Admission Information

Immigration Information

A Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV student smiling in her dorm room.

Most international students come to Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV 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 Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV.

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 Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV 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 Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV, if they are admitted into a Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV program, provide proof of financial support, and have continuously maintained immigration status while in the US. Students must enroll in courses at Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV 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 Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV and receives the official offer letter, they must ask the current institution to transfer the SEVIS record to Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV. Students must also, download the  and submit it to the international student office at their current school. Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV  must receive the completed Transfer Clearance Form and the SEVIS record to issue a Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV 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 Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV 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 Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV or by a United States government agency (IIE, OAS, Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV, 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 Â鶹ÃÛÌÒAV 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.