Basic Requirements for a Student Visa

International Students must fulfill the following requirements to be eligible for an F-1student visa:

• Prove they have been accepted by a school for an Academic program, certificate or a degree course.
• Demonstrate English language skills are proficient enough to complete their studies if attending a college or university, or show that the school will provide them with adequate English language training.
• Provide proof / evidence that they have adequate financial resources to pay for their school fees, materials, health insurance, transportation and living expenses.
• Provide supporting evidence that they will return to their own country once they have completed their studies.

Procedures for applying for the F-1 Visa
A visa renewal will require that you request a new I-20 form three weeks prior to your departure date.

• Students requiring a new F-1 Visa are subject to the SEVIS I-901 fee before appearing at the U.S. Consulate. Students may pay this fee on-line at www.fmjfee.com (remember to print your receipt)
• Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to apply for and schedule an appointment /interview for your student Visa. You will need your Sevis I-901 fee payment receipt. It is important that your plan early, since there may be a waiting period of a few weeks between your appointment and going to the interview.

What to Bring for the Interview

• Your school acceptance letter
• SEVIS I-901 Payment Receipt
• Passport
• The visa application form & 1.5" photos
• The Sevis I-20 form issued by the school that accepted you, along with originals and/or photocopies of your financial support documents.
• You will be required to have an interview, in English, with a visa officer. Expected
questions asked of you by the visa officer MAY include:
        o "Why do you want to study in the United States?"
        o "Why do you wish to attend Irvine Valley College?”
        o “What subjects do you want to study?"
        o "What are your plans after you return to your home country?”
        o Listen carefully to all questions the Officer asks and respond politely.
• Upon completion of the interview, you will be informed whether or not your application has been approved. If you are granted the visa, you will have to return a few days later to pick up your passport, which will have the photo-copies of your financial documents attached. You will need these when you enter the United States. The name of your school will be written on your visa.
• When arriving to the U.S. you must attend the school indicated on your Visa. If you decide to attend a different school, you must re-apply for a new visa.
• If your application is denied, your passport will be stamped and you may receive a second interview. You should ask the visa officer for the specific reason why you were denied. You may apply again only if you have new evidence to support your application.