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Visa Steps for F-1 Students

International Student Services

» Visa Steps

Here is important information on either applying for your F-1 visa or transferring your SEVIS record to Chapman.

Most important is that you regularly check your Chapman email. Once you are admitted, all official emails from Chapman (including information on your specific registration date and time) will be sent to your Chapman email account.

Applying for your F-1 Visa

The following information will take you through the process of obtaining your Chapman I-20 and F-1 visa.

Step 1: Obtain your Chapman I-20

After you have submitted all required documents to the Office of Admission and have been approved for an I-20 Form, you will receive documentation in your Application Status Page.

Step 2: Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee

After you receive your Chapman I-20, the next step is to pay your SEVIS I-901 Fee

  • Watch the I-901 SEVIS Fee payment tutorial to learn about each step of the payment process.
  • Print a copy of your SEVIS fee payment receipt and bring it to your visa interview.

Although Canadian citizens do not require a visa, they must still pay the SEVIS fee before arriving at their port of entry.

Step 3: Apply for your F-1 visa

Items needed during your visa interview:

  • I-20 form. Be sure to print and sign your form.
  • Valid passport
  • Chapman admission letter
  • Completed visa application with required photographs
  • I-901 SEVIS fee and visa application receipt
  • Financial documents showing how you will pay for your educational and living expenses for at least one year

Be prepared to answer questions concerning:

  • Your major field of study
  • Your decision to attend Chapman University
  • Sources of money for your studies
  • Your intent to return to your home country after completion of your studies in the United States

Helpful resources:

 


Transferring Your SEVIS to Chapman

If you are already in the United States in F-1 status, you can maintain the valid F-1 visa status through the SEVIS transfer process. 

Your current school must transfer your active SEVIS record before the end of your 60-day grace period. Chapman's Orange Campus SEVIS School Code is LOS214F00335000.

  • If you will be enrolling in one of our graduate programs located on our Rinker Health Science Campus, the SEVIS School Code is: LOS214F00335001

After you have submitted all required documents into your Application Status Page, the Office of Admission will contact you via your Chapman email about the SEVIS transfer.

 


International Student Services provides general guidance. Any advice provided to you by the ISS should not be construed as legal advice.

Additionally, due to the fluid nature of governmental interpretation, government agencies such as USCIS/ICE/CBP may change their interpretation of immigration laws/regulations and eligibility requirements for benefits at any time. We will do our best to provide the most current guidance.

Each case is fact-specific and it is advised that you contact an experienced immigration attorney if you have questions regarding your situation.

 

 

Contact ISS


Visit our contact page to email us, call us or make an appointment with a team member.

Study in the States Guide


Check out this Study in the States Guide from the U.S. government regarding visas, arrival, and laws.