F-1 Visa Process
Welcome to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley!
International Students who will be attending UTRGV, and need to apply for an F-1 visa for the first time will need to submit the following documentation in order for ISS to process an I-20:
- Immigration Questionnaire
- Proof of Financial Resources (bank statements, assistantships, scholarships, etc)
- Copy of passport
Applying for an I-20 for the first time
The I-20 is only a "certificate of eligibility" for F-1 status. Issuing the form alone does not grant F-1 status itself. After an I-20 is issued, you must use it to acquire F-1 status in one of two ways:
- Use the I-20 to obtain an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate and then enter the U.S. with the F-1 visa and I-20, to be admitted by DHS in F-1 status at the port-of-entry (visa not required if exempt from the visa requirement, like Canadians)
- Use the I-20 to apply to USCIS for a change of status from one nonimmigrant status to F-1 status, if already in the United States in another nonimmigrant category.
F-1 visa processing at a U.S. consular office
Unless visa exempt, you must have a valid F-1 visa in order to be admitted to the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status.
Checklist: Application for an F-1 visa
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
- Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Learn more about completing the DS-160
- You must complete the online Form DS-160 visa application
- Print the application confirmation page to bring to your interview
- Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.
- Application fee payment receipt
- Form I-20 - UTRGV will send you a SEVIS-generated Form I-20 once you have already submitted all the required documentation. You and your DSO will sign the Form I-20. If you are bringing dependents, each person receives an individual Form I-20.
- The SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
Additional Documentation May Be Required
Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish that you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:
- Your academic preparation, such as:
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and standardized test scores required for admission
- Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study
- Proof of financial support as reflected on the I-20
- UTRGV Admissions letter
Where to apply for an F-1 visa
Any nonimmigrant visa applicant, including applicants for F-1 visas, should normally apply for the visa "at a consular office having jurisdiction over the alien's place of residence."
See the usembassy.state.gov website for links to U.S. embassies and consular posts worldwide.
The regulations also permit for you to apply for a visa at any other consular jurisdiction in which you are currently present, but only if that consular office has agreed to process visa applications from "third country nationals" (TCNs).
When to apply for an F-1 visa
An F-1 visa can be issued no more than 120 days before the reporting date listed on Form I-20, but you can enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before I-20 program start date.
You can apply for an F-1 visa earlier than 120 days before the start date, to allow for visa processing and security clearance delays but even if you apply earlier than 120 days, the consulate still cannot actually issue the visa until 120 days before the program start date.’’
Change of Status to F-1 within the United States
If you are in the United States in a valid immigration status, you may be eligible to change your status to F-1. There are two ways to change your status: by application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or by visiting a U.S. Consulate outside the U.S. In either case, you must be a continuing student or a newly admitted student for the upcoming semester for ISS to assist you with this process.
On February 6, 2018, USCIS revised their special instructions on filing "bridge applications" for prospective students applying for a change of status to F-1. A change of status applicant must maintain a nonimmigrant status while their change of status is pending, even in cases where the SEVIS start date has been deferred to a date beyond 30 days from the expiration of their current visa status.
Please visit the following link for more information: Changing to a Nonimmigrant F or M Student Status
Important points to know:
- Processing with USCIS can take 6 – 8 months plus mailing time or longer depending on USCIS processing times. While the application is pending you may not leave the United States.
- Applicants in B-2 status may not begin classes until they have changed to a student status or other status eligible to enroll in classes.
- On-campus employment may not begin until the change of status has been approved.
- Applicants who are changing status from F-2 can begin classes part-time but can only be enrolled full time once the application has been approved.
- You must submit the application to USCIS within 30 days of being issued the I-20 from ISS.
- USCIS process will change your immigration status within the United States but does not give you a new visa stamp in your passport. After the application is approved and if you need to depart the U.S., you will need to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in order to return in F-1 status.
Helpful Links:
Tips on how to apply for a visa
Consulate Videos