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Obtaining a Visa

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To enter the United States, international students must obtain a passport from their government and visa from a United States Consulate. To apply for a visa, students will need their passport and either a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) for a student visa or a Form DS 2019 (formerly IAP-66) for an Exchange Visitor visa. Other documents such as evidence of adequate financial support, English proficiency, and previous academic records may be required. Canadian citizens do not need a passport and visa to enter the U.S. However, they must have a Form I-20 or DS 2019 (formerly IAP-66) in their possession when they approach the U.S. border.

Students coming to the U.S. enter with one of the two following visas:

  1. Student Visa (F-1 status): Students coming to the U.S. specifically for the purpose of study usually apply for this visa. To obtain this visa the student takes the Form I-20 to the U.S. Consulate. Students with F-1 status must be enrolled for a full course of study during the academic year. They must obtain permission from the U.S. Immigration Service to accept off-campus employment. The accompanying spouse or child of an F-1 student enters the U.S. on an F-2 visa and may not seek employment.
  2. Exchange Visitor (J-1 status): This visa is intended chiefly for exchange professors and postdoctoral scholars. However, it is appropriate for certain students, particularly those sponsored by agencies, foundations, or their home governments. It is only granted upon the presentation of a Certificate of Eligibility (Form IAP-66). Exchange visitors may accept employment on or off campus only with permission from their sponsors. The accompanying spouse or child of a J-1 Exchange Visitor enters the U.S. with a J-2 visa, which may, in some cases, permit employment with approval from the U.S. Immigration Service. It is important to note that in many cases, an Exchange Visitor must leave the U.S. at the conclusion of the program, may not change to certain visa statuses, and may not be eligible for an Immigrant Visa until a two-year home country residence has been completed.

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