International Information

F-Visa

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS GENERAL NON-IMMIGRANT VISA PROCESS:
(for additional information on Student Visas see http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html )


This is a general outline of the non-immigrant Visa process for international students at Simmons College.

After you have been accepted to the academic program of your choice, there are several important steps you need to take before and after you arrive in the United States.

Before you come to the United States:

1) Get a passport from your home country.

If you do not have a passport, you will need to obtain one.  If you have passport, make sure that it is still valid and that it will be valid at least 6 months past the expected return date to your home country.

2) Choose whether you will study under an F1 (student) or J1(exchange visitor) visa.

Most international students at Simmons will want to enter the U.S and study under an F1 Visa.  The following information pertains to students applying for an F1 visa.  For J1 information go the J-Visa page.

3) The Dean of Student will register you in SEVIS in Initial Status

The Dean of Students Office will receive information from the School/Department that has accepted you as an international student and will register you in SEVIS (see  http://www.ice.gov/sevis/)  (The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) as an international student in "initial status".

4) You will receive an I-20 Document

International Student Services will send you an I-20 document, which you will need to apply for your F1 visa.  The I-20 document verifies that you have been accepted into a specific degree program for the expected length of your program, and that you have documented a certain amount of funds available for your education and living expenses. (Please note: Canadian Nationals, landed immigrants or British subjects residing in Canada or Bermuda are not required to obtain a visa, unless they are entering the U.S. from outside the Western Hemisphere. However, the appropriate immigration document (Form I-20 for F1) must be presented at the U.S. port of entry.)

5) Sign your I-20

Once you receive your copy of the I-20, you need to read the "instruction to student" on page 2 and complete #11 on pages 1 and 3.    You will need to present this form to the U.S. Embassy when you apply for your F1 Visa.

6) You will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (see http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm) .

You can pay the fee online at   https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml  and will need a receipt when you apply for the Visa at your local U.S. Embassy

7) Apply for a Visa at your local U.S. Embassy (find your embassy here: http://usembassy.state.gov/)

a) You will need to fill out a Visa Application form DS-156 and DS-158 (http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html)
b) You will need to provide a photo (see http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html for requirements)
c) You will need to have your signed I-20 form and the receipt for the I-901 SEVIS fee.
d) You will need your passport, valid at least six months passed the intended end of your stay in the United States
e) You will need to make an appointment at your local U.S. Embassy for an interview (for interview preparation information see http://www.path2usa.com/immigration/visitorvisa/inter_preparation.htm)

8)  If your visa application is approved, a visa stamp will be placed in your passport.

A visa includes a visa number, location of issuing office, classification of visa, date, number of U.S. entries permitted, expiration date, student’s name, and the signature of the issuing office.

9) A visa is the document that allows you to travel to the U.S.

A visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter the U.S. That decision is made by an immigration official at the U.S. port of entry. You will be required to present your Form I-20 (student copy) as proof of your intention to attend Simmons College. You will be given an entry document (I-94) card, which will be stamped with your date and port of entry, your immigration status (F1 or F2), and the dates your status will be valid. (Under normal circumstances, the I-94 card given to F1 and F2 visa holders will be stamped “D/S” meaning “Duration of Status.” This verifies that you will remain in F1 or F2 status for the duration of your degree program, as stated on your form I-20).

10) Please note that although the U.S law allows F-1 visa holders to enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date indicated on the I-20 form, it is recommended that F-1 visa holders enter no more than 10 days before their program start date. 

While it is possible to enter up to 30 days in advance, students entering on an F-1 visa should be prepared to justify to immigration officials the need for any earlier arrival.

11) Provide documentation to the International Office

Once you arrive at Simmons College, within 10 days after the start of classes, you will need to register with the Dean of Students office.    The Dean of Students office will make copies of stamped I-20, I-94, your visa which they are required to keep on file along with your local address and contact information.

12) Participate in the International Orientation Program. 

See International Orientation for details.

13) Your status will be updated from Initial to Active Status

Within thirty days of the start of the semester, the Dean of Students will update your status from "initial" to "active in the SEVIS system, indicating that you are actively enrolled as a full-time student.  The Dean of Students office will update the information every semester of your program of study to verify that you are still enrolled as a full-time student as required.  It will be your responsibility to remain in compliance with Immigration laws.  See Maintaining Legal Status for a guide to maintaining your F1 Status.