How to Apply for an F-1 Student Visa -
SEVIS Fee Not Paid

NOTE: Follow the steps below ONLY when you have received your admission package.

Now that you have your acceptance letter and I-20, you need to apply for an F-1 student visa at the nearest U.S. Consulate. 

Follow the steps below in THIS order:

IMMEDIATELY:

• 1.  Apply for a passport, if you don’t have one.
• 2.  Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee at http://www.fmjfee.com/. The fee is $200. Be sure to print a receipt and take it with you to your visa interview.
• 2.  Apply for an F-1 student visa by either:
• a. Going to http://evisaforms.state.gov/ to submit an e-application. Be sure to complete the DS-156, the application for a “non-immigrant” visa.
• b. Contacting a local agent/service who is able to apply on your behalf.
• For waiting and processing times, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php.
• Allow yourself enough time to get the visa so you can arrive at FPU on time.
• 3.  Make an appointment for a visa interview.
• 4.  Reserve (don’t buy!) an airline ticket for the arrival date noted in your acceptance letter.
• a. Reserve a flight all the way to Fresno. We cannot pick you up in San Francisco or Los Angeles.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR VISA INTERVIEW:

• 5. Collect all of the documents you need for your interview.
• a. For specific consulate information, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/embassies/embassies_1214.html. Select the country and city where you will interview. Follow the links in relation to “non-immigrant F-1 student visas.” b. For general information, go to http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html.
• Read the information carefully. Take notes or print out the essential pages.

INTERVIEW DAY:

• 6. Attend your visa interview.
• a. If approved, confirm/buy an airline ticket to Fresno.
• 7. Email FPU with the result (approval or denial).
• a. If approved, include your detailed flight information in the email.
• b. If denied, give the reasons why (if known).

BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR THE U.S.:

• Go to http://www.ice.gov/sevis/factsheet/100104ent_stdnt_fs.htm for information on what to expect when you first arrive in the U.S.