Obtaining a Form I-20 & Applying for an F-1 Student Visa

International Undergraduate Applicants English Language Institute Applicants

Documents to Obtain an Initial Form I-20

The F-1 student visa is designed for international students who plan to enroll full-time in a degree program at a U.S. university. To apply for this visa, you will need a Form I-20 issued by the university at which you intend to enroll. Universities are required by federal regulations to collect and review the following documents before issuing an initial Form I-20:

  • A copy of your passport identification page
  • A completed Affidavit of Support for all sponsors. North Central College does not accept typed signatures. All signatures must be hand-written; DocuSign and certified Adobe signatures are accepted.
  • A bank statement that meets the following criteria:
    • Must be authenticated (signed and/or stamped) by a bank official
    • Must be in English or accompanied by an official, authenticated (signed and/or stamped) English translation
    • Must be dated after January 15 for fall semester starts or after April 15 for spring semester starts
    • Must clearly list the currency type
    • Must clearly list the account holder's name and that name must match the student or sponsor listed on the Affidavit of Support
    • Must clearly list the account type - Acceptable funding sources include deposit, current, checking, and savings accounts, as well as educational loans, etc. Funding must be liquid or be immediately available for withdrawal by the first day of the semester.

*The above list of bank statement criteria is not exhaustive. North Central College reserves the right to request additional documentation. If you have specific questions about documentation, please contact International Admissions.

Transfer Students

Students transferring to North Central College from another U.S. institution are required to submit all of the documents listed above, as well as the additional documentation listed below:

  • Copy of your Form I-20 issued by your previous institution
  • A Transfer Verification Form - Please be sure to include your last known U.S. address and note that if you have completed your program, your SEVIS record must be transferred to North Central College within your 60-day grace period.

Applying for an F-1 Student Visa

After receiving your North Central College Form I-20 via email, follow the steps below to apply for your F-1 student visa.

  • Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
    • The I-901 fee is paid to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
    • The fee must be paid at least 3 business days before your scheduled visa interview.
    • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will keep a record of your payment, but you should save a copy of your receipt too.
  • Schedule a visa appointment and pay the visa application fee.
    • Each embassy/consulate has slightly different procedures. For this reason, it's important to visit your embassy's/consulate's website prior to your interview.
  • Prepare for your visa interview by connecting with an EducationUSA Adviser.
     
  • Email International Admissions when you have secured a visa interview.

Important Notes: Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa

  • Consider the visa you are applying for. The F-1 student visa is a nonimmigrant visa, and allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student. In this status, you should plan to study and return to your home country after graduation. Failure to provide evidence of plans to return home after graduation is the main reason an individual is denied an F-1 student visa.
  • Refrain from discussing employment and avoid mention of family and/or friends already in the U.S.
  • The Form I-20 you submit when applying for your F-1 student visa should be issued by the institution at which you intend to enroll.
  • Be prepared to confidently explain why you are studying a particular program and how studying in the U.S. relates to your future career in your home country.
  • Practice your English and be prepared to interview in English.
  • Do not bring your parents or family members with you to the interview. You must speak on your own behalf.
  • Be confident, clear and concise.
  • Maintain a positive attitude!