Getting a Visa

Once you have received your acceptance packet in the mail, complete the following steps to obtain your visa and enter the U.S.:

Step 1: Sign and date line 11 of your Form I-20.

Step 2: Contact the U.S. Embassy to schedule the visa interview. Check the interview wait times for your location.

ORIENTATION

PLACEMENT TESTING

HOUSING

Step 3: Pay the SEVIS fee. This fee must be paid prior to your interview. We strongly suggest you pay the fee online at http://www.fmjfee.com/ if you have a credit card. As of October 27, 2008, the SEVIS fee is $200 USD.

Online payment instructions:
A. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and click “Yes”.

B. Click I-20 and OK.

C. Enter the requested information - type your name exactly as it appears on your I-20.

D. Enter the School Code - HHW - 214F - 00244 - 000

E. When finished, click "I accept" and follow instructions for payment with credit card.

F. Print your receipt and take the receipt of payment to your visa interview.

Step 4: Contact the US Overseas Advisor in your country. They can help you prepare for the interview. Click on the Education USA logo on the left to find an advising center nearest you.

Step 5: Attend your scheduled interview date.

Step 6: Plan your trip: F-1 students are allowed to enter the US no earlier than 30 days before the start of the session. We recommend you arrive no later than one week prior to your I-20 start date.

Step 7: Present your I-20 & F-1 Student Visa at the point of entry into the U.S.

related categories

International

International Programs

Getting a Visa

Dates & Deadlines