International Student Information
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Click
HERE for the international student application checklist and application
requirements.
- Visa applicants
are expected to provide evidence that they are intending to return to
their country of residence. Therefore, applicants should provide proof
of “binding” or sufficient ties to their home country or permanent
residence abroad. This may include documentation of the following:
- family ties in home country or country of legal permanent residence
- property ownership
- bank accounts
- employment contract or statement from employer stating that the
position will continue when the employee returns;
- Visa
applications are more likely to be successful if done in a visitor’s
home country than in a third country;
- Applicants
should present their entire trip itinerary, including travel to any
countries other than the United States, at the time of their visa
application;
- Include a letter
of invitation from the meeting organizer or the U.S. host, specifying
the subject, location and dates of the activity, and how travel and
local expenses will be covered;
- If travel plans
will depend on early approval of the visa application, specify this at
the time of the application;
- Provide proof of
professional scientific and/or educational status (students should
provide a university transcript)
Travel Tips for Students and Exchange Visitors
- Hand carry (do
not check) the following documents:
- passport
- SEVIS form
I-20 or DS-2019
- evidence of
financial resources
- evidence of
student or exchange visitor status, such as your letter of
acceptance
- paper
receipt for the SEVIS fee
- name and
contact information of your designated school official or
sponsor
- Inform the CBP
Officer at the port of entry as soon as possible that you will be a
new or returning student or exchange visitor in the United States.
- Report to your
school or program upon arrival so that your school official can
validate your participation in SEVIS.
- Maintain contact
with your designated school or sponsor official throughout your stay
to ensure your SEVIS data is updated and accurate.
If you are a new
student or a new exchange visitor participant, remember to carry with
you the sealed envelop given to you by the U.S. Department of State's
Consular Officer -- attached to your passport. It is important
that you do not open this envelope.