Immigration Information for International Students
A non-immigrant U.S. visa is an entry permit to the U.S. It is issued by the U.S. Department of State and is stamped in your passport. Non-immigrant visas are for international visitors coming to the U.S. temporarily for a specific purpose such as study or work. This U.S. visa stamp allows you to to request permission of the border inspector at a U.S. port-of-entry (e.g. airport or land border) to enter the U.S. A visa alone does not guarantee entry into the U.S. You must also carry your other documents, including valid passport, and valid I-20, DS-2019 or I-797 Approval Notice.
What do I need to do to apply for an F-1 student visa?
Step 1 - Obtain I-20 Certificate of Eligibility
To apply for a student visa you must first obtain a “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-1 Status” also known as the I-20. An International Education Center advisor will prepare the I-20 once your supporting documentation and admissions paperwork is received and will mail the document to you via Federal Express. Delay or failure to provide the required documentation will result in a delay of the issuance of your I-20 document. Complete applications will take approximately 3 – 4 days to process. As soon as you receive your I-20, verify the information on it and contact the International Education Center immediately if there is an error.
Step 2 - Complete the Application Forms
Complete the DS 156 Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application form, DS 157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application form; and DS 158 Contact Information and Work History for the Nonimmigrant Visa form.
Step 3 - Pay SEVIS Fee
The SEVIS I-901 fee is not the visa fee. It is a separate fee paid to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to support the automated electronic system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures that they maintain their status while in the United States. Each student or exchange visitor issued an initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 on after September 1, 2004 is responsible for paying this fee to SEVP.
Step 4 - Go to Visa Interview at U.S. Consulate or Embassy
As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for visa applicants from age 14 through 79. The waiting time for an interview appointment can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. It is important to remember that applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee that the student will receive a visa. During the visa application process, usually at the interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply. Also, because each student's personal and academic situation is different, two students applying for same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. All applicants for a student visa must bring their I-20, supplemental visa application forms, passport, one 2"x2" photo, MRV receipt for visa application fee, SEVIS I-901 fee receipt and transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended; scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.; financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore final travel plans or the purchase of nonrefundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued.
Step 5 - Making your flight reservations and arriving at a U.S. port of entry
Do not arrive more than 30 days before your program begins or you may be refused entry into the United States. Do not check your immigration documents in your suitcase. If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present the documents at your port of entry. As a result, you may not be able to enter the United States.Before your plane lands in the U.S., a flight attendant will distribute the arrival-departure I-94 card. Fill this out on the plane. After you land, go to the Arrivals terminal and get in line at the immigration inspection booths. Make sure you have your passport, I-20, and I-94 (arrival-departure card) ready for inspection. You are likely to be asked your purpose for entering the United States and your final destination. Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer will stamp your I-20 for duration of status ("D/S") and date stamp your I-94 card and staple it in your passport.
Step 6 - Mandatory Check-In at the International Education Center
All international students, including students transferring from another U.S. institution, must check-in with the International Education Center within the first three days after arriving on campus to get page 3 of their I-20 signed. Travel outside of the US without this signature may delay or prevent your re-entry to the U.S.
Pre-Departure Resources:
Consular Resources: