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F-1 NEW STUDENT APPLICANT

Related Documents
Affidavit of Support I-864

The International Student Office assists foreign students admitted into an approved full-time program to obtain a visa and enter the U.S.

The following steps must be followed:

  1. Apply for Acceptance to Harrisburg University as an F-1 Student
  2. An Acceptance Letter will be sent if you meet the Admission requirements
  3. Payment of a Tuition Deposit must then be made
  4. An I-20 will then be sent to you
  5. Payment of the SEVIS Fee of $200 is required
  6. A visa to enter the U.S. must then be obtained
  7. Make travel plans to enter the United States
  8. Check-In and Orientation on your Start Date

Check out the Department of Homeland Security’s Study Guide to the States or this Quick Guide from Study in the States

A student already in the U.S. attending another institution as an F-1 student is required to request a transfer of the SEVIS record to Harrisburg University. If this best describes you, then please see the F-1 Transfer Student Page for more information.

SEVP Form I-20

Financial Requirements

The SEVP Form I-20 and visa interview at the U.S. Consulate require you to show sufficient funding to cover the financial requirements of your program.

Please note:

  • Only proof of your FIRST YEAR of educational expenses is required.
  • These requirements are estimated expenses and are subject to change.
  • The estimated and actual figures may differ but minor discrepancies will not affect the visa application.
  • The amount includes tuition, fees and living expenses for 3 semesters over 12 months (any combination of Fall, Spring and Summer semesters)
  • The financial information will appear on your I-20.
  • The financial document(s) you provide must equal or exceed the financial requirement for your program.
  • The amount shown on your I-20 may be less than the amount you have provided on your financial statements. The I-20 only needs to show you have funds for the estimated cost for your program.
  • Documents must not be older than 1 year.
  • Highly recommended: Convert funds into U.S. dollars. If not possible, clearly indicate the quantity and type of currency.

F-2 Dependents

If you are applying for your own initial I-20 and will be accompanied by dependent(s), you need to be sure to include dependent information in your application or submit the information to the International Student Office prior to your F-1 visa interview as each dependent will need their own dependent I-20.

The following documents must be submitted in order to obtain an F-2 I-20:

  1. Copy of both passport ID pages for each dependent
  2. Copy of your marriage certificate if you have a spouse dependent
  3. Copy of the birth certificate for any child dependents
  4. A financial affidavit stating that you or another person will be financially supporting your dependents through the duration of their stay in the U.S.
  5. 5. A coordinating bank statement should be provided showing that you or another person have the necessary funds to support your dependent(s). A spouse dependent requires a student to show an additional $5,000 in support and for each child dependent an additional $2,500 must be shown.

U.S. Entry Visa

U.S. Entry Visas are issued by the U.S. Department of State and are obtained at U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad. The visa application must be presented during a scheduled interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

  • If you are entering the U.S. for the first time, you will need to apply for a U.S. Entry Visa
  • If you are a continuing student and your U.S. Entry Visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new one in order to return to the U.S. from abroad.

Where To Apply

  • A student applying for a visa should consult the documentary requirements of the individual embassy or consulate at which they will be applying.
  • Dependents will need to show proof of the relationship to the primary visa holder, e.g. marriage and/or birth certificates.
  • See the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application for instructions on completing the form.
  • It is recommended that a student apply for a U.S. Entry Visa in their home country.

Visa Stamps

The U.S. Entry Visa is a stamp placed in your passport

  • Once your visa application is approved, the consular officer will issue a stamp in your passport.
  • The purpose of the U.S. Entry Visa is to gain entry into the U.S.
  • The expiration date has no bearing on your immigration status and permission to remain in the U.S.
  • If you maintain your status, you may stay in the U.S. and travel domestically with an expired visa.
  • You must obtain a new U.S. Entry Visa in order to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad.

F-1 Specific

You must establish non-immigrant intent, i.e., prove that you have ties to your home country such as family, property, or employment, and plan to return after your program ends.

An F-1 student must:

  1. Pay the SEVIS fee
  2. Bring the SEVIS fee payment confirmation (that can be printed from the fee website) to the interview
  3. Be prepared to show that they have adequate funding.

F-2 dependents are not required to pay the SEVIS fee.

An F-1 students with the same SEVIS ID is not required to pay the SEVIS fee again.

Your U.S. Entry Visa (F-1) may be issued no earlier than 120 days before the program start date on the I-20.

New F-1 students and their dependents may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the program start date on the I-20.