Nonimmigrant Visas

Information For Student Visa Applicants

If you are applying for a student visa, follow all the directions to apply for a nonimmigrant visa found on the Nonimmigrant Visas page. In addition, see the additional information below:

• All student visa applicants must submit a valid I-20 SEVIS Form, issued from a United States university or college. The I-20 SEVIS Form must still be valid when you arrive at immigration in the United States. Submit a copy of the I-20 Form with your application one week before the interview date and bring the original I-20 Form to the interview.
• Student visa applicants must also submit an I-20 SEVIS Fee Receipt, proving that you have paid the required $100.00 USD SEVIS fee. Submit a copy of the fee receipt with your application one week before the interview. Visit www.fmjfee.com for payment options.
• Although not required, you should bring the following information with you on to the interview: prior degrees or diplomas; SAT, GRE, TOEFL or other standardized test scores; evidence that you are able to pay for the tuition fees; other documentation relating to your professional or academic background.
• Student visa applicants returning to continue studies in the U.S. should bring transcripts or other evidence that you have been a full time student in good standing.
• Student Visa Q&A.

Information on the SEVIS Fee

All I-20 forms issued after September 1, 2004 must pay a fee of $100.00 USD. If your I-20 form was issued before September 1, 2004, you do not need to pay the fee, regardless of when you apply for a student visa. Visit www.fmjfee.com to pay the SEVIS fee online.

Important Information for Recipients of Student Visas

United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations state that student visa holders will not be admitted to the United States until a date thirty days or less prior to your academic program's beginning date as listed on the I-20 SEVIS form. An immigration officer may deny you entry to the U.S. if you use this visa earlier than this thirty day period. Please consider that date carefully when making your travel plans.