SEVIS

The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has been replaced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, (USCIS). In addition to the name change, the U.S. government has introduced the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an online database that connects immigration officials and U.S. colleges and universities by providing information on international students and scholars. On Sept. 1, 2004, a new United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule went into effect. This rule requires F-1 and J-1 visa applicants to pay a one-time fee of $350 to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of SEVIS. This fee is often referred as the SEVIS fee.


F-1 Student Visas

Having a U.S. visa is like having a key to enter the country. The expiration date on your visa is the last day you may enter the United States from abroad. You need a valid visa every time you enter the country. Depending upon the type of visa you use to enter the U.S., you are subject to different guidelines in order to "maintain status" or remain in this country legally. The Graduate and International Programs office can help guide students through the application for F-1 student visas.


Requirements — To apply for an F-1 visa, you will need a SEVIS-issued Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (I-20) Students from the school. The Graduate and International Program office will issue the I-20 form under the following conditions:

  1. You have been fully accepted into a program of study at the law school.
  2. You have shown proof of financial support for the first year of study. You should complete and submit the Certification of Finance Form:
    1. LLM Certification of Finance
    2. JSD Certification of Finance
  3. You have paid your SEVIS fee.
  4. You have paid your seat deposit for your program. Our deposit payment form is here.


Step 1: Certification of Finances — This form is used to show proof of support for your first year of study. You must demonstrate sufficient funding to cover all expenses including tuition, fees, books and living expenses. Funding may come from your own personal account, a private sponsor's account and/or scholarships/loans that have been approved. In addition to filling out the form, you will need to provide adequate verification of the funds. Verification documents include:

  • Original letter from your bank or your sponsor's bank stating the available funds. The letter must be on official letterhead, dated within the last three months and include the bank's seal; and/or
  • Official award letter stating the amount and duration of the scholarship/grant awarded, if applicable; and/or
  • Non-government source loan approval letter from the granting institution, stating the loan amount, if applicable.

You should obtain two original copies of the financial verification documents.

  • One set of originals should be sent to the law school;
  • The other set of originals should be retained by you, so that you may have them available when applying for a visa and for use at the port of entry.

Note: The visa application process and required documents may differ depending upon the requirements of the specific consular office in your home country. Please check your local consular office requirements.


Step 2: SEVIS Fee — Once you have obtained the Form I-20 from the law school, you will need to pay the required $350 SEVIS fee, get the fee receipt and make an appointment at the embassy/consulate. To pay your SEVIS fee, please go to www.fmjfee.com.


Step 3: Obtain F-1 Visa — You will need to bring the following documents:

  • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status (Form I-20)
  • Passport — The passport must be valid for travel to the United States and be valid for at least six months after the date you enter in the United States.
  • Proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
  • Receipt for the $350 SEVIS payment.
  • Any other documents required by your local consular office.

Note: The visa application process and required documents may differ depending upon the requirements of the specific consular office in your home. Please check your local consular office requirements.

Note: Students who are citizens of Canada may obtain their F-1 visas at the port of entry. Canadian students will be required to present their Form I-20, passport and additional supporting financial documents to the U.S. Immigration Inspector at the U.S. port of entry.


Step 4: Entering the U.S. — You need to present the following documents to an immigration inspector at the U.S. port of entry.

  • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status (Form I-20).
  • Passport — The passport must be valid for travel to the United States and be valid for at least six months after the date you enter in the United States.
  • F-1 visa.
  • Proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

The immigration inspector decides whether to admit you into the U.S. with an F-1 nonimmigrant status.


Step 5: Check-in with the Graduate and International Programs Office — Once you have arrived, please stop by the Graduate and International Programs office with your I-20 form, I-94 and passport. We need copies for our records.


See also


Questions?

Contact Graduate & International Programs

Email | 916.739.7019