Immigration Information

The following information is very important to you as an International Student. It is designed to help you understand the non-immigrant International Student forms.

What is an F-1 student? An F-1 student is a nonimmigrant who is pursuing a “Full course of study” towards a specific educational or professional objective, at an academic institution in the United States. A student obtains F-1 status using Form I-20 issued by an approved school.

What is SEVIS? Student and Exchange visitor Information Systems (SEVIS) is an electronic system which provides tracking, monitoring, and access to current information on F, M and J nonimmigrant, SEVIS will require schools and program sponsors to transmit electronic information and event notifications via the Internet to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration services (BCIS) and the Department of State throughout a student or exchange visitor’s stay in the United States.

Form I-20-B: Is The Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) student status for Academic and Language Students form 1-20 to present to your consulate/embassy when you request them to issue your Student Visa (F-1). Note: Student’s I-20 page three, must be signed by the International Student Advisor, prior to any travel outside the United States.

Passport: A passport valid for at least 6 months. Your passport must be kept current while you are in the United States. Request renewal from your consulate or Embassy at least six months prior to expiration.

Student Visa: To obtain an F-1 Student visa, a student needs to receive Form I-20 signed by the Designated School Official (DSO). If you are going to the U.S. for academic study, English-language instruction or vocational training and have never held an F1/M1 visa, you must apply by interview for your F1 or M1 visa. You must schedule an appointment by Visa Information Web Service at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html.

I-94 form; Arrival-Departure Record, this is the small, white card inserted in your passport near the U.S visa which indicates how long a nonimmigrant may remain in the United States.

SEVIS I-901 Fee:  Each student or exchange visitor issued an initial I-20 or DS-2019 is responsible for paying this fee to SEVP.  You may complete the form I-901 online at www.fmjfee.com .