International student guide
International Student Guide
Pre-Arrival
Visa and immigration rules change frequently, so please make sure you contact your nearest U.S. embassy to get up-to-date information on the visa application process, requirements, fees and supporting documents.
The Student Visa (F-1)
There are several types of visas in the U.S; however, UF (University of Fairfax) students must apply for the F-1 student visa. The F-1 visa is a stamp or sticker placed in your passport at the U.S. embassy or consulate, and it permits you to enter the U.S. The expiration date on the visa is the last day you can use it to enter the U.S. Once you enter the U.S., the date does not matter. The visa is allowed to expire while you are in the U.S. if your Form I-20 is valid, and you are maintaining your F-1 status. If the original visa expires, a new visa is required for subsequent reentries to the U.S. following travel abroad.
Students under the F-1 student visa category must be pursuing a full course of study towards a specific educational or professional objective at an academic institution in the U.S. that is approved by the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
The Visa Application Process
There are two U.S. agencies that are involved in the visa application process for international students. The U.S. Department of State oversees the visa application process and issuing the visa. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security takes over once you arrive in the U.S., and they are responsible for enforcing the rules of your visa.
To begin the student visa application process, the student must be accepted into an SEVP-approved school in the U.S. and receive an Acceptance Letter. Once the student receives this letter, the Designated School Official (DSO) will create the student’s Form I-20 within the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The Form I-20 details are provided to the student for making an appointment for a visa interview. Procedures for booking an interview vary from country to country, and the most accurate information can be found at www.embassy.state.gov. Wait times for visa interview appointments vary by location.
Once the visa interview is booked, the student should send the appointment confirmation to their Admissions Representative at UF. Once received, the student will be emailed their Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). This form will allow the student to make the I-901 SEVIS fee and DS-160 Visa Application Fee payments. Both fees should be paid prior to the visa interview.
Your Admissions Representative will schedule a visa interview preparation session to help you prepare effectively for your interview.
You will also be asked to bring numerous documents to your interview. Make sure you have the following documents ready:
- An unexpired passport
- Passport-sized photograph (this will be uploaded while completing the DS-160 Visa Application Form; however, please bring this photo to your interview in case the upload failed)
- Completed DS-160 Visa Application Form and confirmation page
- DS-160 Visa Application Fee payment receipt
- I-901 SEVIS Fee payment receipt
- Form I-20 (emailed copy is OK, but be sure you sign it)
- Acceptance letter from UF
- Academic transcripts (with translations, if not in English)
- Financial evidence used for the Form I-20
The consular officer may request additional documentation including standardized test scores or evidence of English language proficiency, your intent to depart the U.S. upon completion of the course of study, and/or how you will pay all educational, living, and travel costs.
Visas can be issued up to 365 days (1 year) before the start date of a course of study. However, you will not be able to enter the U.S. on your F-1 visa more than 30 days before the program start date.
Understanding the Form I-20
The Form I-20 is the primary document to show that you have been admitted to school in the United States and that you are authorized to apply for admission to the United States in F-1 class of admission. You must always have your Form I-20 with you. If you lose or damage your Form I-20, you must request a replacement from your Designated School Official (DSO).
The Form I-20 contains the following information:
- SEVIS ID Number
- Biographical Information (Name, Date of Birth, and Citizenship information).
- School Information
- Program of Study
- Financial Information
- School Attestation
- Employment Authorization (only if you have requested authorization to work off-campus)
Double check that all information is correct and matches what appears on your passport.
The Visa Interview
As part of the visa application process, you must take part in a personal interview. If you don’t attend the interview, your visa application will automatically be rejected. If you cannot make the appointment for any reason, you must contact the Visa Office to reschedule.
Below are some sample questions you may be asked during your interview, but you may also be asked about anything in your application. Therefore, it is important to be prepared by reading our guide about the visa interview – and practice!
Also, one of the objectives of the interview is to test your English language, so make sure you answer in English and do not use a translator.
Sample interview questions:
- What is the name of the school you wish to attend?
- Where is the school? What city is it in and what part of the U.S. does it belong to?
- Why do you wish to study in the U.S.?
- What is the course name and the academic level you will study at?
- When does the course start and finish?
- Who is going to pay your tuition fees and living costs?
- Where have you arranged housing?
Being able to make ‘small talk’ during the interview is important as well. This means being able to talk informally about things like the weather, news, your home country, and sports. Throughout the visa application process, you must show you are a genuine student looking to further your education by studying in the U.S.
Five essentials for success
The interview is an important part of the visa application process. There are five essential aspects that you need to keep in mind to succeed:
- Attend – you must attend the interview, if you do not your application will be rejected.
- Answer – you should answer all questions fully and truthfully.
- Think – think about the course you are attending and know details about the school and degree program you have chosen.
- Speak in English – being able to speak English is important, so always answer in English.
- Ask – if you are unsure about any question, make sure you ask for clarification.
Visa Approval or Denial
After your interview, you will be informed if you were approved or denied for the visa. If approved, the embassy will keep your passport and issue it back to you with your visa stamp in about a week. Once you receive the visa, email a copy of it to your Admissions Representative. Your Admissions Representative will then guide you through completing your remaining enrollment steps – scheduling your financial meeting, registering and paying for classes, and the New Student Orientation. If denied, do not worry as you may attempt a second interview. Communicate with your Admissions Representative, so they can guide you with next steps.
Post-Arrival
Useful Resources
Location-specific Information
Frequently Asked
Questions

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