Humboldt State University

 

International Students

Exchange Student Information

Visa Information for International Students

What is an I-20 form?

When you are admitted to the University, we send you a form called the I-20. This form indicates your program or field of study (major), the length of your course, and the date when you arrive at the university. The form I-20 allows you to apply for an F-1 student visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.

How do I obtain a student visa?

After you receive your form I-20, you have to schedule a visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in your country. Please note that the I-20 does not guarantee that you will be issued an F-1 visa. The local Consular official makes the final decision on whether or not to issue a student visa. Here is the 5 step visa process:

1. Receive I-20 form from Humboldt State University.
2. Schedule your visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country.
3. Submit SEVIS fee payment in time to allow Department of Homeland Security to process payment at least 3 days prior to visa interview.
4. Print SEVIS fee payment receipt and bring it to your visa interview.
5. Go to your visa interview to request a F-1 or J-1 visa (the visa may not be issued right away; many embassies mail the visa to the student a few weeks after the interview).

• Click here for: 5 Points to Remember When Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa
• Click here for: Arrival Information Sheet (PDF 155 KB) issued by the U.S. Immigration Department on what a student or exchange visitor can expect upon arrival at the U.S.

When can I enter the U.S.A.?

New visa regulations allow you to enter the USA up to 30 days before the first day of classes (the reporting date shown in Section 5 of your I-20). If you attempt to enter the USA earlier than 30 days before your start date, you will be denied entry at the airport immigration area. You may also be denied entry if you arrive after your starting date.Please plan your flight itinerary with this important policy in mind.

What happens if I cannot arrive by the reporting date?

You must request a new I-20 from your university if you have applied for F-1 status.

What will happen when I enter the U.S.A.?

An airline flight attendant will ask you to complete the I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) in the airplane before you land at the U.S. port of entry. You will present the I-94 form and your passport to the immigration inspector when you land. The immigration inspector will stamp the I-94 form with "D/S (duration of status). "D/S" means that you may stay in the U.S.A. until you complete your studies. You should keep the I-94 form and a copy of your valid I-20 with your passport at all times.

Click here to download (PDF 155 KB) an important information sheet issued by the U.S. Immigration department on what a student or exchange visitor can expect upon arrival.

What are my obligations as a student on an F-1 visa?

Students on an F-1 visa must follow the regulations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. According to these regulations, you must:

• register for classes at the university which issued the I-20
• be enrolled as a full-time student while you are in the U.S.A.
• request assistance from your foreign student advisor if you wish to transfer from one university to another.

How long can I stay in the U.S.A.?

The I-20 indicates the length of time you can stay to finish your course of studies. Generally, you may stay 60 days after the last day of class.

If I cannot complete my studies in the required time, may I stay longer?

If you need a longer time to complete your studies, a foreign student advisor at your university will help you apply for an extension.

If my visa expires, how do I renew it?

The visa is an entry document only. The visa needs to be valid only at the time you enter the U.S.A. It does not need to be renewed if you stay in the U.S.A. However, if you wish to visit Canada, Mexico, or your home country during vacation periods, a valid visa is required for re-entry into the United States. If your visa has expired, ask your foreign student advisor to provide complete information about how to renew your visa. You may then apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you are visiting.