OBTAINING AN F-1 VISA

To attend A&M-Commerce, prospective students outside the United States must apply at a US consulate or embassy for an F-1 student visa. An F-1 visa will allow you to study in the United States for an extended period to pursue an academic degree. To obtain an F-1 visa you will need a valid passport, a Form I-20 issued from an American school, a visa application, a variety of supporting documentation and proof that you have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee.

The Visa Interview

An F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa. That means that it is given to aliens who wish to study in the US and then return home. For helpful information regarding the visa process and interview, see the US Department of State website.

Prospective students may obtain I-20s from several schools during the admissions process. US government regulations require that you attend the school which issued the I-20 used for entry into the country. The school name on the visa and the I-20 used at the port of entry should match. Be aware of the documents you are using and attend the correct school. New students who receive an F-1 visa and initial I-20 from another school but want to attend A&M-Commerce in the first semester in the US will need to contact the ISSO for procedures regarding transfer of the I-901 SEVIS fee and I-20.

The Form I-20

Once admitted to A&M-Commerce, the admission file will be forwarded to the International Student Services office (ISSO) and we will review the file and issue the I-20. Once the ISSO receives the file we will send an email providing information regarding the I-20 process. It usually takes an average of 7-10 business days for the ISSO to review the admission file and issue the I-20. Once the I-20 is issued we will send an email to the student notifying them and providing the SEVIS number so payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee may be made. For information on the mailing of the I-20 please click here.

It is suggested that you do not make an appointment for a visa interview appointment before you know the approximate date that you will receive the I-20.

Late Arrival to U.S.

Failure to attend the mandatory orientation and check-in will seriously delay your ability to register for courses. The ISSO will not extend the arrival date on the I-20 for students who cannot report by the required date on line 5 of the I-20. Also, port of entry has advised the ISSO that students who attempt to enter the U.S. after their program start date may not be allowed to enter the U.S. International students must be in the U.S. no later than the program start date on their I-20, line 5, or it is strongly recommended that they defer their attendance to a future semester. Please contact the ISSO if you are unable to arrive by the required date on your I-20.

Changing to F-1 Status

If you are already in the United States on a visa status other an F-1 or J-1, you may need to apply for a change of status before attending classes at this university. If your current visa status does not allow enrollment, you must apply for and receive approval for a change to F-1 status before you can start taking classes. Contact the ISSO for more information about regulations regarding your specific circumstances.