Prospective International Students

Applying for Your F-1 Visa

You can apply for a visa up to one year before the start date listed on your I-20. We recommend applying as soon as possible after you decide to accept your admission.

Step 1: Pay the $350 SEVIS I-901 Fee After Receiving Your I-20

Print your payment receipt (required for your visa appointment)
Pay online using a credit card: visit www.FMJFee.com.
Pay by Western Union: follow the instructions at https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu-instructions.
Students born in or citizens of Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Gambia must pay by Western Union Quick Pay, money order, or a certified check drawn from a U.S. bank. Visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/paying-your-i-901-sevis-fee to download the form to pay by money order or certified check.

Note for Canadian Citizens:

You do not need to follow the steps below to apply for a visa but can request F-1 status at the port of entry. Arrive in the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20, and carry your I-20, proof of I-901 fee payment and proof of funding for your education in the U.S.

Step 2: Learn Your Consulate’s Requirements

Go to http://www.usembassy.gov.
Select your country, then choose the U.S. Consulate closest to your home.
Click on “Visas”, then read the information on “Student Visas” or “Non-immigrant Visas”.

You may need a fingerprint appointment or be required to provide additional documents before your visa interview. Visit http://www.ustraveldocs.com for information and videos in your language.

Step 3: Complete the Online Visa Application (DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa)

Apply online at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv and complete the online application (required to schedule an interview).
If you are not going to live with friends or relatives, use Foothill’s information as your US contact.
Print and keep the DS-160 barcode confirmation page for your records.

Step 4: Schedule the Visa Appointment and Pay the Visa Application Fee

Follow the instructions specified by your US Consulate.

Step 5: Collect Your Documents

Passport (must be valid for 6+ months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.)
I-20 from Foothill College
SEVIS I-901 Fee receipt
DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa barcode confirmation page
Visa Application Fee receipt
Additional Documents: your US embassy or consulate may require additional documents, such as proof of financial support, TOEFL scores, or transcripts.

Step 6: Prepare for Your Visa Interview

Your visa interview may be brief or you may be asked many questions! Be prepared to adress the following topics during your interview:

Why you want to study in the United States
Why you chose Foothill College
Your financial support while in school
Your plans after completing your studies
Connections or ties to your home country (family friends, etc.)

For more information and helpful videos, search for “10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa” from NAFSA.

US Government Websites with Helpful Information about Applying For Your F-1 Visa

http://educationusa.state.gov - Click on “Your 5 Steps to US Study”
http://usvisas.state.gov - Click on “Study and Exchange”, then “Student Visas”
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/ - Official guidance on F-1 visas and maintaining status