Here is important information on either applying for your F-1 visa or transferring your SEVIS record to Chapman.
Most importantly, you should 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 student email account.
Step 1: Obtain your Chapman University Form I-20
The Form I-20 is a multi-purpose document issued by Chapman University certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time academic program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the United States.
The Chapman University Form I-20 is required to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Once you have been admitted to Chapman and have accepted your admission by submitting your enrollment deposit, your Chapman University I-20 will be issued to you.
After obtaining your new Form I-20 from Chapman, you may begin the F-1 visa process.
Transfer students
Transfer students may travel internationally between school programs. Upon re-entry to the U.S., the student must show the new Chapman University Form I-20.
It is NOT necessary to visit the U.S. embassy/consulate for a new F-1 visa unless the current F-1 student visa in the passport has expired or will expire before the date of re-entry to the U.S.
Students do not need a travel signature on the new Chapman University I-20 for their first entry to the U.S. while in between programs
Re-entry to the U.S. will require students to show the following documents at the Port of Entry:
- Passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)
- Valid F-1 student visa in the passport
- NEW Chapman University Form I-20
Step 2: I-901 SEVIS fee
In general, a student requesting an F-1 or J-1 visa is required to pay a SEVIS fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and retain proof (e.g. payment receipt) that the fee has been paid to present at the time of visa appointment and/or arrival in the U.S.
The SEVIS fee is separate from the visa fee you will pay to the embassy or consulate to receive your F-1/J-1 visa.
Canadian citizens must also pay the SEVIS fee and present the receipt at the time of arrival in the U.S.