Student Visas
Once you have been admitted to USI, we will send you a Form I-20
(for an F-1 student visa) or an IAP-66 Form (for a J-1 exchange
visitor visa). It is important that you read this form carefully
and that you understand your responsibilities as an international
student in the U.S. when you sign the form. Please make sure your
name is spelled the same way on the I-20 or IAP-66 form as it is in
your passport.
After you receive the I-20 or IAP-66, you can begin making
arrangements to obtain a student visa. Please check with the
nearest American Embassy or Consulate regarding the procedure in
your country; in some instances, you will need to make an
appointment several weeks in advance or you may have to apply by
mail. For further assistance with the application process and other
information on studying in the U.S., you may also wish to contact
an educational adviser at the advising center in your country (the
U.S. Department of State web site has a listing
of the 450 advising centers worldwide.)
You will need to present several documents to the visa officer
at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain your student visa:
Checklist of documents needed to apply for an F-1
(Student) visa:
- The complete I-20 form from USI. Please make sure that you have
signed the form; do not separate the pages.
- Proof that you have sufficient financial resources to support
your studies in the U.S., including the documents you submitted to
USI with your application (Official Statement of Finance,
statements from your or your sponsor's bank, etc.)
- Proof of your intention to return to your country after
completing your degree program (for example, you have close family
ties in your country or you plan to return to work in your family
business or continue your professional career, etc.).
- Visa fee
Checklist of documents needed to apply for a J-1
(Exchange Visitor) visa:
- The complete IAP-66 form from USI or the sponsoring agency.
Please complete the information on the back of the white page of
the form; keep all copies together.
- Documentation showing that you are an "exchange visitor", such
as a- letter from your sponsoring agency or from USI, etc.
- Visa fee
Students from Canada:
Canadian citizens do not need to obtain a visa; you must present
the I-20 or the IAP-66 form and your proof of financial support
upon your entry into the U.S. Please make sure that you provide
these documents to the immigration officer at the border in order
to enter the U.S. as a student; DO NOT enter the U.S. on a visitor
(tourist) visa.