1. Admissions
  2. Paying for College
  3. International Students
  4. Visa Requirements

Visa Requirements

Visa requirements for international students.

Visa Requirements and Maintaining a Legal Status

Once the I-20 document has been issued, make sure you contact the U.S. Embassy in your country to find out more about the visa requirements

  • You will need a valid passport

  • Before your visa appointment, you will be required to submit a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)  form I-901 and pay the  I-901 fee online. Please process the I-901 application as soon as possible so you have enough time to enter the United States for orientation.

    Make sure you have your I-20 form, SEVIS I-901 fee receipt, school acceptance letter and financial support documents for your consular visa appointment

Maintain Valid Status

All international students are required by Federal regulations to maintain their valid status while residing in the U.S.

  • Always keep your documents current
  • Maintain a full time course load during every academic session except during official break weeks.
  • Report any changes immediately to the campus you attend
  • Notify the campus you attend if you plan to transfer to another U.S institution 
  • File annual income taxes
  • Do not work on or off campus without proper authorization
  • Make sure your fees are paid so your record in the  Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status. SEVIS is a database that contains information for all F-1 students. A Designated School Official (DSO) places your record in Active status when you report to the school and after the first day of class.

International Contact Information

Transferring from another U.S. Institution

International students transferring from one school to another within the United States must contact the international office at the campus they plan to attend:  

Are you a prospective student?

Contact your preferred campus for help.