Student Visas

Scheduling:
Students should schedule their visa interviews as soon as they are accepted to a university. While visas may not be printed without the I-20 form, students can complete their interviews with an acceptance letter.

Intent to return:
Before a non-immigrant visa may be issued, an applicant must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that he/she is not an intending immigrant. Applicants can do this by showing evidence of their own family, economic, property and/or other social ties to a country outside the U.S.

In addition to establishing that he/she is not an intending immigrant, each student must also demonstrate that she/he is a bona fide student and has access to financial resources.

Bona Fide Student:
In order to demonstrate that he/she is a bona fide student, applicants are encouraged to be prepared to tell the consular officer about the college search and application process, reasons for choosing a school, reasons for studying in the United States, commitment to completing the degree being pursued, etc. To this end, students are encouraged to bring school transcripts, copies of applications, TOEFL and SAT scores, etc.

Financial Assets:
In order to qualify for a student visa, the applicant must show that he/she has funds available to pay for the first year of study and a continuing source of funds for the remaining years of study. Applicants should present full and complete financial documentation to show that they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of their educational fees and living expenses while in the U.S. Current bank statements for all accounts should be presented.

Student visa applications will be refused if you are unable to show proof of ability to pay for all educational expenses at the time of your visa interview.

SEVIS Registration & Fee:
Persons applying for a student visa must pay a SEVIS fee. This fee covers the cost of administering the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This fee must be paid before the person applies for a visa. Derivative applicants do not have to pay a SEVIS fee. For further details and information on how to pay the fee, please visit http://www.fmjfee.com

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