Visas

There are several steps a student will take, when applying for an entry visa to the U.S. You should review the online information for the specific U.S. Consulate / Embassy where you intend to apply.

You cannot begin the visa process before a SEVIS record is created for you by the ISSA advising staff at Penn State. You should not make an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. consulate before receiving the I-20 or the DS-2019. Also, keep in mind that making flight arrangements to the U.S. without a visa can be risky.

Starting the Visa Process - SEVIS Fee

To begin the process, you must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. Be careful and avoid scams! FMJFee.com is the ONLY site certified to collect I-901 SEVIS fee payments.

Students who receive a “transfer pending" I-20 or DS-2019 from Penn State do not need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee as long as they begin classes within 5 months of their last enrollment.

You will need your SEVIS ID number and SEVIS school code (for F-1) or Program Number (for J-1). SEVIS ID number is on your I-20 or DS-2019 (see the image below).

For F-1 students, the fee is currently $350.

For J-1 students, the fee is currently $220.

Once you pay the SEVIS fee, print and keep the receipt.

Snapshot of an I-20 document highlighting the SEVIS Record number

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/I-20-sample.pdf

Snapshot of DS-2019 highlighting the SEVIS Record Number

Source: https://www.interexchange.org/handbooks/camp-usa/cooperators/documents/

Completing the Application and Scheduling the Interview

Complete the online Visa Application (Form DS-160) and pay the MRV* fee. Print and keep the barcode page. *MRV stands for a machine-readable visa.

Next, you will schedule a visa appointment at the embassy you choose.

You will need to gather several items in preparation for the interview:

Passport
One visa photo (this may be required by certain embassies, particularly if you were unable to upload your visa photo to your online visa application)
Printed DS-160 confirmation page (MRV fee receipt)
Printed I-901 SEVIS fee confirmation page
Original I-20 or DS-2019 with your signature on page one
Proof of funds
Your visa issuance fee payment receipt (this is only required if you paid the visa issuance fee before your interview)

You may wish to bring the following items as well, as some embassies ask for them:

Transcripts
Diploma

On your scheduled interview date, you will attend your visa interview. See the tips on the student visa interview.

The interview is typically brief, and you will usually know the outcome at the meeting. If successful, you will find out when you can expect your passport to be returned with your new entry visa.

Arrival at Port of Entry

Students in Initial F-1 and J-1 status (NOT SEVIS transfer students) can only enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date of their I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) document - NO EARLIER.

Upon your arrival in the U.S., you must go through the entry procedure with the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at a port of entry. Watch the video, You've Arrived

The CBP officer will ask you certain questions, verify travel documents, and take digital fingerprints and digital pictures. I-94 Admission Record is also created.

Keep all documents with you in hand-carry luggage. DON’T PUT THEM IN THE SUITCASE!

Be polite to the CBP officer and only provide the information you are asked for. It is not allowed to take pictures in the arrival and customs area.

Taking Cash Abroad

Under U.S. law, travelers may bring into, or take out of, the U.S. as much money as they wish. However, if it is more than $10,000, it must be reported to Customs and Border Patrol. In addition, destination and transit country requirements may apply. Please see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency’s Currency Reporting Advice for more information.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Resources