International Visa Requirements

Visa Information for the LL.M. Student

Most LL.M. students will study under an F-1 visa, to be issued by the International Student and Scholar Services office at UNC (ISSS). Some students, due to their funding sources, will be authorized as J-1 visa students. Submission of the Financial Certificate is required of all applicants for the issuance of the visa. All visa documentation papers should be submitted to Dr. Sizemore at the School of Law's International Programs office.

Financial Documentation and Total Program Cost

Under United States visa requirements, international students must provide documentation of financial resources for the nine-month period of study required to obtain the LL.M. degree. Although otherwise complete applications may be processed without the financial certificate and the required documentation, these documents must be submitted and received before the due date of the first seat deposit. These documents must be in English and sent as originals by mail or courier service. No international student may be formally admitted until these documents have been received.

The Financial Certificate demonstrates the applicant's ability to cover the full cost of tuition and fees ($42,493) and estimated living expenses for the academic year (September to May), which include health insurance, housing, meals, books and personal expenses ($15,061), totaling $57,554. The certificate must be signed by the applicant and include documentation such as bank statements, certificates of deposit, a sponsor's letter, or fellowship or grant funding information. Please note that annual North Carolina State-mandated tuition increases often occur just prior to registration, which would increase program costs.