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Applying for an F-1 Visa

Applying for an F-1 Visa

How to apply for an F-1 visa:

If you have received an I-20 from Clark State College, you should apply for an F-1 visa stamp. There are four steps in the process.

Step 1: Pay your SEVIS fee.
You will have to show your payment receipt for the SEVIS fee when you arrive for your visa interview, so take care of this right away.

If you are a Canadian citizen with a valid passport, you do not need to apply for a visa stamp. However, you do need to pay the SEVIS fee.

Learn how to pay the SEVIS fee.

Step 2: Schedule a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy in your home country.
Contact the U.S. Embassy nearest you as soon as possible to set up an appointment. This is important because the wait time for an appointment and for visa issuance varies.

It is best to apply in your home country. If you are not sure which embassy you should contact, see the list of U.S. Embassies.

Step 3: Gather your documentation.
When you arrive for your visa appointment, you will be required to show a number of documents, including:

  • The completed Form DS-160 from the appropriate U.S. consulate 
  • I-20, issued by Clark State College 
  • Your passport (valid for at least six months into the future) 
  • Proof (receipt) of the SEVIS fee payment 
  • Documentary evidence of the funding listed on your I-20 
  • Evidence of sufficient English language ability 
  • Evidence that you have strong personal, financial, academic and/or professional ties to your home country, and that you plan to return there after your U.S. program of study (non-immigrant intent). This evidence may include:
    • A simple statement that you plan to leave the U.S. at the end of your program and return to your home country 
    • Evidence of property, real estate or land ownership in your home country 
    • Evidence of financial holdings in your home country 
    • Ownership of a car or other liquid assets 
    • Spouse, children or significant other family relatives in your home country 
    • Permanent employment offers in the home country 
    • Strong religious or civic ties to your local community 

Step 4: Prepare for your interview.
Since you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa, you will need to prove to the consular officer that you do not intend to immigrate to the United States. In other words, you need to show that you have definite plans to return home after college.

For more information and tips, please see NAFSA Ten Points to Remember.

What is the difference between a visa and visa status?
A visais a stamp in your passport that allows you to request permission to enter the United States. Your status is your immigration status. You need to maintain your visa and status paperwork throughout your time here in order to stay in the United States—and we will help you do that.