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Obtaining your student visa

Preparing for an F-1 Visa Interview

This information is for students who plan to enter the United States for the first time to study. For information on bringing dependents to the U.S., returning to continue studies, or renewing your visa, or for more details on how to apply for a student visa, refer to the U.S. Department of State.

Steps

  1. After you receive your Form I-20 from SUNY Potsdam, you must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.  Please visit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Study in the States Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee website for more information about the SEVIS fee and payment instructions.
     
  2. Follow the U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s instructions to apply for your F-1 student visa. 

    Important Note: Canadian students are not required to visit a U.S. Consul or Embassy as their non-immigrant F-1 student documents can be processed at a land border port of entry BUT are still required to pay the US$350 I-901 SEVIS fee BEFORE entering the United States as a student for the first time.

    Student F-1 visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the start date for a course of study.  However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
     
  3. Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 and have a photo that meets all the photograph requirements ready to upload.
     
  4. Schedule an interview. You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.

    U.S. Consul's and Embassies require all F visa applicants to be interviewed by a government official.

    You can check the appointment wait time online.
     
  5. Pay the non-refundable F-1 visa application fee by following instructions on your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s website.

    Note: the I-901 SEVIS fee is a separate fee from the DS-160 F-1 visa application fee; both fees need to be paid.
     
  6. You should check with your local Embassy to see what the requirements are for your home country, but you should be prepared and bring to your visa interview the following:
    • A passport valid for at least six months
    • Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
    • A receipt for the visa application fee
    • Photo – that meets the photograph requirements and only if the upload fails while completing the online Form DS-160 application
    • Form I-20, be sure you have signed it (“wet” signature required i.e. you have printed the Form I-20 and signed the document with a pen) at the bottom of page one
    • A receipt for the SEVIS fee
    • School admission letter
    • Financial evidence that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period you intend to study. Any information that proves that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the United States. This may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.
       
  7. Remain calm and answer all the Visa Officer's questions to you openly and honestly. Please read 10 Points to Remember When Applying for an F1 Visa (PDF) for helpful visa interview tips.

For additional detailed instructions, please visit the U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s website and the Student Visa section of the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

If You Are Denied a Student F-1 Visa

Please visit the United States' Department of State website to learn more about the visa denial.

If You Are Granted an F-1 Visa

A visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S.  It is only the “key” to the U.S. “house”. The visa will allow you to travel to the U.S. for a specific purpose during a specific timeframe.  U.S. border officers at the port-of-entry (POE) will determine your admissibility to the U.S.

The U.S. Embassy/Consulate will add a visa sticker with your photo in your passport. Students are usually given an F-1 visa. Spouses and children of F-1 visa holders are assigned an F-2 visa. Since this visa sticker is only important for entry and re-entry to the United States, you MUST have the following documents to enter the USA:

  1. Valid Passport (for at least 6 months) with a valid F-1 visa
  2. Original letter of acceptance/admission from SUNY Potsdam
  3. Valid SEVIS I-20 form issued by SUNY Potsdam
  4. Original copies of all of the financial documents (such as bank statement(s))
  5. Proof of ties to your home country (please read the tips on how to apply for an F-1 visa)

(Source, NAFSA: Association of International Educators; www.nafsa.org)