The International Student F-1 Visa Process
F-1 Visa Process Checklist Step 6 Make U.S. Embassy or Consulate Interview Appointment Step 5 Pay I-901 Fee Step 4 Form I-20 Step 3 Evidence of Financial Ability Step 2 Financial Obligation Step 1 Obtain Passport
Follow your country’s guidelines on how to obtain passport. Step 1: Obtain Passport Follow your country’s guidelines on how to obtain passport. Passport must be valid for at least six months after the proposed date of entry into the United States.
Step 2: Financial Obligation Prospective F-1 or M-1 students must have the financial resources to live and study in the United States. This includes being able to cover the cost of tuition, books, living expenses and travel. WLC has to collect evidence of student’s financial ability before issuing a Form I-20. Use the Financial Certification Form to confirm financial resources. - Financial Certification Link: https://wavecollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/WLC-FINANCIAL- CERTIFICATION.pdf - Mail Documentation to: Wave Leadership College Attention: Jimada Robinson 1000 N Great Neck Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23454 U.S.A - Keep copy of financial certification documentation for the following: Visa Interview At the U.S port of Entry
Evidence of Financial Ability A prospective student must have financial evidence showing that they or a sponsor has sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the period of intended study. Evidence of financial ability includes but is not limited to: Family bank statements. Documentation from a sponsor. Financial aid letters. Scholarship letters. Letter from an employer showing annual salary.
Step 3: Form I-20 Once you are admitted, Wave Leadership College will send you a SEVIS Form I-20 (immigration document). This verifies that you have been accepted into a specific degree program for the expected length of your program and that you have a certain amount of funds available for your education and living expenses. You will present the SEVIS Form I-20 to the U.S. embassy or consulate when you apply for a student visa. SEVIS Form I-20 Note: * Read "Instructions to Students" on page 2, sign and complete item #11 on page 1.
Step 4: Pay I-901 Fee F-1 students are required to pay a SEVIS fee prior to obtaining an F-1 visa and/or gaining entrance to the United States. Website: FMJFee.com
Step 5: Make U.S. Embassy or Consulate Interview Appointment Make an appointment for an interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your area of residence. June and July are the busiest months at most consular sections, so it may be difficult to make an appointment during those months. It is important to plan ahead so that you won’t have to make repeat visits. However, an F-1 visa cannot be granted more than 120 days before the program start date noted on line #5 of the SEVIS Form I-20 issued to you by Wave Leadership College. To locate U.S. embassies and consular offices worldwide, and for specific visa application instructions visit: http://usembassy.state.gov/
Interview Information Each U.S. embassy and consulate has a Web site linked to http://usembassy.state.gov/. This Web site will have information on how to apply for a student visa and how to make an interview appointment. Interview Document Checklist: * Check with your embassy to get a detailed list 1. A signed Form I-20 issued by the school the student plans to attend 2. A completed application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed - Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. - Children need a separate form, even if they are included in a parent's passport. 3. A passport valid for at least six months after the proposed date of entry into the United States 4. One (1) 2"x2" photograph 5. A fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee, a visa issuance fee if applicable (please consult the Visa Reciprocity Table located at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reciprocity/reciprocity_3272.html 6. Separate SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.