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International Student Services

Visa Steps for F-1 Students

ยป Visa Steps for F-1 Students

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.

How to pay the SEVIS fee

  1. Use the I-901 SEVIS fee FAQs for guidance regarding payment methods, frequently asked questions, and more.
  2. Watch the I-901 SEVIS Fee payment tutorial to learn about each step of the payment process.
  3. Visit the SEVIS Fee Payment website and follow the instructions.
  4. Print your receipt and take it with you to your visa appointment. When arriving in the U.S. (you may be asked for it), make a scanned copy for your records.

Additional SEVIS I-901 fee information

  • F-2 and J-2 dependents do NOT have to pay the fee. The FAQ on the DHS website includes a list of others who do not have to pay the fee.
  • The fee can be paid by anyone on behalf of any student.
  • The fee only must be paid ONCE per initial F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record (i.e. once per SEVIS number)
  • A visa application fee will be charged at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in addition to the SEVIS fee.

 

Step 3: Apply for your F-1 visa

Items needed during your visa interview:

  • Chapman University Form I-20. Be sure to print and sign your form
  • Valid passport
  • Chapman admissions letter
  • Completed visa application with required photographs
  • I-901 SEVIS fee and visa application receipt
  • Financial documents

Helpful Resources:

  


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.