I-20

The school sends the student an I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility), which indicates the date by which the student should arrive at the institution. The student then takes this form to the U.S. embassy or consulate and receives an F-1 visa if he/she can demonstrate adequate financial support.

 

SEVIS Fee Instructions

If your I-20 was issued on or after September 1, 2004, and is marked for “initial” attendance (see #3 on your I-20 form), you will also need to pay the $100 SEVIS fee.

 

To Pay Online

(a) Find the Form I-901

(b) Complete the form online and supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard or American Express information. Be sure to write your name exactly how it appears on your I-20 form.

(c) Print a copy of the online receipt.

(d) Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep it with your other important immigration documents.

You must bring the receipt of fee payment with you to the interview. If you have lost the receipt, the visa officer should be able to view your payment history in his or her database.

 

I-94

 

The I-94 (Arrival and Departure Record) is a white card, which is issued to you upon arrival. It is stamped by the BCIS official and stapled into your passport at your port of entry into the U.S. The I-94 form shows that you are lawfully admitted to the U.S. for a specific period of time. The expiration date on the

I-94 indicates the date by which you must leave the U.S. unless an extension of stay has been granted. Keep your I-94 in a safe place. It is recommended that you have the office of the International Student Adviser keep photocopies of this document in your file.

U.S. government regulations require all F-1 students to register for a “full course of study”. Undergraduate students must be registered for 12 credits in day school each term during the academic year. Graduate students must be registered for six (6) credits.