Once you have been accepted to the UESL Program and have paid your $50 UESL application fee, you can receive your I-20. The I-20 is used to apply for an F-1 student visa. You will also bring your I-20 with you when you travel to the U.S.

I-20s are currently sent electronically to the email address you give when completing the online application. After your receive your I-20, you will follow the steps below.

F-1 STUDENT VISA APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Step 1: Check your I-20 for Accuracy!
• Check the information on your I-20 and make sure that it is correct. If there is any error, please contact the UESL Program immediately to correct.
• Step 2: Pay your SEVIS I-901 Fee
• When you receive your I-20, you will need to pay your SEVIS I-901 fee. Print out and keep your payment receipt.
• Step 3: Schedule Visa Appointment
• Schedule your visa interview online at USEmbassy.gov and select your home country. You cannot apply for the F-1 Student Visa until you are within three months prior to your program start date.
• Step 4: Complete the Visa Application Form
• Complete the DS-160 application and pay the application fee. Print your confirmation page to take to the visa interview.
• Step 5: Make Sure You Have All Your Documents Ready
• Before your interview, review all of your documents. Not having all of your documents with you can delay the visa process.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR VISA INTERVIEW (BUT NOT LIMITED TO):

• Acceptance Letter from the UESL Program
• Form I-20 (issued by CWU)
• Confirmation Page of Form DS-160
• Valid Passport
• 2” x 2” photo of yourself (see requirements)
• Visa application fee payment receipt
• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
• Financial evidence proving you or your sponsor have sufficient funds to cover your studies
• Transcripts and/or diplomas from previous schools
• Standardized test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS (if available)

AFTER YOUR VISA INTERVIEW:

After you are approved or denied an F-1 student visa, please notify our office.

ARRIVING TO THE US:

• You can enter the country up to 30 days before your start date listed on your I-20.

• Hand carry all documents and have them ready for the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer when you arrive to your port of entry. Do not place your documents in your checked luggage!
  • A valid passport
  • A valid Form I-20 issued by CWU
  • A valid F-1 Student Visa
  • Receipt of I-901 fee payment
  • UESL Acceptance Letter
• Check your entry stamp in your passport to ensure you have been admitted as an F-1 Student.

Great Resources for F-1 Students:

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE IN THE USA

Study in the States: This is a great resource for potential F-1 students as well as current F-1 students. It has information on applying for visas and maintaining status in the United States.

SEVIS I-901 Fee: Where you pay your SEVIS I-901 fee.

AFTER YOU ARRIVE IN THE USA

How to get your I-94: This website allows you to print off your electronic I-94 form. The form is generated once you have entered the United States. If you entered by crossing the border (Canada or Mexico) you may have received a paper I-94.

U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services: This website has information regarding working in the United States as an F-1 student, updates on immigration rules and regulations, and application forms.