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Applying for an F-1 Visa Or What do I do with My I-20?

The document "Getting an I-20: Steps in the Process" provides guidelines for receiving the I-20 to study at ULV. What do you do with that document?

To study in the U.S. on a student visa (F-1) you will apply for the visa at the U.S. Consulate nearest to your home. For a complete listing of the Embassy and Consulate web sites, check http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/embassies/embassies_1214.html Wait times for obtaining a visa interview and for processing are available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php

Following are some suggestions for you.

Above all, you must follow the requirements and recommendations outlined by the consulate you will apply at.

Gather the requested documents and bring them to the Embassy as directed at the specific embassy website. Expect to be given an interview appointment date when you submit your documents.

Requested documents will likely include:

  1. a. current, valid passport
  2. b. Completed Visa Application Forms DS-156 and DS-157. The Supplemental Form DS-158 may also be required. These Visa Application Forms are available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html
  3. c. Sevis Fee receipt. Before you apply for your F-1 visa, you must pay the SEVIS fee of $100. You may pay the SEVIS fee online, through Western Union, or by mail. To learn how to pay, please check the following site: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm. On the right side of the page click on "I-901 fee" You will find instructions for paying online and checking the status of your payment, payment by Western Union, and the paper form I-901.
  4. d. Form I-20 issued by ULV.
  5. e. Money to pay the application fee or a receipt showing the fee has been paid as instructed by the specific Embassy (if necessary).
  6. f. Proof of maintaining ties to your home country. This could be as simple as a very brief statement of what you intend to do in your home country after you complete your education in the U.S. Consult the Embassy website to determine what documents to prepare.
  7. g. Financial certification to cover your expenses. Use the financial documentation you submitted for proof of finances and, as necessary, update that information.
  8. h. Admission letters, from the department you are admitted to study in and from the appropriate ULV Admissions office.