Getting Your Visa

For more information, visit the . 

1. Applying for a Visa to Enter the United States: 

Please visit the United States embassy or consulate鈥檚 website or contact the embassy or consulate directly for detailed information about the visa application fee and process. You will want to schedule an in-person appointment to apply for your F-1 student visa as soon as possible (but no earlier than 120 days before the date your I-20 shows that you are expected to report to school).

The following websites will help you prepare for your visa appointment:

  1. Review information about applying for a VISA in the United States. 
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2. For Your Visa Application Appointment, You Will Need to bring: 

  • A passport valid for a minimum of 6 months into the future.
  • A valid I-20 and acceptance letter
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt
  • Visa application fee payment receipt
  • Affidavit of Support and proof of finances.
  • Copies of your academic records
  • TOEFL or IELTS score report (if applicable)
  • Several photos (Contact your embassy or visit their website for photo standards)

Check your email frequently as U.S. embassy officials may contact you or call you if they require additional information. For more information on how to be 快播视频ful during your visa interview:  

3. Entering the United States Once Your Visa is Approved 

As a new F-1 visa student, you cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before the start date on your I-20. 

Review Student Process Steps prior to your departure: 

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Maintaining Your F-1 Status

Under United States immigration law, it is your personal responsibility to maintain lawful F-1 status. Begin by reading the 鈥泪苍蝉迟谤耻肠迟颈辞苍 to 厂迟耻诲别苍迟蝉鈥 on page two of your I-20. By following those instructions as well as the guidelines listed below, you should be able to maintain lawful F-1 student status with little difficulty. You must maintain lawful student status if you wish to enjoy the benefits associated with it, such as on-campus employment, practical training, and the ability to re-enter the United States when you travel. A violation of status may result in termination of your SEVIS record, which could subject you to immediate detention and/or deportation.

For more information and guidance, visit the . 

Follow the guidelines below to maintain your F-1 Status. Contact the Global Office with questions. 

1. Keep an unexpired passport valid for at least 6 months into the future. 

2. Maintain full-time face-to-face enrollment. 

Maintain a full course of study each term. If you cannot study full time, contact your DSO immediately. You are expected to maintain full-time registration (minimum 12 credits) with at least 9 credits being face-to-face courses. 

3. Obtain PRIOR authorization from the Global Initiatives Office BEFORE dropping below 12 credits, withdrawing from classes, or taking a leave of absence.

There are very limited exceptions to the full-time requirement, so you must consult with the Global Office before you drop below full-time status, or you will be in violation of your visa status and your SEVIS record will be terminated.

4. If you leave the United States without completing your program of study, complete your program early, or change to another non- immigrant status, you must notify the Global Office so that we can update your SEVIS record.

5. Do not accept any off-campus employment without written permission from the Global Office, and if necessary, authorization from the Department of Homeland Security. 

Working without proper authorization is considered by the DHS as the most serious violation of its regulations. Consult with the Global Office before you accept an offer of employment or begin to work. We will advise you whether it is possible for you to work and assist you with the appropriate procedures. It is illegal to begin to work while waiting for authorization; you must have the appropriate authorization first. Students in F-1 status are allowed to work on-campus for the College for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year (up to 40 hours during vacation periods).

6. Obtain extensions, as needed, for permission to stay in the U.S. before your I-20 expires.

If you have valid academic or health reasons for requiring more time to complete your program than that which is authorized on your I-20, you must request a program extension through the Global Office. Contact the Global Office as soon as you know that you will need an extension and at least 30 days before the completion date noted on your I-20 in order to have enough time to obtain any necessary documents. In most cases, an e-mail will be required from your Academic Advisor explaining the academic reason for an extension. If the extension is needed for medical reasons, you must submit documentation from a medical professional. If you require an extension because you will be starting a new program at 快播视频 Cortland, you must apply for a new I-20 to begin a new program within 60 days of the completion of the first program. Contact the Global Office for more information.

7. Make normal academic progress toward your degree. 

Normal or satisfactory academic progress is defined as maintaining a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and a 67% course completion rate. View more details on the academic policy.