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Student (F1) Visa Information

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International students studying in the United States (even if only for a short time) are required to obtain a student visa.  Below you will find information that will help you understand the visa process.

Types of Student visas:

• F-1 Visa  -  This visa is issued to students who are attending an academic or English language program.  F-1 students must maintain full-time student status.  They can remain in the U.S. up to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes to complete their academic program.  They are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).
• J-1 Visa  - The Exchange Visitor Program provides foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in exchange programs in the United States and then return home to share their experiences.  An Exchange Visitor is selected by a sponsor to participate in a designated exchange program with a defined length of program and activities.   An Exchange Visitor is required to have medical insurance in effect for himself or herself and any dependents in J-visa status for the duration of the program.

How to Obtain a Student Visa

To obtain a student visa, you will need to submit, at minimum, documentation to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy, preferably in your home country:

1. A visa application form (DS-156 and DS-158); male applicants must also complete form DS-157.
2. A valid I-20 or DS-2019 form from Linfield College.
3. SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt.  See www.fmjfee.com or www.ice.gov/sevis for more information.
4. A passport valid for travel to the U.S. with an expiration date at least six months after your intended period of stay.
5. One photograph (37x37mm), full face showing, head must not be covered, against a light background.
6. Documentation showing you have sufficient financial resources for your studies.  Linfield College and the U.S. immigration office require proof of sufficient funds (such as a bank statement or confirmation of financial support).
7. Check the consulate web site and schedule an appointment. Take your passport, the I-20, and your admissions and financial support documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country to apply for an F-1 student visa.  You will have to pay an application fee.
8. When you turn in your application, a consular official will schedule an interview date and time.
9. Be sure to pay the SEVIS fee prior to attending the visa interview.

Tips for a Successful Visa Interview

Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, such as student visas, are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not.  You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States.  Be sure to:

• Bring documentation.  Bring all important school correspondence and documentation to the interview, including SEVIS fee receipt and any email messages; and make sure that all information on the I-20 or DS-2019 is correct.
• Show “ties” to your home country.  You must be able to show strong reasons (such as job, family, financial prospects that you own, etc.) why you want to return to your home country after completing your course of study.  The interviewing officer may ask about your intentions, career prospects, family and educational goals.
• Prepare for interview in English.  Practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview, but do not prepare a speech.
• Speak for yourself.  Do not bring parents or family members with you to the interview.  The officer wants to interview you, not your family.  You may give a negative impression if you are not prepared to speak for yourself.
• Know the program and how it fits with your goals.  You should be able to explain why you will study in a particular program and how it relates to your career goals when you return home.
• Be brief.  The officer is under pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview, so you may have only 2-3 minutes of interview time.  Keep your answers short and to-the-point.
• Talk about your dependent spouse and children, if any.  Be prepared to explain how your dependents will support themselves while you are away.  You will not be allowed to send support to them from the U.S.
• Maintain a positive attitude.  Do not argue with the consular officer.  If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reasons for the denial in writing.

Frequently Asked Visa Questions:

What is an I-20 form?

When you are admitted to Linfield College, we prepare a non-immigration form called the I-20.  This form indicates the intended major, the length of the program, and the date you must arrive at Linfield.  The I-20 allows you to apply for the F-1 student visa.

What is a DS-2019 form? 

After being selected to participate in an exchange program, the DS-2019 allows you to apply for the J-1 visa. 

When should I apply for the student visa?

You should apply as soon as you are prepared to do so within 90 days of the program start date.  Be sure you have all the required documents, including the I-20 or DS-2019, before making application.

What happens if I cannot arrive by the program start date?

You must contact Linfield College to make arrangements for late arrival.

What will happen when I enter the United States?

An airline flight attendant will ask you to complete the I-94 form (Arrival/Departure Record) before landing in the U.S.  You will present the I-94 and your passport to the immigration inspector when you arrive.  The inspector will stamp the I-94 form with “D/S” (duration of status) and will attach it to your passport.  “D/S” means that you may stay in the U.S. until you complete your studies.  Be sure to keep this document in your passport.

What are my obligations as a student on an F-1 visa?

Students on an F-1 visa must follow the regulations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  According to these regulations you must:

• Register for classes at the school which issued the I-20 or DS-2019.
• Be enrolled as a full-time student while you are in the U.S.
• Follow the required procedures before requesting permission to work off-campus.
• Contact the international student adviser at Linfield College if you decide to transfer to a different school.

How long can I stay in the United States?

The I-20 or DS-2019 indicates the length of time you can stay to finish your course of studies.  You are permitted to stay until you finish if you maintain full-time student status.

If I cannot complete my studies in the required time, may I stay longer?

If you need a longer time to complete your studies, our international adviser can help you apply for an extension.  If you complete your studies before the I-20 or DS-2019 expires, you are not allowed to stay in the U.S. with that I-20 or DS-2019.

If my visa expires, how do I renew it?

The visa is an entry document only.  It must be valid only at the time you enter the U.S.  It does not need to be renewed if you stay in the U.S.  However, if you return home for a visit during vacation periods or travel elsewhere outside the U.S., we will provide you with information for renewing your visa if it will have expired before you return.

If a person has been denied a visa once, will he or she always be denied?

It is possible for an unsuccessful applicant to be granted a visa in a later attempt.  U.S. visa officials make decisions on a case-by-case basis.  Some typical reasons for denial are not proving that sufficient financial resources are available for studying in the U.S., or not preparing the required documents correctly.  When you can provide evidence that you meet all of the criteria for obtaining a student visa, you may re-apply.

Can my parents visit me while I am studying in the United States?

Yes, your parents can enter the U.S. on a tourist (B-2) visa.  When applying for the tourist visa, your parents must be able to provide convincing evidence, such as jobs, property, and dependents, supporting their stated intention to return to their home country.

Other Web Resources

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) -http://www.ice.gov/sevis

Visa Application Forms -http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi_forms.html

U.S. Consulate and Embassy Information - http://usembassy.state.gov

Travel and Transportation for a US-VISIT -http://www.dhs.gov/us-visit