What to Do After Applying
Congratulations on taking the first step towards a brighter future! Applying to college as an international student is no small feat, and you should be proud of yourself for reaching this milestone. But what comes next? Read here for everything you need to know about next steps and prepping for your Visa.
Congratulations!
Congrats on your acceptance to Trevecca Nazarene University. Please review the additional steps below after receiving your I-20.
STEP 01
Submit your deposit
We will begin to work through the I-20 and Visa paperwork once your deposit has been submitted.
STEP 02
Print and sign your I-20
Once you submit all of the necessary documents, you will receive your I-20. Make sure to print this and have it in your hands during your Visa interview.STEP 03
Pay SEVIS Fee
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee to activate your I-20/SEVIS record. Save a copy of your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt for your visa appointment and records.
STEP 04
Complete DS-160
Complete the DS-160 (Online Visa Application) to schedule a visa appointment. Do not forget to check Appointment Wait Times and Application Fees.
STEP 05
Visa Interview
Schedule your visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and apply for an F-1 visa.
STEP 06
Interview Tips
Research your country’s requirements for your visa interview. Each country requires different documents so make sure that you have all of the required documents in your hands for your interview. The main thing that these consulars are looking for is proof that you will return home after completing your studies and/or after OPT.
STEP 08
Attend International Student Pre-orientation and New Student Orientation
You are required to attend both orientations prior to starting classes.
Prepare for your Visa Interview
Once you have been accepted to Trevecca Nazarene University and pay your I-901 SEVIS fee, you can apply for your student visa and begin preparing for your visa interview.
According to the U.S. Department of State, here are some examples of what consular officers are looking for during the visa interview:
Applying for a Student Visa
How To Apply
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website.
Complete the Online Visa Application
- Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application, and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Photo –You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
Schedule an Interview
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:
New Students – Student (F) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
Continuing Students - Student (F) visas for continuing students may be issued at any time, as long as the student is currently enrolled at a SEVP-approved school or institution and in SEVIS. Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before classes start.
Gather Required Documentation
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
- Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20 – Your school will send you a Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your school official must sign the Form I-20. All students must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). Your spouse and/or minor children, if they intend live in the United States with you, will each receive an individual Form I-20.
Additional Documentation May Be Required
A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of:
- Your academic preparation, such as:
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates from schools you attended; and
- Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;
- Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study; and
- How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.
Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply.
