If you are accepted at the college, your college will send you a SEVIS generated Form I-20 A-B (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status — for Academic and Language Students). The I-20 verifies your eligibility to be processed for an F-1 student visa. To obtain your F-1 visa you must take your campus-issued I-20 A-B to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your country. We strongly advise you to start your visa process as soon as your receive your I-20 A-B.

Most embassies and consulates require advance appointments to issue a visa. When you apply for your visa you must be prepared to show the Consulate or Embassy your financial documentation. You will also need to pay the various fees at that time. You cannot make your travel arrangements until you have been issued your visa so the earlier you handle this task the better. For more on the international student visa process, you can check the U.S. Department of State's website at www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html#.

When you travel to the United States, your I-20 ID and visa should be kept with you. Your visa is a travel document that allows you to enter the United States. Once in the U.S., the I-20 ID is the document that allows you to legally remain here. You should also keep your I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) safe because it proves you legally entered the U.S. and shows the date by which you are required to depart. Your immigration-related documents are very important documents to keep nearby.

Your college staff will help you, but please note that you (the F-1 student) are solely responsible for following U.S. immigration laws.