After you receive your offers and make your final decision, the U.S. visa application process begins. Educom can walk you the entire process step-by-step. As part of your undergraduate studies, you will have to apply for the F-1 visa, which will be sponsored by the university you’ve been admitted to.
Tips before starting the process :
– Check your passport expiry date. If it is set to expire during your intended period of study (or shortly afterwards), it is worth considering whether you should get a new one.
– Make extra copies of all forms just in case!
– Prepare early – the visa application process is long and you want to make sure you apply in time for entry.
– Passport photographs – make sure all your photographs are compliant with U.S. photo ID standards (that means 2 x 2 inches, i.e. 51 x 51 mm)
– Battery & Internet – make sure you have enough battery and reliable internet on your laptop when starting the process… it could take a while!
Tips before starting the process
– Check your passport expiry date. If it is set to expire during your intended period of study (or shortly afterwards), it is worth considering whether you should get a new one.
– Make extra copies of all forms just in case!
– Prepare early – the visa application process is long and you want to make sure you apply in time for entry.
– Passport photographs – make sure all your photographs are compliant with U.S. photo ID standards (that means 2 x 2 inches, i.e. 51 x 51 mm)
– Battery & Internet – make sure you have enough battery and reliable internet on your laptop when starting the process… it could take a while!
1. Form I-20
This will be sent to you in the mail from your university after you have been admitted. Your I-20 is required when applying for an F-1 student visa at an American embassy or consulate and for entry into the United States. This I-20 has been produced by Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and is an acknowledgement that your record is in the SEVIS system. The form includes your SEVIS ID number, which is the number in the upper corner above the bar code, (usually starts with an N).
Helpful to know: You will also need to carry the most up-to-date form with you at all times for re-entry into the United States during the valid period of study.
2. SEVIS Fee Receipt
All new international students coming in F-1 status must pay a one-time $200 SEVIS fee prior to applying for your visa. You can find instructions about paying the fee on this page. If you are renewing your F-1 visa it is recommended that you have proof of SEVIS fee payment, even though it does not have to be paid again. You can reprint the receipt from this page.
2. SEVIS Fee Receipt
All new international students coming in F-1 status must pay a one-time $200 SEVIS fee prior to applying for your visa. You can find instructions about paying the fee on this page. If you are renewing your F-1 visa it is recommended that you have proof of SEVIS fee payment, even though it does not have to be paid again. You can reprint the receipt from this page.
Additional I-20 Forms
If you have family members traveling with you in F-2 status, your college will mail an I-20 for their use. Each F-2 dependent should have his or her own I-20 form. Each F-2 dependent I-20 is issued their own SEVIS number but an additional SEVIS fee does not need to be paid for a dependent.
The Application Process
You must apply for your visa well in advance of your arrival, as it can take several weeks and occasionally longer, to obtain the student visa. The online application process of the VISA is called DS-160.
To apply for a U.S. visa you will need to present the following documents at the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to you:
- Your form I-20
- The SEVIS fee receipt
- A copy of your financial support documents, i.e. evidence that you have sufficient funds to meet the expenses of studying at the college, e.g. bank statement or your scholarship or financial aid award letter.
In addition, the application for a U.S. visa requires you to present:
- A valid passport
- Passport-size photographs
- Completed visa applications forms (visa application forms are available on the U.S. consular websites)
An application fee and an interview will also be required. There have been (and continue to be) changes in the visa application process. You can keep up to date on these changes on the consular websites.
In addition, the application for a U.S. visa requires you to present:
- A valid passport
- Passport-size photographs
- Completed visa applications forms (visa application forms are available on the U.S. consular websites)
An application fee and an interview will also be required. There have been (and continue to be) changes in the visa application process. You can keep up to date on these changes on the consular websites.