Immigration

For every immigration document you receive, check that the spelling of your name and your date of birth are exactly the same as listed on your passport. Your passport must be valid for six months after your intended entry into the United States. Copy all documents prior to departure. Carry all originals with you when you travel, and keep copies in a separate place.

Obtaining a Visa

Receive I-20 from CSU

Your I-20 form should be sent to you. You will be required to submit this document when you apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee

At least two weeks before your visa interview, pay this fee online at fmjfee.com. Type your name exactly as it appears on the I-20 form. Print a copy of the online receipt and bring it to your visa interview. (Canadians should present this receipt at the U.S. border.) Make copies of this receipt and keep it with your other immigration documents.

Make your visa appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Find your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate at USembassy.gov and schedule an appointment with them as early as possible. The wait time for a visa interview varies, but is always longer during the months of June, July, and August. Depending on your course of study and nationality, the visa officer may also have to get special clearances, which can require additional time. The earliest the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can issue an F-1 visa is 120 days before the start date of your program in the U.S. If you are applying for a J-1 visa, you may apply any time before the beginning of your program.

Pay visa application fee

Follow the instructions on your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate website to pay this fee.

Prepare and bring to your visa interview

Remember to remain calm and answer all the visa officer’s questions openly and honestly. Bring to your appointment:

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • I-20 form (signed/dated)
  • Admission letter
  • Two 2” x 2” photographs in the required format
  • A receipt of the paid SEVIS I-901 fee
  • Financial evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during your period of study
  • Any information that proves that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S. This may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.

Visa delays

If you are unable to obtain a visa prior to the start date for your have been admitted, contact ISSS (isss.colostate.edu) immediately. You may defer and apply your deposit toward the tuition for the next semester.

Please keep in mind during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State suspended routine visa services at all U.S. embassies and consulates from March 20-July 15, 2020. As resources and safety allows, embassies and consulates will resume routine visa services and continue to provide emergency and mission-critical visa services. This may result in delays to your visa application.