Apply For a New Visa (Non-Canadian Students)
There are two main categories of visas given to international studies: F-1 and J-1. Student will receive an I-20 document from Valley City State University that allows them to apply for F-1 visas. Canadian citizens do NOT need to apply for a visa to study in the United States. However, Canadian students do need to obtain an I-20 from VCSU.
Follow the 5 steps below to apply for your visa:
1.) Review and sign your I-20
You must be accepted to VCSU and then you will receive a Form I-20 from the school. Review the spelling and order of your name on the I-20 and confirm that it exactly matches how your legal name is written at the bottom of the identity page in your passport (the page that has your picture). It is essential that your information is printed identically on all of your immigration documents (I-20, passport, and visa), and you should always write it the same way when completing your visa application and any other forms. If there is a mistake or the name on your I-20 does not match your name in your passport, contact the Principal Designated School Official at VCSU before applying for a visa. If all of the information is correct, sign and date your name on the bottom of page 1 of your I-20. Additionally, if you have an I-20 and are younger than 18 years old, your parents/guardians must also sign your document.
2.) Pay the SEVIS Fee
Students must pay the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee before applying for an entry visa or entering the U.S. This fee is charged by the Department of Homeland Security, and it is not administered by VCSU. You cannot pay the fee until you have your I-20 document in your possession.
3.) Complete the D-160 visa application form and schedule your visa interview appointment
When completing the D-160 visa application, write your legal name exactly as it is printed in your passport and provide complete and truthful information throughout the application. If you do not have housing reserved in the U.S. but you are asked to provide an address in the U.S. where you will stay, you can use VCSU’s address (101 College St SW, Valley City, ND 58072).
You should plan to apply for a visa at the U.S. embassy/consulate that is closest to where you live. This website also includes specific instructions for scheduling an appointment.
We recommend completing your D-160 visa application and scheduling your appointment as soon as possible after you receive your I-20. You will need to determine the estimated wait time for obtaining a visa at your local embassy.
4.) Prepare your documents for your visa interview
Follow the instructions from the embassy regarding what to take to the appointment. Typically, you will be asked to provide the following documents:
- Valid passport
- I-20
- Admission letter (or print out of electronic admission notification)
- Documented proof of financial support for one year or more (scholarship or assistantship letter, bank statement, etc.)
- Receipt of $350 SEVIS fee payment
- Visa application forms (available from the U.S. embassy/consulate)
- Any documents requested by embassy/consulate
5.) Prepare for your visa interview
The visa interview will be a very brief meeting with a consular officer. Be prepared to explain why you want to study at VCSU, how you are planning to pay for your stay, and what your plans might be after you graduate. Always answer truthfully! Once you receive your visa, check the accuracy of the information on it. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate if you find a mistake.
Questions?
If your visa is denied, ask the consular official to provide a written explanation of the denial, and then email registrar@vcsu.edu and write “Visa Denial” in the subject line.