F-1 Student Visa Information
Applying for a Student Visa When Outside the United States
Student Applicants (for F-1 Visas) - Overview
Please read this information for general information on how to apply for an F-1student visa. This is provided for informational purposes ONLY. For your best source of information and requirements, you should visit the American Embassy website in the country the student plans to apply for the F-1 visa.
Student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. However, each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures regarding student visas. Students should consult their embassy website or call for specific application instructions.
Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period. Students need to plan ahead to avoid having to make repeat visits to the Embassy. To the extent possible, students should bring the documents suggested below, as well as any other documents that might help establish their ties to the local community.
Changes introduced shortly after September 11, 2001 involve extensive and ongoing review of visa issuing practices as they relate to our national security. It is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel departure date.
When Do I Need to Apply for My Student Visa?
- Students are encouraged to apply for their visa early to provide ample time for visa processing. Students may apply for their visa as soon as they are prepared to do so.
- The consular officer may need to get special clearances depending on the course of study and nationality of the student. This can take some additional time. For more information on applicants who may have additional processing requirements see Special Processing Requirements of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs.
- Students should note that Embassies and Consulates are able to issue your student visa 120 days or less, in advance of the course of study registration date. If you apply for your visa more than 120 days prior to your start date or registration date as provided on the Form I-20, the Embassy or Consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa. Consular officials will use that extra time to accomplish any of the necessary special clearances or other processes that may be required.
- Students are advised of the Department of Homeland Security regulation which requires that all initial or beginning students enter the U.S. 30 days or less in advance of the course of study start/report date as shown on the Form I-20. Please consider this date carefully when making travel plans to the U.S.
What is SEVIS and SEVP? What should you know about it?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is designed to help the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State better monitor school and exchange programs and F, M and J category visitors. Exchange visitor and student information is maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet, to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. Select "SEVIS" to go to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Internet site and learn more.
All student applicants must have a SEVIS generated I-20 issued by an educational institution approved by DHS, which they submit when they are applying for their student visa. The consular officer will need to verify your I-20 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process your student visa application. Unless otherwise exempt, participants whose SEVIS I-20 was issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program. The fee may be paid either through a special website, via Western Union, or by mail. See "SEVIS-901 Fee" or "SEVIS" for further information on how to pay the fee.
What is Needed to Apply for a Student Visa?
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, a quick, two-digit, ink-free fingerprint scan will be 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. For that reason, the guidelines that follow are general and can be abridged or expanded by consular officers overseas, depending on each student's situation.
All applicants for a student visa must provide
- Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students. You will need to submit a SEVIS generated Form, I-20, which was provided to you by your school.You and your school official must sign the I-20 form.
- All students, as well as their spouses and dependents must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students. Montgomery County Community College is responsible for entering your information for the I-20 student visa form into SEVIS.
- Students will also have to pay an SEVIS I-901 fee for each program of study. Questions regarding your exchange program should be directly to your program sponsor;
- A completed application, Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant, Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent's passport. The DS-156 must be the February 2003 date, electronic "e-form application." Select "Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156" to access the electronic version of the DS-156.
- An interview at the embassy consular section is required for almost all visa applicants. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. During the visa interview, a quick, two-digit, ink-free fingerprint scan will be taken, as well as a digital photo. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply.
- A passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States.
- One (1) 2x2 photograph.
- An MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee, a visa issuance fee if applicable and a separate SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.
All applicants should be prepared to provide
- 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. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.
Applicants with dependents must also provide
- Proof of the student's relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.);
- it is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder's passport and visa, along with all other required documents.
Entering the U.S. - Port of Entry
A visa allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission to enter the U.S. Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the U.S., the CBP official will determine the length of your visit on the Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94). Since Form I-94 documents your authorized stay in the U.S., it's very important to keep in your passport. Student visitors must have their Form I-20 in their possession each time they enter the United States. Upon arrival (at an international airport, seaport or land border crossing), you will be enrolled in theUS-VISIT entry-exit program. In addition, some travelers will also need to register their entry into and their departure from the U.S. with the Special Registration program. The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection internet site offers additional information on Admissions/Entry requirements.
How long may I stay on my F-1 student visa?
When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed an additional 60 days in the U.S. before departure or to transfer to another school. As an example regarding duration of status, if you have a visa that is valid for five years that will expire on January 1, 2001, and you are admitted into the U.S. for the duration of your studies (often abbreviated in your passport or on your I-94 card as "D/S"), you may stay in the U.S. as long as you are a full time student. Even if January 1, 2001 passes and your visa expires while in America, you will still be in legal student status. However, if you depart the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before being able to return to America and resume your studies. A student visa cannot be renewed or re-issued in the United States; it must be done at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Staying Beyond Your Authorized Stay in the U.S. and Being Out of Status
- You should carefully consider the dates of your authorized stay and make sure you are following the procedures under U.S. immigration laws. It is important that you depart the U.S. on or before the last day you are authorized to be in the U.S. on any given trip, based on the specified end date on your Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. Failure to depart the U.S. will cause you to be out-of-status. Additional information on successfully maintaining your immigration status while a student or exchange visitor can be found on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.
- Staying beyond the period of time authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and being out-of-status in the United States is a violation of U.S. immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the U.S.
- Staying unlawfully in the United States beyond the date Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) officials have authorized--even by one day--results in
your visa being automatically voided, in accordance with INA 222(g). Under
this provision of immigration law, if you overstay on your nonimmigrant
authorized stay in the U.S., your visa will be automatically voided.
In this situation, you are required to reapply for a new nonimmigrant
visa, generally in your country of nationality.
If you would like more information, please visit http://travel.state.gov/. All information was taken from the Department of State and updated as of November 2006.
Change of Nonimmigrant Status to F-1 (Student) Status
Only some non-immigrants are eligible to request a change to F-1 status if they have maintained their current lawful status. Please note that new USCIS regulations prohibit B-2 visa holders from enrolling in a course of study prior to their approval for a change in status. If your current visa is not B-1/B-2, please consult with the international advisor as to your regulations about beginning courses while waiting for your approval. The approval for a change of status has typically taken 2-12 months to process, although new USCIS regulations in April 2002 predict the processing time will decrease to 30 days. You should not begin coursework or employment until you receive F-1 approval from USCIS.
If you wish to travel anywhere outside of the U.S. other than Mexico, or Canada, you must have a valid nonimmigrant visa in your passport to be re-admitted to the U.S. in your new status. Students should consult with an international advisor before traveling outside the U.S.
Persons who received a change of status should understand that upon departing the U.S., except as described above for short trips to Mexico, Canada or certain adjacent islands, such a change of status is voided and a visa of the proper type will be required to re-enter the U.S. Because USCIS does not issue a new visa stamp in your passport for change-of-status approvals, you will need to apply for one at the US Embassy or Consulate abroad. For example, if you originally entered the U.S. as a tourist (B-2) and then changed to a student (F-1), before you can re-enter the U.S. as a student again you will be required to obtain an F-1 visa at an American Embassy or Consulate abroad. Note that USCIS approval of a change of status while in the U.S. does not assure that a visa will be issued once abroad. Because of this, and because processing times can vary, please do not make any unchangeable travel plans until your visa has actually been issued.
The procedures listed below are only suggestions. The change of status application is your personal application. We are here to advise and help you to the best of our ability. However, we are not experts of the law. Following the list below does not guarantee a change of status. It may be in your best interest to retain the services of a lawyer to help you.
After compiling all necessary documents, mail Change of Status Application to
USCIS
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
ST. Albans, VT 05479-0001
Basic Documents Required
- $200 fee - check or money order payable to "The Department of Homeland Security"
- Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (can be downloaded at www.immigration.gov)
- SEVIS Form I-2O from Montgomery County Community College (original - pages 1,2,3, - not a photocopy) You will receive this document once you submit all required application materials to the college. Please allow up to 3 weeks to process your application.
- Financial documentation (not more than 6 months old). One of the following
or a combination of:
- original bank statement
- original bank letter
- Affidavit of support
- Original I-94 card (front and back). For B-2s, it must indicate "prospective student" on the card.
- Photocopy of visa, identity, and passport expiration pages from your passport (clear, clean, legible copy)
- SEVIS I-901 fee
In addition to the basic documents listed on the front, F-2's and J-2's will need
- Photocopy of spouse's IAP-66 (front and back) if J-2
- Photocopy of spouse's waiver or "no objection letter" from Department of State if applicable if J-2
- Photocopy of spouse's Form I-20 - if F-2
- Photocopy of spouse's Form I-94 (front and back)
- Proof of marriage (optional), i.e., marriage certificate translated into English and notarized
In addition to the basic documents listed on the front, J-l's will need
- Photocopy of IAP-66 or DS 2019 (front and back)
Documents Recommended
- Personal letter requesting change of status. The letter should explain why you did not enter the U.S. initially in F-1 status, why you are now requesting the change to F-1 status, how studying in the U.S. will benefit you or be better than studying the same subject at home, and how you will make use of your education when you return to your native country.
Mailing the Application to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Before mailing anything, make copies of everything you are sending!
- Write the following statement on the outside of the envelope, "Change of Status, Form I-539."
- We recommend that that you mail your application by certified or registered mail. By doing so, you will get a receipt confirming that the application was received by INS. You may also want to send the application through express mail. (These options are available at any US Post Office)
- Mail the application packet to:
USCIS
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
ST. Albans, VT 05479-0001
For more information, please visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov or the Department of Homeland Security Website at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic.
