For international students who need a U.S. visa, the International Student Services office can issue an I-20 form which can be used to obtain a student F-1 visa.

Obtaining your Visa

To apply for a student (F-1) visa, you should do the following (keep in mind that each U.S. embassy or consulate has slightly different requirements):

1. Apply to and obtain admission to the desired program (USA, ALP, etc.).
2. Receive the I-20 and acceptance letter from the International Student Services office.
3. Pay the SEVIS fee online.
4. Make an appointment to visit the United States Embassy or Consulate. An appointment can be scheduled by telephone, mail, over the internet, or in person, depending on the circumstances in your country. Be sure to ask what fees are required and how they can be paid. Application fees are non-refundable.
5. Pay the visa application fee.

Each embassy has different requirements, and slightly different versions of the application forms. Some embassies require the forms to be filled out in English with one copy in your own language. For a complete list of embassies and consulates, please visit www.usembassy.gov.

Here is a list of items you should bring when applying for a student (F-1) Visa:

1. A passport valid for at least 6 months after your proposed date of entry into the US.
2. Financial evidence showing you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study.
3. Completed visa application forms DS-156, DS-158. Some applicants will also need to complete form DS-157. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent’s passport. You can download the forms.
4. An I-20 form and acceptance letter.
5. One (1) 2 X 2 photograph for each person applying.
6. Receipt for SEVIS fee.
7. A receipt for visa processing fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent’s passport who is also applying for a United States visa.
8. Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended.
9. Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.
10. Applicants with dependants must also provide proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (example e.g. marriage and birth certificates). It is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents.
11. In addition to the above requirements you are advised to present documentation and other evidence establishing social, economic, and other ties that would compel you departure from the U.S. after a temporary and lawful stay.

All applicants applying for visa renewals must submit:

1. A passport valid for at least 6 months after your proposed date of entry into the U.S.
2. Financial evidence showing you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during your period of intended study.
3. Completed visa application forms DS-156, DS-158. Some applicants will also need to complete form DS-157. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent’s passport. You can download the forms.
4. A receipt for visa processing fee. A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent’s passport who is also applying for a United States visa, is needed.
5. A new I-20 or an I-20 that has been endorsed on the back by a school official within the past 12 months.
6. A certified copy of your grades from the school in which you are enrolled.

Preparing for your F-1 (Non-immigrant) Visa Interview

F-1 Visa applicants who receive their I-20 from a U.S. university or academic program have to do an interview with a consular officer before they receive their visa.

During the few minutes of the interview, an F-1 Visa applicant must explain how he/she will pay for school costs and living expenses. He/she also has to prove that he/she will not become an immigrant, but is going to return to the home country after studying in the U.S. If the applicant cannot prove this, the consular officer is required to refuse the visa. It is the applicant’s responsibility to show:

• Strong ties to the student's home country
• The intent to return home after completion of the course of study
• Access to financial assets that are necessary to support the course of study

What are "strong ties" to your home country?

"Ties" are the various relationships or possessions that bind you to your home country: owning property, having a bank account, having a job, having a husband or wife, and having other close family members or friends are some examples of why you would want to return home.

In cases of younger applicants who may not have had an opportunity to form many ties, consular officers may look at the applicant’s educational goals, long-range career plans and employment prospects within his or her home country.

• Show that you or family members own property.
• Show that there is a job waiting for you when you return.
• Show that family members will remain at home.
• Show that family members have not immigrated to the U.S.
• Show that you have completed any required military service.

Consular officers must decide in a very short time if you are qualified to receive a visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties you present. An officer might also ask you other questions, as well.

How are you going to pay for your education and living expense in the United States?

• Show bank statements, sponsor letters.
• Show that you are aware of the length of time it will take to complete your entire program and you have a continued source of support for the full program.
• If you indicate that you intend to work to earn part of your expenses in the U.S., you are likely to have the visa denied.

Other tips that might be helpful during a consular interview

• Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. Practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview. Consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview, so keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.
• Do not bring family members with you to the interview. The officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf.
• Be polite. Do not argue with the consular officer. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents you could bring in order to overcome the refusal. Try to get the reason for the denial in writing.
• Make it clear to the officer that you expect to return to your home country as soon as you complete your studies.

U.S. State Department has additional pages of information on obtaining a student visa, like Obtaining a U.S. Visa and Student Visas.

J Exchange Visitor Visa - This is available only to exchange students, scholars, and researchers.

VWP (Visa Waiver Program) - Visitors who enter the United States without a visa under the visa waiver program cannot extend their stay or change to B-1 or F-1 status while in the U.S.

For more information, please contact us at:

International Student Services Office, CP-207
California State University, Fullerton
2600 E. Nutwood Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92831, U.S.A.
Tel: (657) 278-2909
Fax: (657) 278-7114
Email: international@fullerton.edu

The above information was prepared by the ISS office, and is believed to be accurate.