Congratulations – you’ve been accepted to the U.S. college or university of your choice. Now, you have to pack your bags, make travel arrangements and get your documents in order. Here are five things new international students should do to prepare for their arrival in the U.S.
1. Know the lingo: Acquaint yourself with common terms like designated school officials, F and M visas, SEVIS and the various forms required for international students.
SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which houses information on you while you study in the States.
Each U.S. school certified to enroll international students has at least one designated school official who serves as a resource for international students while they are studying here. Get to know this person, as he or she will help you abide by U.S. immigration rules. These individuals are also responsible for maintaining your SEVIS record.
You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with the various forms necessary to study in the States, like the Form I-20, which certifies you are eligible to receive an F or M visa. You’ll receive an F visa if you’re going to attend an academic school in the U.S., and an M visa to attend a vocational school.
Another important form is the Form I-901, which you file when you pay your SEVIS I-901 fee, a necessary fee to study in the States.
2. Receive a Form I-20: Each U.S. school you’re accepted to will issue you a Form I-20. You’ll select one school in which to enroll.
Make sure the information on the Form I-20 issued by this school mirrors your passport and visa information. If not, you could have issues entering the country. If you notice discrepancies, have your designated school official – remember, know the lingo – correct the information and send you a new Form I-20.
Keep this form handy. You will need it to pay your SEVIS I-901 fee – a necessity before you apply for your visa.
3. Pay your SEVIS I-901 fee: In 2004, Congress mandated all international students and exchange visitors must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which funds the Student and Exchange Visitor Program and SEVIS. This fee is separate from visa fees and school SEVIS administration fees.
International students should visit FMJfee.com from either a computer or a mobile device and follow the instructions on the site. The website was recently revamped to make it mobile-friendly. If you need assistance on how to pay this fee, there’s a helpful tutorial online.
International students must print a receipt after they pay their $200 fee. They’ll have to present this receipt at their visa interview. Remember, the U.S. Department of State will not issue you a visa until you pay your SEVIS I-901 fee.
4. Apply for a student visa with the U.S. Department of State: To schedule an appointment, find the U.S. embassy or consulate closest to you. Bring all required documentation with you to your appointment.
Make sure you receive the correct visa, either an F or M, for the type of school you’re attending. Dependents coming with you to the U.S. will also need a visa to enter the country. If you receive the wrong type of visa, point this out to the consulate official – before the appointment is over – so the mistake can be corrected.
5. Carry proper documents with you when traveling to the U.S.: Familiarize yourself with the official documents you need to enter the U.S., like your passport, visa and Form I-20. Make sure you have these documents in an easily accessible place – not packed away in your luggage.
A good rule of thumb is to keep two additional copies of these documents in addition to the originals. You’ll want to keep one copy in a safe place and provide the other one to your designated school official.
When you arrive in the U.S., you’ll have to complete a Form I-94, which serves as your U.S. arrival and departure record. Make sure the information on this form matches the information on your Form I-20 and passport. This will prevent unnecessary delays when entering the country.
Have additional questions about studying in the U.S.? Visit the Study in the States website, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
By Louis Farrell / US News
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