Prepare for your F1 Visa Interview

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Once you have received your SHSU I-20, you are ready to prepare for your F1 student visa interview. The availability of nonimmigrant visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates vary by country. As such, we recommend that you schedule your visa appointment as early as possible. To do this, following the simple steps below:

Step 1: Pay your SEVIS fee (form I-901). You can pay your SEVIS fee online HERE with a credit card [Visa, MasterCard, or American Express] or a debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo. Effective 6/24/2019, the SEVIS fee is $350 for F1 applicants and $220 for J1 applicants.

Step 2: Find your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate HERE and schedule your nonimmigrant visa appointment. Follow the instructions on the embassy or consulate website to submit your visa application, supporting documents, and visa fee ($160).

Step 3: Attend your visa interview. You should bring the following documents to your visa interview:

  1. Passport
  2. SHSU I-20
  3. Visa appointment confirmation
  4. SEVIS fee (form I-901) receipt
  5. Proof of funds
  6. SHSU class schedule (if you have already registered)
  7. Any additional documentation of ties to your home country.

Need help? See 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa.

Note: If your visa application is denied, please notify the Global Engagement Center at gec@shsu.edu.

Step 4: After you receive your F1 student visa, you can prepare to fly to Texas! Before booking your flight, check the available dates for airport pickup HERE. Remember to carry all of the aforementioned documents with you, in your carry-on bag. Bon voyage and see you soon!