- Applying for a Visa Introduction
Applying for a Visa
It is very important to enter the United States with the proper visa. You must apply for a visa in order to enter the United States with student status. It’s important to apply for your student visa as soon as possible. Processing times for visa issuance vary and may require additional time due to security checks.
To apply for a Visa, complete the following steps:
1. Your Form I-20 can be found on the front of your welcome package. Pay the $350 SEVIS fee if this is your first time applying for an F-1 student visa (some students with a previous Form I-20 and F-1 visa will also have to pay this fee). Click here for instructions. Your SEVIS Identification number is listed on your Form I-20 and begins with the first number after the letter “N”. Be sure to print out a copy of your SEVIS fee receipt at the time of payment and staple it to the back of your CU I-20. The printed confirmation will serve as proof of payment for the I-901 SEVIS fee.
2. Make sure your passport is valid.
3. Follow the U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s instructions to schedule an interview for your F-1 student visa.
4. Complete the Form DS-160 Nonimmigrant visa application form.
5. Pay the visa application fee.
6. Read all information on the Form I-20 carefully and sign the first page of the Form I-20, and provide the information requested if under 18 years of age.
7. Attend your scheduled visa interview
What is the SEVIS Fee?
Documents needed for VISA interview
1. Valid Passport
2. Form I-20
3. Evidence of admission at CU (letter provided in the front of the package)
4. Evidence of your financial ability to pay for your education (bank statement)
5. SEVIS fee receipt.
6. Any other documentation your embassy/consulate requires.
Canadian citizens can enter the United States without having an entry visa, but Canadian citizens must obtain a Form I-20 and pay the SEVIS fee before entering the United States.