NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS
STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR APPLICATION PROCESS
In order to obtain a student visa a student should be properly registered with SEVP. SEVP collects, maintains, analyzes and provides information so only legitimate foreign students or exchange visitors gain entry to the United States. The goal of such database is an easily accessible information system that provides timely information to DoS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
1. Apply to a school in the United States. The school must be an SEVP-certified school. Check here SEVP approved Schools.
2 Form I-20 is required to receive student visa. So obtain form I-20 directly from the school that you are planning to attend.
3. The SEVIS I-901 fee is required for all F and M students as well as J exchange visitors. Without this fee, you will not be eligible to apply for a visa. Go to SEVP processing website to pay your fee.
4. Apply for visa. F and M student should file Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).
5. Prepare your documents:
- SEVIS Form I-20AB, I-20MN, or DS-2019;
- Visa exempt nationals presenting a SEVIS Form I-20AB, I-20MN or DS-2019 issued on or after September 1, 2004, who are entering the United States for the first time should have a Form I-797, Receipt Notice or Internet Receipt verifying SEVIS Fee payment.
- Evidence of financial resources, in addition, it is recommended that you also carry the following documents:
- Evidence of Student/Exchange Visitor status (recent tuition receipts, transcripts);
- Name and contact information for Designated School Official (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO) at your intended school or program;
Passport (including attached envelope of immigration documents) with nonimmigrant visa;
6. You have 30 days to enter the country before your official program start date, which is registered in SEVIS by an official at your school. You must report to your school by your program start date, or you are not maintaining your status.
7. Social Security Number will not be assign to you unless you will have a permission to work.
8. Driver’s License
Apply at State Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV).
SEVIS SYSTEM
This is a quick-reference for termination reasons noted in Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) that was prepared by ICE March 17, 2015
DSOs can use the following reasons to terminate F-1 and M-1 Student in SEVIS
| Reason | Condition |
|---|---|
| Absent from Country for Five Months | Both of the following statements are true:
|
| Authorized Drop Below Full Course Time Exceeded | Both of the following statements are true:
|
| Authorized Early Withdrawal | The following statement is true:
This reason is also used if:
Note:
|
| Change of Status Approved | The SEVIS record is in Active status and either of the following statements is true:
|
| Change of Status Denied | F or M status students should not be registered in SEVIS until USCIS approves the change of status to F or M status. The student’s record should be in Initial status. Students Changing out of F or M Status: The SEVIS record is in Active status and all of the following statements are true:
|
| Change of Status Withdrawn | Students Changing to F or M Status: DSOs should not need to use this reason. F or M status students should not be registered in SEVIS until USCIS approves the change of status to F or M status. The student’s record should be in Initial status. If it does not, cancel the record and explain what happened. Students Changing out of F or M Status: The SEVIS record is in Active status and all of the following statements are true:
|
| Death | The student died but not if anyone else in the student’s family died. |
| Denied Transfer | All of the following statements are true:
|
| Expulsion | The student was expelled. |
| Extension Denied | All of the following statements are true:
|
| Failure to Enroll | All of the following statements are true:
|
| Failure to Report While on OPT | The following statements are true:
|
| No Show – Manual Termination | All of the following statements are true:
Note: If a student is a transfer student – use Transfer Student No Show. |
| Otherwise Failing to Maintain Status | Both of the following statements are true:
|
| School Withdrawn | SEVIS notes this reason when it auto-terminates student records because a school loses SEVP certification. |
| Suspension | The student is suspended. |
| Transfer Student No Show | Both of the following statements are true:
Note: SEVIS also notes this termination reason when it auto-terminates a record because:
|
| Transfer Withdrawn | All of the following statements are true:
|
| Unauthorized Drop Below Full Course | Both of the following statements are true:
|
| Unauthorized Employment | Both of the following statements are true:
|
| Unauthorized Withdrawal | Both of the following statements are true:
|
| Violation of Change of Status Requirements | Both of the following statements are true:
|
Dependent Termination Reasons Available in SEVIS to School Officials
| Reason | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Child Over 21 | All of the following statements are true:
|
| Death | The dependent died. |
| Divorce | Both of the following statements are true:
|
| Other | Both of the following statements are true:
|
| Principal Status Completed | Both of the following statements are true:
Note: SEVIS automatically terminates dependent records when a DSO completes a student’s record. |
| Principal Status Terminated | Both of the following statements are true:
Note: SEVIS terminates any dependent records when a DSO terminates a student’s record. |
| Status changed due to J-1 Change of Status | DSOs should NEVER use this reason. |
| Unauthorized Employment | Both of the following statements are true:
|
System-Only Termination Reasons
| Reason | Condition |
|---|---|
| Failure to Report While on OPT – System Termination | SEVIS notes this termination reason if the following apply:
|
| No Show – System Termination | SEVIS notes this termination reason if the following apply:
|
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