visa. All international students must either enroll in or provide proof of insurance that meets the following requirements:

Students who are currently inside the U.S. and who wish to gain a different immigration status in the United States have two choices:

1. Depart the U.S. and apply for the appropriate visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, and then apply for entry to the U.S. using that visa
2. If currently inside the U.S., apply for a "Change of Status" from the U.S. government, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) without departing the U.S.

There are costs and benefits associated with each choice listed above.

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.