Obtaining a Student Visa (F-1) and Planning Your Arrival - International Students

International Students

Obtaining a Student Visa (F-1) and Planning Your Arrival

Student Visa (F-1)

SEVIS, which stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is an internet-based system that allows schools and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to exchange data on the visa status of international students. Accurate and current information is transmitted electronically throughout an F-1 student's authorized stay in the U.S. U.S. embassies, consulates and ports of entry also have access to SEVIS.

NEW SEVIS FEE
Beginning October 27, 2008, F-1 visa applicants will be required to pay a fee of $200 ($100 before October 27, 2008). This fee increase is to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

The F-1 visa is issued to full-time students enrolled in an academic program at an American institution. In order to apply for the F-1 visa, you need to have received the SEVIS Form I-20 A-B (I-20). If your SEVIS I-20 is issued after September 1, 2004, you are required to pay the SEVIS fee. This fee is in addition to the F-1 visa application fee.

After receipt of your official acceptance letter from Western University you must submit the following documentation to your Designated School Official (DSO) so that a SEVIS I-20 can be issued to you.

Proof of financial support for one (1) year of enrollment at Western University (please check with your DSO for funds needed). Proof of financial support must be dated within one month after offer of admission.

Please provide one of the following documents:
- An official statement or letter from your bank; or
- a letter of affidavit of support from a company or international sponsor.
Spouse and Dependant(s) Information; Name, birth date and country of birth
Foreign address and United States address (if available)

An I-20 form will be issued only after receipt of the above information.

Make an appointment with the U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for the F-1 visa. In most countries, first-time students are required to appear for an interview. Each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures. Be sure to check your local US embassy or consulate website for important information and application instructions

Canadian Citizens

Canadian students do not require application to the U.S. consulate for an entry visa. However, an I-20 and passport is required. It is important that students entering the U.S. enter in the proper student status.

At the port of entry, Canadian Students must present their I-20, proof of financial support and passport to the immigration officer. The U.S. immigration officer will stamp the I-20 and have the student complete the I-94 before returning the departure record to the student. Be sure to look a the I-94 card before you leave the inspection area to make sure that it reads F-1, D/S. This ensures that you are entering the U.S. on a student visa and not as a visitor.

Sevis Fee

If you are attending Western University on an "initial" F-1 student visa, you will be subject to the required SEVIS fee. The SEVIS fee must be paid at least three (3) days prior to the consular interview unless you have a printed receipt from the Internet payment. For instructions on how to pay the SEVIS fee, please visit the SEVIS I-901 website. Western University's school code is LOS214F01238000.

Planning Your Arrival in the U.S.

You may be refused entry into the United States if you attempt to arrive more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your SEVIS I-20 form.

Always hand-carry your documents. Do not check your documents in your baggage.

Upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry, you will present the following documents to the immigration officer:

Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay
SEVIS Form I-20
Completed Form I-94
- If arriving by air: Flight attendants will distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival Departure Record Froms (I-94). These must be completed prior to landing.
- If arriving by land or sea: The CBP Officer at the port of entry will provide the necessary forms to be filled out upon your arrival.

It is also strongly recommended that you hand-carry the following documentation:

Evidence of financial resources
Evidence of student status, such as your Admissions Acceptance Letter
Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee, Form I-797
Name and contact information for your "Designated School Official"

Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer will:

Stamp the Arrival Departure Record Form (I-94) and staple it to your passport. Do not remove it. This is an important document that establishes the date and place of your arrival in the U.S.
Stamp your SEVIS Form I-20 for duration of status ("D/S") for F visa holders.
Return any other documents that were inspected
Update your SEVIS record

Arriving at Western University

You must make an appointment with your DSO within 15 days from the first day of class to complete the admissions and SEVIS registration process.

Last Updated:10/09/2008

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Student Visa (F-1)

Canadian Citizens

Sevis Fee

Planning Your Arrival in the U.S.

Arriving at Western University