Welcome to Emporia State University
Adapted from the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Kansas
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
The visa is a required document to enter the U.S.A. To enter the U.S.A. as a student, you must first be admitted to pursue studies in the U.S.A. Emporia State University will process documents that will enable you to receive one of two types of visas: ď‚Ą ď‚Ą
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F-1 for international student visa J-1 for international exchange visitor
James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
Together with your acceptance letter, you received either the I-20 or the DS2019 form. By issuing any of these documents, you have been enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
Remember: If you received the I-20 document your type of visa will be F-1 (for international students). I-20 ďƒ F Visa
If you received the DS-2019 document, your visa will be J-1 (for international exchange visitors). DS-2019 ďƒ J Visa
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
Next steps: After receiving the I-20 or DS-2019, you have to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee on the following website: www.fmjfee.com The SEVIS fee can be paid online or through Western Union (http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm): ď ą ď ą
F-1 visa: $200 J-1 visa: $180
Note if you plan on bringing family members to the U.S.: Each family member (spouse and children) must obtain individual Form I-20s, but they do not have to pay the SEVIS fee.
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
Before you meet with the Consular officer, complete the online visa application, Form DS-160
To complete Form DS-160 online application, please go to https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
Print the application form confirmation page and bring it for your interview You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements. Please visit
http://travel.state.gov/visa/visaphotoreq/visaphotoreq_5334.html
for these requirements.
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
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Schedule an interview
You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the nearest U.S embassy or consulate in your city. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. embassy or consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of country of permanent residence.
Wait times for interviews vary by location, season, and visa category. So, you should apply for your visa early. To learn more about interview wait time, please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html
James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
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New Students – F-1 and J-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date. However, you will not be allowed to enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status earlier than 30 days before your start date. Continuing Students - May renew their visas at any time, as long as they have maintained student status and their SEVIS records are current. Continuing students may enter the U.S.A. at any time before their classes start as long as the I-20 or DS-2019 and visa valid.
James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
Prepare for your interview The visa to study in the U.S. typically has a cost. You may need to pay the non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. Alternatively, in some other countries you may need to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee after your visa issuance, if applicable to your country. To learn about fees, please visit links below: Fees visit here http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1263.html Reciprocity Tables visit here http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_3272.html
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
Gather required documentation: Passport, valid to travel to the U.S.A. must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S. (unless exempt by county-specific agreements). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application. 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 required format.
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
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Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students (I-20 or DS2019 form).
James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
Additional documentation may be required Additional requested documents may include: Evidence of your academic preparation such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended and scores from tests that your U.S school required such as TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT. Your intent to return to your country after completing the program of study at Emporia State University. Show proof on how you will pay all educational, living, and travel costs.
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
Attend your visa interview During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part for your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
When the visa is approved, you may have to wait to receive your passport and visa by post-mail. To learn about visa processing time, please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
Additional information
We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa. Do not buy an airline ticket until you have received a visa.
You have to demonstrate that you are a bona fide student: Demonstrate to the Consular officer with compelling and strong
arguments why you chose to study at Emporia State University. Articulate that you plan to return to your home country after finishing your study in the U.S.A. Be truthful to all questions you are asked. If the Consular officer asks whether you have relatives or friends living in the U.S., you must say the truth. If a relative will finance your studies, be prepared to bring some bank statements, property deeds, or any document that demonstrates you will have sufficient funds to cover for your expenses in the U.S.A.
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
Please visit http://www.usembassy.gov/ and consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate where you intend to apply your visa.
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
Please visit website below to learn more on visa denial and ineligibility. http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/denials/denials_1361.html
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education
Mrs. Rozita Smith, Director International Student and Scholar Services Email: rsmith25@emporia.edu James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education Emporia State University (Tel) 620.341.5374 (Fax) 620.341.5918
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James F. & Dorine D. Harter Office of International Education