F-1 Visa Information

Don't Forget!

It is important to apply for your student visa as far in advance as possible. Many consulates recommend that appointments be made no more than 90 days before the intended date of travel, but some can make earlier arrangements for interviews.

This information is for non-immigrants who plan to enter the United States for the first time to study.

For information on bringing dependents to the U.S., returning to continue studies, renewing your visa, or for more details on how to apply for a student visa, refer to the U.S. Department of State website.

What you'll need

to schedule your F-1 Visa Interview

Follow your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s instructions to schedule an interview for your F-1 student visa. You will most likely need:

an official acceptance letter from OSU-OKC,
I-20 form from OSU-OKC,
financial statement, and
passport.

FIND MY U.S. EMBASSY/CONSULATE OFFICE

Applying for your F-1 Visa

Step 1: Schedule an interview.

After you receive a Form I-20 from the school that you want to attend, follow your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s instructions to schedule an interview for your F-1 student visa. Remain calm and answer all questions asked to you openly and honestly. Along with your passport, I-20, admission letter, and financial statement, be prepared to bring the following items with you:

- completed visa applications (see below),
- two 2”x 2” photographs in the prescribed format,
- receipt for the visa application fee,
- receipt for the SEVIS fee (if applicable, and
- any information proving that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S.

Step 2: Complete the appropriate application forms.

Your local embassy or consulate may require additional paperwork for this process. You will be required to complete the following forms:

DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form

DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant

DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (required only for males between the ages of 16 and 45; not required for females)

Step 3: Pay all application fees.

Pay the visa application fee by following instructions on your local U.S. embassy or consulate. You will the need the official receipt of payment as part of the visa application. If you have not received an official receipt in the mail showing payment and you paid the fee electronically, the consulate will accept the temporary receipt you printed from your computer. If you do not have a receipt, the consulate may be able to see your payment electronically if your fee payment was processed at least 3 business days before your interview.

I-901 FEE PROCESSING WEBSITE

I-901 SEVIS Paper Form

I-901 SEVIS Fee Amount Chart

To pay by mail or courier
Mail the completed I-901 and accurate payment to:

By Mail:
I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
P.O. Box 970020
St. Louis, MO 63197-0020
USA

By Courier (expedite delivery):
I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
1005 Convention Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63101
USA
Phone: 314-418-4393 (USA Country Code 011)

Note: Many foreign banks are able to issue checks or money orders drawn on a U.S. bank. You may obtain a check from:
- a bank chartered or operated in the United States,
- a foreign subsidiary of a U.S. bank, or
- a foreign bank that has an arrangement with a U.S. bank to issue a check, money order, or foreign draft that is drawn on a U.S. bank.
To pay online
Complete the form online and provide the necessary Visa, MasterCard, or American Express information.
- - Enter your name and date of birth exactly as it appears on your Form I-20.
  - Enter SEVIS ID Number correctly from Form I-20.
  - Provide accurate address where you want the receipt mailed.
Print a copy of the online receipt. This receipt will be shown as proof of payment to the visa-issuing officer at the US Embassy or Consulate. Be sure to make copies of your receipt and keep it with your important immigration documents.
If you are transferring schools, extending your program, applying for an F-2 dependent visa, or have paid this fee and been denied a visa within the last twelve months, you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee.
To pay by Western Union Quick Pay Service

You will need to fill out the I-901 form online before visiting your local Western Union. When you submit the form, you will receive a unique coupon number that will be used to validate and and process your payment. Bring this number with you to your local Wester Union.

Western Union collects the SEVIS I-901 fee, in local currency, along with the needed Form I-901 data and transmits the payment directly to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The properly completed Western Union receipt serves as immediate proof-of-payment for a visa interview at a U.S. consulate and for admission at a U.S. port of entry. This option is available in any country where Western Union offers its Quick Pay™ service.

Find your local Western Union Agent location.
If your I-20 form was issued on or before September 1, 2004...

You may need to pay an additional fee for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

SEVIS Fee Background and Frequently Asked Questions

Maintaining your Visa status

Once you are in the United States on an F-1 Visa, you should always keep your passport/I-94 and I-20 form in a safe place. You will need to get a new I-20 form if you change your major/degree program, college, or graduation date.

If you have any questions, please contact OSU-OKC International Admissions at international@osuokc.edu or by phone (405) 945-3315 or fax (405) 945-9120.