Applying for a Visa - International Education

Students coming to the United States to study will enter the country on a non-immigrant visa. You will receive a "Certificate of Eligibility" (form I-20 or DS-2019) from Ferris State University with your admission letter. Take the Certificate of Eligibility with you when you apply for your F-1 or J-1 (student/non-immigrant) visa. To make an application for a visa, contact the Consular Section of the American Embassy or the US Consulate closest to your place of residence and follow their instructions about visa application.

To apply for this visa you will need:

1. your passport
2. recent passport-sized photograph
3. admission letter from Ferris State University
4. form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Status" or form IAP-66 "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Program" issued by Ferris State University, signed by the International Admissions Coordinator and by you, the student, prior to being sent to or presented at the US Embassy
5. a completed application form obtained from the US embassy
6. visa application fee
7. evidence of financial support as stated in the financial section of your I-20 such as:
   1. a detailed bank statement from your bank or your parents' or sponsor's bank
   2. evidence of a scholarship
   3. any combination of grants and personal financing which will meet the estimated expenses (including tuition) of your stay in the United States.
8. Receipt of your SEVIS fee* - $200.00 (paid online)

If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and, try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

If you are granted a visa, a stamp will be placed in your passport. Check the visa carefully to ensure that all information is correct before leaving the Embassy or Consulate. This stamp is a permit to seek entry to the United States; it does not determine how long you can remain in this country.

Please view the visa stamp as an entry permit only. Your stay depends on maintaining your status as a student.

*SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a web-based solution, to track and monitor schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents while approved to participate in the U.S. education system. This system processes all of your documents. Proof of this payment is required when you apply for a visa.

Citizens of Canada and Canadian nationals are exempt from the usual requirement to have a visa to enter the United States; they do require a passport. Students coming to the United States to study will enter the country on a non-immigrant visa, not a tourist visa. You will receive a "Certificate of Eligibility" (form I-20 or DS-2019) from Ferris State University with your admission letter.

To apply for initial entry as a student you will need the following at the US Port of Entry:

1. admission letter from Ferris State University
2. form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Status or form DS-2019 "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Program" issued by Ferris State University, signed by the International Admissions Coordinator and by you, the student
3. application fee ($6) for I-94(Arrival/Departure Record)
4. evidence of financial support as stated in the financial section of your I-20 such as:
   1. a detailed bank statement from your bank or your parents' or sponsor's bank
   2. evidence of a scholarship
   3. any combination of grants and personal financing which will meet the estimated expenses (including tuition) of your stay in the United States.
5. Receipt of your SEVIS fee* - $200.00 (paid online)

If you are granted entry, a stamp will be placed on your I-20 and your I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record). This stamp is a permit to seek entry to the United States; it does not solely determine how long you can remain in this country.

Please view the I-94 as an entry permit only. Your stay depends on maintaining your status as a student.

*SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a web-based solution, to track and monitor schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents while approved to participate in the U.S. education system. This system processes all of your documents. Proof of this payment is required when you apply for a visa.