OBTAINING AN F-1 FOREIGN STUDENT VISA AND ENTERING THE U.S.
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A. TO OBTAIN AN F-1 FOREIGN STUDENT VISA at the US embassy or consulate, be prepared to submit the following documentation with your visa application (Form OF-156):
1. Valid passport - valid for at least 6 months past the projected completion of your studies.
2. Two passport-size photographs.
3. Form I-20. We send this form to you after you have satisfactorily proven your ability to financially support your studies at TEDS (this is done with the Certificate of Finances which the Admissions Office mailed to you) and have been unconditionally accepted into a program at TEDS. Only when these criteria are met will the I-20 be released.
4. Documentation of adequate funding. Copies of the documentation you have attached to the Certificate of Finances will suffice.
5. Documentation of strong family, social and economic ties to your home country such as close family members remaining, valuable property, etc. left behind. Every visa applicant is presumed to be an "intending immigrant." Your visa will be denied if you fail to satisfy the consular officer that you will return home upon completion of your study program.
6. Other materials may also be required by the consular officer on a case-by-case basis (for example, proof of English proficiency, academic transcripts, etc.)
7. The visa fee required at the American Consulate in your country.
If the consular official grants you an F-1 foreign student visa, he will put your I-20 in an envelope, seal it and staple it into your passport. Please do not remove it or tamper with the envelope. A visa will be stamped or pasted into your passport as well. The visa indicates the latest date on which you may enter the country and how many entries you will be allowed. It does not indicate how long you will be permitted to stay. This will be determined by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) official who examines your passport at your point of entry.
B. WHEN ENTERING THE U.S.,you will need the following: top
1.Valid passport with a valid F-1 student visa stamped or pasted in it.
2.Your Form I-20 in the sealed envelope the consular official stapled into your passport.
3.Documentation of adequate funding - same as presented to the consular official.
C. UPON YOUR ENTRY TO THE UNITED STATES, the immigration official will:
1. Issue you the Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), showing date and place of entry, your status as F-1 student and your admission number.
2. Stamp your I-20 to show the date and place of your entry as well as your admission number. The official will confirm your SEVIS registration number (found in the box on the upper right hand corner of your I-20).
3. Your I-20 will be returned to you. This document identifies you as a foreign student in the U.S. and is as important as your passport. Therefore, you must keep it with you at all times and not lose it.
Customs Declaration - You may be asked to pay taxes on any money in excess of $10,000 USD, or goods valued at more than $500 USD. Ask the customs officer for the currency reporting form (CF4790). 'Money' includes U.S or foreign currency, travelers' checks, money orders, negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form. Of course be sure to mention that the funds are to pay for the education as described on your student visa. top
Prohibited Goods
Fruit, vegetables and meat products can't be brought into the USA. Visit the website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/travel/ for specific details, and http://www.aphis.usda.gov/NCIE for meat information.
You may not bring into the USA goods manufactured in Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Serbia and Sudan. This prohibition does not include informational materials, except for Iraq. For further information visit http://www.treas.gov/ofac.
Medicines
Carry all drugs, medicines and similar products in their original containers. Carry a prescription or written statement from your doctor that the medicines are being used under a doctor's supervision, and are necessary for your well being.
For further information, please contact:
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
International Students Office
2065 Half Day Road
Deerfield, Illinois 60015 U.S.A.
Phone: (847)317-4063
Email: evangeme@tiu.edu
Updated 03/09/2004