Visa Information
If you are citizen of a country other than the United States, you are required to get a student visa to study in the U.S. (Note: Canadian Citizens do not need a visa, but they do need a passport and I-20 or DS-2019 to enter the U.S. as a student.) Degree seeking students will be issued an I-20 document and will need to obtain a F-1 visa. Exchange student and visitors will be issued a DS-2019 and will need to obtain a J-1 visa.
- Upon receipt of your I-20 document or DS-2019, schedule a visa appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate that issues visas. An interview will be required.
- Find the location nearest you at: http://www.usembassy.gov/
- Note “visa wait times.” You may apply for your visa up to 120 days before the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019. http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
- Anyone applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa is required to pay the SEVIS fee.
- Plan to pay the fee at least 3 days prior to your visa interview.
- For more detailed information about the SEVIS fee, including options for payment, refer to: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/
- Note: the SEVIS fee is a separate fee from the visa application fee.
- Upon receipt of the F-1 or J-1 visa, you may enter the U.S. not more than 30 days prior to the start date on your I-20 or DS 2019.
Receipt of an I-20 or DS-2019 from St. Cloud State University or any other school in no way guarantees that you will be issued a visa. In addition, receipt of an F-1 or J-1 visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S. Customs and Border Control officers will inspect your immigration documents at the port of entry to determine your admissibility into the U.S.
A video message for international students planning to study in the United States: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_5499.html
For additional information about non-immigrant visas and rules for visiting the U.S., refer to: http://travel.state.gov/.
Student visa questions answered at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html.
Change of Status
If you are currently in the U.S. in a status other than F-1 and you have been accepted to begin studying at St. Cloud State University, you will need to change status to F-1. Please review the information for eligibility requirements and the process to change status from within the U.S. You may also change status by leaving the U.S. and applying for an F-1 visa prior to beginning your studies at St. Cloud State University.
