All nonimmigrant visitors are required to have a valid visa (***except Canadians) in their passport to be allowed entry into the United States. For general information, see the听.
Steps for F-1 entry visa:
***Canadian citizens are not required to apply for a visa to enter the United States as an F-1, but must still pay the听and present their I-20 at the U.S. port of entry. However, if the visitor has “Landed Immigrant” status in Canada, a U.S. visa is required to enter the United States.
Read the听听for more information about the visa application process and听
Since visa appointments are limited and听听can be lengthy, make your appointment as early as possible. Consulates will generally accept appointments up to 120 days prior to the start of studies. There may be long waiting periods for appointments, especially May through August. However, consulates may give priority to F-1 student applicants, if requested.
Be mindful of your social media presence!
Visa application includes specific questions requiring you to list all social media platforms, identifiers, and handles used in the previous 5 years.听
May also require:
When going to the visa interview, bring:
Some consulates may require additional documentation, so check the consulate website for visa application instructions. Visa application forms and fees can be found on the consulate website.
During your F-1 visa interview or at the Customs Control at the port of entry you may be asked questions about your studies, your university choice, how you are planning to pay for your education, your post-graduation plans, and more. Here are some of the common questions that you may expect.
What鈥檚 your purpose for going to the U.S.?
Please use this guide from NAFSA for your reference:听.
In some cases, the consulate may require a听security clearance听on the visa application. A visa may be approved, but cannot be issued until the security check is cleared. It is common for the security clearance to take a couple of weeks to a couple of months. If you are subject to a security clearance, please email International Admissions 听at听intadmissions@stfrancis.edu
so we can advise on the implications of a delayed arrival.
Entering the U.S.
When preparing for your arrival to the U.S., you should plan your travel according to the information provided by your college. According to immigration regulations, F-1 student visa holders can enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the program report date on the I-20.
Students transferring to USF in F-1 status from another institution or changing their degree level at USF may stay in the U.S. or travel between programs. And, they may enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the new program start date listed on your I-20.
Documents to bring when entering the U.S.
At the U.S. port of entry, you will be required to present your passport and I-20 to the immigration officer who will stamp your passport. In most cases, the officer notes 鈥淒/S鈥� (Duration of Status) on your passport pages. This means you are allowed to stay in the U.S. for the length of time indicated on your I-20, provided that you maintain full-time enrollment and a valid F-1 visa status. Ensure your passport is properly stamped before exiting the immigration inspection area.听Do not enter听the U.S. in visitor status (B-1/B-2, WT, or WB). This status does not permit full-time study in the U.S. After your arrival, print your Admission (I-94) number at听听and keep a copy of all travel documents (I-94 information, F-1 visa, and I-20) for your personal records. Ensure your I-94 print out contains the correct information, including F-1 visa status and 鈥淒uration of Status.鈥�
This is not legal advice and it is recommended that students reach out to their closest Embassy/consulate and/or Admissions counselor听for proper guidance.听