Admission Information
Immigration Information
Most international students come to °®°®Ö±²¥ on F-1 or J-1 student visas. To apply for these, you need eligibility documents (I-20s for F-1 visas or DS-2019s for J-1 visas) from °®°®Ö±²¥.
F-1 Student Visa – I-20
The F-1 is the most commonly used student visa. Students must have a valid educational purpose for coming to the United States, be a full-time student, and provide proof of their ability to fund their education. Upon admission to a °®°®Ö±²¥ program and receipt of financial documentation, the student is issued an I-20 to be used to obtain the F-1 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. The spouse or children of an F-1 student enter the US on F-2 visas and are not eligible to attend university or work in the US.
- Transferring F-1 status from another US Institution: F-1 students who are already attending a US school may transfer their immigration status to °®°®Ö±²¥, if they are admitted into a °®°®Ö±²¥ program, provide proof of financial support, and have continuously maintained immigration status while in the US. Students must enroll in courses at °®°®Ö±²¥ within 5 months of the last date of attendance at the previous school or the end date of OPT.
After the student is admitted to °®°®Ö±²¥ and receives the official offer letter, they must ask the current institution to transfer the SEVIS record to °®°®Ö±²¥. Students must also, download the and submit it to the international student office at their current school. °®°®Ö±²¥ must receive the completed Transfer Clearance Form and the SEVIS record to issue a °®°®Ö±²¥ I-20.
- Changing to F-1 from another non-immigrant visa: Students who are in the US using a non-immigrant visa other than F-1 may choose to change their status to F-1 prior to beginning their °®°®Ö±²¥ academic program. This may be accomplished either by traveling outside the U.S. or by applying to USCIS for a change of status. Students who decide to travel to obtain their F-1 must receive an I-20 from International Services. Students who apply for a change of status should make an appointment to meet with an International Services advisor to discuss the procedures.
J-1 Student Visa – DS-2019
The J-1 visa is an "exchange visitor" visa which is managed under the auspices of the Exchange Visitor Program of the US Department of State. The J-1 visa is used primarily by exchange students (non degree-seeking) and students sponsored by US government agencies. Students who meet the criteria for the J-1 visa will be issued a DS-2019 by °®°®Ö±²¥ or by a United States government agency (IIE, OAS, °®°®Ö±²¥, etc.). The spouse or children of a J-1 student enter the US on a J-2 visa. Spouses in J-2 status may apply to USCIS for permission to work after their arrival in the U.S. Spouses and children also may attend school.
Other Visa Types (Non F-1 Visa Holders)
Students who do not hold an F-1 (student) visa status may study at °®°®Ö±²¥ if their current visa status permits study in a degree seeking program. Please note that individuals in F-2 and B1/B2 (visitor) status are PROHIBITED from studying in a degree seeking program. For information about non-immigrant visas go to website.
How to Get Your Non-Immigrant Visa
Upon receipt of the I-20 or DS-2019, visit the to pay the SEVIS (I-901) fee required for all student visa applications. Be sure to print the receipt showing payment of this fee. Following fee payment, to schedule a visa appointment and download visa application forms. (NOTE: Citizens of Canada are not required to apply for an entry visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate). Take your I-20 or DS-2019, passport, admission letter, and financial support documentation (e.g., award letter, bank statement, etc.) to the US Embassy or Consulate for the appointment.