Students who have been admitted to Ashland University will be issued a Certifcate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student (I-20) as part of their acceptance packet, to use in order to gain a visa interview.
We suggest that you follow these steps as you prepare for your student visa interview:
1. Contact your local U.S. Consulate or Embassy to ask about how to get an international student visa. A list of consulates and embassies can be found at http://usembassy.state.gov/
- I-20 Form: Apply for an F-1 Visa
- DS-2019 Form: Apply for a J-1 Visa
2. It is important to apply for your student visa as far in advance as possible. Many consulates recommend that appointments be made no more than 90-120 days from the intended date of travel, but some can make earlier arrangements for interviews.
3. Complete all forms as required.
4. Pay the visa application fee by following instructions on your local U.S. embassy or consulate’s website.
5. Pay the SEVIS Fee.
6. Prepare and bring to your visa interview the following:
a. A passport valid for at least six months
b. Form I-20 (sign the form under Item 11) OR Form DS-2019 (at the bottom).
c. School admission letter
d. Completed visa applications
e. Two 2”x 2” photographs in the prescribed format (see the travel.state.gov website)
f. A receipt for the visa application fee
g. A receipt for the SEVIS fee. If you do not have a receipt, the consulate may be able to see your payment electronically if your fee payment was processed at least three business days before your interview.
h. Financial evidence that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period you intend to study.
I. Any information that proves that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S. This may include proof of property, family or other ties to your community.
7. Remain calm and answer all the visa officer’s questions to you openly and honestly.