Once you are admitted to WSU, the ISSS team will process an I-20 for you, which can now be sent via email. We will need some additional information from you, so please complete the following steps:

1. Submit an original financial document

Provide an original bank statement or verification of deposit with a minimum of $25,955 USD for undergraduate studies and $24,407 USD for graduate studies. 

The document must: 

• Be shipped to the ISSS mailing address below by postal service
• Be in English pr translated into English ( a certified translation is required)
• Be dated within the last six months
• Be printed on official bank letterhead with a bank name and address listend
• Include balance and transactions 
• Display currency 
• Include the type of account ( checking, saving, or time deposit)
• Include original official bank stamps and signatures
• Be liquid assets immediately accessible 
• Retirement funds, credit cards, life insurance, etc, are not accepted 
• include the name of the account holder. This name must match the name on the financial document 
• Letters from banks are not accepted 

2. Complete the Financial Information Form

Once the Financial Information Form (PDF) is finished, submit it to is@winona.edu

3. Send a copy of your passport

If you are in the U.S., please send a copy of your passport with the visa page.

4. Sign up & pay for the UEMS shipping service to receive your documents

If you'd like a hard copy of your I-20, register for UEMS shipping service and order your documents to be shipped to you. You will need a credit card.

If you do not wish to use the express mailing service, the International Services office will mail your documents to you by airmail free of charge.

However, overseas mail can take 4-6 weeks and we cannot provide a tracking number.

Ship all application documents to:

Winona State University
International Student and Scholar Services
132 Gildemeister
175 West Mark Street
Winona, MN 55987, United States

Students Transferring to WSU from an Institution in the U.S.

You will also need to fill out the Transfer Recommendation Form (PDF) to transfer your SEVIS record.

An F-1 visa is a temporary visa that allows you to pursue a higher education degree in the United States.

If you are not currently studying in the U.S., you will need to apply for an F-1 visa to attend WSU.  

"I decided to live on-campus because it was convenient and within walking distance to classes. I love the community in the residence halls and have met so many friends. Also, all the facilities are clean and well taken care of." Ei, international students from Myanmar 

Living on-campus provides a safe, affordable, and fun place to live. It is also a great way to meet other students! On-campus housing includes all utilities, wi-fi, and necessary furniture. Also, students who live on-campus can apply for leadership positions that offer free housing, free meal plans and a stipend. Learn more about on-campus student leadership positions.

To sign up for on-campus housing:

• Activate your Star ID
• Read about on-campus housing or watch a virtual tour. There are single rooms, double rooms (with a roommate), and apartments.
• Apply for housing on campus
• Submit a $250 prepayment to choose your room. If you are unable to send the prepayment, please send an email to housing@winona.edu to ask that prepayment waived. 

You can move into residence halls two days before New International Student Orientation free of charge. There may be a small charge to move in earlier than two days before.

Living on campus also means you will have a meal plan to eat in the dining hall. Note: East Lake Apartments does not require meal plan.

Review some of the frequently asked questions about on-campus housing.

Want to live off campus?

It is important to secure housing before you arrive to Winona. Wazoo's List has many apartment listed to rent or sublease. Wazoo's List is a private Facebook group. WSU does not guarantee any listing on this site.

If you need housing for a few days when you arrive, temporary housing may be availabile in the WSU Alumni House for a small fee or at local hotels and motels.

When signing a lease, off-campus landlords often require a deposit equal to one month of rent, first month rent, and sometimes last month of rent. Be careful of scams and make sure to read all of the lease to know the rules and fees. 

Presidential Honors Scholarship awardees are required to live on-campus their first year. 

International students are required by Minnesota state law to enroll in university-approved health insurance through United Healthcare.

The health insurance premium for the 2022-2023 academic year is $2,119. The fee is subject to change. The premium is prorated for students who are at WSU for short-term study.

Learn more about the health insurance plan and coverage policy.

Please keep in mind that this health insurance policy does not cover dental care. Vision care is covered for students under 19 years of age.

How Health Insurance Works at WSU

All students must complete the WSU Student Immunization Record Form. Learn more about immunization requirements.

At the beginning of the semester, the health insurance charge will be placed on your WSU student account. You must pay the Health Insurance Premium in full by the last day of the first week of classes each semester.

Once your premium has been received by the university, you must set up an account with United Healthcare before you can use your insurance benefits. Set up your United Healthcare account.

After you have an account, you can log in and print or download your insurance card. Keep this card on you at all times.

Plan to arrive to Winona 1-2 days before the New International Student Orientation, which starts on August 15, 2023 

After you make travel arrangements, complete the Arrival Form.

Book Your Flight & Head to Winona

The closest major international airports are Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) and Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD).

If you fly into MSP, you can take a shuttle bus from Groome or Jefferson Lines. Make reservations ahead of time!

If you take the Groome Transportation shuttle, please keep in mind that you will need to change shuttles in Rochester, MN. Ask your driver if you have any more questions.

You should book your reservation from MSP to Winona - Winona State University Kryzsko Commons Huff St. Bus Stop in front of Chartwells.

If you fly into Chicago ORD, take an Amtrak train to Winona. Learn more about traveling from ORD to Union Station (a train station in Chicago).

Use the WSU Welcoming Service

WSU faculty and staff can meet you at the shuttle bus stop or train station in Winona and help you move into your new place.

If you would like to request this welcome service, you must submit the Arrival Form at least a month before New International Student Orientation. You must also arrive in on August 14 and between 7am and 6pm

Be Prepared for Entering the U.S.

Before leaving your country, review steps 4-6 in the Student Process Steps for Navigating the U.S Immigration System.

ISSS also recommends that you take the following steps:

1. Before you leave your home country, it is a good idea to see a family doctor, dentist, and an eye doctor.
2. Make 2 sets of copies of your passport, visa, and form I-20. Leave one set at home with your family or friends and take the other with you.
3. Carry your original documents in your carry-on luggage. Do not put them in your checked baggage.

When you arrive to the first U.S. city airport (port of entry), you will speak to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. The inspector will first attempt to verify your status by using the Student and Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

If that the CBP officer needs to verify information with your school or program, you can provide the International Student and Scholar Services contact information to reach the designated school officials (DSO) at Winona State University:

• 1.507.457.5303
• 1.507.312.3984
• is@winona.edu

Should you arrive during non-business hours (evening, weekends, holidays), you can contact us via our cell phone (1.507.312.3984) for assistance.

The New International Student Orientation (NISO) is a special program designed to help international students succeed at WSU.

All new international students must attend NISO.

During this orientation, you'll get all the information you need to start your semester. You will be able to:

• Meet your academic advisor and register for classes
• Receive your brand new laptop computer from the eWarrior Program
• Learn about mandatory health insurance
• Get help with setting up your life as a student at WSU and a resident of Winona
• Meet new people
•  Participate in many other fun activities.

Take some time to get to know your new home before you arrive!

Check the weather in Winona, MN and pack appropriate clothes. Winters tend to be very cold so be prepared to bring warm clothes.

Explore the area with Google Maps and see the WSU Campus map. Learn more about the city of Winona and all the things there are to do here.

Watch your email for information about nearby restaurants and transportation options to and around Winona.

In addition to academic programs, WSU offers so many ways for you to make friends, have fun and experience American culture. Here are a few ways you can get involved on campus.

Student Associations and Clubs

With over 180 student clubs to choose from, you're sure to find one you like. Student clubs are a great way to meet people who share your hobbies, career interests, cultural and religious backgrounds and more!

Equity & Inclusion Excellence

The Equity and Inclusive Excellence Office has events throughout the year that celebrate the variety of cultures and perspectives present on WSU campus.

Consider attending one of these events or taking advantage of the other resources available, such as the KEAP Center.

Arts & Culture

Whether you're looking to be entertained by a play, awed by artwork, or educated in a lecture, WSU has many options on campus. Explore the arts and cultural opportunities throughout the year.

Sports Events

Cheer on WSU Warriors at athletics games. Or join an intramural sports team to play soccer, basketball, volleyball and more with other WSU students.

Community Engagement

Volunteering your time and talents is an important part of the culture at WSU because we are "a community of learners improving our world".