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Necessary Documents for Obtaining an F-1 Student Visa
A completed visa application form (DS-156, DS-157, and DS-158) and pay visa fees during the interview process.
- Receipt for payment of the SEVIS fee.
- A valid passport for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the U.S.
- A 2" x 2" photograph.
- Form I-20 from Randolph-Macon College.
- Financial evidence showing source and amount of funding. For example: bank statement of the parents, guardians, or sponsors.
- Official academic transcripts, confirmation of enrollment, and proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL) may also be requested by the consular officer.
- Evidence of strong ties to your home country. For example, permanent residence in your home country, plan after graduation for R-MC, offer of job in your home country…, etc.
Interview Process
The consular interview is a critical step in the process of receiving an F-1 student visa. Below are some suggestions that can guide you during the interview process:
- Keep your answers short and concise. Fill in the application form honestly and be prepared to answer every question the consular officer will ask during the interview.
- The consular officer might want to know the reasons why you want to study in the U.S. and why you choose Randolph-Macon College. So be prepared for such questions. See Top 10 Reasons to attend Randolph-Macon.
- Keep in mind that your main intention to come to the U.S. is to study, not to work. Try to find a chance to proof this to the officer.
- Since you are viewed as a temporary visitor to the U.S., you may be questioned about your plan after your graduation from Randolph-Macon and your intention to return to your home country.
- If you are denied the visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring the next time you apply, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.
Security & Name Checks
Effective November 13, 2001, certain visa applicants became subject to an additional name check clearance procedure before being issued a nonimmigrant visa. The procedure requires consular officers to send the visa applicant's name to be checked against information in various security, law enforcement, and intelligence databases.
Visa applicants affected include (but may not be limited to) males between the ages of 16 and 45 from one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen and students in certain areas of study. Reports indicate that the procedure can take at least 20 business days. Please factor this extra time into your planned visa processing time if you believe you may belong to an affected group.
SEVIS Fee
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system that can track and monitor schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents throughout the duration of approved participation within the U.S. education system. Find out more about SEVIS Fee.
Effective September 1, 2004, prospective F-1 students and J-1 students or scholars who are issued Form I-20 or DS-2019 for the first time on or after that date are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee prior to applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa or changing to F-1 or J-1 status. The fee is a one time fee per program collected by U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the operation and maintenance of SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
SEVIS I-901 Fee Instructions: go to http://www.fmjfee.com
SEVIS Fee FAQ: go to http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq.htm
Important Information for New International Students Who Are Already in the U.S.
New international students who are already in the U.S. and are currently holding an F-1/ J-1 visa are classified as transfer students when they are accepted to Randolph-Macon College. To be eligible for transfer, a student must maintain status at all times and follow the transfer procedures as prescribed by USCIS and Department of State. They are required to follow the following procedures in order to study at Randolph-Macon College as F-1 visa students.
- Once you are accepted by Randolph-Macon College and submitted all required documents, you will need to complete the SEVIS Transfer-in Form. The international student advisor at your current school will also have to sign this form.
- Submit the completed and signed SEVIS Transfer Information Form to the Office of International Education.
- Your SEVIS record will be released by your current school and our office will issue you a new I-20.
- Your new form will indicate that your transfer is pending.
- Your transfer will be considered complete after you report to our office, enroll in classes and we issue you a new form indicating that you have completed the transfer.