Apply for a Student VisaCenter for International and Cultural Education

Applying for a student visa is an essential step to studying in the United States. Please carefully follow all instructions and prepare for your visa application and interview. It is best to apply early!

Degree students will apply for an F-1 student visa, and will need a Form I-20 from Gustavus to apply. Exchange students will apply for a J-1 student visa, and will need a Form DS-2019 from Gustavus to apply.

Resources to Assist in the Student Visa Application Process:

Jeff Anderson, your advisor in the Center for International and Cultural Education, will respond to questions that you have about the visa application process, your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, Form DS-160 (the visa application form), and preparing for the visa interview. If you would like to practice for or discuss the visa interview, you may make an appointment for an online meeting.
Education USA Advising Centers can help you navigate the visa application process. You may visit the Education USA Advising Center, get to know the advisors, and ask questions. They will know the process in your home country. You may go to Education USA Find an Advising Center and enter your home country to see the address, hours, and contact information of the Education USA Advising Center near you.
Study in the States has detailed information about the student visa process.
Argo Visa is a service staffed by former visa officers with experience advising students on the visa application process. If you choose their services, you must make the arrangements and pay them directly (see pricing).
The Law Offices of Ursula Trimming, Esq (The Visa Expert) are recommended attorneys with expertise in the student visa process. U.S. Consulates are less likely to deny a visa to applicants who are represented by an immigration attorney, which can be particularly helpful if you are from a country with a high visa denial rate or if you have been previously denied a visa. Contact The Visa Expert for more information. Their fee is approximately $1,500 USD (varies by case). If you choose to be represented by an immigration attorney, then you must make the arrangements and pay the attorney directly.

Student Visa Application Process:

Obtain Form I-20 (for F-1 degree students) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 exchange students).
- Gustavus will send your I-20 or DS-2019 after you complete our online verification form, provide a copy of your passport, and documentation of funding.
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee ($350 USD for F-1 students / $220 USD for J-1 students).
- Visit FMJfee.com to complete SEVIS Form I-901 online.
  - You will need your SEVIS ID (upper left corner of Form I-20 for F-1 students / upper right corner of Form DS-2019 for J-1 students)
  - F-1 students will need the Gustavus School Code: SPM214F00202000 (also on the I-20)
  - J-1 students will need the Gustavus Program Number: P-1-04134 (also on the DS-2019)
- Pay the SEVIS fee with a credit card, if you can.
- If you cannot pay online by credit card, then you must pay at a local Western Union Quick Pay. Paying the SEVIS fee by credit card is not an option for citizens of some countries. Go to Instructions for payments by Western Union Quick Pay:
  - Visit FMJfee.com and complete the Form I-901 online. A payment coupon will be generated upon completion of Form I-901.
  - Print the payment coupon and take it to your local Western Union Quick Pay. You may search Find Western Union locations for a branch near you.
  - Fill out the Quick Collect/Quick Pay Form according to the information found at the bottom of the printed payment coupon. Example below:
    Company Name (or Code City): SEVISFEE or SEVISFEEMO
    Account Number: Coupon Number (ex: 010222013872390)
    Amount: 350.00 USD (for F-1 students) or 220 USD (for J-1 students)
  - Present the coupon and your payment to the Western Union Agent for processing. It may be helpful to bring your passport and Form I-20. There may be some Western Union Agents or locations that are not experienced with this process, so you may need to be persistent and find a location and agent that is able to process your SEVIS fee payment.
  - After you have completed the above steps, your payment will be linked to your Form I-901, and you may go back to FMJfee.com and click on "Check I-901 Status" to retrieve your SEVIS fee receipt, which you will need for your visa appointment.
- Print your SEVIS fee receipt, as you will need that receipt at your visa appointment.
- Study in the States has detailed SEVIS fee instructions, including an online tutorial.
Go to the U.S. Department of State website for general information about applying for a U.S. visa and applying for an F-1 Student Visa or applying for a J-1 Student Visa.
Go to the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you intend to apply (normally the U.S. consulate where you live). Closely examine the specific instructions about applying for an F-1 or J-1 student visa at that consulate, as the process varies by consulate.
Pay the visa application fee ($185 USD).
- Examine the website of the Consulate where you intend to apply for specific instructions about paying the visa application fee, as the process varies by consulate.
- Save the receipt.
Obtain a visa photograph.
- It is recommend that you use a professional visa photo service to ensure your photo meets all the visa photo requirements.
- Eye glasses are not allowed in visa photos.
- You will upload your digital photo while completing the online Form DS-160.
Complete Form DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
- The DS-160 is a critical part of your application, as the consular officer may make a decision based solely on the answers you provide on Form DS-160.
- You may wish to view a sample Form DS-160 before beginning.
- Answer each question honestly and accurately.
- Ask Jeff Anderson, your advisor, if you are unsure how to respond.
- If you have not lived in the U.S. before, then you probably do not have a “U.S. Social Security Number” or “U.S. Taxpayer ID Number” and can check “Does Not Apply”.
- For “Purpose of Trip to the U.S.” choose “F-1 Student” or "J-1 Student".
- Your “Intended Date of Arrival” cannot be more than 30 days prior to the “program start date” on your Form I-20. Go to Arriving at Gustavus for new international student arrival dates.
- Your “Intended Length of Stay in U.S.” should be 4 years (for degree students) or the length of your program (for exchange students).
- You may enter specific “Travel Information” if you have reserved a flight, though it is recommended that you wait until your visa is approved to purchase the flight.
- Enter the following for “Address Where You Will Stay in the U.S.”:
  - Street Address (Line 1): Gustavus Adolphus College
  - Street Address (Line 2): 800 West College Avenue
  - City: Saint Peter
  - State: Minnesota
  - ZIP Code: 56082
- Complete “Previous U.S. Travel Information” section accurately.
- Complete “Address and Phone Information” section accurately.
- Enter all social media platforms that you have used within the last five years.
- Enter your passport information accurately.
- You may enter Jeff Anderson as your "U.S. Point of Contact":
  - Surname: Anderson
  - Given Names: Jeffrey
  - Organization Name: Gustavus Adolphus College
  - Relationship to You: School Official
  - U.S. Street Address (Line1): 800 West College Avenue
  - City: Saint Peter
  - State: Minnesota (MN)
  - Zip Code: 56082
  - Phone Number: 507-933-7493
  - Email Address: jeffa@gustavus.edu
- Complete the “Family Information: Relatives” section accurately.
  - If you have immediate family members who live in the United States, you must provide their information. Immediate family members include: fiancé/fiancée, spouse (husband/wife), child or siblings (brother/sister)
  - If you have an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident, then it may be more difficult to show that you intend to return home after your education here, and you should have a discussion with your advisor (Jeff Anderson, Argo Visa, The Visa Expert) regarding how to address that in your visa interview.
- Complete “Present Work/Education/Training Information” section accurately.
  - If you are currently employed, enter that information accurately.
  - If you are currently in school, enter that information accurately.
- Complete “Previous Work/Education/Training Information” section accurately.
  - If you have been employed in the past, enter that information accurately.
  - Enter previous educational information accurately.
- Compete “Security and Background” section accurately.
  - Consult with your advisor (Jeff Anderson, Argo Visa, The Visa Expert) if you are unsure of your response to any of the questions.
  - If your answer is “Yes” to any of the Security and Background questions, consult with your advisor (Jeff Anderson, Argo Visa, The Visa Expert). Failure to disclose relevant information could have severe immigration consequences, including a permanent bar.
- Complete “Additional Point of Contact Information” by listing at least two contacts in your country of residence (cannot be an immediate family member) who can verify the information you provided in your application.
  - You may include a teacher, school principal, counselor or administrator, or an established and respected family friend.
- Enter “SEVIS Information” accurately:
  - You will need your SEVIS ID (upper left corner of I-20 / upper right corner of DS-2019 )
  - Name of School: Gustavus Adolphus College
  - Course of Study: Bachelor of Arts with major in ….. (include the major or majors indicated on your I-20)
  - Street Address (Line 1): 800 West College Avenue
  - City: Saint Peter
  - State: Minnesota (MN)
  - Postal Code/ZIP Code: 56082
- Upload your photo.
  - It is recommended that you use a professional visa photo service to ensure your photo meets all the visa photo requirements.
  - Eye glasses are not allowed in visa photos.
- Review all information in “Application Review” section before submitting.
- Sign and Submit DS-160 Application online.
- Download and save a PDF copy of the DS-160 application after you submit the application.
  - There will be a “Print Application” button on the confirmation page. Make sure you click that “Print Application” button to download the application.
  - You cannot download the application if you close or navigate away from the confirmation page.
  - This will be your only chance to download the submitted application and save it for your records.
  - You will not need the full DS-160 for your F-1 visa interview, however it is important to keep a copy for your records to maintain consistency and accuracy for any future applications.
- Print the DS-160 confirmation page and bring it to your visa interview.
Schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Consulate where you intend to apply.
- Closely examine the specific instructions about scheduling an appointment at that consulate, as the process varies by consulate.
Prepare for your visa interview.
- Organize all documents so you can access them quickly during the interview.
- Prepare for visa interview questions. Read the student visa interview guidance below to help you prepare.
Bring the following documentation to the visa interview:
- Form I-20 (printed on paper with your signature).
- Receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee payment.
- Receipt for your visa application fee payment.
- Printed Form DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation page.
- Passport valid for at least six months after the date you plan to enter the U.S.
- Signed statement of your intent to depart the U.S. upon termination of your status.
- Visa support letter from Jeff Anderson.
- You should not need your admission letter or financial aid award letter, but you may access those in your admission portal, print them, and bring them with you, if you choose.

Student Visa Interview:

You must demonstrate that you intend to return to your home country (or another country outside of the U.S.) after your education.
- All applicants for an F-1 or J-1 student visa are viewed as “intending immigrants” (who want to live permanently in the U.S.) until they can convince the consular officer that they are not.
- You must show that you have good reasons to return to your home country, that are stronger than the reasons for remaining in the U.S.
- "Ties" to your home country are the things that connect you to your current place of residence, such as:
  - Immediate family and extended family who also live in your home country.
  - A home or other assets or investments that your family owns that you would inherit.
  - Financial prospects or a good opportunity for jobs or or career in your home country that your education would likely lead to.
- The consular officer may ask about your specific plans or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans and career prospects in your home country.
- Each person's situation is different, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter that can guarantee visa issuance.
- You must explain clearly the reasons you will return home after completing your degree, including how your degree will lead to a career in your home country.
- Demonstrating your intent to return to your home country is the most important part of your visa interview.
You must provide documentation that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your educational expenses.
- Your documentation must show sufficient funding for at least your first year, in the amount indicated on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
- It is helpful if you can also demonstrate the ability to fund your education beyond the first year.
- Documentation of funding may include:
  - Bank statements. (Originals, not photocopies.)
  - Statements of income.
  - Evidence of other assets.
  - Receipt for tuition paid. (If you have paid for the semester or year in advance, our Student Accounts Office will provide you with a receipt.)
Know your educational program and how it fits your career plans.
- Learn more about Gustavus. Be able to explain why you chose Gustavus, what you would like to study, and what you would like to do with that when you return home. Some helpful pages on our website for you to visit are:
  - Why Gustavus?
  - About Gustavus
  - Institutional Profile
  - The Case for the Liberal Arts
  - Develop a good understanding about Gustavus, your intended area of study, and your career plans. Be able to clearly articulate your plan.
- Be able to explain the reasons why you have chosen the major that is indicated on your Form I-20.
  - Go to Academics and then the pages for the departments, programs and majors in which you are interested.
  - The Gustavus Academic Catalog also has information about programs and majors.
  - The major indicated on your I-20 is a reflection of your current thinking. Please note that you may change your major later. Gustavus students officially declare a major by the end of their second year.
- Be able to explain how studying in the U.S. relates to your career goals and employment prospects when you return home.
  - Explore Gustavus Career Development.
- If you plan to attend graduate school in the U.S., after completing your degree at Gustavus, it is fine to describe that as part of your plan.
English language proficiency.
- Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English.
- Before the interview, you may wish to practice responding to possible interview questions in English, with a native speaker or a friend or advisor who speaks English.
- Do not prepare speeches, or scripted responses, or memorize responses to possible interview questions.
- Even though you should have a good idea in advance of how you will respond to questions, and practice your responses, it is very important to be honest and be yourself, which will make your responses more natural.
- If you have a TOEFL or IELTS score report, or another English language proficiency report, then you should bring that with you.
Speak for yourself. The consular officer will interview you individually, and not your family.
- Parents or family members generally do not accompany an applicant for the visa interview.
- You may check with the consulate about their waiting area and any rules or procedures for family members who may accompany you prior to the interview.
- Even if parents or family are allowed, you should conduct the interview with the consular officer by yourself, as you will create a more positive impression by speaking on your own behalf.
Be brief. Because of the large number of applications they receive, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick interview.
- The consular officer must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute of the interview, and the responses you provided on Form DS-160.
- What you say first, and the first impression you create are critical to your success.
- Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point, responding precisely to the consular officer’s questions.
Prepare and organize documents.
- It should be immediately clear to the consular officer what documents you are presenting and what they mean.
- Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated.
- Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you are lucky.
Dress appropriately.
- There is no specific dress code or requirement.
- Your ability to clearly communicate and document your plans will be most important, but your appearance may have some impact on the impression that you make.
- Use your best judgment, recognizing that you need to make a good first impression.
Consulates Vary. Consulates in some countries have higher visa denial rates than others. If you are from a country with a higher denial rate:
- You are more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after your study in the U.S.
- You must thoroughly prepare.
- You may consider using an immigration attorney or a student visa advising service (resources are indicated above).
- All students should be well prepared to demonstrate their intent to return to their home country.
Employment. Your main purpose in coming to the U.S. should be to study, rather than for the chance to work during your education or after graduation.
- Many students work on-campus, as part of the student employment in their financial aid award (indicated on Form I-20). It is fine to acknowledge that as part of your plan.
- Many students work off-campus (internships / Curricular Practical Training) after their first year of studies, or after graduation (Optional Practical Training). See Employment Options for F-1 students. It is fine to acknowledge that as part of your plan.
- Any employment is incidental (secondary/optional) to the main purpose of completing your education, and a way to gain experience that could lead to a career in your home country. You must be able to clearly explain your plan to return home at the end of your program.
Maintain a positive attitude. You may be nervous, but if you have prepared, your interview should go well.
- Do not argue with the consular officer.
- If you are denied a student visa, the consular officer should provide you with a written notice indicating the reason for the denial.
- If you are denied, you may ask the consular officer what they suggest you should do differently for your next application and interview.