Allow plenty of time for security checks at the airport and at the port of entry.
Do not carry large amounts of cash.
Applications for U.S. Visas
Applications for F or J visas must be made at U.S. consulates outside the U.S. It
is not possible to apply for an F or J visa inside the U.S. It is best to apply at the U.S. consulate in your home country.
Allow time for the process. There may be a wait for an interview. There may be a wait
of several weeks for security clearance. Visa wait time estimates.
Initial attendance F-1 visas can be issued up to 120 days before the reporting date
listed on Form I-20, but a student can enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before
the I-20 program start date.
If your visa is valid, but you would like to apply for a new visa to extend the period,
check with the consulate to see when they will accept an application for extension.
There may be a $220-350 SEVIS fee in addition to the visa fee. Information and payment procedures are found here. Do not use websites other than the official website: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/ to pay your SEVIS fee. Continuing students whose I-20s were issued before September
2004 are not required to pay the SEVIS fee.
Visa Interview Resources and Tips
The links below will provide you with a list of generally required documents for the
visa application. For specific questions, please contact the consulate or embassy
directly.
Prepare a few sentences to express how you intend to use your degree in your home
country once you finish your academic program.
Bring bank statements and financial documents for accounts that you and your family
maintain in your home country.
Ensure that your financial documents show funding (liquid assets) to cover tuition,
living expenses, insurance, and travel for the first academic year as well as a clear
plan in place to finance the remainder of your education.
Bring copies of deeds to any property that you or your family may own in your home
country.
Bring your job offer letter if you have an employer who intends to hire you upon your
return home.
Visa Denials and Administrative Processing
Visas can be denied for a variety of reasons. Applicants should listen carefully to
what the visa officer has to say when the visa is denied because the denial letter
will only explain the section of law pertaining to the denial and not the reason why
the law was applied to the applicant.
Applicants who are denied visas for showing insufficient non-immigrant intent can
re-apply if they can provide new documentation that demonstrates non-immigrant intent.
Some visa applications may be placed under Administrative Processing. The visa officer
will give the applicant clear instructions on additional documentation that is required
to continue processing the application. Applicants can also email the consulate to
get instructions on how to submit the documents. DSOs and schools cannot do anything
to help with Administrative Processing.
There is no set time-frame for resolution of applications that undergo Administrative
Processing. Applicants can follow-up with the consular office if they have not heard
back within 60-180 days.
Entering the U.S.
Present passport valid for at least 6 months, visa stamp, and I-20 or DS-2019. You may also want to carry your financial documents.
Students, scholars, and dependents who are citizens of Canada do not need a visa stamp
when entering the United States from Canada. F or J visa status Canadians must present
the I-20 or DS-2019 when entering.
If you are a new F-1 student, with an "Initial Attendance" I-20, be sure the school
listed on the visa matches the school listed on your passport.
If you are a prior student and you have applied through International Student and
Scholar Services for re-entry to the U.S., check in with our office in Marquis Hall 110
after you have re-entered the U.S.
If on OPT, you must have your EAD card and employment or offer letter.
Be a "good consumer." Before you leave the CBP official, check to make sure you have
your passport. If you are issued a paper I-94, make sure it has the proper notation
- F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2. If it is not correct have the officer make the correction
there. Make sure you have your I-20. If you will have an electronic I-94 record, ensure your information is correct online as soon as possible after entry. Make sure it has the correct visa status and D/S
under the "Admit Until" date.
OBIM (Formerly US-Visit): If you get a receipt after having your fingerprints and
picture taken, keep the receipt.
Exiting the U.S.
In general, if you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean islands for 30
days or less and have an expired F-1 visa, you will keep your I-94 card.
If you are traveling elsewhere, you will hand in your paper I-94 card upon exit.
If you are traveling elsewhere and have an electronic I-94 record, CBP will record
your departure using manifest information from the airline carrier. There is no document
to turn in.
Know Before You Go (for continuing students)
F-1 Students and F-2 Dependents: I-20 must be endorsed for travel. This endorsement is valid for entry for 1 year.
J-1 Students and Scholars, and J-2 Dependents: DS-2019 must be endorsed for travel. This endorsement is valid for 1 year.
Check passport expiration. Passport must be valid for 6 months into the future upon entry to the U.S. Agreements
between the U.S. and certain countries allow for less than 6 months. We recommend
that you apply for an extension of passport before it expires.
University of North Texas 
