Applying for an F-1 Visa

Once you receive your Form I-20, you should begin the visa application process. It is best to apply for your student visa as early as possible. The instructions on this page are for students who will apply for their F-1 visa while outside of the U.S. When completing any forms or applications, be sure to enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport.

Note: If you are looking to change to F-1 status from another visa while in the United States, please visit our Change of Status page.

 Step 1: Pay the SEVIS Fee

  • All F-1 visa applicants are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. The purpose of the fee is to help cover the administrative and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  • You can find your SEVIS ID on the top left corner of your I-20. It starts with letter N.
  • Marymount’s SEVIS School Code is WAS 214F00223000
  • Keep your SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt.

Step 2: Submit your online visa application

Documents you will need as you prepare your visa application:

  • Form 1-20 downloaded from your ISSS portal, printed then signed by you.
  • Complete the nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160. Immediately print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.
  • Schedule your visa interview appointment.
  • Pay the visa application processing fee.
  • Have ready your passport that is valid at least six months beyond the your planned start of program.
  • Photos that meet requirements.
  • Keep your SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt.

Step 3: Schedule your visa interview

An interview at your local U.S. embassy or consulate office is required as part of the F-1 visa application process. The wait time for an interview appointment can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. In exceptional cases, you may be able to request an expedited appointment after you schedule a regular appointment. Review your local U.S. embassy website for instructions.

Step 4: Prepare for and attend your visa interview

Your visa interview will be brief and probably less than three minutes! The consular officer will determine if you will be issued a student visa at the time of your interview.

You should answer the officer’s questions openly and honestly. We recommend that you review these helpful visa interview tips before your appointment:

  • Show strong ties to your home country.  Show that you plan to return after your studies.
  • Be positive and be brief.
  • Be able to talk about your program of study and your career goals.
  • Practice being able to answer questions in English.

In addition to your passport and I-20, all applicants should be prepared to provide the following documents at their visa interview:

  • Marymount University letter of admission
  • Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended
  • Scores from standardized tests such as the TOEFL, SAT, etc.
  • Financial evidence that demonstrates that you and/or your sponsor(s) have sufficient funds to provide for tuition and living expenses during the period of intended study. (These should be the same financial documents you provided to Marymount to obtain the I-20.)
  • Evidence to prove your intent to return to your home country upon completion of studies.

 

 

 

07/22/2024